Chapter Sixty-Four
Iris had been pacing around the house for the past two days, anxiously waiting for the post to arrive.
She knew it was silly and that she should try and occupy her mind with other stuff.
But it was all that she could think about.
Even the parrots had picked up on her mood and were a bit jittery and chatting nineteen to the dozen.
Scrumpy kept asking if she was okay and for some reason, Sidney had decided to blurt out, ‘Brodie is scorching hot,’ on repeat.
That hadn’t landed at all well with Flora, who kept scrunching up her face every time his name was mentioned.
So many thoughts were running through Iris’s head. What her sister was called, what kind of life she had had, where she lived now, did she have family? Iris wanted to know everything about her although she had to remind herself that it would take time.
This morning she had completed her Wordle in record time, cleaned out the fridge and was now tidying up the coffee table in the conservatory. Flora walked into the kitchen.
‘Twinkle,’ said Sidney.
‘Cup of tea.’ Scrumpy started preening his feathers.
‘How’s your morning been, dearie?’
Flora furrowed her brows as she twisted her hair up into a ponytail. ‘Okay . . . I’ve just been playing about with some materials and trying to remind myself of the kilt course. It’s amazing what has come back to me. But I forgot how fiddly it can be.’
Iris looked at her, amusement dancing in her eyes. ‘You didn’t think it was going to be something that you would do quickly, did you?’
She shook her head but her face was alive with enthusiasm. ‘Nope. But I did forget how time consuming it is. It’s quite the craft.’
‘Indeed. There’s a lot of work involved.
I remember my gran saying that people were always asking her if she could make one for their son or brother as a favour.
I don’t think they realised how many hours went into each one.
She didn’t like to say no to folk but she had to as it was so time consuming.
They seemed to think she could just rustle one up overnight. ’
Flora smiled. ‘I will persevere. It’s definitely something I’d like to be able to do well, especially as there’s a family connection.
Even if it was a bespoke thing that I did on commission.
You know me, I do like a challenge. The people at The Kiltmakery where I did the course said I’m welcome to go back for some support any time. Maybe I will.’
Iris hesitated to question Flora further as she didn’t want her to think she was pressurising her into talking to her about something that she wasn’t ready to share.
But she was intrigued to know more, especially as Flora hadn’t mentioned having applied for any more jobs.
In fact, this talk of going to Edinburgh for some kilt making support was the only time she’d mentioned a potential return to the city.
She decided to take the gentle approach.
‘Sounds like you’ve got lots of ideas then for developing your own business? ’
Flora nodded. ‘Yes, I mean there’s plenty of alterations work and I loved all the prep for the makers market. But I want to push myself and do something different, too.’
Iris tilted her head. ‘You always did push yourself, Flora, and persevere. It’s something I have always admired about you.’ She paused. ‘And you know you are welcome to stay here for as long as you want, dear. Forever, if you would like.’
‘Thanks, Gran. I appreciate it. Especially as I don’t need to worry about my flat for the moment. Nita got in touch the other day to say that the tenant is keen to extend it for another two months at least.’
‘That’s wonderful news! What do you think?’
Flora smiled. ‘As long as you’re happy for me to stay on, Gran, then I would love to.’
‘And mi casa es su casa, dearie. You are very welcome to invite your friends to come and stay.’
‘Thanks, Gran. Hopefully Nita will come and see us before too long.’
Iris was delighted that Flora was staying on, knowing she would miss her terribly if she returned to the city.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained! She was about to take the leap and ask about Brodie when she heard the gentle rattle of the letterbox and the soft thud of mail on the mat.
Running through to the hallway she snatched up the pile and quickly sifted through it.
Amongst the flyers about different bin collection days and the Postcode Lottery was an envelope.
She sank down on the bottom stair and gingerly opened it up.
Inside was a covering letter along with another smaller envelope which said Iris on the front.
Flora came through to check on her. ‘Has it arrived?’
She looked up and nodded. ‘It’s from her. It’s from my sister.’
Flora squeezed her shoulder. ‘I’m in the kitchen if you need me.’
Iris nodded and sat for a few moments before pulling out three sheets of paper. She began to read the handwritten note.
Dear Iris,
It feels so strange to be writing this letter after all these years. It was only recently that I discovered that I had a sister. I was away on holiday up north and came home to the news that you had been in touch.
I have to say it came as a shock! Though please don’t worry, a very lovely one.
You see, I didn’t try to trace my birth mother until twenty years ago.
I was devastated to learn that she had passed and I had left it too late.
I spent many years regretting that but have come to terms with it now.
I had a wonderful upbringing with my adoptive parents and never felt the need to try and trace her until my own parents died.
That’s when I became curious to find out more about my past. I left my details on the register in the hope that one day another family member would get in touch.
I had all but given up hope until the news came to me about you.
I hope that we can get to know each other, Iris. I don’t want to overwhelm you with this first letter, so I will just tell you a bit about myself to start with.
I was adopted by a lovely couple, Jim and Mhairi, and they named me Iona after the island which is where they spent their honeymoon!
I was brought up in Glasgow (where I still live) and had a lovely childhood.
I was an only child, my parents were unable to have their own children, and I felt very adored.
I became a seamstress and worked for a wedding dress company in town.
I married my husband, Giles, and we had a very happy life together until he died eight years ago.
I have two children — Fred who lives in Australia and Arthur who lives in London.
I am a devoted granny to two granddaughters and one great granddaughter.
Despite the distance, I have managed to see them regularly over the years.
I would love to know more about you and your life, too. But there is no pressure at all from me. Please just get in touch when you’re comfortable and you’re ready.
With warmest wishes,
Iona
Iris read the letter again and again, at first dabbing away tears and then she began to smile.
She traced her hand over Iona’s neat handwriting, before tucking the letter back into the envelope.
She needed to tell Flora; she would want to know all about Iona.
But first there was something she had to do.
Iris ran upstairs and sat down at her dressing table with her pad of writing paper in front of her. She reached for a pen.