Page 27 of Some Like It Scot
The woman with the magnifying glass curtsied and preened, pushing her glasses up on her nose.
“I’ve also been a consultant for two historical movies.” Her smile brimmed as she raised the appropriate number of fingers, her lush French accent curling over the words. “And I’m waiting to consult for another of even larger appeal than the previous.” She searched the room with those large brown eyes of hers, her smile fading. “Of course all of you are doing marvelous things too. Even if it isn’t... cinema. We all have important pieces to contribute—”
“Yes, certainly,” Mrs. Lennox interrupted and spun to Mark, who straightened and flashed his perfect teeth. “Mr. Mark Page is with us as a sports and outdoor enthusiast who, I am sure, will find our equestrian and other Edwardian opportunities well worth note in his magazine and popular YouTube channel.”
“I’m looking forward to proving myvisionaryskills.” And focused the full weight of his comment on me.
What in the world? His comment didn’t quite fit with—And then his allusion clicked into place. Right! We were both up for the Vision Award... again.
And clearly he wasn’t too thrilled about it. Especially since I beat him out of the prize last year.
His competition levels rivaled most teenage boys or diva TikTokers. Just because we were finalists for the same international social media award didn’t mean he had to try to burn my face with his scowl. Leave it to Mister Outdoorsman to take offense at us sharing the spotlight for the third time.
Another win would certainly help my chances of getting published too, wouldn’t it? Prove to the publishers I had the credentials and skillto create great travel stories for children? And winning again might just prove the nudge I needed to take that chance.
I turned to meet Mrs. Lennox’s defeated expression as she looked over my ensemble again, focusing for a full five seconds on my fishing rod.
“And this is Miss Katie Campbell.” She tossed a limp wave in my direction. “She is known for her humorous videos and blog posts, insightful articles, and... entertaining documentaries under her moniker Miss Adventure.”
At least she sounded more positive toward me than she looked.
“We are having a bit of trouble with her attire—” Mrs. Lennox seemed to think better of elaborating as she took a dramatic view from my wellies to my head. “But I feel certain it will all get sorted very soon.”
My smile froze on my face. Yep, no need for anyone to wonder what she might be referring to.
“As stated in your packet, as part of the experience, each of the ladies will receive a custom-designed gown to wear to our Edwardian Ball on our last evening, and each gentleman their own Edwardian suit.” She brought her hands together in pure delight. “And I will be guiding you through your process of immersion into the Edwardian world. As a former literature professor and an amateur historian, I feel certain I have set up this experience to give you a taste of the era, while also enjoying some modern perks. The natural beauty of Mull only enhances your discovery and allows you a natural break from many of the distractions common in more populous places.”
She offered a self-satisfied chuckle.
“Though I do hope you increase the number of people you bring to the next experience, Mother.” Ana scanned the room, her smile coy. “Morepeopleto meet.”
“We shall see, dear.” Mrs. Lennox’s smile tightened as she stared at her daughter and gave her head a little shake. “I look forward toguiding you in your Edwardian Experience”—this time said with less flourish and no wrist swirl—“for the next three weeks. May you absorb the history and opulence of this marvelous time period.”
She pressed her palms together as if in prayer, perhaps for me... or for herself on having to reform me into an Edwardian lady. I hope my expression offered my condolences.
“We will begin our first class at ten o’clock sharp,” Mrs. Lennox continued. “How to dine like an Edwardian.”
Even though I’d seen this class in the brochure, it still inspired my grin. I mean, how many ways were there to eat?
“Now, your assigned servants should meet you this evening after tea to ensure you have all necessary items to properly begin your Edwardian Experience in the morning.” She paused, her expression dimming a little. “Two last items. My husband, Mr. Lennox, will be joining us for our meals and will assist as needed. His business expectations at this time do not allow him the freedom to enjoy all of our activities, but I am sure you will find him a charming addition whenever he is able to join us. And second, do not be alarmed if you should see a macaw flying about the premises or note a weasel in pursuit of said macaw.” Her chuckle took a desperate turn. “It was not uncommon for the wealthy of Edwardian times to keep exotic pets, and we don’t wish for you to be alarmed. It is our desire to keep the menagerie under amicable control.” Her smile resurfaced and she gestured toward the room. “Now, please take some time to meet your fellow guests and enjoy your afternoon.”
Since I felt a little unprepared for the current Clue game with my wellies and fishing pole on display, I started for the hallway, only to be ceremoniously thwarted by Mark.
“I can’t believe we’re finalists again this year.” He folded his arms across his chest, the size of his biceps evident beneath the strain of his shirt sleeves. I was pretty sure those biceps were one of his few winning features, along with his impressive orthodontia. “You wouldn’t evenbe in the finals if it hadn’t been for the London incident you clearly planned.”
“Planned?” Not even the biceps could save him from my glare. “Planned to end my life with a double-decker bus?”
“That ‘almost’ ran over you,” he said, employing air quotes. Maybe his orthodontia wasn’t so impressive either. “And then you conveniently landed in the arms of a passing policeman while the camera was running?”
“A tourist’s phone camera, Mark. Not mine! That’s the only reason it was recorded.”
“Who just happened to follow you on social media?” One of his brows rose and my whole body tensed.
“Only after she realized who I was.” I released an exhaustive sigh. “You are being ridiculous.”
He returned to the folded-arm stance, hazel eyes narrowing. “Were you that afraid I’d upstage you?”
“Upstage me?” Though I had stepped away from him on the sidewalk after he claimed an unwanted kiss. “I could have died.”
