Chapter Thirty
James
J ames tapped his fingers on his desk, holding the phone to his ear. Where was Dagmar and why wasn’t she picking up? He needed to talk to her now – before his meeting with the countess and Victoria.
Nothing. She must be at the stables, maybe teaching a lesson. Ending the call, he ran a search on his computer and pulled up the number for the Glenvorneth livery.
Perhaps she’d be in the office.
‘Hello, Glenvorneth livery and stables.’
He knew from the voice that it wasn’t Dagmar but Ophelia. He didn’t really want to talk to her, but maybe she’d have some answers.
‘Hi, it’s James.’
‘James.’ Ophelia’s voice sounded surprised. ‘What can I do for you?’
‘I…Um. I’m looking for Dagmar. Do you know where she is? I need to speak to her.’
A pause followed, and James looked up at the clock. ‘She’s not here today. She called in sick this morning.’
James’s heart sank. That didn’t sound like Dagmar at all. Not the woman who lived onsite, so that she was here for the horses twenty-four-seven. ‘Sick? Did she say what was wrong?’
‘A migraine,’ Ophelia said, and despite not being able to see her, he had the distinct impression her steely eyes were dissecting him and analysing the results from afar. He could almost hear the cogs of her brain turning.
‘Oh dear. I’m sorry to hear that.’ Even sorrier that she hadn’t told him. Had his parents scared her away? Or maybe she was too ill to message. ‘I didn’t know she suffered from migraines. They’re awful.’
‘Indeed they are,’ Ophelia said. ‘I’ve never known her to have one before, bless her. She’s one of the healthiest people I know. So this must be bad.’
James hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. ‘Is she at home? Does the cottage have a landline I could call? She’s not answering her mobile… Though she might be asleep.’
‘She isn’t at the cottage.’
‘Where is she then?’
Ophelia let out an audible sigh. ‘Listen, before I tell you anything, maybe you should tell me why you’re so desperate to talk to her. I know there’s something going on with the two of you. She told me as much, and maybe it’s none of my business, but if you want me to help, I need to know the facts. If something has gone wrong between the two of you, I’m not helping you find her if it’s to cause her more grief.’
James ran his fingers through his hair. So this wasn’t awkward at all – having to explain his current predicament to the woman he’d unsuccessfully courted last year. ‘Look, nothing’s gone wrong. Not like that. Dagmar and I are in a relationship. We also had an agreement.’
‘An agreement?’
‘Yes. I wanted to use money from the Duchan Fayre community fund to help her mum save the Cosy Bean Café in return for…’
‘Yes?’ Ophelia’s tone was sharp.
‘For doing the lessons.’
‘Even though you paid for them?’
‘Well, yes… But I knew she didn’t like me. We had a history, and I needed her to come round.’
‘So, you bribed her?’
He took a deep breath and looked away, shaking his head. ‘Yeah, ok. It does sound like that. That’s certainly what my parents think. But I needed her to give me lessons, so I could fool Victoria and make her believe… Well, that I could ride.’
‘I knew that was a ruse. It was so obvious you hadn’t ridden before.’
‘Yeah. I was paranoid you’d tell Victoria, and I wanted to persuade Dagmar to teach me on the fly. When I read about her mother’s issues with the café on social media, I said I would save the café in return for the lessons. But that’s fallen through anyway and I really need to talk to her, but I can’t get hold of her. I think I’ve upset her… Or my parents have.’
‘Dagmar is a friend of mine and if you or your parents have hurt her in some way, I’d like to hold you accountable.’
A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth, and he was glad she couldn’t see him. Ophelia ran a very successful business, but it was amazing how people forgot that about her and viewed her as someone who’d been born into her success. She definitely had some balls though. James would pay good money to see her up against his father in the boardroom. ‘I haven’t intentionally hurt her, but I’m sure the closure of the café will have upset her.’
‘Why did it close? Why didn’t you hold up your end of the deal?’
‘I tried, but the landlord put in an ultimatum which complicated things, and then my parents discovered my relationship with Dagmar and decided they couldn’t back the deal anyway.’
‘I see.’
‘They still want me to go after Victoria. That’s what this was all meant to be about. But it’s not anymore. Dagmar is the one I want, and the riding isn’t for anyone now, other than myself. But I’m having a hard time convincing my parents. They went to speak to her yesterday, which was really fucking irritating; pardon my French. But they’ve properly messed up a situation that was bad enough already.’
‘I assume they disapprove of your choice.’
‘Yup.’
‘Well, let me tell you something. If Dagmar’s the right person for you, then stick with her. You won’t regret it. Look at me and Brann. You know my father wanted me to make a good match – you. But I chose who I wanted to be with. It wasn’t easy going against what my father wanted, but I’m glad I did. I’m happy with Brann and I couldn’t bear living my life as a lie, just getting by with someone. Not when I see how great life can be with the right person.’
‘Yes, I know. And that’s what I’m trying to do.’ Even though his parents were still pushing Victoria at him. His eyes strayed to the clock. She’d be here any minute, and he still hadn’t reached Dagmar.
‘Good. Well, she’s at her mother’s house. I don’t have the number, sorry. I’m not even sure where it is.’
He blew out a long breath. ‘Ok. I’ll message her again, because I have an idea for the café, but I need to speak to her about it.’
‘Well, good luck.’
‘Thanks.’ James clenched his fists. Time was ticking on. The meeting was due to start any minute. He pulled out his phone, but too late.
The door opened, and people were talking. James got to his feet as his parents came in with Victoria, the countess, and ‘Eloise!’ James headed around the table to hug his sister. ‘What are you doing here? Don’t you want to enjoy every second you don’t have to be here?’
She chuckled. ‘Yes, I do, but Dougie is off, and he’s taken Alfie out, so I thought I’d nip in and join the fun.’
He gave her a look, hoping to impart the message that it was unlikely to be any fun at all.
‘Let’s all take seats,’ Laurence said.
James resumed the seat he’d be on before and Victoria sat beside him, smiling.
‘Well, hello, James. This is a lovely office you have. What a stunning view. This must be the best office view in the county.’
He took a deep breath. ‘Yes, I’m sure it is.’
‘Right, let’s talk through the sponsorship proposals,’ Laurence said. ‘We can make the draft of an action plan with the understanding that it’s all very informal for now.’
James joined in when needed, aware of the time ticking on, and also Victoria’s constant glances in his direction. His mind had no doubt that she saw this as a prelude to a more personal relationship.
‘There’s something I need to say before we continue.’ James closed the lid of his laptop and looked up.
‘What’s that?’ Laurence frowned.
‘It’s a little bit delicate, but I don’t want to go on with any ambiguity or chance of misunderstanding.’
‘Oh?’ The countess eyed him over.
‘It’s to do with any proposed personal relationship for Victoria and I.’ He looked directly at her. ‘I know there’s been some hopes, perhaps even assumptions, that you and I will get together. And while I can see the business and financial benefits of that, and I also think you’re a great person, I’m afraid a relationship beyond business and beyond friendship is out of the question.’
‘Wow, ok.’ Victoria looked at her mother.
‘Better to go on without false hope, I suppose.’ The countess gave James a cutting look.
‘False hope?’ Victoria shook her head. ‘Is this because you believe I’m seeing someone else? Because I assure you that’s finished.’
‘No. It’s not that. You’re just not the right person for me. I’ve met someone else, and I’m fully committed to her.’
Victoria narrowed her eyes. ‘Someone else? Who?’
‘Dagmar Ingenfeld.’
‘What?’ Laurence let out an audible huff that made James snap around to look at him. His father was red faced, but hopefully his obvious fury wouldn’t result in another heart attack.
‘Dagmar?’ Victoria gaped at him.
The countess’s eyes had almost popped. ‘Goodness gracious.’ Her hand flew to her chest. ‘So, it’s not enough winning all the competitions over Victoria, but she’s also won you.’
‘I’m not a prize to be won. Neither are you.’ His eyes met Victoria’s. ‘You’re a person, not a commodity. I don’t want to have a manufactured relationship with you just to appease our families. I’m in love with Dagmar.’ James met the countess’s gaze. ‘I’m afraid I don’t feel that way about Victoria.’ He scanned the room. His father still looked like an overripe tomato, but his mother and Eloise both had softer expressions. He turned his attention back to Victoria. ‘You’re worth better than this. I hope you find someone better suited to you than me, someone who’ll love you the way you deserve.’
‘Nice words, I’m sure.’ Victoria pulled a tight-lipped pout. ‘No point running after someone who’s not interested. It’s not like I don’t have other offers.’
‘Exactly. And I hope one of them works out for you.’
The countess drew in a long breath through her nose, her mouth poised in a very fine line. ‘I suppose, if this is how you feel, you should do what’s right. A lesser man might not have spoken up. I’m acutely aware this can’t have been easy to say.’
‘Thank you.’
The countess sighed. ‘Well, I’m glad you let us know, unfortunately this means we’ll be calling off our dinner date with you on Saturday.’ She looked over at Laurence and Sherri. ‘I’m sure you’ll understand under the circumstances.’
‘Indeed.’ Sherri blinked several times. ‘I hope it won’t affect the sponsorship deal.’
‘We’ll have to think about that and not here.’
‘That’s your call, of course.’ James gave her a rueful nod. ‘But the offer is still on the table, should you wish it.’
She raised an eyebrow. ‘We’ll consider it carefully. But right now, I don’t feel like talking anymore. We’re leaving.’ She stood up, and Victoria followed.
‘We’ll show you out.’ Sherri nudged Laurence, who got to his feet looking a little dazed.
As the door shut, James stared at it, just breathing.
‘Well, that was dramatic,’ Eloise said. ‘I wasn’t expecting that. So, you are chasing the stable wench.’
‘Don’t call her that.’
‘Sorry.’ She grinned. ‘Listen, before they come back in here and give you a bollocking, I need to give you this.’ She handed over a little gift bag.
‘What’s this?’
‘You’ll see. Something you might want to return to your new girlfriend.’
He peered into the bag and frowned. ‘Is that the—’
The door burst open, and his parents returned.
‘What on earth was that all about?’ Laurence glared at him. ‘In the middle of a business meeting. Have you lost your mind?’
‘Maybe. But I had to say it. I’ve tried and tried to tell you. You wouldn’t listen.’
‘Oh, son.’ His mother touched his arm. ‘I’m so worried that you’re making a mistake.’
‘I’m not. Victoria was the mistake. She might have seemed like the right choice for you, but she wasn’t for me.’
‘He’s right.’ Eloise smiled at their parents. ‘I’m glad I married a good man before you chose anyone for me, because there’s no point marrying anyone if you don’t love them.’
‘What is this nonsense?’ Laurence stared at the two of them. ‘Love can go hand in hand with business.’
‘Yes, Dad. It can.’ James sat on the edge of the table with a sigh. ‘You and mum have shown us that. But it works because the love came first. You and mum have had that from the start. I’m not prepared to do it the other way around. It’s too risky. What if Victoria and I had tried only to realise we didn’t really like each other until after we were married? How messy might a divorce have been?’
‘Yes.’ Sherri frowned. ‘That could have been worse.’
‘The bottom line is – I love Dagmar. I want to be with her, and I want to honour my promise to save the Cosy Bean Café.’
Laurence’s brow furrowed. ‘What is it with this girl?’
Sherri put her hand on his arm. ‘Wait a moment. I want to hear this. How will you save the café? You can’t use the fund, we’ve told you—’
‘I know that.’ James pulled away from her. ‘I have another plan that doesn’t involve anyone’s investment but my own – even though it would be a lot nicer if you were all emotionally invested.’
Laurence shook his head. ‘I’m not sure about this.’
‘You don’t have to be sure. I’m sure and that’s enough. I have my own life to lead. Is my happiness not important too? I’ve spent long enough trying to find someone “socially acceptable”, and I know that’s what I promised you, but please, release me from that and let me and Eloise show you we can run Duchan Fayre perfectly well together without needing to be attached to a big name. Let’s make our name big.’
Sherri came over and put her arms around him. ‘I’d like to see that happen.’ She moved on and hugged Eloise, then glanced at her husband. ‘Can you release him from the promise?’
Laurence grunted and looked away. ‘I suppose so, though I’m not at all convinced.’
‘Then let us show you, Dad.’ James let out a breath. ‘We won’t let you down.’
‘Indeed, we won’t.’ Eloise smiled and made a mini salute. ‘So, tell us, how do you plan to save the café?’
‘Well, I own that piece of land at the top of Loch Briar,’ James said. ‘I was going to sell it to raise the capital, but I’m too late with that. So, I’m going to offer them the land to build a new café. The number of people walking past is one of the things that put me off building a house there, but it would be ideal for a café.’
‘Nice.’ Eloise nodded. ‘I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.’
‘I need to talk to them about it first.’ It would only have to be a simple building. A log cabin even. A place like that right next to the loch would be really popular and very quaint, but if Dotty and Dagmar didn’t like the idea, there was no point even thinking about it.
Eloise hugged him, and his heart felt lighter.
‘Just don’t go throwing money about.’ Laurence frowned. ‘You shouldn’t let business be ruled by your heart.’
‘Why not?’ James held eye contact with his father. ‘After all, you just told me love and business can go together. And this time, the love’s already there, so hopefully we’re already partway there.’