Page 71 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

Chapter Fourteen

Embarrassment shook me.

Alison and Bennett were still talking, oblivious.

Louise jerked her head and encouraged me to follow her back across to the kitchen.

‘I wasn’t eavesdropping,’ I protested as I scurried after her. My voice was a panicked hush. ‘I thought there was no one home as I headed upstairs. Then I happened to hear Alison and Bennett.’

Louise drew up at the kitchen door and hitched one cynical brow at me.

‘I didn’t mean to overhear anything, but they were just talking about how much money The Ramblings costs to maintain.’

Louise listened before beckoning me inside the kitchen and easing the door closed behind us.

‘I was making my way to my room, and then I heard voices coming from the study.’ I dumped my bag by my feet. ‘I know what it looks like, but it wasn’t like that.’ I rubbed at my face. ‘But there was no way I was interrupting their conversation, especially when they were discussing financial matters.’

Louise nodded. ‘I believe you. You’re a good young woman. Anyone can see that. But aye, you’re right. The Ramblings is beautiful, but it demands a lot of money to keep it going.’ She gestured around at the huge, stylish, farmhouse-style kitchen. ‘These stately homes are a money pit. This house needs a new heating system, the roof is starting to give cause for concern and then there’s the stonemasonry issues.’

Oh dear. It sounded like Alison and Bennett really had their work cut out to keep The Ramblings in full working order. I flicked Louise a loaded look. ‘Alison told me earlier about Evan donating a monthly amount from his earnings to put towards maintenance costs.’

Louise’s expression dissolved into an affectionate smile. ‘That’s right. He’s such a caring young man. Every month without fail, he sends a contribution to his parents to put towards this place.’

The sunshine bounced off the copper pots and pans suspended behind Louise.

Her lined eyes carried a sudden, faraway look to them. ‘Do you know, I’ve worked here as the housekeeper and cook for over thirty-five years now? I’ve known Evan since he was a toddler and remember when Dane was born. He was always yelling his head off, and it’s continued.’ She chuckled. ‘They’d come over here with Alison and Bennett to visit Bennett’s parents, God bless them. They were both gorgeous boys, even then, but Dane was always a handful.’

‘I get the impression he still is,’ I joked.

Louise smiled and rolled her eyes. ‘You’re not wrong there. The number of times I’ve heard girls giggling in his room whenever he stays here.’

I found myself wondering about Evan. As though anticipating what I wanted to ask, Louise answered my silent question. ‘His older brother isn’t like that. Evan’s always been far more serious.’ She folded her arms as she spoke. ‘Don’t get me wrong. Evan attracts the ladies, too. Always has done. But whereas Dane’s always playing the charmer, Evan is more career-focused.’ She frowned. ‘The only time I’ve ever seen him crushed by a girl was with that Sacha one.’

‘What about Sacha? What happened?’

But Louise moved the subject back to The Ramblings and ignored my question. ‘This house could tell a few tales.’

‘Oh? What about?’ I asked, intrigued.

Louise flapped her hands about, panicked. ‘Och, you know, characters from the past.’

‘Like who?’

‘There were stories about a young woman called Florence Menzies who used to work here in the early 1900s.’ Louise’s gaze darted around. ‘Local girl. Keen to be an actress.’

My eyes widened with interest. ‘Really? Wow. What happened?’

‘She was very talented, by all accounts. Bright too. A local piano teacher took her under her wing and taught young Florence to read and write.’ Louise pursed her lips. ‘But she got blamed for stealing something from this house, and she didn’t do it.’ She toyed with a tea towel. ‘My dad was into his history and researched some local families and events. Very prolific journal writer. I’ve still got them all.’

My curiosity was pricked. ‘Do you have a journal he wrote about this girl Florence?’

‘I do indeed. Would you like to take a look at it?’

‘Oh, that would be great,’ I enthused.

Our conversation was cut short when Alison and Bennett entered the kitchen.

Louise snatched up the navy blue Denby teapot by the sink. ‘Shall I make us all a brew?’