CHAPTER SIX
Rory saw Skye and Ailsa hurrying out of the tea shop giggling and laughing. He’d parked his white van outside the cake shop ready to go in to discuss the extension work with Innis. But intrigued, he went into the tea shop first.
‘What’s going on with Skye and Ailsa?’ Rory thumbed behind him as he strode up to Lyle at the counter.
Lyle was refilling his scone display and still in a playful mood. ‘There’s a poster of you up in the post office. People think you do strip dancing for parties and want to book you for Christmas.’
Rory gasped. ‘Is this because I took my shirt off at the knitting bee last night?’
Lyle nodded, pressing his lips together to stifle his laughter.
Rory ran an anxious hand through the front of his thick blond hair. ‘There’s no way I’m dancing for folk at parties and taking my duds off. I’m going to take that poster down!’ Rory rushed for the door.
‘I was just kidding,’ Lyle shouted after him.
Rory skidded to a halt and spun around, glaring at Lyle. His pale blue eyes lit up with fire. ‘Why you cheeky—’
Two customers came in, unaware of what was happening. The ladies headed for the cake display to select cream doughnuts and chocolate eclairs.
Curtailed by the customers, Rory shook his head at Lyle. ‘I’ll get you back for that.’
Knowing they regularly wound each other up, Lyle wasn’t concerned that his cousin’s payback would be anything other than a playful gibe.
Skye and Ailsa had stopped near the vintage dress shop to chatter before going their separate ways.
Innis carefully placed a white and pale pink iced cake decorated with pink fondant flowers on a stand in the window display. He peered through the glow of the fairy lights at Skye chatting happily. There she was again, tugging at his heartstrings, pulling him in directions he wasn’t sure he should go.
‘I’ve scribbled some roughs for your shop’s extension,’ Rory’s voice cut–in to Innis’ thoughts.
Innis stepped back from the window and gave Rory his full attention.
Rory pointed to his notepad, showing a pencil sketch of a proposed extension to the back of the cake shop. ‘This would give you room for about ten tables for customers to sit down to enjoy tea and cake.’
‘That’s exactly what I’m looking for. A part of the cake shop where customers can have morning and afternoon tea. I don’t plan to be open in the evenings as I’m busy with the castle functions and my chocolatier work.’
‘I’ve built extensions to quite a few shops in the main street, including Lyle’s tea shop as you know. It’s upstairs but the overall size is similar. But with your extension being in the garden, I could build it like a glass conservatory, making it light and airy. You could hang blinds on the windows to match your pink and yellow colour scheme, and pretty up your garden.’
‘These are all great suggestions.’ Innis sounded enthusiastic.
‘You don’t need a lot of fuss and fanciness. A lovely glass and light wood extension would do the business. Think it over.’
‘I’m going to say yes. Start measuring it up. This is far better than I’d hoped for.’
Rory pulled out his tape measure from the pocket of his jeans. ‘I’ll measure it up and then give you an estimate of the cost. We’ll take it from there. I’d suggest we don’t start right in the middle of Christmastime. But I could make a start on it early in the New Year once the snow’s gone. It won’t take long to construct, and there will be minimal disruption to your cake shop. You won’t have to close. I’ll tackle the tricky and messy stuff before and after closing, and work away on the structuring during the day. I’ll have it done in jig time, especially as Murdo’s helping me.’
‘Ideal.’ Innis extended his hand to Rory. They shook hands.
‘Right, I’ll size up the garden.’ Rory strode out the back door seeming to know exactly how to tackle the work.
Innis left him to it and went through to tell Rosabel and Primrose. He waited a moment while they finished serving customers and then confided his plans.
‘We surmised as much when we saw Rory here,’ Primrose said, smiling at him. ‘It would be nice to have a wee tearoom area where folk could enjoy a cuppa and cake.’
‘With silver cake stands, and pink and yellow linen napkins and accessories,’ Rosabel added. ‘We’d be happy to serve it up. You wouldn’t need extra staff unless it got awfy busy.’
‘Between the three of us, I think we can manage,’ Innis agreed.
‘When do you plan to open it?’ said Primrose.
‘Rory says he’ll make a start in the New Year after the snow has melted.’
‘How exciting. I can picture it...all fancy cakes and chocolates and pretty pots of tea.’
Finlay and Ean sat with Nairne discussing the menu for the ball. Murdo had collected Lyle’s book and Nairne flicked through it, reading Lyle’s notes as he did so.
‘This is a handy reference for the buffet,’ said Nairne. ‘We’re used to catering for large functions, but it’s always good to get some fresh ideas. Lyle has highlighted a few aspects that we could use.’
Finlay and Ean leaned forward as Nairne read out the details of everything from miniature quiche with cherry tomatoes to gingerbread cupcakes swirled with buttercream and decorated with fondant snowflakes.
‘A lot of these are ideal for the finger buffet,’ Finlay observed. ‘And we’ll have staff on hand to serve other items to the guests.’
‘We’ll include the hotplates with all the popular vegetables — roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, traditional items. Then the roasts and salmon dishes,’ Nairne added.
Happily chatting about the buffet menu, they continued until almost lunchtime when Finlay took a call from Merrilees.
She was at stargazer cottage working on her novel. ‘Ed just phoned.’ Ed, Edward, was her editor at the newspaper. ‘He’s read the editorial for the advertising feature and is running it in the entertainments section of tomorrow’s paper, so it’ll go to press tonight. He wants a photo to go with it. I’d suggest one from a recent party event at the castle. You have those on your website. I’ve messaged you with a picture I think would suit the feature.’
Finlay checked his phone. ‘Yes, go with that. Great choice.’
‘I’ll send it to him right now.’
‘Thanks, Merrilees,’ said Finlay. ‘We’re planning the buffet menu.’
‘I mentioned that ice cream delights were on the menu at the ball, along with delicious traditional recipes and Innis’ chocolatier specialities.’
‘That covers everything we need for now,’ Innis confirmed.
‘Okay, I’ll get the pic to Ed so he can give the feature to the sub to do the layout for tonight’s issue.’
‘Are you coming up for dinner to the castle this evening?’ Finlay said to her.
‘Yes, see you around seven.’
Finlay put his phone away with a smile in his heart, looking forward to having dinner with Merrilees.
Stargazer cottage was cosy, but Merrilees had been writing since breakfast early in the morning, so after sending the photo to Ed, she put her warm jacket on and went out for a walk and a breath of fresh air.
The wind had a real bite to it, colder than the previous day, and above her the light grey clouds seemed to have a tinge of pink in their depths. She breathed in the sea air that rose up from the coast, but today it was challenged by the onslaught of gusts from inland that blew over from thistle loch. Was there a storm brewing? A thunderstorm perhaps?
Not venturing far from the cottage in case of a downpour, she walked through the long grass and hardy wild flowers that refused to give up the battle against the winter.
The long stems of the sea rocket plants and thistles bent with the wind and then bobbed back up defiant to full height. Like them, Merrilees marched on, filling her lungs with fresh air, hoping it would revive her senses and clear her head so she could continue writing like blazes when she got back to the cottage.
Dinner with Finlay was something to look forward to. It had crossed her mind to cook for the two of them and invite him over for dinner. She didn’t do this often enough, but the offer of dinner at the castle suited her work schedule today as she could write until it was time to head there in the evening.
Working to deadlines at the newspaper had trained her to work fast and efficiently. A benefit when it came to writing her novel. She’d almost finished it. She just needed quiet time to create the romantic ending she needed to then send it to her publisher. A romantic ending is what she wished for with Finlay, and in her heart she sensed this would happen. But not yet, not in the midst of the hectic festive season.
A gust of wind almost blew her off her feet and she decided she’d had enough fresh air for now and walked briskly back home.
The welcoming warmth of the cottage soothed her senses, and after making a cup of tea, she settled down again beside the log fire with her laptop to type the day away.
Skye sat at her pink sewing machine in the vintage dress shop creating a full organza skirt to add to one of the evening dresses that had arrived earlier. She’d matched the colour of the pale cream organza that had flecks of gold to the oyster satin fabric.
‘That looks lovely,’ Holly commented, peering over at it.
‘I’m fitting it to the bodice. The organza is quite firm so it’ll sit out nicely over the dress.’
While Skye worked on the dress, Holly checked the online orders.
‘Good news!’ said Holly. ‘We’ve had a message from our suppliers. They’ve posted half of the ball gowns to us and they’ll arrive tomorrow.’
‘Wonderful.’
‘They’re busy packing the other ball gowns and they’re due the day after,’ Holly explained.
‘Perfect. It’ll give us time to sort through the first lot.’
‘Should I order in more organza, chiffon and tulle?’ Holly looked at the list of ball gowns that were due to arrive, and took into account the evening dresses they’d received.
‘Yes. Buy white, light cream, and the main pastel shades, especially if they’re shot through with sparkle or metallic threads.’
Holly looked up a previous order. ‘This is what we ordered a few months ago. We liked the quality of the fabric and the cost is very reasonable. They’ve even got a sale on.’
‘Snap it up. We are going to need it.’ Skye sounded sure and determined. ‘Merrilees wants a ball gown. Obviously so do we, and Ailsa. But you know that others from the knitting bee will want one too, including Elspeth, Morven, Rowen, Rosabel and Primrose.’ Skye smiled. ‘I think we’re going to be up to our tiaras in ball gown fashion and frou–frou.’
Holly laughed. ‘You’re slowly disappearing under all that organza.’
Skye grinned. ‘Give me a hand will you so I can feed this part of the hem through the machine.’
Holly held the ends of the organza up while Skye stitched it.
‘You’re a whiz with that sewing machine,’ Holly told her.
Skye laughed. ‘Hold on tight, I’m coming to a tricky bit...okay, done!’ She snipped the ends of the threads and secured them. Then she held the dress up.
‘It’s glittering under the lights.’
‘I’m going to try it on and see how it looks.’ Skye took the dress over to the changing room.
‘I’ll order more rolls of wired ribbon,’ Holly called through to her. ‘They’ve got sheer gold organza ribbon with glitter, and in silver...and pink!’
‘Buy those,’ said Skye. ‘And any sparkling wired or stiff ribbon that would sit up beautifully on shoulder bows.’
Holly clicked the ribbon order, adding velvet ribbon too, something they used a lot of especially when mending pre–loved dresses. The ribbon was handy for hiding slight wear and tear and strengthening the mending. Many of the tea dresses they sold were repaired with ribbon and embroidery such as flowers.
They’d sold all the vintage dresses they’d shown at the fashion show, including the tartan taffeta ball gown.
Now with the festive season upon them, they’d ordered in evening dresses for the Christmas Eve dinner dance at the castle. But ball gowns would soon become popular at their shop.
Skye stepped out of the changing room. ‘What do you think?’
‘It’s gorgeous.’
‘It feels wonderful.’ Skye viewed herself in the mirror. ‘But I’m still holding out for the pink ball gown.’ She went back in and got changed out of the dress and hung it up on a rail. ‘One done, lots more to do.’
Holly checked the time. ‘It’s well after lunch. We’re firing up on a scone and jam and cups of tea. Want to have those cheese and salad rolls you bought?’
‘I could do with something tasty to eat, and a cuppa.’ Skye went through to the kitchen at the back of the shop, put the kettle on and set the plates up.
Skye made the tea while Holly finished the orders, and then they sat at the kitchen table having a late lunch.
‘Do you think Innis will invite you to the ball?’ said Holly.
Skye shrugged. ‘I don’t know.’ She had no idea.
Pinned up on the wall was a leaflet showing all the local activities that were part of the small town’s Christmas celebrations.
Holly referenced the first item on the list. ‘Are we going to the carol singing event tonight? Ailsa says people gather around the town’s Christmas tree and sing, drink hot chocolate, toast marshmallows. As this is our first Christmas here owning the shop, it would be fun to go.’
‘Hot chocolate, marshmallows and festive fun...yes, let’s go.’ Skye sipped her tea and eyed the other activities on the list. ‘The Christmas market starts tomorrow and goes on for a couple of days. That sounds like fun too.’
‘Ailsa has a stall and so does Rowen selling her yarn.’
‘Do we need to take part?’
‘No, it’s mainly for local crafters or craft shops like Ailsa’s shop. And the farmers sell their produce,’ Holly explained. She checked the times. ‘It’s on from mid–morning until early evening.’
There was a picture of the previous year’s Christmas market with all the stalls lit up at night.
‘It looks so pretty. We should go in the evening,’ said Skye, sounding enthusiastic. ‘I love Christmas markets.’ She’d only ever been to them in the cities, but she pictured they’d be similar and the town had plenty of crafters.
Working their way down the list, including events at the local restaurants and bars, including Brodrick’s cafe bar Christmas nights, they saw that Lyle had a traditional festive tea offering Christmas cake, his special Yule log, scones and sandwiches one evening at his tea shop.
‘We should go to Lyle’s tea shop for that,’ Holly insisted. ‘An alternative to dinner.’
‘A delicious alternative,’ Skye agreed. ‘Do we need to book a table?’
‘It doesn’t say. I’ll check his website.’ Holly looked up the events on the tea shop website and read what it said. ‘Bookings are advised as it’s a popular evening.’
‘Book a table for us.’
‘Done,’ Holly confirmed, and put her phone down to continue eating her sandwich. ‘I hope Lyle has sandwiches as tasty as this one.’
Skye nodded, tucking into hers.
Giggling, they continued to plan their festive fun.
‘I’ve never heard of this one.’ Holly pointed to a lantern night at the forget–me–not waterfall.
‘What do we have to do?’
‘It doesn’t say. Everyone except us will know so it’ll be easy to find out,’ said Holly. ‘But I’m guessing it’s bring a lantern to the waterfall and enjoy it all lit up.’
‘Do you think we’ll need our swimsuits?’
Holly’s green eyes looked directly at Skye. ‘Winter. Freezing. Ice cold water. I don’t think so.’
‘Maybe it’s some sort of double dare challenge,’ Skye said lightly. ‘Skimpy dipping by moonlight.’
Holly laughed. ‘Is that the demure version of skinny dipping?’
‘It’s my version.’ Then she had second thoughts. ‘But it would be freezing. Perhaps I’ll just dangle a lantern and watch others brave it out.’
‘It sounds nice though whatever it is. The waterfall is magical lit with those solar lights. Picture it if everyone has brought a lantern.’
‘I love lanterns.’ Skye recalled the little night light that she used to have by her bedside that she lit on stormy nights. ‘But we don’t have any.’
‘Christmas market,’ Holly said, looking like it was bound to have lanterns on sale.
‘Okay, so we’re going on the lantern night at the waterfall. What else is there?’
‘Sledding near thistle loch.’
Their faces lit up with joyous mischief.
‘Oh yes, we’re doing that,’ Skye sounded excited. ‘It’s just before the fairytale ball on Christmas Eve, so it’ll have been snowing by then. The hills and countryside around the loch will be covered in snow.’
Delighted with the line–up of festive fun, they finished their lunch and then continued working on the dresses, repairing some and making others into gowns fit for the ball.
Finlay needed to update the castle’s website. He phoned Innis at the cake shop. It was common practice for Finlay, Ean and Innis to all agree on important aspects when it came to the running of the castle.
‘Ean and I have put together an update for the festive events at the castle,’ Finlay explained. ‘Enquires for the ball have been coming in already. We thought we could list it as we would the Christmas Eve dinner dance, but name it the Fairytale Ball. Add some of the editorial that Merrilees wrote for the newspaper, mentioning the lavish buffet and ballroom size function room. Dress to impress. That sort of thing. What do you think?’
‘That sounds ideal. We’ve had customers coming into the cake shop asking about the ball too, so the sooner we list it the better,’ said Innis. ‘Rosabel and Primrose have been fending off the enquires to let me get on with my baking.’
‘Merrilees says the feature will be in tomorrow’s newspaper. I could update the information on our website this afternoon.’
‘Do it.’
After finishing the call, Innis put the large Christmas cake he’d made in the window display. He’d decorated it with white icing, added sprigs of fondant holly and berries, and tied a red bow around the edges.
As he placed it in the window, he looked out and saw Holly heading to the post office with the day’s orders. The parcels contained various vintage dresses including tea dresses and long sleeve wrap dresses that were proving popular for the winter.
Grabbing the opportunity to talk to Skye on her own, Innis hurried out, casting a comment to Rosabel and Primrose over his shoulder. ‘I won’t be long.’
Packing strawberry and vanilla butterfly cakes for customers, Rosabel and Primrose nudged each other as they stood behind the counter and shared a knowing smile.