Chapter 2
Belle dusted the mantelpiece as Edina took a slow loop around the sitting room, testing the cane Tavish had brought over on his visit this morning.
It had been five days since the accident and Edina’s ankle now sported a navy boot-shaped cast. Tavish had insisted on making a trip to A I suspect he might not be ready to face them so soon after his da…
’ She blew out a breath. ‘What are you up to at school today?’
The change of subject was abrupt, and Belle took a moment to respond as her mind tracked through the million things she’d promised to get done.
‘We’re making Christmas decorations. The children will be writing Christmas lists on Monday and I’ve got to get some things organised.
’ Belle picked up the duster and stood. ‘I’m sorry I have to go.
But I’ll be back at noon to organise lunch. ’
‘You’re a good lass.’ Edina’s expression didn’t change but Belle could see a hint of longing in her eyes. ‘It’s a shame I can’t join you.’ She nodded at her ankle. ‘I do so enjoy spending time with wee bairns and it’s been so long since I have…’
‘Well, you’ll be more than welcome to come to school when you’re better,’ Belle said, wishing she could think of a way to brighten up Edina’s life before that.
Angus Ferguson squeezed Belle’s hand and let out the kind of excited gasp only a six-year-old could muster as Belle led him into the huge dining room at Evergreen Castle.
She’d put up a lot of decorations last night, and a wave of pride radiated through her when the rest of her class gasped as they were guided in by a couple of parent helpers who’d offered to assist for the morning; probably because they were desperate to see inside the building.
A large Christmas tree sat to the right of the vast fireplace in which a fire roared – courtesy of Tavish.
Belle had stayed up late decorating the tree with baubles and tinsel and making a large golden star for the top.
There were fairy lights trailed around the mantelpiece and across one of the far walls.
The long dining table had been laid with a red tablecloth ready for today’s lesson.
Edina sat at the top of the table, looking like a queen.
She wore a velvety red cape which Belle had found in her wardrobe, a pair of tartan trousers and a thick white woollen sweater.
The outfit was completed by a pair of extravagant earrings and a beautiful diamond tiara – the sixth Belle had seen her wear since moving in.
Edina had spent extra time on her hair and make-up this morning, shooing Belle out of her bedroom so she could get ready before Tavish arrived to carry her down the stairs.
Belle had set out a stool under the table so Edina could rest her leg.
Edina beamed as a few of the children tentatively approached, waving a hand at Bonnie McGregor as she bravely pulled up a chair a couple of seats down from the top. The child’s light blue eyes were like saucers as she gazed up at the vaulted ceiling before surveying the contents of the table.
‘Are you a princess?’ Lara Smith asked Edina, pointing to her tiara.
‘Aye,’ Edina murmured, putting a fingertip to her lips. ‘But don’t tell, lass.’ She shushed, and Lara giggled and put a hand over her mouth.
‘Sparkles,’ Bonnie murmured, taking in the pots Belle had laid out, along with glue sticks, Christmassy stickers and stars.
There were coloured pencils and a large sheet of crisp white paper set at each of the places on the table, along with a square red envelope that each of the children would write Santa’s address on later.
Edina had her own paper and coloured pencils and she beamed as the children slowly approached.