Consolidation and efficiency. That was how they were going to weather being shorthanded. Hopefully, it would not last long. Meanwhile, by finding ways to strip unnecessary chores and activities, they could reduce the workload and thus lower the number of people needed to run a castle of Lochlen’s size.
“Excluding the outer wall towers, do you know how many chambers are within Lochlen?” Gannon asked.
“I would assume almost twenty,” Makenna surmised.
“There are indeed twenty, over two dozen if you include the tower basements. They are a lot of work to maintain.”
“And a lot of privies to clean,” Doreen added.
“Aye,” Gannon replied, nodding. “Cleaning privies is a hapless job, but one that could be accomplished by the young and ill-experienced. We should consider hiring one or two lads as replacements for such a responsibility.”
“Please do so immediately,” Makenna said, tapping her lips absentmindedly with the tip of her finger. “What rooms are we using now?”
“Um, several,” Doreen answered.
“Before Colin returns, I want his things removed and placed into the laird’s solar in Canmore Tower. It is appropriate. He is now the Dunstan laird.”
Shock and resistance invaded Gannon’s expression for a moment followed by resignation and acceptance. “Aye, milady. It will be done.”
“I will also be moving my things into the solar, but would like to maintain my current room for day use. It could also serve as an extra chamber for visiting ladies to converse in when the halls are occupied by men or soldiers.” Seeing Gannon and Doreen nod affirmatively, she continued. “And where are you staying, Gannon? Is there room for you to meet with staff and pay them?”
“For some time now I have been working and staying in one of the outer gate towers.”
Makenna bit her inner lip. The outer gate towers were designed for defense and security. They were cold, damp, and uncomfortable to live in with arrow slits for windows and a narrow staircase only one person could traverse at a time. Those who slept in them were usually soldiers staying only for a rotation before they went back to the training fields or home. “But why? Did Father know this? I know he would not have approved.”
Touched by Makenna’s incredulity, Gannon suddenly didn’t want her to realize why he had been forced to leave the comforts of the Black Tower. Though the order had come from Lady Deirdre, he was positive the Highlander had commanded it. “I suggest that as we examine castle activities and situations, we do not delve too much into why they have come to be as they are.”
Makenna looked into the old man’s eyes and saw the pain there. Instantly, she knew why Gannon lived in one of the outer gate towers. Deirdre had asked him to move so that Colin had a place to stay, away from Forfar and her chambers. It was hard to conceive that her sister had made such a request, yet she knew deep down Deirdre had done just that.
Sighing, Makenna replied, “I think that is an excellent idea, Gannon. Our time is best spent on finding ways to help our people as things are now, not dwelling on the past.”
Relief flowed through Gannon’s face, and he visibly relaxed.
Witnessing Makenna’s sensitivity, Doreen felt hope for the first time. After a long time waiting, the Dunstan clan finally had a lady to lead them.
Makenna cleared her throat and continued as if nothing was amiss. “Gannon, please reside in the Black Tower. You need the room for your duties. As for the rest of the staff, how many require chambers at Lochlen, Doreen?”
“I, uh, for all positions? Or just the staff that we currently have?”
“Let’s focus on current staff. Once others decide to return to their positions, Gannon can find them housing in the outer gate towers. Those who have elected to support the laird and me in our time of need will stay within the main castle.” Makenna’s voice was firm, steady, and left no room for compromise. On this, she was not asking for opinion or getting approval. She was a making a decision. She was also making an insertion that people would be returning.
Doreen swallowed. “Many have families in the village and therefore sleep in their own cottages. The armsmen, stable workers, and armorers have accommodations where they work. This leaves about a half dozen men and a dozen women who would like to have quarters.”
Would like to have quarters, Doreen had said. Meaning some of them currently did not. “Right now part the Black Tower basement is already configured for sleeping quarters, but it is cramped. Gannon, would it be possible to move the items being stored there elsewhere? It seems to be a random mix of supplies, from food to armory.”
“The weapons were supposed to have been removed some time ago. We were short of hands to do so. The food items can be moved to the rear tower, which I am sure the cook and the baker would appreciate.” Situated in the middle of the rear inner wall, the kitchen was set to the rear tower’s left and the bake house was located on the tower’s right.
“Excellent. I will have Dunlop send us a handful of men to help us move Colin’s chambers and the items from the basement. This should provide plenty of room for the men. Now for the women who need accommodations…”
“Most of them prefer to stay in the Pinnacle.”
The Pinnacle. Makenna hated that tower. Situated at an odd angle on a small hill, it distorted the square look of the inner yard and appeared to be taller than the other towers. Consequently Makenna’s great-grandmother called it the Pinnacle, and the name stuck. Makenna preferred her name—the Rooms of Doom and Gloom. For that was what they contained. The whole tower was filled with chambers designated for spinning, weaving, tapestry, embroidery, candle making, cobblers, even the laundry was done near, in, or about the Pinnacle. All things she didn’t understand and hated. Why anyone would want to stay there was a mystery.
“Then that is where they shall stay. I am assuming there is room. Am I correct?”
“Aye, milady. There is.”
Makenna stood and began to pace. “Now for moderation. We’ll start with the chambermaids and the—”
Hesitantly holding her hand up, Doreen interrupted, “Uh, besides me, there are none, milady. The one supporting the laird quit this morning.”
Makenna stopped in midstride and looked at the woman. Gannon and Doreen didn’t know what to say and remained silent in their chairs.
“None?” Makenna’s voice was barely audible. “What other positions are now vacant, and by how many?”
Gannon prided himself on his ability to remain calm in any situation, manage any problem, and address any person whether a noble or a farmer. Yet right now, answering a simple question had never been harder. “As of this morning, the ladies in waiting, chambermaid, and embroiderer positions have been completely vacated. Totally staffed, their numbers reach nineteen.”
Makenna licked her lips. The news explained much. “Then it is fortunate that we have no guests, nor are there any planned. However, until our chambermaids return, all of us will have to continue cleaning and maintaining our own chambers. I will see to Colin’s and my own.”
Doreen gasped. “No, milady!”
Makenna gave the woman a challenging smile. “It shall be no different from what I have been doing for near a year now, Doreen. Or were you unaware that I, Lady McTiernay, daughter of Alexander Dunstan, wife of your new laird, have not been attended to since the day after my sister passed?”
The blood drained out of Gannon’s face, and he turned to look at Doreen. “Is this true?” His simple question was laced with insinuation and displeasure. Doreen opened and closed her mouth several times before letting her face fall into her hands.
“My deepest apologies, milady. I will do your room.”