Page 45 of Playing to Win

People like Colin, he thought,who prefer to live on handouts only because they’ve never known any other way of life.Those were the people Andrew wanted to set free.

“We’re not suggesting he run for office now,” George said, “only that he help the No side win.”

“At what cost?” Jeremy set an unflinching gaze upon George. “You’re not out there on the ground like I am. You don’t see the savagery aimed at Better Together politicians whenever they dare speak in public. They’re shouted down, pushed about—and let’s not forget the egg.”

Andrew smirked at the memory. His least favorite politician, a Labour MP who gave hokey speeches full of football metaphors—so as to appear “of the people”—had had an egg chucked at him during a No campaign rally. For a microsecond, the cheeky gesture had made Andrew consider voting Yes.

Jeremy continued, now directing his words to the whole family. “We can’t have Andrew tainted by that venom. Standing him up with career politicians now would make him look like just another out-of-touch Tory.”

“See?” Andrew said. “My ‘trivial fame’ is my best asset. Which means it’s one of this family’s best assets.”

“That’s not saying much,” Sarah muttered.

Everyone gaped at George’s wife. “I’ve seen the auditor’s report,” she said. “How long are we going to carry on this farce?”

Andrew turned to his father as a chill zipped up and down his spine. “What’s she talking about?”

Lord Kirkross sighed. “I’d hoped to discuss this after the main course, but it seems I’ve no control over tonight’s dinner conversation.”

“The truth of it is,” Mum said to Andrew, “we have some difficult choices to make.”

“We?” Andrew had never been asked to take part in any family decisions. Perhaps his year at university had made him seem like an adult with valuable insights into running the estate.

“We’ve tried shuffling funds back and forth.” George gave a dismissive wave. “Never mind, it’s complicated. The bottom line is that it’s time to put certain portions of Dunleven on the market.”

“I was afraid of that.” Andrew knew the Sunderlands had been fortunate to escape such a fate thus far. Most great families had long ago been forced to sell off significant tracts of land, usually to foreign oligarchs who saw Scotland as their holiday playgrounds. “How much will we have to let go?” he asked his father.

“Our agent recommends a plan that will see the liquidation of roughly five thousand acres. That should secure enough cash for at least a decade.”

Andrew’s stomach sank. A quarter of the estate, gone to a stranger. “If that’s what it takes to ensure Dunleven’s survival”—such as the roof not collapsing whilst they slept beneath it— “then you have my full support.” Though saddened at the loss, he felt grateful his family had included him in the decision.

But then his siblings exchanged a significant look that made his skin crawl. It was a look straight out of a Hollywood spy-thriller scene in which the villains know they’ve got the hero where they want him.

“Tell him, Father,” Elizabeth said, her chin up and her eyes gleaming.

Lord Kirkross pressed a handkerchief to his forehead, where a light sheen of sweat had formed. “The portion to be sold is along the southern boundary. Including the loch.”

Andrew froze. “The loch?” He sat up straight, heart pounding. “Have we got more than one loch?”

“I’m afraid not,” George said. “Just the one with the boathouse.”

Andrew gripped the edge of the table, feeling the damask cloth slip under his fingertips. “But the boathouse is mine.”

“We’ll make it up to you,” Mum said. “Once you’re finished university, we’ll buy you a much grander home in Edinburgh or London.”

“My home is here.” He looked around the table. “Isn’t it?”

“Of course you’ll always have your chambers in this house,” his father said. “The rooms you grew up in.”

“But George and Elizabeth have homes on the estate. A place to raise their families. Why can’t I have that too?”

His sister laughed. “What sort of family would you raise?”

“Scotland will have marriage equality in just a few months. Someday, Elizabeth, I’ll have a husband and children just like you.” He held up a hand. “And yes, I know the boathouse is too small to live in year-round, but I love it and it’s mine.” He slammed his palm on the table, making his mother gasp.

“Not for long it isn’t,” George muttered.

“That’s quite enough.” Their father’s glower shut George up. “Andrew, I know this is difficult for you, but if you have a look at our agent’s recommendations, you’ll see this is the most practical solution.” He spread his hands. “The survival of Dunleven takes precedence over all of us.”

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