“He has concerns,” Rose broke in, wanting Thorfinn to know that he was free to air his objections publicly, “which I take seriously.”
“Oh, just tell us what the idea is,” Widow Flett said, not even trying to hide her frustrated interest.
“She is considering whether or not to turn Muckle Skaill into a hotel,” Thorfinn admitted with a weary sigh.
Mr.Flett slammed down his cup, causing everyone at the table to jump. Before speaking, the elderly crofter clenched his left fist, his tendons bulging beneath his paper-thin skin. “Hamarray does not need more outsiders traipsing around.”
“Actually, that is precisely what it needs.” Rose kept her tone measured and respectful, but she would not allow the curmudgeonly Mr.Flett to simply dismiss her idea. “The Grand Fleet has left, and the Royal Navy won’t be guarding the German vessels forever. You will need markets for your goods and produce, and I hope to bring one to you.”
“I think a hotel would be grand fun!” Barbara sighed. “I’ve only peeked into the lobbies of the ones in Kirkwall.”
“Whatever gave you the idea to make Muckle Skaill into one?” Astrid asked, seemingly intrigued rather than disdainful.
“Well, you, actually,” Rose said.
“Me?” Astrid asked, pressing her hand against her chest.
“Your bird-watchers,” Rose explained. “It made me think of ways we can draw people to the island. I saw how my father transformed Florida with his grand retreats.”
“But Orkney is not contiguous to Britain like Florida is to the United States,” Thorfinn pointed out.
“But it was considered a swampy land unsuitable for easy travel.” Rose pushed her chair back as she became more and more animated by the discussion.
“I don’t mind the idea of a hotel myself,” Widow Flett said carefully, tapping her fingers against the table, “but I agree with Sinclair. I cannot see people from cities traveling all the way here. Aye, some will come for the birds and the quiet, but they would not be enough to fill one wing of Muckle Skaill.”
“Frest and Hamarray offer more than you realize,” Rose said earnestly, leaning her entire body forward. “I am one of those city folks, and I have found myself quite content here.”
As soon as she said the words, she realized how true they were. Orkney both gripped and soothed her in a way no other place ever had.
“We have the ceilidh coming up in a few weeks.” Mary jumped excitedly, and her elbow hit her glass of milk. Thankfully, Thorfinn caught it before it crashed to the table.
“I’m afraid that I couldn’t have a hotel ready by then,” Rose said.
“But it could be a trial!” Barbara said. “You could invite a few of your friends and see how they like it. Then you’d know if a hotel would work! It will be grand fun!”
“There are enough rooms in the wing where we are staying that we could arrange to get presentable for a small party.” Myrtle spoke for the first time. “I will be happy to help any way I can.”
“I am not sure if this is a good idea.” Thorfinn sounded more somber than the circumstances seemed to warrant, and Rose glanced curiously at him. He looked ... stark.
“As much as I love our ceilidhs, I worry that it would not be enough to attract visitors.” Widow Flett leaned back in her seat and reached for the cane she’d propped against the chair. Idly, she began to tap it against the floor.
“I do not know why we are talking about attracting them in the first place.” Mr.Flett cut his bannock with such force the knife screeched against the plate.
Widow Flett rolled her eyes at her brother-in-law. “Because not all of us want to live in isolation. Some of us actuallylikepeople.”
“A race!” Hannah suddenly shouted. “You could hold a motor race on the day of the ceilidh! You’re Miss Rose Van Etten—the famous motoriste! People will come to see you—I bet more than Muckle Skaill can hold! If there isn’t room for everyone, then they can stay in Kirkwall. I’ve heard you say how the beach around Frest is a perfect natural track!”
An odd emotion curled through Rose at the twelve-year-old’s excited suggestion. As much as she loved to drive, racing was part of her old life. It was who she had been before the war but not now.
“It would be rather difficult to organize something that quickly,” Rose said.
Myrtle leaned back in her chair to look directly at Rose. “I’ve seen you throw together shindigs in under a week.”
“That was in America.”
“You have just as many connections in Britain. I’m sure Percy will help us. Who knows who you mightflushout.” Myrtle not only stressed the wordflush, but she also winked when she said it. With Rose sitting slightly behind her and the angle at which Myrtle held her head, no one else could possibly have seen it.
Rose paused for a moment, trying to decipher Myrtle’s message. Then it struck her. If the spy was someone off the island, a big event would present the perfect cover for a return. But this time Rose and Myrtle would be prepared.
