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“They can be convinced.”
“Peacefully?” Callan asked.
Jonan nodded. “Aye, indeed. Peacefully.”
Callan nodded. “I will take me—”
“Where are ye off to? I need ye at the courtyard until I can be there. Have ye sent word to the minister?”
Callan looked torn. “I have not. Mayhap I could summon a nearby shaman… How soon will the people gather?”
“That is for ye to decide.” Jonan studied his friend. “Where are ye off to?” Callan grinned.
“I have a very lovely milkmaid waiting in my chambers at this moment.”
“Callan, Callan,” Jonan shook his head at his friend, but the look was a fond one. “I look forward to the day when ye will take a wife.”
Callan laughed. “‘Twill take a jolly good while.”
Jonan returned to his documents after waiting for the door to close. Amelia's dowry had been substantial. He was determined to make improvements with what was left after the clan had paid off its major debts. But as he dug deeper into the numbers, herealized there was so much to do and so little time.
Hegave up after several more hours of toiling and exited his study with a sigh. He would resume his work after the feast was over.
Jonan grinned as he stepped into the courtyard. He waved to his people, shook hands, and smiled at small children. He needed to see his people in order to restore their faith in him. He was well aware that the celebrations would be costly; they were already running low on food, but Jonan decided that feeding his people well for a change was a good way to regain their trust.
It started with a smile and a handshake, but Jonan was soon back among his clan's members. He was stilltheir beloved clan chief.
“Da!” Jonan heard Leah call out. She ran up to him, closely followed by Allan.
“Uncle Allan says ye sent for me, Da. Do ye like me dress?” she was dressed in an ankle-length tartan skirt with a blouse and vest in the same color. It was the first time he had seen her in anything that pretty. “Cook gave it to me. She said my ma kept it safe.”
Jonan cleared his throat. “Aye, ye do look pretty, Leah.”
Gently, he carried her into his arms and lifted her high up. “Go and play, little one,” he said to her and set her down.
Giggling, Leah ran away to play with the other children. “This sort of excitement is good for her.”
“‘Tis good for everyone.”
Loud murmurs began to fill the room, and Jonan sought the source with zeal. It didn't take long to track it down. Sweet aromas and smells filled the courtyard; thekitchen staff arrived carrying large baskets, while others were holding heavy pots.
Jonan was curious. It smelled like the earlier broth and bread, but he doubted they had enough ingredients to feed the entire clan.
He scanned the courtyard until he found Velma andmotioned her over.
“Milaird.” She curtsied.
“What have ye cooked for the feast?”
“Broth and bread, milaird, just like earlier.”
“Did we have enough food in the stores for this?”
“Oh, nae to worry sir. Milady went through our records and summoned up some extra money to buy more ingredients! ‘Tis a wonder how she did it, but she made it happen. We are fortunate people, milaird.”
Jonan was not feeling lucky. He didn't want Amelia to know about their financial difficulties. He was also saddened by how obvious their suffering was. His people deserved high-quality meals on a regular basis.
“Ye have married some woman!” Callan said holding bread and a large bowl filled with the most wonderful smelling broth. “I should have married her sister.”
