Mairead laughed, taking no offense. “Aye, but not because of Laird Matheson. My sisters think I need courage in general. They would have done the same if I had been betrothed to St. Joseph himself.”
The answer seemed to appease Ide. “Aye, there were some rumors suggesting ye were a timid one, but I prefer to make up my own mind. Ye said we had some things to discuss,” prompted Ide.
Mairead was taken aback a bit by Ide’s blunt comments. “Aye, I suppose we do. I’d like to talk with ye about the planning of meals.”
“The steward, Oren, plans the meals and that has been done for today, my lady, changing things now would be difficult.”
“I know Oren has been in charge of this until now, and I don’t intend to change any plans that are underway. I just wanted to address plans for going forward. If possible, I would like to confer about both the specific plans for the day and general plans for the next few days every morning.”
“Hmm. I’ve been in the habit of planning meals for the next day with Oren in the evening. We’ve done that for a while now.”
“Would ye be willing to try discussing things with me right after breakfast, and if it doesn’t work well for ye, I will try evenings?”
“Aye, we can. The laird’s mother preferred to discuss things in the morning as well.”
Feeling more confident, Mairead asked her about today’s plans and some general questions about the laird’s and Ide’s own preferences. Finally, they discussed overall plans for the next few days.
Before Mairead left, Ide asked, “My lady, pardon me for asking, but have ye made Oren aware of this new arrangement?”
“Aye, I have spoken with Oren about this. At the moment, he is seeking clarity from the laird about certain changes. However, I can assure ye my husband expects that I will be working with ye to plan meals.”
“Fair enough, then.”
~ * ~
Elspet met Mairead as she entered the great hall from the kitchen, “My lady, did your discussion with Ide go well?”
“Aye, it did, Elspet. Thank ye for asking.”
Elspet seemed relieved. “I just wanted to let ye know Oren has delivered the account books to your solar, and the laird has set him several tasks in the village this morning. When he returns, I will sort out your harp for ye.”
“Thank ye, Elspet.” Mairead couldn’t help feeling a bit dejected.
“Is something wrong, my lady?”
“Nay, not really. I just feel I have gotten off to a very bad start where Oren is concerned, and I am sorry for that.” Sighing resignedly, she asked, “Am I needed for anything down here?”
“Nay, my lady.”
“Then I will be in my solar reviewing the books should ye need me.”
“Aye, my lady, I will send for ye when the midday meal is ready to be served.”
Mairead spent the rest of the morning reviewing the accounts. Oren kept excellent books. She did an initial overview to learn how he chose to record things. After this she went more in depth into areas in which mistakes were commonly made. She found everything in perfect order. Mairead was very impressed and would tell him so.
“Give praise in public,” her mother always said. This was hard for Mairead to do, but she vowed she would. When she arrived downstairs for the midday meal, she was glad to see Oren at the laird’s table, however, he looked very irritable.
As soon as everyone began eating, Mairead took a deep breath. She may as well tackle this now. “Oren, thank ye for delivering the account books to my solar.”
Oren nodded curtly. “I am happy to oblige,” he said, although he didn’t sound happy at all.
“I am finished reviewing them and I must say they are in exceptionally good order.”
He swallowed what was in his mouth and looked a little surprised. “Thank ye, my lady.”
“I’m sure ye know people can choose to keep records in a variety of ways. Frankly, I expected it would take me most of the morning to figure out your system. However, it only took a few minutes, and it was so easy to find all the details I looked for.”
“That’s kind of ye to say, Lady Matheson.” Oren was beginning to look marginally less grumpy.
“Aye, in fact, the next time my mother visits, I would very much appreciate it if ye would show her your system. My father’s steward might find it helpful to use.”
“Certainly, my lady, I would be happy to.” He sounded more sincerely happy this time. Then he turned to Tadhg. “Laird Matheson, it isn’t every wife who is as good with figures as yours is.”
Tadhg arched an eyebrow. Mairead wasn’t sure if he was confused or amused. “I suppose ye are right in that.” He glanced at Mairead, who blushed and looked down.