Chapter 7
L ydia trailed Denny , Maureen, and Amanda into the beautiful hotel. She couldn’t help but gawk. She had never seen such splendor. Ahead a fire crackled in an enormous hearth as tall as she was, not that she was all that tall. Off to the left, an older woman stood behind a counter with a young man, welcoming new arrivals. While Maureen checked them in using a credit card, Lydia admired the many works of art and the furniture upholstered with what must be nothing but the finest brocade cloth. Not like what she’d seen in Amish homes or fabric stores back in Lancaster County.
A hotel employee, a middle-aged woman, clad in a velveteen vest and a plaid kilt, offered them refreshments while Alec brought in the luggage. Lydia had noticed that his gaze had lingered on her, but she had paid him little attention. Something about his demeanor made her nervous. Her father had always told her to beware of men. She reminded herself she was wearing skinny jeans. What did she expect when she was flaunting her body like a... She couldn’t even say the word. Her parents would be outraged. She was glad they couldn’t see her.
Feeling lightheaded, she sank down onto a high-back chair and appreciated the cushy surface that was so unlike the wooden benches she perched upon at church. No more wooden chairs for a whole week. Or maybe forever as far as she was concerned.
“Welcome to the MacDonald Hotel.” A woman wearing a plaid kilt and carrying a tray smiled at her. “Care for a drink of bubbly?”
“ Yah —okay.” Lydia accepted a fluted glass. She knew this was champagne, an alcoholic drink her parents would not approve of, but she took a sip anyway. The bubbles went right to her head, which was already spinning from drowsiness. Not that she hadn’t drunk alcoholic beverages before, even though she realized she was sinning. It wasn’t her first and worst sin. But she did not wish to admit it in front of the congregation. The thought of living a blameless life was too much of a burden. With a minister for a father, she would never be free.
She placed her glass on a table then dropped her other hand over the side of the chair and felt something cool on her fingertips. Startled, she sat up straight and peered over the side. A scruffy little dog that reminded her of a neighbor’s pup back in Lancaster County smiled up at her.
“Piper is that you?” she asked, and the dog let out a demure yap.
“No barking,” said one of the waitresses in a firm voice. “Sorry, miss,” she said to Lydia.
“Not a problem. I love dogs.” Lydia scratched the dog’s furry head. “She reminds me of my neighbor’s cairn terrier, Piper, only lighter in color. And this one seems quite a bit broader around the middle.”
“She’s soon to whelp her pups.” The waitress, also donning a tartan kilt, smoothed her hand over the dog’s extended abdomen. “Any day now according to the veterinarian.”
“What’s her name?”
“Princess. Because most of the time she acts like one. But she’s not allowed in the dining area. Our patrons wouldn’t like it. Nor would the health inspector.” The waitress extracted a treat from a pocket and bent over. Princess sprang to life with ears pricked and tail wagging. “Come along with me, naughty girl, you know you’re not allowed out here.”
Lydia wished there were a way to bring one of the puppies home with her. Not that she really had a home anymore. She felt the weight of loneliness she’d experienced much of her life, even when surrounded by her parents and her extended family— Mam and Dat , siblings, cousins, and grandparents.
“Cairn terriers were originally from this island.” The waitress sounded proud. “They were bred to root out vermin from what we call cairns—heaps of stones.”
“Really?” Lydia wondered if the young woman was pulling her leg.
“Who’s this little cutie?” Denny spoke over the waitress’s shoulder. Princess turned her full attention to Denny, who extended her hand. Princess licked her fingers and wagged her tail as if they were old friends.
“Her name is Princess, and she’s having puppies any day now.” Lydia couldn’t contain her excitement.
“Maybe in the wee hours of the night tonight according to the veterinarian.” The waitress turned to Denny. “She obviously likes you,” she said.
“I adore dogs.” Denny scratched Princess behind her ears.
“Maybe you should bring a puppy home with you,” Lydia said, thinking of herself.
“I imagine the pups will be the cutest ever.” Denny rubbed her chin. “But I wouldn’t be able to give it the attention it deserves.” Her voice didn’t sound convincing, but Lydia was too shy to speak up, to say that she wanted a puppy for herself.
And maybe a man like Alec. If she stayed here in Scotland, perhaps she could have both.