Chapter 1 #2
‘Jed will be so happy to see you,’ Effie gushed delightedly pulling away so she could study Mairi’s face, which she kept blank because she knew Jed was going to be the opposite of happy.
‘I know you’ve been busy writing all of your wonderful books, but it’s been too long since you visited.
’ Jed’s aunt had always been so proud of Mairi’s career as a romance author and had been one of her biggest cheerleaders.
Effie cocked her head, her dark grey eyes intense.
‘When I think about it, you haven’t visited for almost a year.
’ She shook her head looking mournful. ‘I’ve missed you.
’ By her feet Bear barked his agreement.
‘I’ve missed you too,’ Mairi rasped, stroking the dog and feeling another sharp stab of guilt.
Effie had issued an open invitation to Mairi and her brother Quinn to stay at the lodge after their parents had died in a car accident when Mairi was barely fifteen. Before that awful day, they’d regularly visited as a family and had formed a special bond with the older woman.
Since then, Mairi had made a point of coming every Christmas and summer and often helped out. This place had felt like home. But she hadn’t been since January. She’d been too heart-broken and nervous about seeing Jed.
‘It has been busy, with lots of deadlines,’ Mairi said. Which was true, but she’d never let that stop her from coming before.
‘Why are you here now?’ Effie asked just as the phone at reception began to ring and the older woman grimaced.
‘Sorry, I need to get that,’ she said. ‘It’s not the first time someone’s called this morning; I never seem to get to the phone fast enough and I’ve no idea how to use the answerphone.
If we even have one anymore.’ The phone stopped.
‘Where’s Rhona?’ Mairi asked, glancing around. The remarkable housekeeper was usually buzzing around the place, cleaning up or manning the reception area of the lodge. She was a whirlwind who always knew exactly what was going on.
‘Flu bug.’ Effie grimaced. ‘Poor lass has been knocked off her feet for over two weeks, and it’s been impossible to get anyone else to help.
It’s the wrong time of year, apparently.
’ She wafted a hand. ‘Everyone’s already been hired for the festive season.
’ The edges of her eyes crinkled which made her look even more tired.
‘I’m on my own at the moment aside from our new hire, Douglas Wilson.
He’s wonderful.’ Her expression turned dreamy.
‘But the man’s inclined to lose focus.’ She pointed to the discarded vacuum cleaner, spray bottles and sheets.
‘I was trying to find those earlier. He told me he’d hoover the ground floor but then he started worrying about the heating system.
He’s trying to—’ She made air quotes with her fingers.
‘“Optimise” it now.’ Her mouth pinched, although there was a brightness in her eyes.
‘He used to be an engineer. Worked for Rolls Royce. Since he retired, he’s spent a lot of time fixing things.
’ The words were delivered with an air of awe that told Mairi the older woman was impressed.
Effie glanced towards the reception desk when the phone started ringing again.
‘I’d better get that. I’ve heard on the village grapevine that a mystery guest is due to visit one of the lodges in the area.
I’m hoping they’re not going to come here.
’ She shuddered. ‘I know the woman who’s coming has a reputation for being critical.
One hotel she reviewed last year lost business after she stayed.
’ She headed across the room and was almost there when the phone fell silent.
‘Oh dear!’ Effie exclaimed. ‘If that was her, I can only imagine what she’d write.’ She sounded exhausted and suddenly Mairi wanted to wrap her in a hug. ‘You were going to tell me why you’re here?’ The older woman turned back, her headgear sparkling.
‘I was thinking of booking in,’ Mairi blurted, making a snap decision.
She had been intending to arrive and speak to Jed, then she’d been expecting to leave just as swiftly, but…
‘If I’m staying, maybe I could help out until Rhona is well again?
’ The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.
But she could hardly leave Effie floundering.
The older woman’s eyebrows kissed and her face brightened. ‘But what about your writing – aren’t you working on a book, hennie?’ The familiar nickname rolled off the older woman’s tongue again, making Mairi’s insides ache.
How had she managed to stay away from Jed’s wonderful aunt for so many months?
‘I can write anywhere,’ Mairi admitted. She’d have to. She was very behind on her deadline so had no choice. ‘I brought a suitcase with my laptop and some clothes just in case I decided to stop. If you need me to help out, I’m happy to stay for a few days.’
She didn’t add that she hadn’t intended to remain anywhere in the vicinity of the Cairngorm Mountains. Being around Jed was going to hurt too much. She’d only packed a suitcase so she could take a few days out on her own to write somewhere quiet after they’d spoken.
She knew she was going to be upset and would need time to put herself back together before facing the real world again. But it was clear from Jed’s behaviour on the mountain that he didn’t want to see or speak to her at all.
At least this way, she could help Effie with Holly Berry Lodge – and while she was doing that, Jed wouldn’t be able to avoid her for long…