Chasing a Highland Dream, page 6
‘This evening will showcase the very best Drumblair has to offer as an event destination, a retreat and a visitor attraction. But first, a wee bit of history. The MacBain clan came from Lochaber and settled here hundreds of years ago in the fourteenth century and Drumblair Castle has had a MacBain at the helm ever since. It’s said the Bonnie Prince himself was holed up here before the Jacobite uprising, making plans for taking back the throne he saw as rightfully his. It’s also said that Drumblair remained a stronghold for supporters of the Stuart line even long after Culloden. The honour of being warden to this stunning piece of architecture now lands with me. My mother and father loved this place so much and they knew it needed to move with the times for its legacy to remain intact. Opening the place to the public was a difficult and scary decision, one that wasn’t met with positivity from everyone, sadly, but it was necessary. Without such steps, the place would have eventually crumbled, and I know for a fact my parents would’ve been heartbroken if that had happened. So this is my phase… our phase of Drumblair. And I very much hope you can see the potential as I can. Please enjoy.’
Applause rang out around the long gallery louder than before, and Bella released her hand from her granny’s as they both joined in with the standing ovation. The gathered people were split into groups and each group followed its guide for a tour of the MacBain family home. Mirren, Dougie, Brodie and Olivia all led off in different directions and Bella felt her knees weaken as relief flooded her once more.
‘Are you all right, hen?’ Isla asked, cupping her cheek. ‘You’ve gone awfy pale.’
Bella nodded, covering her granny’s hand with her own. ‘I think so. I’m angry with myself for letting my heart rule my head. It won’t happen again. That’s it now.’ She meant it with every fibre of her being.
Isla gave a sad smile. ‘Arabella Douglas, you absolutely don’t need a man in your life, that much is so true. You’re a modern lassie, for sure; independent and all that and you don’t ever have to lose yourself. But don’t close your heart off to the possibility of genuine love, dearie. Kermit wasn’t genuine. I don’t think he’s an ounce of decency in his whole body.’
Bella widened her eyes. ‘I should have listened to you.’
Isla nodded. ‘Aye, well, I suppose there comes a time when you have to learn from your own mistakes. It’s what makes you a better person, so they say. I tend to trust my gut feelings; they don’t usually steer me wrong.’ There was a thoughtful pause when Isla seemed to drift off a little. But within seconds, she was back on her train of thought. ‘Now, speaking of love, I met your grandpa Caelan when I least expected it. I’d had my heart broken by a scoundrel who had messed me around and I was like you, I’d had enough. But your grandad was the perfect gentleman. Didn’t play games. Treated me with respect. And I fell head over heels in love in spite of myself. That’s what I wish for you. Your grandad was no looker like Tom Jones, or poet like Lewis Capaldi with his words, but he always put me first. That’s what I want for you, someone to share your beautiful life and heart with. And I’m sure it’ll happen someday, if you let it.’
Bella chewed her lip. ‘But with that kind of love comes the possibility of getting hurt again, Granny. And if not that, the pain of loss, eventually. I’m not sure I can cope with that. I’m not as strong as you.’
Isla’s eyes brightened. ‘I miss your grandad more than words can express but I wouldn’t change a thing, not even now he’s gone. We had fifty-five years of happy marriage and I laughed so much and loved so deeply in those years. The pain of losing him is nothing compared to the joy of loving him.’
Bella realised her chin was wobbling on hearing her granny’s heartfelt words and she reached out to hug her tightly. She missed Grandpa Caelan desperately too but couldn’t imagine the pain of loving someone for so long and then losing them like Isla had. But hearing her granny speak of joy in that way sparked a little flame of hope inside Bella that she knew she would have to remember and cling to if she was to dare to give her heart away again.
9
The tours had been a huge success and the atmosphere in the place was electric with excited chatter. Once the fashion show was in full swing, and Bon Jovi’s ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’ reverberated through the hidden speakers and around the room, both male and female models paraded down the runway dressed in Olivia’s stunning designs. Next Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ played over the sound system, in keeping with the eighties-inspired creations which were sometimes outlandish but completely unique; Olivia’s style and creativity there for all to see. While the local TV station hadn’t been able to attend, there were press photographers and social media influencers snapping away on both sides of the runway.
Bella could see Olivia’s face was flushed as she stood with her hands clasped nervously in front of her, whereas Brodie beamed with pride from the opposite side of the room as he whistled and banged his hands together to show his appreciation for her work.
Bella was delighted, not only for the success of the show but for knowing they had proved Kerr completely wrong and had scuppered his latest attempt at ruining things for Olivia. One thing was certain in Bella’s mind: now Olivia had very little related family left, the one she had chosen for herself was as solid a foundation as the stone that formed the heart of Drumblair.
At the end of the evening, as people filed out, Bella watched from a distance as Olivia was congratulated over and over and told multiple times by various people they’d be in touch about hosting events at the castle. A local journalist interviewed her briefly, holding up an old-fashioned tape recorder to catch Olivia’s enthusiasm for a piece in the Inverness Courier.
When the last guest had gone, Bella hung back and watched as Brodie wrapped Olivia in his arms. ‘How are you doing?’ she heard him ask.
Olivia shook her head and burst into tears. Seeing that brought a lump to Bella’s throat and she walked away. The reality of the whole evening was finally sinking in and while Bella was grateful that Brodie instinctively knew Olivia needed him, she couldn’t help feeling utterly responsible for her best friend’s tears.
Even though the evening had ultimately been a success, Bella couldn’t help berating herself. At the end of the night, she chatted briefly with Adaira and apologised for the situation with Kerr.
‘Don’t worry, Arabella, dear. I was a fool to think he was actually interested in me. I shudder when I think of the nights we spent together. What must have been going through his mind?’
Bella gulped at hearing their relationship was deeper than he had admitted. ‘I’m so sorry. He… he told me you weren’t really together in that way.’
Adaira gave a small, crestfallen smile. ‘Of course he did,’ she replied before walking to her waiting taxi.
Bella was riddled with so much guilt for so many reasons. A knot had formed in her stomach and wouldn’t loosen.
Her granny arrived by her side. ‘Come on, the taxi’s here, hen, you can leave Fifi here for the night,’ she said, patting her arm. ‘And stop it.’
Bella scowled at her perceptive granny. ‘Stop what?’
Isla wagged a finger. ‘I can see the cogs whirring in that heid of yours. It’s done and finished. You didn’t spoil everything, even though that’s what you’re telling yoursel’. I chatted to Olivia earlier and she’s worried about you. She doesn’t want you to feel bad. She knows none of this was deliberate on your part.’
Bella smiled in spite of the stinging sensation behind her eyes. ‘Thanks, Granny.’ She followed Isla to the exit. ‘Actually, I’m going to say goodbye to Liv. See if she needs me to stay and help tidy up.’ Isla nodded.
Bella found Olivia and Brodie were still in the long gallery, sitting on the chairs that faced the runway. Olivia was still crying and that hard ball of emotion knotted Bella’s stomach even tighter.
Brodie released Olivia and whispered something before gesturing at the exit. He smiled at Bella and gave a small wink and a nod, as if to say everything was okay, before he stood and left the room.
Olivia turned and quickly wiped at her eyes. ‘Hey, you. I’m glad I’ve seen you before you leave for the night.’
Bella approached her slowly, warily. ‘Olivia, I just wanted to tell you again how sorry I am.’ She began to sob, all the guilt she was feeling that had eaten her up for so long poured out all over again.
Olivia pulled her into an embrace. ‘Hey, shhh, it’s okay, Bells. Honestly. I’m not crying because of you. I’m exhausted, that’s all, and emotional over Mum and Dad,’ she said. ‘And the fact that even though Kerr’s my only remaining family apart from Uncle Innes, he is nothing like how a brother should be. My mum and dad would be heartbroken if they could see what was going on with us. That’s what hurts the most. He and I should be comforting each other, supporting each other.’ She shook her head. ‘It’s like having no brother at all but a mortal enemy. I have no clue how we got here.’ She held Bella at arm’s length. ‘We’re absolutely fine, you and me, okay? I’m being totally honest with you. So let’s forget all about it and get back to being us, okay? You’re the family I choose.’
Bella nodded and smiled before hugging Olivia tightly. ‘What about tidying up?’
Olivia glanced at the room. ‘That’s waiting until everyone’s had a long sleep in and a good breakfast. Now go home and get some rest. I need you beside me at this place.’
Hearing Olivia say those words caused more tears to spill over at the same time as a wide smile spread across her face.
Bella re-joined her granny in front of the waiting taxi. ‘I feel bad leaving Fifi here,’ she informed her.
Isla rolled her eyes. ‘It’s a car, a tin can on wheels; it doesn’t experience feelings of abandonment. Unlike my Beau, who’ll be needing a pee. Danny next door has been to let him out but still…’ She glanced at her watch.
Bella gasped. ‘Tin can? Granny, I’ll have you know Fifi’s my pride and joy.’ She sighed, drained from the events of the evening and the thought of sleep definitely appealed. ‘But okay, you win. I’m too tired to argue.’
As the stonework of the castle, illuminated by floodlights, faded into the distance, Bella smiled, grateful for the second chance she had been given with Olivia.
10
Following the corporate launch event, bookings began to flood in for the use of the castle from businesses who had attended and from word of mouth; a mixture of awards ceremonies, weddings and other functions. A travelling theatre group even got in touch about hosting an open-air performance of Romeo and Juliet in early autumn.
Bella was in charge of the diary and was excited, and once again relieved, it was filling up fast. The pre-bookings for castle tours were already mounting up too and it was now only a matter of two weeks or so before the doors would be open to the public. It was such a relief to Bella to know she hadn’t ruined the whole thing.
Kerr hadn’t been seen since the night of the event; evidently, he had decided to do the right thing, for once, and keep a low profile. Or maybe there was some other reason for his silence; that was the scary thing with Kerr, you never could tell. Bella hadn’t wanted to ask Olivia if she’d heard from him for fear of her getting the wrong idea about her enquiry.
Now the apartments were finished and the corporate launch was done, Bella was making the most of her spare time, spending it with her granny. They had taken Beau on a few walks around the city and had even visited the castle grounds so Beau could play and roll around with Marley, and Brodie’s younger dog, Wilf. It was such a joy to see them playing, their excited yips of delight echoing through the trees like the happy cries of children.
By 1 July, the opening day was creating a real buzz of excitement in Drumblair village according to the ground staff, most of whom were residents. Summer was in full swing and Bella was enjoying taking her lunch breaks down by the loch, where a cool breeze floated in off the surface of the water. And even though she was enjoying her involvement in the opening day preparations, her heart was still hankering after the excitement of being creative. She had hoped perhaps she would be called upon to carry out more interior design work when Olivia decided the cottages on the edge of the estate would make good holiday lets, but she wasn’t asked, seeing as Olivia was up to her ears in interviewing and training new staff.
One morning, at the end of the second week in July, Bella was startled awake when she heard, ‘No! No! Oh no!’
The panicked and distressed shouting coming from downstairs caused Bella’s eyes to spring open and for her to jolt upright, her heart hammering at her ribs. The sun was beginning to peep through the crack in the curtains and a quick glance at her phone told her it was just after 5.30 in the morning, her granny’s usual getting-up time. She dashed from her bed and grabbed her dressing gown, tugging it on as she hurried to the top of the stairs.
With a knot of dread churning in her stomach, she called out, ‘Granny! What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is Beau okay?’ As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she came to a halt, immediately seeing the issue. The ground floor of the house was inches deep in ice-cold water.
Bella gasped and covered her mouth with one hand. ‘Oh no! What the hell?’
Her granny appeared, her full-length nightgown tucked up into her knickers forming a kind of balloon around her crinkly knees, and her little canine friend was beside her, almost paddling, chest deep in the water. ‘Aye, that’s what I said too. I think it’s a burst pipe or something, but I thought they only happened in winter. July is meant to be summer!’
Bella rolled up her pyjama bottoms and trudged through the icy water that took her breath away. She stood in the doorway to the lounge and assessed the devastation. The carpet was under water, as were the lower part of the sofa, the curtains and the boxes of photographs that were under the coffee table and that was just the lounge.
‘My lovely things,’ Isla said with a sob. ‘All ruined.’ She covered her mouth with her hand and leaned on the doorframe.
Bella walked over and picked up the photo boxes. ‘Don’t worry, Granny, we’ll dry them out. I’m sure we can save some. It’s amazing what can be done these days.’ Seeing the pain in Granny Isla’s eyes caused her throat to constrict. ‘We’ll save as much as we can, I promise.’ Thoughts scrambled around her head, whirring at a hundred miles an hour. ‘Okay, we need to call Dad.’
Granny Isla shook her head. ‘We certainly don’t need to do that. They’re on their way to the cruise ship for their 1830 holiday.’
Bella shook her head. ‘Eighteen-thirty? They’re not going on an 1830 holiday. Those are for single people who are… well, between eighteen and thirty and want to get drunk and have se… and party.’
Isla’s eyes widened. ‘Oh! That’s what it means? I thought that was just when the boats were built. That’s a relief, I’m not sure I’d want to go on a boat that old.’
‘No, they’re going on a regular sightseeing cruise on a normal, relatively new boat, Granny.’
‘Aye, well, whatever, you’re not ringing your dad. Let him enjoy his holiday.’
Realising the responsibility was now on her, Bella thought aloud, ‘Okay, so I need to contact the water board… and a plumber… and the insurance company. Come on back upstairs where it’s warm and get dried off. Poor Beau must be freezing!’ She tucked the photo boxes under one arm and held out her hand. Isla took it. ‘Come on, Beau, you too, come on, lad,’ she called to the bemused beagle. He didn’t need much encouragement and skipped up the stairs but stopped to make sure Isla was following. Then he attempted a full body shake whilst precariously perched with his front paws on one step and his back ones on the step beneath. His long ears flapped all around his face as he shook, causing quite a draught.
Bella rubbed her hand up and down her granny’s back. ‘You go on upstairs, and I’ll go and find the stop cock to turn off the water. I’ll turn off the electric too to be safe. Then I’ll call the water board emergency line.’
Once Isla was halfway up the stairs, she paused and glanced down at the flooded hallway, shook her head and placed a hand on either side of her ashen face. Worry creased her wrinkled skin further and her shoulders hunched. ‘What are we going to do, Bella? Everything’ll need replaced. Carpets, sofas, curtains… not to mention the cooker and fridge freezer.’
Bella smiled. ‘Don’t worry, Granny, it’s all insured and we’ll figure something out. We’ll pack up the important stuff and bring it upstairs. We could go to Mum and Dad’s until they get home from holiday but this is likely to take more than two weeks to sort out, so we might have to go to a hotel after that, but hopefully the insurance company will be able to help with the arrangements.’
Isla peered up at her, her eyelids drooping, and the corners of her mouth, usually turned up in mischief, were on this occasion pointing downwards. ‘But I can’t take Beau to a hotel, and I’ll no’ be parted from him, Bella, I’d rather live on the street.’
Bella rested her forehead on her granny’s. ‘We’ll sort something, please don’t worry.’
Bella fired off a brief text message to Olivia to let her know she would be late to the castle and would explain later, then once 9 a.m. rolled around, she began making the necessary calls to sort out their dire situation. Just over an hour later, as the sun seemed to be reluctantly hanging in the sky but hiding behind a heavy grey cloud, there was a water authority van parked outside and a friendly plumber inside the house trying to figure out what had caused the flood, how to get rid of the water and, most importantly, how to set about drying the place out.
Bella instructed Isla to pack some clothes and to get ready to leave the house. The insurance company had arranged a stay at a local budget hotel rather than staying at her parents’ but, as suspected, Beau wasn’t welcome. The insurance company had suggested booking him into a kennels to stay until the house was habitable again.
