Chapter 23
23
IVY
Ivy followed Ross’s Land Rover as he drove through the gates of Hawthorn Castle and she wondered how nervous he felt. Would this visit bring back a lot of unhappy memories for him, or would he immediately feel like he belonged?
For a moment she wished she’d travelled in the car beside him for moral support – but had guessed Miriam would insist she stayed on at the castle after the meeting. Especially since she’d fulfilled her task. So she’d packed her bags and reluctantly moved out of Snowman Chalet in case she was right. Ivy had promised Bonnibell she’d visit again soon, but knew when she got the job in London, it was unlikely she’d return for a while. The thought made her gloomy.
Sunlight hit the pointy turrets and white stone walls as Ivy drove closer, illuminating the castle and making everything shimmer. But despite the beauty, her stomach clenched. Trying to soothe her growing anxiety, Ivy focused on the dense clusters of balsam firs that flanked the gorgeous building, wondering how she hadn’t noticed them before today. Why was it that suddenly everywhere she looked, she saw delicate shrubs and towering trees, as if it was her – and not Grizzle – who could see properly for the first time in almost a year…
Ivy’s stomach turned over as she pulled up beside Ross’s car as he parked. He hadn’t brought Snowball or Moose today because he’d wanted to focus on his conversation with Miriam, and as she opened her Mini door Ivy realised it felt wrong without them.
‘Home sweet home,’ Ross murmured, looking unhappy as she joined him.
‘Are you alright?’ she whispered, pressing her hands into the pockets of the flimsy green coat she’d decided would be more suited to Hawthorn Castle than her beloved pink snowsuit. She shivered a little as the wind began to whip around them.
‘I don’t know how I feel,’ Ross said gruffly, still staring ahead.
‘Shall we go inside so we can find out?’ she asked, hoping Ross would find what he was looking for there. ‘Where’s Simon meeting us?’
‘I’ve no idea.’ Ross shook his head. ‘It never occurred to me to ask.’
Ivy pulled her mobile from her pocket. ‘Shall I text him?’
‘Aye,’ Ross said, just as a yellow Jeep skidded into the car park and stopped beside them.
‘You’re here already,’ Simon said, sounding pleased as he climbed out and tentatively patted Ross on the back before grinning at Ivy. ‘I wasn’t sure if you’d both make it.’ He nudged his brother. ‘I’m glad you didn’t change your mind.’
‘I said I’d come – and Ivy was happy to join us.’ Ross sounded nervous.
‘Aye.’ Simon looked relieved. ‘I’m sorry – I have to get used to you being around again. I can hardly believe it.’ He glanced at the castle. ‘It’s been a long time, but the place feels complete with you here.’ Simon sucked in a breath. ‘Shall we go in?’ He started to walk and then stopped suddenly, frowning. ‘Does Miriam know we’re coming?’
‘I messaged her last night and told her Ross was visiting, but I didn’t mention you,’ Ivy admitted. ‘I wasn’t sure if you wanted it to be a surprise…’
Delivering Simon to the castle alongside Ross hadn’t been part of their deal. And, she’d wanted Miriam to focus on her youngest grandson for a change, to give Ross the attention he deserved. She wondered if the brothers coming together was a mistake.
‘That’s good.’ Simon smiled and opened the massive oak front door, pushing it wide and waiting for them to walk in ahead. The hallway was somewhere between frigid and freezing and the temperature made Ivy shiver more.
Despite the multiple Christmas decorations and lush vegetation that had been hung along the walls and staircase, the atmosphere wasn’t welcoming. Ivy wondered how a young grieving boy would have coped living here and her insides churned.
‘I expect Miriam will be waiting in her office.’ Ivy headed past the staircase, wondering why her stomach was in so many knots. This was what the older woman wanted, and Ross seemed happy to be here – but there was an odd tingling growing at the back of her spine, a sense that something wasn’t right.
‘Life has a way of delivering the unexpected – try to embrace it.’
Today’s motivational quote swam into Ivy’s mind as she knocked on Miriam’s door and she tried to dismiss it. Then her whole body tensed when the older woman boomed, ‘Come in!’
Miriam got up from her chair as they entered and smiled her tiger’s smile, her eyes glittering. She’d dressed up in one of her rigid red suits and wore matching lipstick – an ensemble Ivy knew she used to intimidate guests. The outfit immediately put Ivy on alert. Surely if she wanted to welcome her youngest grandson, she’d have gone for something less…aggressive?
Why wasn’t Miriam hugging Ross? Instead, she stood behind the desk, her body taut as her eyes swept over Ivy and skimmed over Ross as if she couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge him. Ivy saw her lips thin, and then her gaze landed on Simon and she gave him a wide, genuine smile.
‘Both of my grandsons are here,’ she said, sounding satisfied. ‘Ivy Heart, you’ve more than delivered on your task.’
‘Hello, Grandmother,’ Ross said, his voice gruff. Ivy could tell from his tone that he was uncomfortable, and Ivy’s insides ached.
‘It’s been a long time.’ Miriam nodded, then her gaze slid back to Simon as she sat. Both men stepped forwards and Simon got three chairs from the edges of the room so they could sit too. ‘I trust you’re well?’ Miriam asked, her tone clipped, her attention still focused on Simon.
Ross jerked his chin and swallowed. ‘Ivy told me you wanted to see me?’
Miriam reached up to play with the string of pearls around her neck as she finally focused on Ross and nodded. ‘I did,’ she said. ‘Although…’ Her gaze slid to Simon again. ‘Now you’re both here things may have changed.’
‘Changed how?’ Simon snapped, sounding suspicious.
Miriam’s eyes flickered. ‘Don’t play games, lad. I’m sure that hearing your brother was going to become Laird finally brought you to your senses. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?’
Beside Ivy, Ross flinched, and she wanted to take his hand so she could reassure him, but Simon was sitting between them. She squirmed in her chair, trying to give Miriam the benefit of the doubt. Miriam had wanted Ross here, hadn’t she? That was why she’d sent Ivy to Christmas Resort. But if that were true, why wasn’t she welcoming him with open arms? Why did she only seem interested in her oldest grandson?
‘What do you mean?’ Ross asked, sounding resigned.
‘Aye, what do you mean?’ Simon echoed.
A lead weight lodged in Ivy’s windpipe and she blew out a breath trying to clear it.
Miriam shrugged and her eyes skirted the room again – this time they rested on the frames on the sideboard under the window. Ivy glanced at them too. The photos had been rearranged and there were no pictures of Ross there now. Dread flooded her as she considered the implications of that. Surely Miriam had another picture of Ross? If so, why hadn’t she replaced it? Especially since she wanted him to be Laird.
‘I guessed if you heard Ross was coming to take over your position it would make you think twice about giving all this up,’ Miriam explained gaily, waving a hand to take in the room.
Simon jerked back in his seat. ‘That’s not why I’m here,’ he said incredulously. ‘I’ve come to support my brother.’ He squeezed Ross’s shoulder. ‘I didn’t give him that when we were kids so I’m finally showing up for him now.’ His voice was gruff.
‘Ross left because that was what he wanted,’ Miriam said, haughtily.
Simon widened his eyes, looking shocked. ‘He left because he didn’t think he was a part of this family. But he is – and I’ve wanted him all along,’ he added. ‘I think he’ll make an excellent Laird.’
Miriam sniffed and shook her head. ‘This isn’t about Ross – it’s about you , Simon,’ she said slowly as if her grandson was stupid. Her attention suddenly travelled to Ivy. ‘I asked Ms Heart to track down your brother in the hope the news would get back to you.’ She rubbed her hands together. ‘I knew you’d come around – being Laird is what you’ve spent your life preparing for, after all. I knew you’d never be able to give it up. Your bloodline demands it.’
‘Ross is from the same bloodline,’ Simon said tersely as he rose to his feet. ‘He’s welcome to become Laird. The way I’ve been living the last few years is too much.’ He looked unhappy.
Miriam rose too. ‘This isn’t about want. It’s your duty.’ Her eyes skirted back to Ross.
Ivy’s heart ached. His fears about his grandmother had been correct – Miriam had never wanted him.
‘I’m sorry, Ross. Obviously it’s wonderful to see you again,’ she said stiffly, fiddling with her pearls. ‘Perhaps Ivy can make you some tea while Simon and I catch up privately?’
‘Of course.’ Ross dipped his chin and rose, his voice calm. Then he patted a hand on Simon’s shoulder, as his brother stood too and tried to block Ross’s path.
‘No, Ross.’ Simon shook his head. ‘That’s not why we came, remember?’ He turned to his grandmother, his face dark with fury. ‘I’m not turning my back on my brother again. That’s not part of the deal and I won’t accept it.’
‘Forget it. This honestly isn’t a surprise,’ Ross said tersely. ‘I half expected it and it’s really okay.’
‘Ross!’ Simon looked shocked.
‘I’m leaving. I appreciate what you’re trying to do,’ he said to his brother. ‘But I should have known this was always going to be about you. Miriam never forgave me for our parents.’
‘Wait with Ivy, I won’t be long,’ Simon demanded before turning back to his grandmother, his eyes flashing.
Ross moved slowly around his brother, his body stiff, and Ivy felt something inside her break. She’d done this – forced him to return to the castle. Regaled him with tales of a grandmother who wanted him back. She’d fed him lies – lies she guessed he’d never forgive her for. But Ivy had believed everything her boss had told her. She’d been convinced Miriam had wanted and needed Ross back in her life. But she’d been wrong.
Ross headed for the door, and Ivy went to follow. She had to talk with him, had to tell him she hadn’t expected this. That her heart was as broken as his. She had to explain that she cared for him – that he deserved nothing less.
‘You can come back to my office after my meeting with Simon, Ms Heart. I’ve got some work for you to do,’ Miriam said as Ivy got to the door. ‘Obviously you’ve more than earned the recommendation I offered in return for bringing my youngest grandson to the castle.’ Ivy’s blood froze. ‘I’ll email my friend after this meeting,’ Miriam continued, looking happy. ‘And I’ll expect he’ll contact you before the end of the day. I’m confident now that you’ve got what it takes to be a big success – I’m sure your mother will be delighted.’
‘Please, no,’ Ivy whispered, turning to look at Ross.
He was still holding onto the door handle. His body frozen.
‘It’s not what you think,’ Ivy spluttered.
‘Isn’t it?’ Ross stared back at her, his expression blank. ‘I can’t imagine what else it could be.’ Then he shook his head and opened the door.
‘Ross, you have to listen,’ Ivy implored.
‘I really don’t,’ Ross said as he turned his back on her and walked at speed into the hall.
Ivy watched him go, feeling wretched – wondering how she’d ever be able to fix this.