Page 57 of Surprises on the Scottish Isle

‘I don’t want to go back either,’ he said, as though reading her mind. ‘I would love nothing better than to spend the rest of the day with you.’

‘Doing what?’

His russet eyes darkened. ‘Whatever you like.’

Tara licked her lips. Her pulse pounded and her tummy fluttered. She knew exactly what she’d like to do, but kissing was one thing, making love was another thing entirely. A glorious, wonderful thing, that used to make her heart sing and her soul cry out with joy.

One day, she hoped to feel that again. And from the look in Cal’s eyes, Tara thought he might, too.

Cal was still feeling invigorated from his walk when he called in tosee Mhairi later that morning. She was in her parlour, which alsodoubled as an office, and when she saw him, she informed him that shewould like to do a walk-through of the estate. Not all the castle’sgrounds, obviously, because Mhairi, although fit and active for her age,was nevertheless an eighty-something lady who would probably struggle onthe more rugged areas. For others, such as the maze and the woodlandtrail, she would use the golf buggy, which Cal drove.

Driving it was fun, although he didn’t do it often. ‘Where do you want to start?’ he asked.

Mhairi was dressed in a tweed hat, a Barbour jacket, corduroy trousers and a pair of smart Wellington boots without the slightest hint of mud on them. Her outfit was appropriate for a misty, drab day. However, the morning was bright and warm, and Cal hoped she wouldn’t bake.

He handed her into the golf buggy as she said, ‘The duck pond first, then the children’s play area. I don’t think we need to go through the maze, do you?’

Cal shook his head. Paul had trimmed all the hedges last week, so he knew the maze was in good condition.

‘Then I’d like to see how the rewilding is going,’ she added.

One of the first things Mhairi’s father did when he bought the estate was to plant native trees, and the woodland was now fairly well established. However, it would take many generations to restore it to its former state, before Skye’s trees had been felled for wood, fuel and timber and to create open land for cattle and sheep to graze.

The castle’s wooded area wasn’t particularly large, but Cal adhered to Mhairi’s planting programme, and the area was carefully managed.

By the time Cal had driven Mhairi around the more accessible parts of her property, they were ready for some refreshment.

‘I think we’ll stop at the cafe,’ Mhairi announced. ‘I haven’t seen Gillian for a while. Then I want to visit the gift shop and the studios.’

After the drinks were ordered – coffee for Cal, Earl Grey for Mhairi – Cal took out his tablet and made a note that one of the lights in the kitchen area needed replacing. The note joined all the others that Cal had jotted down this morning. Maintenance and repairs were an ongoing fact of life for an estate manager, and the job list never seemed to shrink.

Mhairi blew on her tea, saying, ‘How is Tara settling in? I see she sold a doll’s house recently.’

It never ceased to amaze Cal how well-informed Mhairi was. Nothing escaped her notice, and she had all eight fingers and both thumbs firmly on the castle’s pulse.

‘She’s very skilled,’ Cal said. ‘Her work is top-notch.’

‘That’s not what I asked.’ Mhairi peered over the rim of her bone china cup.

‘I think she’s finding her feet.’

‘With your help?’

‘Of course; that’s my job.’

‘It’s not your job to kiss her.’

Cal was mortified. ‘I assure you my relationship with Tara won’t affect my work.’

‘I didn’t think it would for one minute. I’m pleased to see that you’ve reconnected. Bonnie likes her. She can’t stop talking about her. When is Yvaine moving?’

Relieved that Mhairi was no longer focusing on him, Cal said, ‘Sometime before the start of next term. She’s having Lenn’s house remodelled over the summer.’

‘Like a cat marking its territory,’ Mhairi said. ‘I’m not surprised that she wants to make some changes. Didn’t Lenn used to live there with his ex-wife?’

‘I believe so.’

‘It’s not easy being second,’ Mhairi observed, her gaze keen, and Cal winced.

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