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Nora smiled, touched by her words. “Red onions,” she smiled. “A lot of them.”
“Oh, milady, your meals are a wonder! My husband is a soldier in Miliard’s army and he tells me that the men are grateful for the tastier meals. Where did you learn to cook so deliciously? Did yer ma pass this recipe down to ye?” she asked, smiling kindly.
Nora forced a smile. “No,” she said simply and did not say anymore on the subject. “Your words are kind, thank you.”
The woman exited and the cleaning began. Norawondered what Jonanwould have made of her dinner. She trusted hisopinion more than the others'because he had little reason to lie to her. He would attest to the quality of the meal. And if it was imperfect, she expected him to tell her. His candor was a quality she admired in him.
Why do I want him to be here?
“I’m hungry,” Leah tugged at her hand. “Our meal has been served.”
Nora and Leah proceeded to the dining room. She was pleased that so many people had tried her cooking that morning — italmost compensated for Jonan's absence. She ate slowly and occasionally found herself looking to the hall entrance, wishing he'd just come in.
I do not need to impress him, Nora chastised herself for wanting Jonan's approval. She had lived her life with little regard for the approval of others, but Jonan made her feel differently.
When they finished, Nora and Leah left the keep, escorted by Mae and Rayuk. The maidfollowed them with the basket of food, fruits, and a spare blanket to sit on, while the women walked hand in hand out of the courtyard.
The castle was surrounded by fields, with the hills rising high and blocking out the sun. “There!” Nora found a spot beneath a tree, and Rayuk went ahead first, climbing the slope. He waved for the women to join him, confident that it was safe and simple to climb. The view from the top of the hill was delightful.
“I can see the keep!” Leah screamed happily. “Can ye see me room from here?”
“No,” Nora replied. She closed her eyes and let the cool breeze caress her whileLeah began chasing the butterflies that danced around the hill nearby.
“Leah! Come sit,” Nora called, opening her eyes. “There will be time for chasing butterflies later!”
The little girl came to her at once, sitting obediently beside her on the blanket.
“May I have some?” Leah asked about the apples.
“If you want an apple, you must first defeat me in a game,” Nora said with a wide smile.
Leah’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “What game?”
Nora would hold an apple behind her back, and Leah would have to guess what hand it was in.
“Uncle Callan did nae teach me this game,” Leah protested.
Leah got the answer right and earned herself an apple. “I want to play again!” she replied ecstatically.
Before Leah's turn to hide the apples arrived, they gave someto Mae and Rayuk. Nora won the majority of her guesses, and Leah was more than happy to hand over her prizes.
She is just as kind as her father, Nora thought.
They lay down, exhausted, staring at the sun through the veil of the tree branches. The Highland winds blew over them, allowing Nora to relax and sink into the tranquil atmosphere. She had no fear of anyone running up the hill to summon her or tell her what she should do.
“Do ye think me father can fight?” Leah suddenly asked.
Where did that come from?
“Yes. Stories are told about your father, even in places far away from the clan lands,” Nora assured her. “I heard a story when I was home at Brinsdale with my father and my sister,” Nora started. “They said your Da fought five men until they ran away, scared for their lives.”
“Ye are lyin’,” Leah burst into laughter.
“I do not know if it is true, but I heard the story. My sister and I both did! If she were here, she would tell you that I speak the truth.”
Leah pouted and sat up as well. “I daenae have a sister. Nanny told me that ye can give me one, ye and Papa.”
Nora tried to hide her shock at Leah's words.
