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“Perhaps you should let the people of your keep and clan work on the farms.”
Jonan’s face held a smirk. “First, the people wouldnae be persuaded to leave their market stalls and businesses to work on the farm. Second, even if they could, they would be less helpful than the milkmaids.”
Nora shook her head. “Perhaps not. Do your people not have gardens in their homes?”
“I imagine that gardening and farming require different levels of skill, don’t ye?”
Nora felt frustrated. “Yes, but you must remember that there are members of your clan who can farm but choose other businesses that suit them better.”
Jonan paused. “Ye may be right, but as I said, why would they leave these otherbusinesses that they’re tended to all their lives?”
“Because you will make it worth their while. What happens after each harvest?”
“Usually, our people feast. The farmers pay a portion of their produce to the keep. They share and sell the rest.”
Nora nodded. “Would you consider offering a portion of food to every hand that farms? They could also purchase food for cheaper fees. They do not have to sell the produce. All they have to do is plant it. This will give you enough time to rescue the situation.”
“That sounds like a perfect solution, in theory, Amelia. But it would not convince the clan folk to leave their businesses.” Jonan leaned forward, he seemed to be genuinely considering her words.
“But you can. The people love you.” Nora remembered how Mae had defended him. “Ask them to volunteer to save their clan. I know that if I could farm, I would.”
“‘Tis quite a plan,” he said finally. “It might work.”
Nora smiled.
“I will ride into the town tomorrow.”
“Perhaps—”
“On the condition that ye come with me. A united front, ye see.”
“I see.” Nora felt a sense of pride as she nodded. “I will be ready.”
“Thank ye,” Jonan said to her. “Ye were right, after all.”
Nora shook her head. “It is my pleasure to be of help.”
There was silence then. Nora had expected him to leave, instead, he stared at her.
“Do ye have some tasks planned before ye sleep?” he asked with a glint in his eyes that made her shiver down her spine.
“No. Why do you ask?”
“I would like ye to take a walk with me.”
“A walk? With you?” Nora’s eyes widened.
“Aye,” he smirked. “Are ye scared?”
“No,” she replied quickly. “Why would I be? I was merely startled, for the moon is out in the sky already. Are walks not reserved for the day?”
“One might take a walk at any time.”
“What rule says that?”
“What rule says the contrary?”
Nora remained silent.
