The Legacy of Lochandee (3 page)

During supper Rachel could feel the tension between Nick and Conan, as well as between Nick and Bridie, and her heart sank. Ross sensed it too and mentioned news of the Brigadier's death, hoping to take their minds off their own problems.

‘You never told me that,' Bridie said indignantly.

‘I only heard this afternoon,' Rachel placated.

‘Will it make a difference to the tenancy of Nether Rullion?' Conan asked.

‘We don't know yet. I may phone his solicitor tomorrow.'

‘This may be your chance to buy the plot of land you were wanting, Nick,' Conan said and saw Nick flush angrily. ‘Aah, I see you haven't discussed your plans with the lady in question yet!'

‘No, I have not, and why don't you mind your own business?'

‘It is my business when my partner talks about wanting to build a house instead of putting the money back into the garage,' Conan countered. ‘And it's my business when that same partner goes around all day with a face fit to sour milk.'

‘Conan!' Rachel remonstrated. ‘For goodness sake, have some tact.'

‘Tact!' Bridie muttered. ‘Big brother doesn't know the meaning of the word!'

‘Well, there's one thing for sure, you'll never get me under any woman's thumb the way you seem to have got Nick, my bossy little sister.'

‘Hey, you two, that's enough!' Ross commanded sternly.

‘Yes, it is,' Rachel agreed pushing her chair back. ‘If you're all finished eating I'll see Ewan to bed before I wash up.'

‘I'll wash up, Mum,' Bridie said.

‘And I'll help,' Nick volunteered. ‘It'll give us some peace to talk. It's not Conan's favourite place, the kitchen sink, I do know that.'

‘You're right there,' Conan nodded. ‘I'll go and sit by the fire with Dad until you're ready to leave.'

As soon as they were alone Bridie turned to Nick, her eyes questioning.

‘Duw! There's wanting you, I am. I can't go on like this!' he said. ‘You know how much I love you, don't you, Bridie? But I can't move in here, not with all your family. Not just foolish pride, like you think. Just the two of us, I want, see. Told Conan, I did today – time we started taking money out of the business for ourselves. Need a bit of land, I do; to build a little house for us – one we could extend when we have our children. And when we can afford it,' he added half under his breath. ‘A bank loan I'm wanting, and there's money I need to repay it.'

‘Lately I've had a feeling you are regretting going into partnership with Conan, Nick …'

‘No, not really. Putting all of my capital into the garage just, I regret. The work, and the challenges, I do enjoy; but Conan, so ambitious he is! Not one bus – a fleet, he wants!' He lowered his voice, ‘All I want is you …' He moved behind her and slid his arms around her waist. Bridie leaned back against him and he nuzzled her neck and his hand slid lower over her flat stomach.

‘Nick …' she breathed, feeling the desire awakening as it always did when Nick caressed her in that certain way. ‘You don't want soap suds around your neck, do you?'

‘You know what I want, bach.' He sighed. ‘Maybe Conan is right? Always he seems to know when it's time to make the next move. Maybe I should go to see the solicitor. Do you think your father will mind if I ask to buy a plot from Nether Rullion land next to the garage?'

‘He only rents it anyway and a plot for a house wouldn't make much difference.' At that moment Bridie was shaking the suds from her hands and turning within the circle of Nick's arms, eager for his kisses. She did not consider the consequences of a house beside the garage, or that it would mean leaving her beloved Lochandee. They were both startled by a knocking at the back door.

‘Who can that be at this time of night?' Bridie murmured, going to open the door. ‘Fiona! Come in, come in …' Her voice tailed away at the sight of Fiona's white, strained face.

‘Whatever's the matter?' she asked

‘I-it's Mum. I-I … She had collapsed when I got back home this afternoon, Bridie. I sent for the doctor immediately. He sent her to hospital. But … she-she died – just over an hour ago …'

‘Oh Fiona, I'm so, so sorry.' Bridie gathered her old friend in her arms and held her trembling body. Slowly Fiona pulled herself together.

‘I went with her in the ambulance. She – she didn't regain consciousness, Bridie. I-I c-couldn't talk to her … couldn't ask her …' Silent tears began to roll down Fiona's face. I hope you don't mind me coming here. One of the nurses gave me a lift to the crossroads and I c-couldn't face going home – not right now.'

‘Of course you couldn't. I'm glad you came to us.'

Fiona struggled to find her handkerchief and dry her eyes. It was then she saw Nick. He'd taken over washing-up duties and had just finished washing the last of the dishes and setting them to drain.

‘I'm sorry,' Fiona gulped. ‘I-I didn't realise you had company. I-I must go …'

‘Of course you can't go home to that big empty house. This is Nick, by the way. I think he'll understand how you're feeling because he's been through it himself.'

‘Yes, Bridie's right.' Nick came forward, holding out his hand. ‘I'm pleased to meet you, Fiona, but I'm sorry it has to be in these circumstances.' Fiona summoned a wavering smile. ‘Shall I put the kettle back on for a cup of tea? I don't suppose you feel like eating, but it would be better if you could.'

‘Nick's right, Fiona, even if it's only tea and toast. Dad and Conan are in the sitting room. I'll bring you a tray in front of the fire, if you like?'

‘Oh, no!' Fiona dabbed ineffectually at her face. ‘I can't imagine Conan having much time for weeping women, whatever the circumstances. D-do you mind …?' Over her shoulder Bridie saw Nick raise his eyebrows in surprise.

‘Come on, I'll show you the bathroom and you can wash your face while I make the toast. Then you can have it in here, if that's all right?'

‘Anywhere,' Fiona shivered, ‘so long as it's not at home.'

‘We'll make up the spare bed after you've eaten something,' Bridie suggested. ‘I know Mum will want you to stay.'

‘Yes, that's a good idea,' Nick agreed, pushing down his disappointment. He longed for a good long talk with Bridie. The more he thought about asking for a bank loan and building a house for them, the more optimistic he felt, but he knew there would be no opportunity tonight. He had quite forgotten Bridie's love for Lochandee and it did not occur to him that the prospect of living anywhere else would appal her.

When Bridie returned to the kitchen alone he made the tea while she cut bread for toast.

‘It sounds as though your friend knows Conan well? Don't they get on together?'

‘Oh we all travelled on the same bus to school. Fiona is younger than Conan, but she could always hold her own with him in any debate. She was a real rising star at school and Conan had always been the one who was brilliant. She didn't hero-worship him like the rest of the girls and I suspect my big brother may have been a little … well, you know!'

Nick threw back his head and chuckled.

‘Know, I do! His own ideas, Conan has. Trouble there is, if anyone opposes them. But on Saturday we'll talk. Make our own plans, we will,' he grinned. ‘Then he'll have to accept them. I'll call for you just after lunch. Go for a short drive somewhere …' He broke off as Fiona reappeared.

Chapter Three

T
HE FOLLOWING MORNING FIONA
looked pale and there were deep shadows beneath her eyes, but she had regained her composure, outwardly at least. Rachel, ever a keen observer, suspected she was deeply troubled beneath the calm facade but Fiona insisted she must go home. There were arrangements to make for her mother's funeral and other things needing her attention.

‘I can't thank you and your family enough, Mrs Maxwell,' she said with sincerity. ‘Last night I felt I was alone in a dreadful nightmare. Perhaps it was coincidence that I ran into Bridie yesterday – b-but sometimes I wonder if these things are meant to happen. Does that sound silly?' She gave Rachel a wan smile.

‘Indeed it isn't silly, lassie. When you've seen as much life as I have you realise that some things are preordained, and one thing we all need is friendship. Remember you're welcome here anytime.' Fiona nodded and gave a grateful smile but Rachel saw her mouth tremble and knew she was only hanging on to her self control with a great effort. She wondered why Conan was convinced Fiona Sinclair was a girl who was always in control of every situation. Later she mentioned her concerns to Bridie.

‘Fiona was certainly full of grief last night, shock too, I think. She said even though her mother had cancer, she hadn't expected her to die so soon. She is full of remorse because she has spent so little time with her mother in recent years. It must be awful to be an only child and so alone, especially now. I hope you didn't mind me asking her to stay overnight, Mum?'

‘Not at all, dear. I'm pleased you thought of it. We all need friends at times like this. I was an only child too, remember, and I know what it's like to be alone in the world. I shall never forget the kindness of your Aunt Meg and Uncle Peter. Did you offer to go with Fiona to make the funeral arrangements?'

‘Yes, but she said she would be all right. She liked Nick and she said he was right about things not being quite so alarming in the daylight.'

‘Of course she would like Nick, everyone does. Even your father, and I didn't believe he would consider any man good enough for his wee girl,' Rachel teased, giving Bridie a glimpse of her dimpling smile. ‘How will you feel about living away from Lochandee, Bridie, if he does buy a plot of land to build a house near the garage?'

‘I should hate it!' The words were out almost before Bridie knew she had uttered them and she looked at her mother, wide-eyed and troubled.

‘It may be a choice you'll have to make, dear,' Rachel warned with some anxiety. ‘Nick and the home he provides for you, or Lochandee. I must say we'd miss your help here if you have to leave, but I wouldn't like to see either of you hurt. Nick is ready for marriage and he's getting impatient, I suspect.'

‘Don't talk about it, Mum. I can't bear the thought of leaving Lochandee and my animals and Bill and Sandy, and – and everything. I couldn't bear not being here. It's my life! Auntie Alice trusted me to care for the Glens of Lochandee.'

‘Have you told Nick that?'

‘No. He would be hurt if I said I wouldn't go to live wherever he lives. I almost hope he doesn't get a plot of land. But then I don't know what we shall do. O-oh why does life have to be so complicated!'

‘Dear Bridie, you don't know what troubles are yet. Nick is a fine man and he loves you. That's a very precious thing, but don't expect him to wait for ever.'

‘Fiona said much the same thing!' Bridie frowned.

‘Compromise is the only solution, dear. You think about it.'

Bridie remembered her mother's advice when Nick came to collect her on Saturday afternoon.

‘I've got a reprieve from the milking,' she told him gaily. ‘Beth said she might as well be working too, since Harry will be driving Conan's bus. So she's doing the milking with Sandy Kidd and Dad.'

‘A-ah, good it is then, bach. We'll make the most of it. Take you for a drive then, I will. Get away on our own for a bit, eh. Maybe we could go to the matinee at the cinema afterwards?'

‘That'll be lovely. I know it's a cold day but I brought a Thermos and some sandwiches. Maybe we can have a picnic if we find a sheltered cove near the shore. Have you got enough petrol?'

‘Yes, been saving it up, I have. No time to go anywhere, see, with so much work. Making a profit we are, though.'

‘Will it affect business at the garage if the government goes ahead with their plans to nationalise road transport, as they've done with the railways?' Bridie asked anxiously.

‘Have to wait and see, we will. But it's not work we'll think about today, eh?' He glanced at her and smiled. ‘There's pretty you are in your coat, Bridie. New is it?'

‘Mmm, and it's lovely and warm.'

‘I hope it's me you're dressing up for?'

‘Of course it is. Who else would it be?'

‘Don't know, do I? Always afraid I am, 'case somebody else might come along and snatch you away,' Nick said seriously. Bridie put her gloved hand on his knee and gave it a little squeeze.

‘No chance,' she grinned. Nick took his hand from the steering wheel and held hers where it was against his thigh.

‘I couldn't bear it, Bridie. I can't wait much longer …'

‘I know.'

‘Went to see the Brigadier's solicitor yesterday, I did …'

‘Goodness, you haven't wasted any time!'

‘Wasted enough already, we have. He doesn't see any reason why I shouldn't be able to buy three-quarters of an acre near the garage. Thinks the whole farm will be to sell soon, he does. The Brigadier's daughter has no plans to return to Scotland, see. All her family are in Canada, settled there, they are.'

‘He thinks she'll sell Nether Rullion!' Bridie sat up straight, the dreamy smile gone from her face. ‘I'll bet Dad doesn't know that. He was supposed to be going to see the solicitor too and he never said anything – at least not to me.'

‘Better not mention it then. He may not want to worry your mother.'

‘No-o. You could be right. He'll be upset though. He's put so much time and effort into getting the farm back into production – we all have. We would have to cut back our dairy herd too.'

‘Duw, Bridie! Wish I'd never told you, I do' Nick said impatiently. ‘Forget your precious cows for one afternoon, can't you? Prospect of getting our own home, there's thrilled you should be.'

‘I-I am. But you know farming is my life,' Bridie said defensively. ‘It's all I've ever done, all I know. Nick … Times have changed since the war. Lots of women work now. I know this is not the right time to talk about it, but if we did build a house would you mind if I kept on working at Lochandee?' She was relieved to see a slow, wry smile spread over his lean face.

‘Never expected anything else, did I, bach. Always knew Lochandee and your beloved cattle were my biggest rivals, didn't I. But surely you would not spend as much time with them as you do now though, and there's children we'll be having, I hope. They'll not take second place with you?' The look in his eyes brought the colour rushing to Bridie's cheeks and Nick chuckled. ‘There's looking forward, I am, to making babies with you, Bridie Maxwell.' He threw back his head this time in a great laugh of delight at the sight of her deepening blush. Then he remembered Bridie had never had any other boyfriend except himself. He had almost snatched her from the schoolroom. He sobered and his voice was tender. ‘The luckiest man alive, I am, when I'm with you. You'll not forget it, bach?'

‘Not so long as you keep telling me,' Bridie promised demurely. ‘Where are we going?'

‘Anywhere. There's good it is, just having you to myself for a day. Sandyhills, is it? A long walk along the sands, we'll have? If it's cold you are, I'll warm you, and we can eat our picnic in the car. Please you, does it, Bridie?'

‘Sounds fine to me. I love your Welsh lilt, Nick. It's always more pronounced when you're happy or excited.'

‘Speak my best English, I do, for your parents. But ba-ad, it is, when I'm angry,' he mocked in a throaty roar, ‘so Conan tells me. Forgetting him and his old garage today we are, though. So,' he grinned wickedly, ‘there's a little kiss and cuddle I get for afters, is it …'

It was a sunny day for November but the clouds were scudding before a stiff breeze. The Galloway hills were purple curves against the blue grey of the sky, while the green-tufted arms of the cove stretched out into the Solway Firth. Nick and Bridie were well wrapped up as they strolled happily hand in hand, with Nick stopping every now and then to skim a flat pebble along the creeping waves. Bridie knew she wanted to be married to Nick more than anything else in the world, but her heart ached at the thought of leaving Lochandee. Today she would not think about it.

‘I am going to Mrs Sinclair's funeral on Monday,' she said. ‘Fiona says it will be very quiet because they have so few relations. I don't suppose you would be able to come with me?'

‘As a matter of fact I had thought about it. Like your friend Fiona, I do. What I saw of her anyway. Sorry I was too. But Conan seems to feel he ought to attend the funeral so we can't both be away from the garage.'

‘Conan?' Bridie stopped in surprise.

‘Mmm. Surprised, I was too. Not much love lost between Fiona and Conan, I thought. But he says you have both known her a long time and he feels he ought to go with you.'

‘Oh. Well I shall be glad of his company if you can't go. He has known Fiona as long as I have. She was one of the few girls at school who didn't idolise my brother and about the only one who always kept calm in an argument with him.'

‘Yes, she is one of these modern young women who prefer a successful career to marriage, I gather. Seemed very caring and human to me, she did, when I saw her. Admittedly it was not the best of times for her.'

‘Fiona is genuine and sincere, and she does feel things, whatever Conan says. She was engaged once, but Gerry was killed during the war and she has concentrated on her career since then. Anyway that brother of mine is a fine one to talk! All he thinks about is being a successful garage proprietor.'

‘Dedication is different for a man, he says. But it's a Maxwell family trait, I'm thinking,' Nick said seriously. He stopped and drew her into his arms, holding her close. ‘I'm not criticising your family, my darling.' He looked more serious than Bridie had seen him since the days when he had gone back to camp during the war. ‘But sometimes I wonder whether I can live up to the standards you all set.'

‘What standards?' Bridie frowned, leaning back to look into his face. ‘I don't understand.'

‘Your father now, he is absolutely dedicated to farming, and your mother has spent her life helping him build up Glens of Lochandee, and now he's improving the land at Nether Rullion. If he owned it he'd be improving all those derelict buildings too, I shouldn't wonder. Whenever I am delivering to any of the farms your parents are always regarded with respect. Everyone tells me how hard they have worked, how successful they are in spite of the shortage of labour. Conan is determined to prove he is just as big a success with the garage. Then, Bridie bach, there's you, devoted you are to your cows, ambitious to breed a champion. Or a famous bull, or both.'

‘Oh Nick … do you think we're – we're …?'

‘You're wonderful is what I'm thinking!' He bent his head and kissed her, banishing her fears as their passion mounted, moulding her body to his on the wild, deserted shore with only the wheeling gulls for company.

It was not until later that night, when she was alone in bed in the darkness, that Bridie remember the unspoken doubts which returned to overshadow one of the happiest afternoons she could recall.

Rachel faced a dilemma of her own when Ross returned from seeing the Brigadier's solicitor.

‘When I think of all the time and work we've put into getting the land into good heart only to see it sold when our lease expires in 18 months,' he said despondently. ‘If the buildings were repaired it would be as good a farm as Lochandee.' He shook his head in disbelief. He knew the Brigadier's daughter and her family were settled in Canada but it had never occurred to him that she would sever all links with the old country. ‘We shall have to reduce our cattle numbers when we lose the tenancy, and we shall have a lot less land for grain and potatoes.'

Rachel understood Ross's disappointment and dismay. She knew he had hoped the tenancy would continue indefinitely. They had both hoped Ewan would farm the land one day and by then they might have been able to buy it. As always they found comfort in each other's arms. Later, lying wakeful in the darkness, Ross knew he still loved Rachel as much as he had when they were young. She could still make him feel attractive and virile. He was 46 but he didn't feel old tonight – he felt restless and full of energy. He could hear the sound of Rachel's steady breathing and he knew she was asleep. He crept out of bed and down to the kitchen.

More than two hours later, his head still buzzing with figures and calculations he crept back into bed. Rachel stirred but she did not waken and he resolved not to worry her until he had consulted Jacob Niven, the elderly solicitor, who had advised and helped him when he bought Glens of Lochandee in the face of every conceivable obstacle.

After Mrs Sinclair's funeral Bridie helped Fiona hand round the refreshments they had provided between them. One by one the few remaining mourners took their leave and Bridie helped Fiona clear the dining room. Only Conan remained in the large, silent house, waiting to escort her home.

‘I ought to be getting back to the garage,' he said. ‘Are you nearly ready, Bridie?'

‘I-I'd like to talk for a wee while, Bridie, if you're not in a rush?' Fiona looked up at Conan, her face pale but composed. He couldn't begin to guess the effort that control had cost her. ‘I'll drive Bridie home if you want to go.' It was clear she didn't care whether he stayed or not, Conan thought. Fiona was the only female, young or old, who could ruffle him so easily. ‘You see,' she said, ‘I-I've made up my mind to sell this house and buy a smaller one, and I need some advice about solicitors and things …'