"Laird Frang, your wife says Lady Ailene is ready to accept visitors now and there was a meeting you needed to have," a maid informed him. "She said you should meet in Ailene's bedroom. She's prepared to greet visitors now."

"Thank you, lass. Has Bjarkë been informed?"

"Yes, Laird. You're the last of those I was told to fetch."

"I'll be right there. Please inform your mistress."

"Aye, Laird. Right away."

Frang closed the books, and ended his conversation with Mr. Craig, setting up an appointment to meet with him again tomorrow. He went upstairs and found everyone else gathered in Ailene's room, Isobel, Ailene, and Bjarkë.

Bjarkë said, "The...