Page 72 of The Castle in the Bay

‘She’s a very determined person, so I suspect she doesn’t listen to what you have to say.’

‘Not really. But I don’t mind that. She has her own life to live and her choices are her own. But she’s really taken to you. So, I guess that means she likes you… Quite a lot.’

He gave her a weak smile. ‘And I like her, but it’s difficult. This relationship, if we can call it that, can’t go on once I leave. It just wouldn’t be possible with the distance. I’m just sorry if I’ve broken your trust.’

‘How do you mean?’

‘By fooling around with your friend. Your lodger.’

‘You’re grownups. You can do what you like. Ionaismy friend and you’re part of my family, even if I didn’t know that originally. But you seemed genuine from the first day and I don’t want either of you to get hurt.’

‘That’s why I need to talk to her. I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’d like us to part as friends.’

Catriona rocked her head from side to side and sighed. ‘Shame you can’t stay. You’ve got a good business head; you could help us out.’

He gave her a weak smile. ‘It’s a lovely thought, especially now that I have a historical connection to the place, but my job…’ He held out his hands. ‘I can’t leave it just like that.’

‘I suppose not. And island life isn’t for everyone. It’s not an easy lifestyle. I grew up here so I’m used to it, but Iona gave up her job to come here. That was a brave thing to do and she’s coped well.’

‘Yeah. She’s a strong person. And look at the talents she has. She wasn’t born for an office. She belongs to the sea and the wind. I don’t – no matter who my ancestors were.’

Catriona nodded. ‘Well, if you ever want to come back, you know where we are.’

‘I’d like to come back. There’s so much more to discover. I’d love to have more time to talk to your mum and hear her stories. I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface of the island.’

‘It never runs out of surprises.’ She opened the kitchen door. ‘I’ll just get your dinner, then I’ll see if I can find Iona.’

‘Thanks.’ He rested his chin on his hands and looked out the window. Most nights, other guests were in here too, but no one had arrived yet and the room was quiet except for the ticking clock.

Catriona reappeared with his dinner and put a plate down in front of him.

‘Would you like some wine with that? You’re not paying for it, so I can serve it to you as a friend.’

‘Sure, if it won’t get you into trouble.’

‘It’ll be fine. But if any other guests come in and ask, just say you brought your own.’

‘Ok.’

She returned with a bottle and a glass. ‘Drink as much as you want.’

‘Thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me this week. You’ve made me feel very welcome.’

‘For my third cousin… Anytime.’ She grinned. ‘I appreciate you helping me with the business. It’s really helped clear things up in my mind.’

‘I’m glad.’ He ate quietly, after pouring himself a liberal amount of wine. Why not? Maybe Iona wouldn’t want to talk to him, and he’d need to drown his sorrows, something he’d never done in his life before.

Catriona’s meals were always delicious, and tonight’s spaghetti Bolognese was no exception. He wolfed it down, adding plenty of cheese from the little bowl in the middle of the table.

The door opened and Iona came in. ‘You summoned me?’

He shook his head. ‘As if I have that power. You’re a free spirit who answers to no one.’

‘Am I?’ She gave him a little shrug. ‘Right now, I’m not sure I know who I am.’

‘You’re Iona. And there’s no one quite like you.’

She sat down beside him, leaned her elbow on the table, and rested the side of her head on her fist. ‘So, what did you want me for?’

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