Chapter Thirteen
The windscreen wipers rushed back and forward so fast Genevieve could hardly see a thing.
‘Storminch Castle, huh?’ Finlay said, leaning forward in the passenger seat and peering into the thunderous rain. ‘‘Stormy Castle” would hit nearer the mark, I reckon.’
‘You’re not wrong.’
‘This has to be an omen, right? I mean, it’s been a pretty good summer so far, but it looks like November out there now. Does this place have its own weather system?’
Genevieve smirked.
Bushes swayed wildly at the side of the road and the low cloud was so thick and dark it was hard to believe it was just past midday.
‘Is this a haunted castle?’ Finlay asked.
‘Aren’t they all? Isn’t that part of the charm?’
‘Charm, huh? This is probably the spirits coming out to warn off people approaching under false pretence. Like a couple arriving for the couples’ retreat when they’re not actually a couple at all.’
Genevieve didn’t dare take her eyes off the road, but she smiled. The ring was back on her finger; Finlay was at her side. Everything was good.
Except he was right. This was all a charade.
Flora MacDonald always seemed like a pleasantly eccentric woman, but she was also shrewd in business. If she wasn’t, she’d already have bent to Dad’s courting and given him the money he wanted. She was clearly still sizing him up. This may be entirely unrelated… Or it could be a test. Genevieve was used to getting free products and experiences in return for publicity, but her dad was convinced this was all part of Flora’s scheme.
‘There’s no way she’ll find out we aren’t a real couple,’ Genevieve said, telling herself as much as Finlay. ‘Unless Oliver has called her up and told her.’
‘He wouldn’t do that. The only people who can make her think that are us. So if we want to fool her, it’s up to us.’
‘I think we can do it.’ They had to because if she learned they’d come under false pretences, she might back away from dealing with the Harringtons or think they set up the charade to get her backing. And she might think Finlay too was out for nothing but money to save his rugby team. ‘We need to make sure this doesn’t look like a setup – something my father has sent me to do or something you’re only doing for the money. I really don’t want to fail. It’ll cause so many problems if I do. This could be a good opportunity for both of us.’
‘I can’t deny I’d love to save the rugby juniors, and I get that you want to do this for your dad, but how is it an opportunity for you otherwise? More freebies?’
‘If it leads to her making a deal with my father, it’ll feel like I’ve really achieved something.’
‘I don’t get it,’ Finlay said. ‘You’ve achieved loads, haven’t you?’
‘Not really.’
‘What about all the social media stuff?’
‘But that’s nothing compared to my brother and sister.’
‘Why do you have to compare yourself to them?’
‘I don’t.’ But that wasn’t really true. All her life she’d been compared to them one way or another. Whether she liked it or not. There was no getting away from it. ‘I’m so used to being the baby of the family, Rafe and Cressida’s little sister. You know at school I actually had teachers say to me, “You’re not as good as Cressida was at this” and, “Haven’t you learned anything from your big brother? He was exceptional in this class”. I was never as good at anything as them.’
‘You’re more famous than both of them now. Lots of people know about you and watch your cookery stuff. Look at all the people who watched our proposal.’
‘Yeah. But my family don’t think it’s a real job or a real thing.’ They’d already achieved so much. How could she do anything they hadn’t already done? If she could secure this deal, it would feel like a big win.
‘You should have more pride in yourself. Even I’ve tried one of your recipes.’
‘Seriously? Which one?’
‘The creme fraiche tomato pasta chicken.’
‘Always a winner.’
‘So easy, but tasty.’ He put his hand on her knee and gave it a little pat. ‘I think this is it. Isn’t that the sign up ahead?’
‘Yes, it is.’ Genevieve turned through the pillared gates. They weren’t palatial but were too ostentatious for a normal house. The drive was fairly short and lined with trees all bending and creaking in the wind. Her dad had been right; it was a completely underwhelming building. The original castle looked like it had been eaten by a truly ugly extension resembling a school or some other municipal structure.
‘Ok… This is an interesting castle,’ Finlay said. ‘That looks like the outside of the monkey house at the zoo.’
‘It wouldn’t surprise me if she kept “exotic pets”.’
‘Now you’re scaring me. If there’s a leopard or something wandering around, I’m out of here.’
‘There’s something at the front door; it might have claws for all I know.’
‘Very funny. Is that Flora?’
‘Sure is.’
She stood just inside the thick wooden door frame of the old part of the castle, wearing a dress that looked like it was made of pure gold. It shimmered in the wind.
‘I’ll get the bags,’ Finlay said. ‘And leave her to you.’
Genevieve pulled into a space next to a low wall. As soon as she was out of the car, she bolted towards the castle door. Rain battered her. Bugger. Her hair would be ruined.
‘Inside, inside,’ Flora said. ‘Is Finlay ok?’
‘He’s fine, just getting the bags.’
Flora rubbed her hands together and smiled. ‘Good. Though you’ll only need clothes. Everything else is provided. Wait until you see it.’
Finlay jogged over, carrying two bags. The second he was inside, Flora pulled the door shut and bolted it. Genevieve had an odd feeling that she’d just been locked into a quest and the only way to escape was to pass a series of tests. Was that stupid? Or more realistic than it should be?
‘Pleased to meet you properly,’ Flora said. ‘We weren’t fully introduced at Geoff’s last week. I’m Flora MacDonald, and before you ask, not the one who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie flee after the Battle of Culloden.’
‘Right. I did wonder when I first heard your name,’ Finlay said, raking his fingers through his hair and shedding a few drops of water. ‘You couldn’t have reincarnated from her spirit or anything?’
Flora chuckled. ‘Possibly so. It’s certainly a fun idea.’
He shook her hand with a smile. ‘I’m Finlay. And I can’t thank you enough for the offer to help with the rugby club.’
‘Oh, I’m delighted to help. It’s one of my passions. Now, in you both come, and I’ll show you around. You can leave the bags here while I show you the public areas downstairs.’
Finlay stowed the bags next to a huge empty fireplace in the circular room they’d stepped into. Genevieve shivered.
Why did I wear such a lightweight outfit?
The cream palazzo jumpsuit was great for elegant casual, but she could do with a wrap. Hopefully the other rooms had central heating. It might be July, but this place was Baltic.
‘Cold?’ Finlay whispered, moving closer and putting his arm around her. His warm palm landed on her upper arm. ‘We can’t have that.’
Heat started to return to her body and beyond. It filtered into her soul and she rubbed the ring on her engagement finger. If a genie popped out of it, she’d ask him to make this fairytale be real.
What actually happened on the night they got engaged was still a blur. Genevieve kind of remembered telling Finlay she’d always fancied him but she wasn’t sure if she actually had. She also wasn’t sure if it was something she wanted him to know or not. It might be easier if he didn’t, then when the split came, he wouldn’t have to feel bad for her. She could carry on being serenely indifferent on the outside and let her heart break inside.
‘My plan is eventually to have more than one room available, but the one you’ll be testing is the deluxe room.’
Finlay glanced at Genevieve and whispered, ‘Testing?’ as Flora opened a heavy studded oak door.
Genevieve shushed him but she’d already given many thoughts to their sleeping arrangements. Considering they’d already technically shared a bed overnight, they could do it again. Couldn’t they? Flora had promised complimentary champagne. If they drank enough of that, they’d be sure to forget who they were sleeping next to anyway.
Flora led them through the grand, ornate doorway into what could almost pass for the heart of a centuries-old Scottish castle. If it wasn’t for the regimented line of boxy windows, the massive dining area could have fooled most people. But the poor building design gave it away. The décor was amazing though. The warm, flickering glow of chandeliers lit the area and long oak dining tables stretched out, each adorned with fine china, crystal glassware, and silver cutlery. A fireplace occupied one wall and had a very elaborate flower display cascading along the mantelpiece. Paintings of the countryside and lavish still-life scenes adorned the walls.
Flora grinned, her gold dress shimmering under the lights. ‘What do you make of it, darlings?’
‘Stunning. Is it ok to walk around later and make some films?’ Genevieve asked.
‘Absolutely. Though if you wouldn’t mind sticking to the rooms I show you.’
‘Of course.’
‘This is where you’ll have your evening meal. I plan to hire a chef once we’re up and running, but for now, we have Ann the housekeeper and she’s a very good cook. Do either of you have any dietary requirements?’ She turned and looked suddenly serious.
‘No,’ Genevieve said. ‘Unless you include Finlay eating like a horse.’
‘Hey,’ he said, mock outraged.
‘Exactly. Hay is for horses, after all.’
‘I adore the two of you.’ Flora chuckled. ‘And if we have no dietary issues, I’ll tell Ann to make the pheasant for this evening. It’s a speciality of hers and I think you’ll love it.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ Finlay said and exchanged a glance with Genevieve. ‘But then, I pretty much eat anything and everything.’
‘And we wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Genevieve said.
‘You’re a cook yourself, aren’t you?’ Flora asked her.
‘Not exactly, but I enjoy filming easy-to-make recipes for busy single girls.’
‘And they work for single guys too,’ Finlay said. ‘But now we can eat them together.’
‘Indeed, we can.’ Genevieve nudged him playfully and he tightened his grip on her arm.
Flora chuckled at them. ‘I should tune in and have a proper look at the recipes. Now, follow me, little ducklings. This here is the breakfast room.’ She opened another door to a bright, airy room with a cottagey feel to it, a cosy space with windows overlooking the castle’s private gardens. White tablecloths covered the round tables and one had a large vase of flowers in the centre.
‘Come morning, you’ll get a range of local delicacies. I’ve sourced as much as I can locally.’
‘Sounds wonderful,’ Genevieve said. If her father’s deal rested on her enthusiasm, she should put on a good show.
‘Now, back through this way,’ Flora said. ‘Here we have the lounge.’
They entered what seemed to be a large conservatory. Rain pattered on the windows, but even through the gloom, the loch was visible. Plush sofas and armchairs surrounded a central coffee table, also adorned with fresh flowers. ‘This, my lovelies, is the perfect place for stargazing; should you happen to be up late with nothing else to do… Though I’m sure that won’t be the case.’ She gave them a wink and moved further into the room.
Genevieve stifled a laugh at the politely horrified look on Finlay’s face.
They returned to the cold entrance room and collected their bags before Flora led them up a spiral staircase, which opened up to reveal a spacious and elegantly furnished bedroom. A massive four-poster bed, draped in rich, deep-red fabric, took centre stage. A small, modern and obviously fake fire provided a cosy touch. This curious tower room was pleasantly warm compared to the rest of the place.
‘The design of this castle is very unusual,’ Flora said. ‘It was a ruin up until the nineteen-seventies. Instead of restoring the whole thing the owners restored this one tower and built a modern “castle” around it. These days it would never get planning consent. It’s a talking point if nothing else and that mixture of old and new means we can have a beautiful vintage bedroom like this and right through the door… Voila… a modern bathroom like this.’
Genevieve’s eyes almost popped out. The bathroom was as big as the bedroom and had an enormous sunken bathtub in the centre. One wall had a huge walk-in shower and on either side of it were two doors.
‘These,’ Flora said, opening one of the doors, ‘are the toilets. A his-and-her toilet, completely private with their own basin and nicely out of the way of the personal oasis,’ she declared with a wink in the direction of the bath.
Large voile curtains hung across a wide window and rather theatrically Flora looped them back. ‘Tada!’
The view to the loch was stunning but Genevieve was completely distracted by the fact that it wasn’t merely windows behind the curtains but a large private balcony with a hot tub. Steam rose from it and the rain pattered on the covered roof.
‘Wow,’ Finlay said. ‘That’s unexpected.’
‘And you like it?’ Flora asked.
‘I can honestly say I’ve never tried a hot tub before.’
‘Well, you can remedy that straight away.’ Flora smiled between the two of them and chuckled warmly. ‘So, darlings, do you want me to leave you to it?’
‘If that’s what you want,’ Genevieve said. ‘But I don’t want you to think we’re shooing you away.’
‘Not at all,’ Flora said. ‘I’m happy to go, so you can start enjoying yourself.’
‘Thank you so much. I’ll get as much on the socials as I can.’
‘You’ll find chocolates and champagne on ice in the bedroom too.’ She gave them another wink and a wave and left them to it.
Finlay went to the door of the bathroom where they were still standing, somewhat dumbstruck, and checked she had definitely gone. ‘This place is utterly insane,’ he said. ‘What’s she going to charge for it?’
‘Thousands I imagine.’
‘What’s the bath all about?’ He gaped at it.
‘It’s romantic.’
‘Is it? You ever tried… You know, getting it on in a bath? Water isn’t actually that easy for body mechanics.’
‘I said romantic, not necessarily sexy.’
‘Yeah, but the way she kept winking. I think she expects us to be christening every square metre of this place with some action.’
‘She obviously thinks you’ve got some staying power.’
‘Maybe I do.’ He mimicked Flora’s wink, then shoved his hands into his pockets and strolled onto the balcony. ‘Fancy a romantic soak in the rain?’
‘I suppose I should test it.’
‘If you’re filming all of this and putting it online, does that mean everyone will see me again?’
‘No, I’ll just film the rooms and not have either of us in it. I’ll comment as I walk around. That kind of thing.’
‘Fair enough because I’d rather not appear online in my birthday suit. My new employers won’t appreciate that.’ Finlay returned inside and pulled the French doors shut. He headed back into the bedroom and Genevieve followed. ‘Here’s the champagne. And these look nice.’ He picked up a neat little box of what appeared to be handmade chocolates. ‘Want one?’
‘Let me get a photo before you open it.’
‘Ok.’ He replaced it and moved to the dressing table, where a white basket was filled with bottles and toiletries.
Genevieve took some photos of the champagne and chocolates then hit record. ‘Guess where I am?’
Finlay turned, but she put her finger to her lips and filmed the room, then panned around to the champagne bucket, deliberately going the opposite way to where he was looking through the basket.
‘Oh good god,’ he muttered.
Genevieve hit stop – thankfully it wasn’t live. ‘What is it?’
‘There’s a packet of condoms in here. What is that woman like? I think I should check the room for hidden cameras. Maybe she’s set it up as her own little peep show.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. She’s sweet.’
‘If you say so.’ He pulled out the mirror on the wall and checked behind it.
‘Finlay, what the…?’
‘Have you never seen the film Sliver?’
‘Um… no.’
‘Well, if you watch it, you’ll understand.’
‘Look, even if she had installed hidden cameras, or whatever it is you’re looking for, it’s not like we’ll be putting on a show for her, is it?’
‘Obviously, but what if that show is what she wants in return for handing cash over to your dad and my rugby club? She might be suspicious if we don’t, you know…’
Genevieve sat on the end of the bed and smirked. ‘Finlay, you’re a funny guy. You really are. But do you really believe that?’
‘I’m not sure I believe anything that’s happened to me in the last few weeks. My normal life seems to have left the building and some other bizarre existence has taken over.’ He leaned over and toyed with the champagne bottle. ‘Shall we crack this open?’
‘Do you think that’s a good idea this early? The last time we did that… well, you know what happened. Why don’t you go and try the hot tub or something and let me get a film in here before you eat the chocolates and drink the champagne?’
‘Yes, we better take care. Because after I’ve sampled the food and drink, I might be tempted to try the heather body wash and the bluebell candle before I get testing the vegan, natural-feel, pleasure condoms.’
Genevieve held her hand over her mouth to cover her laugh. Honestly, it would only encourage him. He was so full of nonsense, but in an endearing way. Most of the guys she’d dated before were so much more serious. She’d never have felt comfortable asking them to do anything like this. Even James. Which reminded her she still hadn’t heard what the big deal was with him. She hadn’t reached him when she’d called and was still waiting for a call back. Maybe it hadn’t been business at all. Had he been trying to get back together but since he’d heard about her engagement backed off?
With a sheepish look, Finlay held up his hand. ‘I’ll go play quietly in the bathroom while you get your footage.’
‘Thanks.’
She got out her phone and made some films, talking through where she was and gushing about it. With Finlay out of the way, she chanced going live; it was quicker than uploading later. When she’d done the bedroom, she glanced into the bathroom. He was standing on the balcony, looking out at the dreary weather.
She snuck up behind him and tapped his shoulder.
He jumped. ‘Want to give me a heart attack? I thought it was Flora sneaking in to find out why we’re not tangled in the sheets.’
‘Well, I am a tantric temptress after all.’
‘So you keep telling me. It’s about time you produced the evidence.’
‘You wish.’ Or more like she did – and wished that he wished. ‘Would you mind stepping back into the bedroom and I’ll do a quick film in here?’
‘Sure.’ He saluted her and headed back inside. Genevieve went around the bathroom waxing lyrical about the place and trying not to let go of the thought of how this would feel if it was real. Stripping off and jumping into the bath, the hot tub, and the bed with Finlay really would be top priority then. As it was, they were going to spend the afternoon with her faffing about on social media and him doing whatever he’d brought with him to do. Hardly the romantic retreat she’d have if she could.