Page 5 of A Scottish Highland Surprise

I lifted the envelope and gingerly peeled back the bubble wrap.

A loud gasp escaped from the base of my throat.

It was the most gorgeous tea set in the palest sunshine yellow, shot through with an ivy pattern. From the stout matching teapot to the dainty cups, saucers and milk jug, it glinted back up at me. I had never seen this one before. I always assumed she displayed her entire collection in the sitting room, along with the others. I lifted out one of the teacups, to appreciate the flowing ivy detail. It looked like a Burleigh original – hand-engraved with copper rollers.

Had Gran left me this in her will? I had no idea she owned something like this. She’d never said. But what about the rest of the boxes? What was stored in those?

I was so lost in admiring the bright golden-yellow crockery, I almost forgot I was clutching Gran’s other letter in my right hand.

I tore open the second envelope.

Dearest Sophie,

Knowing you as I do, I suspect you have already stolen a peek at the contents of this box. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I expect you will have recognised it as a Burleigh. But it isn’t the only one.

My widening eyes darted from her handwriting to the three other boxes secreted in the cupboard.

Contained in the other boxes are other tea sets, just as valuable as this one. I wasn’t able to fulfil my dream of owning my own little crockery shop, so that’s why I’m doing this for you.

I slumped against the wall in shock, my legs sprawled out in front of me. Oh, Gran. What have you been doing all this time?

As though anticipating my next question, Gran’s letter carried on;

As you may know, Mrs Cotter is selling up her floristry business, Bloom with a View. Well, I should say she was selling it. When I discovered this, I spoke to her, explained my intentions, and she was a darling about it all. So, I’ve purchased her business for you.

What?! My mind took off into overdrive. My late grandmother had bought me Mrs Cotter’s business?

Pictures of the sweet little florist’s in Briar Glen’s main street, sandwiched between the jeweller’s and the chemist, flickered into my head and wouldn’t leave.

I sat still for a moment, unable to focus on anything. I felt like time had frozen. I licked my lips and let out a long, slow breath. Then I shot forward, scrabbling for the other boxes in disbelief. I scoured the rest of her letter.

At the bottom of this first box, you will find a list, detailing each of the other tea sets and their approximate value. I took the liberty of having each set valued a couple of months ago.

I should like you to sell these tea sets and use the proceeds to launch your own crockery business.

My attention was struggling to comprehend what I was reading,

There is also a list of reputable crockery suppliers and their contacts along with the itinerary for when you are ready to select your own stock.

I dragged a stunned hand over the top of my ponytail. This was surreal. I was crouched in Gran’s hall, surrounded by lots of very valuable crockery.

Sophie, this is your chance to do something that you love.

I know you haven’t been happy in your job for a long time. You don’t feel rewarded or appreciated for the work that you do.

So, I decided I would help you.

Take the opportunity for yourself. Take this chance for me and know I will be watching over you with so much joy and pride.

You have grown into such a lovely young woman and it is a pleasure to call you my granddaughter.

Love always,

Gran. XX

I didn’t know how long I sat there, with the half-opened box in front of me and the gorgeous, ivy-sprigged tea set gazing out of its bubble wrap. My mobile phone lay on the hall carpet and the stair cupboard door gaped open.

All I was aware of was the sound of my own tearful gulps and then Mum and Dad dashing out of the sitting room to find out what was wrong.