Page 129 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

Evan’s online revelations and him returning to London had made me feel stupid and wounded.

Still, I should have expected that. I hadn’t given him a chance to explain his reasons about him becoming Fox and why he’d chosen not to tell me. I’d let my dislike of Fox colour my view, and I hadn’t been able to see beyond that.

After throwing off the governess gown, I showered, pulled my hair into a ponytail and threw on one of my Mango T-shirts and a pair of wide-legged jeans.

Josie and Mindy had left to go home and relax after a hectic first tour day.

Josie had given me a prolonged hug and made me promise not to give up on my acting, and to not be a stranger, which had made me choke with more tears.

Once I’d assisted Grandpa with his packing, I took our cases downstairs to deposit them by the entrance.

As I got ready to make my way to the top of the Cinderella staircase, I tried to fight the temptation to look across at Evan’s bedroom.

The door was ajar, and Louise had stripped his bed.

Snapshots of Evan and me rolling around, making love, laughing and kissing spilled in front of my eyes.

To try and block out the pictures, I gripped the handles of our cases harder in each hand and thumped them down each of the stairs.

Louise, Alison, Bennett, Grandpa and Cayla were assembled in the hall. It looked like they’d gathered together to wave us off.

I noted that there was no Dane.

Had he taken offence at my rebuttal earlier?

Bennett noticed me frowning. ‘Dane has a gig at that new music venue in Kingussie.’

‘Oh, right.’

I plucked my phone out of my back pocket and glanced down at the screen. More missed calls and texts from people I’d acted with before, as well as more messages from Jade and Octavia about the Fox debacle. I’d speak to them when I felt up to it. There was nothing from Evan.

‘The proverbial shit has really hit the fan now.’ Bennett complained. ‘We’re getting calls and texts from the press about Evan. His Fox reveal even got a mention on the Six O’clock News.’

Alison attempted to brush off her husband’s concern. ‘It’ll all blow over. Must be a quiet news day.’ She let out an agitated sigh. ‘But I still can’t believe Evan was Fox in the first place.’

‘He was playing a part of sorts,’ I said, the meaning not lost on me. ‘His alter ego took off, and he was struggling to control everything. I get that now.’

Grandpa gave my arm a supportive squeeze.

I lingered, taking in the proud old paintings, the glossy butterscotch and white tiled floor and the mullioned windows. I imprinted every crevice and crenelation of The Ramblings in my mind so in the future I could pull it out of my memory and remember.

There were emotional kisses and hugs all round.

‘The Ramblings has a new lease of life now, thanks to you,’ said Alison, delivering a kiss to my cheek.

‘And we have plenty of volunteers to help with the future Florence tours, thanks to the Forrest Bank Players,’ added Bennett, giving me a protective hug.

It was Louise’s turn next to kiss Grandpa and me and show her affection. ‘Please come back and see us again soon.’

Grandpa nodded and smiled, but I knew in my heart I wouldn’t return here.

Cayla was next. She clung on to me and buried an emotional sob into my T-shirt, which made me fight more tears. She looked so different from earlier. She was back in her jeans and a strappy top. ‘Thank you so much, Daisy, for everything.’

I also noticed G

randpa give Louise a look that lasted a few seconds longer than necessary. I didn’t think it was just me who had lost my heart here at The Ramblings.

We all trooped out towards Marlene, and Bennett insisted on helping me stash our cases into the boot.