“You must admit, it’s interesting,” Riley continued, her large brown eyes puppy-like. “He must be in love with you.”
“Why would ye say that, Riley? Eh?”
“Well, he tried to get you dismissed, didn’t he? That was probably because his feelings were so strong.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Good gods, Riley. I’ll kill ye for this later. Anyway, Flora, I apologize for this madwoman. Ye will get used to her, I’m sure. I don’t usually go around kissing lairds, and this particular laird doesn’t go around kissing healers. Or their apprentices.”
Flora blinked for a long moment before she seemed to realize that it was meant to be a joke and tittered half-heartedly. The girl barely seemed to blink, her large eyes intent on Emma, tracking her every movement. It was a bit disconcerting.
Be charitable.This lassie has obviously been through something. Maybe she just wants friends.
“So, where are ye from, Flora?”
Flora flinched at finding herself directly addressed. She swallowed the mouthful of bread and cheese with an effort and spoke.
“My father is a farmer in the Ridge Hills.”
Then, nothing. That was apparently all the information Flora cared to provide.
“And… and will ye go back to visit him?” Emma asked, trying to sound as friendly as she could.
Flora’s large eyes filled with tears. “I wanted to, but I don’t… don’t think that I can.”
A wave of pity washed over Emma. She glanced at Riley, who caught her eye with anI told you solook.
“There, there, don’t cry,” Emma soothed, reaching out to pull Flora close in a hug.
Flora flinched again, her entire body stiffening. Then, almost as quickly as she had stiffened, she relaxed again, sagging against Emma’s shoulder.
Emma felt a flash of guilt over judging poor Flora so harshly. She was a strange girl, that was for sure, but also a damaged one.
Abruptly, Flora pulled back, dabbing at her eyes with the corner of her apron. “I’m sorry, I just… my mother died not so long ago, and sometimes I think that my life ended that day,” she mumbled, sniffling. “Riley says that ye are a healer?”
“A healer’s apprentice, technically, but yes.”
Flora bit her lip, nodding. “I always wanted to be a healer. I don’t suppose… Could you teach me a little medicine?”
“Me?” Emma couldn’t help but feel just a little flattered. Flora was staring at her with large, awe-filled eyes, and it was hard not to feel good about yourself when someone was staring at you like that.
Flora nodded eagerly. “Aye, ye. If… if ye are willing, of course.”
“Of course, I’ll help ye.”
Flora nibbled on her lower lip again. It was obviously a habit because there was a reddish bruise blooming in the center of her lower lip.
“Could we go out to the forest one evening when I’m finished work, and ye can show me some useful herbs?”
“That would be a good place to start,” Emma said, smiling.
She briefly allowed herself to imagine teaching Flora to be a healer, then introducing her to Delphine, already half-trained. Delphine would be so proud. Then, perhaps Emma and Delphine could be healers together, and Flora could be the new apprentice.
Flora perked up a little at that. “Shall we go out tonight?”
Emma hesitated. “I can’t tonight.”
She didn’t intend to elaborate, but Flora looked so pitiful she just had to say something.
“I’m going out to the Sinner’s pub tonight,” Emma added, shrugging. “Tomorrow, maybe.”
