Coming Home to the Highlands, page 19
Dear Olivia,
Please find attached the final wording for the main rooms. Please let me know if you would like any changes making before I send them to the printer. Innes says they will be displayed behind Perspex so just make sure you go for the anti-glare stuff, or they will be difficult to read with the lighting in the rooms being dimmer to protect the artwork. I’m also attaching the portions for the guidebook. Innes says the photographer has forward the final images and that you’re happy with them. That’s good news.
Best wishes,
Brodie MacLeod
Olivia stared at the screen. The email was so formal. So staid. And from the contents of the email, it was evident he had been corresponding with Innes on things he would usually contact her about. That was disappointing enough in itself. But the fact he signed off with his full name as if she didn’t even know him… that really stung.
At around 11 a.m., Olivia made her way to the row of old farm workers’ cottages within the boundary walls of the castle. Dougie had lived in the end of the four cottages for as long Olivia could remember. She walked up the path to the front door through the neatly manicured garden, surprised that it could look so colourful and vibrant even at this time of year. Dougie certainly had a green thumb.
She knocked on the door and waited.
When it opened, Dougie smiled widely. ‘Lady Olivia. What a nice surprise. What can I do for you?’
‘Hi, Dougie. I’m sorry to intrude but I wondered if Brodie was here?’
Dougie clenched his jaw and a crease appeared in the middle of his brow. ‘Erm… no. No, he left yesterday.’
Olivia’s heart sank. ‘Ah, back to Edinburgh?’
Dougie’s mouth twisted as if he was trying to stop words from escaping. ‘Not exactly. He’s just gone for a bit of space, you know? He does this sometimes. Things get a bit much for him and he takes off for a wee while.’
Olivia was surprised and concerned by his admission. ‘Oh, I see. Do you know where he’s gone?’
‘He usually goes to the same place. Rosemarkie. A wee seaside place on the Black Isle that we used to go on family holidays. But he’ll be fine, don’t worry.’
‘Dougie… do you know what’s going on with him? The black eyes… the secretiveness. It seems so out of character. He was always so confident, but these days…’
‘Lady Olivia, I mean no disrespect by this but… you’re better off staying out of it. It’s not my place to tell you things. He’d be upset and I’d be betraying his trust. He’s my only son… please understand.’
Olivia nodded as her heart began to pound. ‘So, there is something wrong?’
Dougie closed his eyes and sighed. ‘Please don’t get involved. It’ll be worse for Brodie all around if you do.’
Worry needled at her, and she wanted to do more. ‘Dougie, he’s my friend. He’s not replying to my messages and his last email was so formal, it didn’t feel natural. I’m just worried. I want to help him. Is there any way I can do that?’
Dougie smiled but it was tinged with sadness. ‘Just be here for him when he returns.’ He clearly wasn’t going to divulge anything, and she couldn’t be angry with him for that.
It was clear that something was very wrong but what could she do if Brodie refused to confide in her? She only hoped his wife was helping him through whatever the hell it was.
By the beginning of December, the majority of the interior work at the castle was complete. There was a gift shop now where the old basement games room had once been and a café in the former stable block. Everything was being cleaned in preparation for the Christmas Countdown and the biggest Christmas tree Olivia had seen, barring the one outside of the Rockefeller Centre, had been placed in the centre of the gravel driveway outside. It was lit with multicoloured lanterns and decorated with giant baubles. The fireplace in the entrance way was now adorned with swags of holly and ribbons and all the bulbs were now in place in the updated chandelier. The pine tree in the foyer smelled fresh and festive and Olivia could close her eyes and be back in her childhood once again. The strings of dried oranges and cinnamon sticks added to that feeling of nostalgia for Christmases past and Olivia was filled with mixed emotions.
She stood in the long gallery that had been cleared of the antique heirlooms in readiness for the gift fayre and peered up at the portraits. She wondered what her ancestors would make of the decisions she had made. She wondered if her mother and father would be proud of her. She certainly hoped so.
Olivia hardly recognised the castle when she walked through the rooms now, but excitement still bubbled up under her skin at the prospect of what the future would bring. The gift shop shelving was all in situ and Bella had been working with Olivia to decide what kind of stock they would hold. She had enjoyed visiting wholesalers and riffling through myriad catalogues and websites, looking at potential stock. Uncle Innes had even begun interviewing staff and Bella had been assisting him.
Eventually, after many conversations between themselves, Olivia and Uncle Innes had put forward the possibility of early spring for the grand opening and the board agreed that Saturday, 11 March would be the official opening to the public of the castle for tours. However, they had decided that seeing as the long gallery was ready and had its own access, they would venture to hold a couple of events prior to this. Bella had suggested getting the local press involved and people from other local tourist attractions, so they were in the process of discussing ideas.
Following an ideas meeting, Olivia had been in the grounds getting some much-needed space and fresh air when Kerr had approached her.
‘How is it all going then, sis?’ he asked when he sat beside her on one of the newly installed wooden benches. Marley wandered up to him and Kerr reluctantly patted the dog awkwardly on the head. Probably sensing his disinterest, Marley walked back to where he had been sitting at Olivia’s feet.
His question shocked Olivia. ‘Oh… it’s going well. Thank you for asking.’
He gazed out at the scenery before them. ‘That’s good. I mean… I’m still not exactly happy about having our family home turned into a visitor attraction but I do understand why. And… I… I think you’ve done a good job.’
She turned to him and simply stared, dumbfounded.
He gave a light laugh. ‘What?’
She narrowed her eyes. ‘You’re being nice. I’m waiting for the punchline.’
His shoulders hunched. ‘I see. I’ve been such a shit brother that I can’t even compliment you without you thinking it’s a joke. Great.’
She reached out and squeezed his arm. ‘No, it’s not that…’ He eyed her suspiciously. ‘Okay, Kerr, busted, it is that. But thank you. It really does mean a lot. It’s what I’ve wanted all along, for us to do this together. We’re still family.’
He inhaled a long breath and closed his eyes as he exhaled. ‘We are. You’re right.’
‘So, how’s Adaira? Are you two still getting along?’
He gave a deep sigh. ‘Ah, therein lies a complicated and laborious story. Suffice it to say that she’s been a literal lifesaver.’
Olivia widened her eyes. ‘You weren’t kidding about the death threats then?’
He narrowed his eyes. ‘You think I would make something like that up?’
She shrugged. ‘Well, I hoped you wouldn’t, but I hoped it wasn’t actually true. I don’t want to see you get hurt.’
‘Okay. That’s good to know. But no, I wasn’t joking. I’m seeing a therapist now. I’m aware I have issues with drinking and gambling. And Adaira has been very supportive. In fact, she’s footing all my bills. So, I guess I’m kind of beholden to her. Not the best way to be, I know. And not something I foresaw, to be honest. I was only dating her to get at Mum. And yes, before you say anything, it was a shitty thing to do. But Mum had cut me off and I was angry. I regret it and beat myself up regularly. But a good friend told me that I should cut my sister some slack. That I haven’t exactly been a good brother since Mum died. I realise now that perhaps I’ve blamed you for things I shouldn’t have.’
Olivia was stunned by his admission. ‘Wow… I don’t know what to say.’
‘You don’t need to say anything. I know it’s not your place to bail me out. So, Adaira will do for now.’ He glanced at her and shook his head. ‘I know that makes me a rat bag. But I can’t just dump her. Not after everything she’s done for me. And it’s nice to be wanted. That doesn’t happen much in my life. And I know you’re a goody two shoes who wouldn’t ever use anyone like that, but try not to judge, eh? And maybe keep your opinions on the matter to yourself. I just want to be able to pay her back at some point. Maybe when one of my business ideas takes off, that will be possible. That way, I won’t feel as guilty to break things off with her.’
Olivia exhaled a long breath. ‘Again, wow. As long as you’re safe, I suppose. And no one gets hurt.’ She knew that in his situation, someone was bound to get hurt, but he had asked her not to judge, so she tried her best not to.
‘So, have you given up on designing pretty little frocks now that you’re a one-woman organising machine?’
Olivia decided to ignore his condescending choice of words on this occasion. ‘Not at all. I’ve been sketching through this whole process. In fact, I’ve had an idea for the press event.’
He turned to face her and raised his eyebrows. ‘You have? I heard that you were going to get the press involved. I think it’s a good plan. So come on then, what’s your big idea?’
Olivia paused for a moment, unsure as to whether to trust her brother with the details. As if reading her mind, he held up his hands and said, ‘Look, I’m not going to tell anyone. It’s your idea. I was just interested, that’s all. But I understand if you don’t want to tell me. I mean, I haven’t exactly been involved or supportive through all of this.’ He hung his head and guilt niggled at her. He was offering an olive branch and she should at least meet him halfway.
‘Okay. So… Nina is in London for Fashion Week in February, and I was thinking of asking if she would come north and put the show on again here at the castle. I want to show it as a flexible venue for all kinds of events, as well as having it open to the public. We have plenty of room for the models to stay over a couple of nights and I think it would be something different for people to see, you know?’
He smiled and nodded slowly, letting the idea ruminate for a moment. ‘So, a fashion show in the long gallery with a world-famous designer, eh? Big plans. But I think you should go for it. It’s the ideal way to put the place on the map.’
Olivia’s heart lightened at his comments. ‘Really? I mean there’s no guarantee that she would agree to it, but I can always ask.’
He nudged her with his shoulder. ‘Exactly. And why would she say no? You were one of her favourite and trusted employees. She’s already going to be in the UK anyway. Nothing ventured and all that.’
Olivia beamed and excitement caused a stampede of hobnail-booted butterflies in her stomach. ‘You’re right! I’m going to email her!’
Kerr smiled; it was the first time in ages that she had seen it. She reached over and hugged him.
‘Thanks, big brother.’ Unfortunately, despite his words and her happiness at hearing them, there was still a niggle at the back of Olivia’s mind that he was keeping something from her; not telling her the whole truth; being insincere. But she tried her best to push the thoughts away. After all, it would be lovely to have a real brother for once.
18
Olivia paced around the drawing room, nervous energy coursing through her veins as she clutched her phone and waited for Nina to give her answer. She stared up at the family portrait and her mother’s smiling eyes gave her the confidence she needed to remain positive, even if it was a crazy suggestion, now she thought about it.
‘I think it’s a marvellous idea, Olivia. I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland and I know how it inspires you, so maybe it will inspire me too! I say yes. Can I leave you to organise things at your end if I arrange for the models to be available?’
Olivia silently fist-pumped the air and danced around in her stockinged feet while simultaneously keeping her voice even and calm. It was no mean feat. ‘Of course. That’s great. Thank you so much, Nina,’ she replied as calmly as she possibly could.
‘Don’t thank me, it will be a pleasure, I can assure you. And, of course, Harper will come too. We’ll need someone on our team to photograph the occasion.’
Olivia stifled the squeal begging to escape from her chest. ‘I don’t think you’ll get any arguments from her. She loves Scotland. I really appreciate this, Nina. I owe you, big time.’
‘Not at all. We’re in the UK anyway, so it will be a nice little sojourn before we return to real life. I have been meaning to contact you anyway, so it’s good that you called. I have a proposal for you.’
Olivia’s interest was piqued, and she flopped down on the sofa. ‘Oh? What’s that then?’
‘Once you are done with the castle, I was wondering if you would consider working for the company on a remote basis. We can do so much over the internet these days and we can hold meetings online. This way, I get to keep one of my best designers and you get to still have a hand in with something you love. You can come over to New York a couple of times a year, so you still get your fix of the Big Apple too. Plus, you can stay in Scotland and be as involved as necessary with Drumblair.’
A wide smile spread across Olivia’s face and tears welled in her eyes. ‘You’d do that for me?’
‘Olivia, darling, you are missed here! Your latest sketches are brilliant, so of course I would do that for you. There’s no rule saying you have to be here in the office. And anyway, I make the rules. It’s my fashion house, so I say hell yes, you can work remotely. I wanted to suggest it when you first returned to Scotland but knowing the amount of pressure on you, I couldn’t ask. So, I waited.’
‘Well, I accept!’
The sound of Nina’s laughter echoed in her ear. ‘You can think about it, you know. I don’t expect an immediate answer.’
‘Nope. No need, I accept. I get the best of both worlds that way and I couldn’t be happier!’
‘That’s settled then. I’m so glad!’ Nina sounded genuinely pleased.
As soon as the call with Nina ended, Olivia dialled Harper’s number and relayed the conversation.
Harper squealed. ‘Yay! I get to go to Scotland; I get to hug my bestie!’
‘I can’t wait. I think the next couple of months will simply drag,’ Olivia said.
‘I bet they fly by! I’m so proud of you, Olivia. The photo updates you keep sending are so awesome. You’ve pulled off a miracle and your mom would be so damned proud of you too.’ She paused. ‘How is Kerr about everything now?’
‘You’ll never believe this, but he actually told me I was doing a great job. He encouraged me to contact Nina about the fashion show too.’
‘Awww, honey, I’m so glad. I hope this is a turning point for the two of you.’
‘Me too, Harper. Me too.’
‘And how about the new man in your life? How’s that going?’
Olivia smiled. ‘Owain is lovely. So sweet and funny. We laugh a lot.’
Harper paused. ‘That’s great and all, but does he turn your insides to Jell-O?’
Olivia rolled her eyes. ‘I’m not looking for that, Harper. It doesn’t last. Lust is fleeting. I’m looking for something stable and safe.’
‘Ugh! And boring as hell! You need someone whose clothes you wanna rip off. Someone who excites you. Does Owain do that?’
Olivia sighed, a little annoyed with her friend’s unrealistic ideals. ‘We haven’t slept together yet. He’s happy to take things slow. But he makes me laugh so much. I really like him. I think… I think he could be the one.’
‘Oh, wow! Really? Are you sure? I mean yeah, he’s a good-looking guy. The photo you sent was great. But… I don’t know… I just want you to be happy, Olivia. Like really happy.’
‘And Owain does that for me.’
Harper sighed. ‘Okay. Only you know your own heart, honey.’
Bella was giddy when Olivia announced to her and Uncle Innes that Nina was going to come and put on a fashion show for the press and local businesses in the new year.
‘Oh, my word! What will I wear? I don’t have anything designery. But I’ll have to look smart. I can’t believe I’m going to meet Nina Picarro. Wait until Skye hears about this!’
‘I’m sure I have something you can borrow, Bells, so don’t worry and it’s a while off yet.’
‘I hope my wrist is healed by then,’ Uncle Innes said thoughtfully. ‘Is she still single?’
‘Is who still single, Uncle?’ Olivia asked, trying to hide her smirk.
‘Your lovely Nina. I’ve always thought she carries herself with such grace for a lady of a certain age.’
Olivia couldn’t help laughing. ‘Got yourself a wee crush there, have we?’
Uncle Innes’s cheeks coloured cerise. ‘No, no, nothing like that. I just respect strong, talented women, that’s all. And Nina Picarro epitomises that so well.’
Olivia nodded and Bella giggled. ‘Oh, come on, Innes, you’ve clearly got the hots for Nina.’
Uncle Innes stood. ‘Erm… I think I heard my phone ringing. I… I… left it on charge in the kitchen. I… I’d better go check in case it’s something important.’
As he walked out of the room, Olivia and Bella burst into giggles. ‘Bless him. He’s lovesick,’ Bella said.
‘Speaking of lovesick. Are you ready to tell me about your mystery man yet?’
‘Nope. After he bailed on me that night he said he’d planned something special, I was ready to throw in the towel. But… let’s just say he convinced me otherwise.’
