Page 29 of Cooking Up a Christmas Storm
Gemma’s face was blank.
Anna’s expression was pointed. She shot a look at Pavel’s mum. ‘Even if they won’t be a patch on last year’s.’
‘The whole committee agreed on white lights,’ Nina huffed.
‘Not the whole committee,’ Anna muttered.
Pavel thought it might be time to step in. ‘I don’t think Gemma’s here to talk about the Christmas lights.’
Netty turned the conversation back to the newcomer. ‘So what are you planning?’
‘Erm… well…’
Bella jumped in. ‘We were talking about Hogmanay.’
‘What about it?’
‘Gemma is helping us plan a big event for New Year. Hopefully put this place on the map for functions and overnight stays.’
Flinty moved around the kitchen island to join the other three women of Lowbridge village. ‘What sort of event? All Americans wanting to tell you about their heritage?’
Bella sighed. ‘If they’re Americans who can pay then absolutely. And I’m sure you’ll all be delighted to share that great sense of Highland community with them. Right?’
‘Course we will, pet,’ Pavel’s mum agreed.
Anna shrugged. ‘I suppose I can get some shaggy-cow postcards and tins of shortbread in at the shop.’
‘Have you told Veronica about this?’ Flinty asked.
‘She knows we want to do events.’
‘Aye, but Hogmanay. I mean, it was before your time but Hogmanay at the castle used to be a big thing.’
Pavel didn’t remember that. ‘Was it?’
‘It used to be a big party for the great and good but the village as well. When did it stop?’ Flinty frowned. ‘It was long before Covid, wasn’t it?’
‘After Adam’s mother went,’ Anna muttered. ‘The old laird lost himself for a bit, I think.’
Flinty nodded. ‘Aye. It would have fallen back on Veronica to host and she…’ She paused. ‘I think she always struggled with that a bit.’ She looked up at Bella and Gemma. ‘She’s still the dowager lady though. She ought to be involved.’
Pavel caught Gemma’s frown.Don’t say it. Don’t say it.
‘I thought Darcy was the dowager lady?’
Too late. She’d said it.
‘It’s complicated. The dowager is the laird’s mother,’ Bella explained.
‘Or the old laird’s widow,’ Anna added.
‘So Veronica was the dowager when the old laird was alive, but now he’s died everyone moves up a step. So two dowagers.’ Bella nudged Gemma on the arm. ‘And part of your job is very much keeping them both on side. Darcy’s easy.’
‘And Veronica?’ Gemma asked.
A short silence fell over the group.
‘Well, Darcy’s easy,’ Bella repeated.
