Raphael was a private man. She doubted he would share the burden of his past with her so easily. Perhaps she could speak with Winona again, and her words might shed some light on this mystery.
“… and this is a portrait of Laird Gregory Taylor,” Elspeth said, bringing Keira back to the present moment. “A remarkable man who left a lasting mark on our family.”
Keira observed the portrait of a stern-looking man with a strong jawline and piercing eyes, dressed in what appeared to be the attire of a naval officer. “He must have been quite a figure,” she commented, trying to engage in the conversation.
“He was.” Elspeth sighed, her gaze distant. “A dedicated naval officer, a loving husband, and a doting father. Yet, life’s tides can be unpredictable, and tragedies unavoidable.”
Keira sensed the weight of unspoken stories, and though curious, she respected Elspeth’s evident emotion. “Life at sea can be perilous,” she acknowledged gently.
Elspeth nodded, her features softening. “Indeed, it is. Shall we continue to the dining area? I’m sure breakfast awaits us, and Violet will be joining us shortly.”
Keira had heard that name being mentioned before, since she had arrived at the castle. She had also found out that there would be a cèilidh, so it was only expected that guests would start arriving slowly.
She didn’t know how she felt about that. Initially, she had been titillated by the idea that she would spend two weeks alone with Raphael, but upon second thought, this cèilidh was a good excuse as well. They would be surrounded by other people, and what better place to hide than in plain sight?
“I look forward to meeting her.” Keira smiled as they entered the dining hall.
“Oh, she is a lovely lass, ye’ll see,” Elspeth commented as she took her seat and offered Keira a seat opposite her. “I am very glad to have ye here, Keira. Seein’ that I’ll be busy supervisin’ the preparations for the cèilidh, it is comfortin’ to ken that Violet will have someone to spend her time with, as one can never rely on Raphael for such matters.”
Keira wondered if there was a specific reason why Raphael would be obliged to spend time with Violet or if it was simply a matter of being a good host. She decided on the second option as she glanced at the table before her.
It was adorned with a vibrant array of offerings, heralding the essence of a hearty Scottish breakfast. A finely embroidered tablecloth graced the surface, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise rustic display.
At the center stood a gleaming silver platter laden with smoked salmon, its rich hues glistening under the soft morning light. Beside it, a delicate array of cured meats, from slices of flavorful haggis to well-seasoned sausages, tempted the senses.
Flanking the meats were stacks of golden oatcakes, carefully baked to perfection, and scones with a hint of sweetness, a perfect complement to the savory fare.
Bowls of creamy porridge, topped with a dollop of fresh cream, sat invitingly, exuding a comforting aroma that hintedat the warmth within. Jars of honey, heather preserves, and cheeses were thoughtfully arranged, providing a delightful accompaniment to the feast. A generous basket brimming with crusty slices of bread completed the ensemble, offering a choice for those who sought a heartier start to the day.
“Is all this just for the two of us?” Keira gasped at the colorful feast.
“Well, it was supposed to be for Raphael as well,” Elspeth clarified with a displeased frown. “But I dinnae ken for the life of me where that lad is, where I strictly told him to join us for breakfast. Also, I was hopin’ that Violet would have arrived by now, so she could join us. It seems that this truly would be too much for us.”
Keira wondered why Raphael had not come to breakfast, even after his mother had specifically asked him to join them. For a moment, she got lost in her thoughts, convinced that he had decided to avoid her after the previous night. As she lifted her gaze, she noticed his mother looking at her with a puzzled look.
“If only one had enough room in one’s stomach to partake in each of these delectable dishes.” Keira decided to steer the conversation in a different direction.
“Oh, and for yer English palate, there is tea and carafes of freshly squeezed juices,” Elspeth added, much to Keira’s delight.
“I honestly don’t know where to start,” Keira admitted with a smile.
She savored the first bite of smoked salmon, the tender flakes melting in her mouth, a symphony of flavors dancing on her taste buds. The cured meats followed, each a delightful blend of spices and textures. The haggis was rich and earthy, the sausages bursting with succulent goodness.
Just as Keira was about to turn her attention to the oatcakes, looking forward to their nutty taste and satisfying crunch, the butler arrived, walking over to Elspeth.
“My apologies, Milady, but Lady Violet Banner has arrived,” he informed her softly, although Keira could hear it all.
“She has?” Elspeth immediately forgot all about her breakfast, clapping her hands once excitedly. “Well, do bring her in!”
Moments later, the grand dining hall gained a new luminescence as Lady Violet made her entrance. Her presence was akin to a burst of sunlight, illuminating the room with her grace and beauty. She possessed a certain allure that drew every eye, and it was impossible not to be captivated by her charm.
Her gown, a delicate confection of silk and intricate lace, swirled around her in ethereal waves of crimson red. The color complemented her complexion and accentuated the blue of her eyes to a stunning degree.
Keira couldn’t help but notice how the red stood in stark contrast to her pastel-colored gown. The woman’s auburn curls cascaded in soft waves, framing her face like a halo. The light caught in the strands, creating an almost otherworldly glow.
In the radiant presence of Lady Violet, Keira’s own self-assuredness wavered. Her confidence, once steadfast, now seemed frail in comparison to the grace and poise of this elegant woman. Doubt began to creep into her mind, weaving its insidious threads through her thoughts.
“Lady MacCurtney!” Violet fell in Elspeth’s arms.
