Coming Home to the Highlands, page 13
‘You’ve gone a wee bit quiet, hen. Are you okay?’ Mirren asked, pulling her back to the present.
Olivia smiled and nodded. ‘Oh, yes, I’m fine. Just missing you all. But it’s only what… just over five months until I come back.’
‘Och, it’ll fly by. And you’ve your birthday soon. What are you doing?’
‘I think Harper and I are going to go see a Broadway show. I can’t wait. But it will be strange not being home for my birthday this year.’
‘How lovely. Well, don’t you be worrying about this place. Innes has been keeping things going. He marches around the place muttering to himself and scribbling on his notepad and Marley follows behind like his wee assistant. Had the architect here on Thursday but I ken he told you all about that. The plans are looking grand.’
‘Yes, he emailed them to me, and I was a little daunted by how much work there is to be done.’ She huffed. ‘Oh, and before I left, he mentioned a charity ball that he says I should attend in October when I’m home. Do you know anything about it?’
‘Och, aye. Your mother always used to go to the McPhersons’ ball. It’s a good night with good craic apparently. And all for a good cause. Usually a children’s charity.’
Olivia stuck out her bottom lip like a petulant child. ‘But balls are not really my thing. They were clearly more my mum’s.’
Mirren gave her a stern look. ‘Well, to all intents and purposes, my dearie, you are your mother now. It would be good for you to get into society and do all that whatsitcalled? Spreading your net or whatever.’
Olivia tried not to smile. ‘Networking. Yeah, I suppose so. I just can’t be bothered with all the stuffy folks wandering around like they own the place.’
Mirren chuckled. ‘It’s at the McPhersons’ mansion house and technically they do own it, you bampot.’
‘True. Ugh, I just hate all that stuff.’
‘Well, if it’s any consolation, Owain McPherson will be there. He’s a good-looking young man. Single, too.’
Olivia tilted her head. ‘Are you trying to set me up, Mirren? Because if you are, don’t bother. I remember Owain from when we were kids and I’m pretty sure he will have a string of notches on his bedpost. Anyway, I don’t have the time for romance. Maybe when I’m about forty-five, I’ll get a window of opportunity.’
Mirren snorted. ‘Aye, but by then, your windows will be a bit old and worn looking.’
Olivia laughed. ‘Gee, thanks. Although I suppose I could flutter my eyelids at Nina and see if I can wear one of her gowns. It’d be good advertising.’
‘Sounds like you’re coming around to the idea.’
‘I wouldn’t go that far. Anyway, have you heard from Kerr at all?’
‘No, I was thinking the other day that it was a bit quiet on that front. I heard that Adaira had taken him away for a week or so. Something about avoiding someone in Inverness. You never know with Kerr.’
Concern niggled at the back of Olivia’s mind again. She thought that had all been dealt with. ‘I just hope he’s not in any trouble.’
‘Hmm. No doubt if he is, his sugar mama will sort it all out for him. Well, I’d best be off and get this pie in the oven or the gardeners will be eating at midnight.’
‘Okay. Speak to you soon. Bye.’
‘Bye just now, dearie.’ Mirren’s face loomed on the screen as she squinted to find the hang up button and then the screen went black.
11
ALMOST SIX MONTHS LATER
Olivia’s time in New York had flown, just as Mirren had suggested it would. During that time, Skye had become engaged, finally, after all the worry that Ben had changed his mind. Bella had been for countless job interviews, but the competition had been so fierce, she hadn’t yet been successful. She had, however, apparently met someone but was unwilling to share information in case she jinxed it. Harper had met a girl named Summer and things had become fairly serious quite quickly between them. Every time she and Olivia were together, their conversations invariably turned around to something sweet Summer had said, or something cute Summer had worn. Olivia was so happy for her best friend but couldn’t help feeling a tiny bit jealous of all her friends’ relationships when she had barely been on a single date.
Now on sabbatical from her dream job and following a flight from JFK that included a brief stop at London Heathrow, Olivia exited the interior of Inverness Airport Arrivals on Wednesday, 5 October. The autumnal chill forced her breath to cloud, and she shivered. It was a stark contrast to her cosy first-class flight accommodation where she had been treated like royalty; free-flowing Champagne, a bed, an à la carte menu. Her recently updated passport, which now showed her newly acquired title, had resulted in an upgrade. This was after she had fought against Uncle Innes, who had tried his darndest to insist she book a first-class flight even though she argued that the family couldn’t afford such luxuries.
‘It’s all about appearances, Olivia dearest,’ he had informed her vehemently. ‘Fake it until you make it and all that jazz.’ She had disagreed just as vehemently and had won that particular argument but had ended up in first class anyway. Oh, the irony.
After boarding the plane, Olivia sat there in her own little capsule feeling a little out of place and like some kind of fraud to begin with, but as the flight took off and she began to see the benefits of first class, she relaxed and began to enjoy the journey. She would accept things as they were on this occasion, seeing as there was little she could do about it, but she would certainly not be booking first class for herself any time soon.
She spotted Spencer, smartly dressed in a long black overcoat and leather gloves, standing just outside the exit at arrivals. Although he drove for other people, including sports stars and actors, Spencer had always favoured the MacBain family and it was good to see his familiar, if a little serious, face. She wondered absentmindedly why on earth he hadn’t waited inside when it was so chilly. However, he was standing beside her mother’s car, clearly unwilling to leave it, perhaps for fear of damage by other, less careful airport visitors. Her mother had adored that car and even though it was easily fifteen years old, it still looked pristine.
As she approached him, Spencer gave a very brief nod and an even briefer smile and reached for her bags. ‘Good to see you again, Lady MacBain. Allow me to get those bags for you.’ Now that the name was official, she knew she would have to get used to being referred to as Lady, regardless of how uncomfortable she was with the title.
Spencer placed her luggage in the boot of the black saloon car and then opened the rear passenger door for her.
Olivia climbed into the back of the car and heaved a deep, exhausted sigh. She rarely slept well on aeroplanes, and even though first class had been enjoyable, it hadn’t seemed to afford her any better slumber. Thanks to this fact, she was completely drained, and all she wanted now, despite the early hour of the day, was to get to Drumblair and collapse into bed.
She dropped a message to Harper to let her know she was back on terra firma and then sent a similar message to Skye and Bella. Bella didn’t reply immediately but Olivia knew instinctively she would still be sleeping. Skye replied and said she couldn’t wait to see her and show her the ring Ben had given her. Olivia had seen the ring over video call but seeing it in the flesh, as it were, would be so much more impactful.
Harper’s response came quickly too:
Good to hear. I can sleep now! I’ve been keeping poor Summer awake until I heard from you. Love you and miss you. H. ❤️
The message was followed by a heart emoji.
Olivia dozed for most of the journey but opened her eyes as Spencer turned the car into the long tree-lined avenue that led to the castle. She sighed as she peered out of the tinted rear passenger window. The last time she had been here, the trees were only just sprouting fresh growth, but now the leaves were turning russet, orange and brown and beginning to fall to the ground, blanketing it in all the earthy colours of autumn. She thought back to the autumns of her childhood when she’d been around nine. She remembered the amber glow that seemed to descend over the area which in turn created an excitement that she could barely express.
She had always loved this time of year. Halloween was coming and then Christmas was just around the corner. There was so much excitement ahead, so many things to look forward to. And then a new year, which held so much potential. Things had most certainly been easier back then when, before getting rid of the fallen leaves completely, Dougie would gather them all up into huge crunchy piles and she would dive into them with Brodie and Duke. Duke would bark excitedly, and she and Brodie would fall about laughing as they watched him, tongue lolling out and chasing any leaves that had flown up in the breeze and floated down to earth again.
These were magical memories that she remembered bit by bit with every visit home. She remembered her mother’s laugh when she joined them, scooping up handfuls of leaves and tossing them in the air, letting them rain down like confetti. She had a soft Arran jumper she would wear with a pair of rust-coloured trousers and brown leather boots. Even when playing in the garden, she looked chic. Her hair and skin colour seemed to be more vibrant when she matched the colours around her. Olivia’s eyes began to well with tears as she pictured her mother out there now, the joy in her eyes as she played with her children. She would have given anything to have the opportunity to see that smile again; to feel her warm arms enveloping her as they walked back to the castle for hot chocolate and whatever delights Mirren had baked. But instead, Olivia would be visiting her mother’s grave to lay roses.
As Spencer pulled the car into the gravelled area directly in front of the castle, Olivia spotted Dougie and her heart skipped. Was Brodie around too? She hadn’t communicated with him since the Police song incident six months ago, but it had had a profound effect on her. It was all pointless and stupid considering his marital status, but it did explain why she’d had no interest in dating anyone else. If this was a crush, she needed to rid herself of it immediately. She kept her gaze fixed close to where Dougie was, but there was no sign of Brodie. Although, according to Mirren, he was still in Inverness. She would catch up with him later and hopefully meet Wilf at the same time.
When she thought about it, she put her excitement at seeing Brodie entirely down to the presence of his dog. She would have had a houseful of furry friends if it had been feasible. But of course, living in an apartment in New York and working full-time, and having very late nights, just wasn’t conducive to owning a canine companion, hence why she’d had to leave Marley behind. As well as meeting the new dog on the block, the thought of being able to sink her fingers into Marley’s fur again and of receiving that unconditional affection he gave was definitely at the forefront of her mind. Not seeing her old childhood friend turned nemesis.
Definitely not.
Spencer carried her bags into the reception hall and Olivia followed, inhaling the familiar smell of woodsmoke and fresh flowers. She was just taking off her jacket when Mirren appeared from the direction of the kitchen.
‘Olivia, dearie! It’s so good to have you home again. Did you have a good flight? Are you hungry? Can I get you anything? I could do you some scrambled eggs and smoked salmon if you like? Or there’s some pâté and oatcakes!’ she asked in a rush as she hugged her tightly.
‘It’s good to be back,’ Olivia replied, and meant it. ‘To be honest, I really just want to sleep for a few hours. I’m exhausted. So many things whirring around my head just now that sleep continues to evade me.’
Mirren nodded. ‘Aye, maybe a few hours’ sleep in your own bed is just the ticket. I’ll make you some brunch, or lunch when you’re ready.’
‘Great, thank you. Is Marley here?’
‘I’m afraid not. Innes was meeting someone about an antique armoire and took Marley along for the ride, but he’ll be along later.’
Just as they were chatting, and Spencer had begun his ascent of the stairs to take Olivia’s bags to her room, there was a loud, excited series of barks, a streak of white and a high-pitched squeal as Mirren fell onto her bottom.
Olivia gasped and lurched forward to grab the dog but found no collar and she too ended up in a crumple on the floor. Spencer seemed to be glued to the spot with a wide-eyed expression as he watched the events unfolding before him.
‘Wilf! No!’ came Brodie’s voice from the corridor that led to the kitchen and laundry, and then he arrived, lead in one hand and his other clutching a towel. His pale blue T-shirt was clinging to his body with water and Olivia could see the outline of his toned stomach.
‘Ugh! He’s wet through!’ Mirren yelled, dragging Olivia from her blatant and uncensored ogling and she felt her face heating with embarrassment as Mirren squealed, ‘Get him off me!’ She swatted the excitable creature away as he licked her face and then turned to Olivia to give her the same treatment.
Olivia laughed and tried to gain a hold of the slippery canine but ended up with hands covered in dog hair. She relented and let the dog greet her.
‘Shit! I’m so sorry!’ Brodie said. ‘I’m so very sorry! Wilf! Here! Come! You wee nugget!’
Wilf stopped what he was doing and mounted yet another lick attack, but this time on Brodie, who also lost his footing on the now damp floor and ended up in a heap. Brodie quickly distracted Wilf by giving him a chew stick from his pocket, which kept the dog occupied enough that he could slip the lead over his head.
When the excitement had died down, Olivia glanced at the other two people where they sat on the floor and then up to Spencer, who had observed it all from the stairs, and she burst into fits of laughter. The others quickly joined in, and Wilf sat there, oblivious to the furore he had caused, tail frantically wagging and tongue lolling out just like Marley’s did when he was happy. She was struck by their similarities; apart from the fact that Marley’s nose was pink and Wilf was a little lighter in colour, the two dogs could’ve been brothers.
‘What on earth was he doing off his lead and running around like a maniac? You don’t see Marley behaving like that,’ Mirren said as she leaned on the large round table and scrambled to her feet with the help of Brodie, who stood too.
Brodie then held out a hand to Olivia, who took it and got to her feet while simultaneously trying to ignore the frisson of electricity that shot through her as they touched. He brushed himself off and scraped his hair back from his face. ‘I was bathing him in the laundry room because he was in the loch earlier and I didn’t want him to stink when Lady Olivia got back. But clearly, even though he seems to love muddy puddles and lochs, he’s not too keen on clean water as he slipped his lead and ran off out of there like a bat out of hell. I’m so, so sorry, ladies. Are you both okay?’
Mirren smoothed her hair and her dress. ‘Aye, no thanks to that mad dug of yours.’
Olivia was still smiling. ‘I’m absolutely fine.’ She crouched to greet Wilf properly now. ‘And you’re absolutely gorgeous,’ she informed the Golden Retriever, who once again lapped his huge tongue towards her face.
Brodie chuckled. ‘I bet you say that to all the four-legged boys you meet.’
Olivia glanced up at Brodie and giggled. ‘I think I probably do, actually.’
Wilf made to jump up again, but Brodie managed to stop him before his feet completely left the floor. ‘Down, laddie. Where are your manners? This here is the lady of the house.’
‘He’s a lot lighter in colour than I expected. I always imagine goldens to be… well, golden,’ Olivia said with a blush to her cheeks.
‘Aye, his parents are both quite light coloured, although some of the litter were more honey than snow.’
‘Well, he’s just gorgeous, aren’t you? Aren’t you?’ she said to the happy canine.
‘Aye, if a little unhinged, eh?’ Brodie said with a handsome smile.
Olivia stood and pointed to his eye, which was perfectly healed now. She grinned and said, ‘Maybe a tiny bit. You want to watch it with him, or you’ll end up with more black eyes like the last one.’ She laughed but Brodie’s expression turned serious.
He swallowed and his skin seemed to pale. ‘Aye. Anyway, I’ll go get him dried off.’ He turned quickly and tugged on the dog’s lead so that he followed.
Olivia frowned and turned to Mirren. ‘Was it something I said?’
Mirren shrugged. ‘Not a clue. Maybe he’s still sensitive about walking into a door like a dafty. Anyway, you go on off to your room and get some rest. You’ll need it even more now after all that drama.’
Spencer returned from dropping her bags off and almost broke into a smile. ‘Now that I know no one is hurt, I can safely say that was hilarious to observe.’
Olivia tried not to giggle at the stoic man whose face had forgotten to join in with the humour. ‘I bet. Thanks for taking my bags up, Spencer.’
He gave a curt nod and, without further comment, walked out of the castle, closing the door behind him.
Olivia made her way up to her room and once the door was closed, she quickly emptied her bags and hung up the stunning gown that Nina had insisted she bring home to wear for the ball at the McPhersons’. It was set to take place on Saturday evening, which was fast approaching, and Olivia was, for once, organised. The dress was stunning. It was a burgundy off-shoulder number with a beaded bodice. The front swept up to just below knee length and the back skimmed the floor. She had elegant high-heeled silver sandals to accompany the gown and was almost excited to attend the ball simply for Nina’s exquisite design alone. She had taken up Uncle Innes on his offer to accompany her to it, much to her relief, so at least she wouldn’t be attending alone.
