Page 79 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

Bennett listened. ‘Go on.’

‘If I could persuade Cayla to take on the role of Florence, we can try out the tour and see how it’s received.’

I steadied the excitement rising again in my voice. ‘And if it did prove popular amongst locals and tourists, you could recruit another couple of actors to play Florence, so there would be a rota.’

Evan flexed a brow.

‘And we could advertise it locally, regionally, nationally, even internationally. Other countries love these stately homes and all the history swirling around them.’

I sunk back in the chair. This was agony. I didn’t want to upset anyone – well, maybe irritate Evan a little – but I was struggling to read the room. Had I overstepped the mark? I just wanted to help.

Nobody said anything. They just blinked across at me before swapping more unreadable expressions.

I found myself fidgeting. I patted the journal. ‘Like I said, it was only an idea.’

I proffered an awkward smile and jumped up and out of the chair, as though my backside had been singed with hot coals. ‘Thank you for listening to me witter on. I’ll go and finish off my packing now.’

I headed for the study door and then turned around. I pulled my phone from my pocket and dashed off a text to Alison containing my mobile number and email address. Her phone pinged on her desk. ‘I’ve just sent you my contact details so you can let me know what you think.’

Bennett smiled. ‘Thanks, Daisy. It does sound like an interesting suggestion. We’ll give it serious consideration.’ He eyed Alison, Louise and Evan. ‘And thank you for trying to help. It’s appreciated.’

‘You’re more than welcome. It’s the least I can do after you’ve made me feel so much at home here.’

I turned to Evan. ‘In the meantime, I’ll leave the journal about Florence with you. You need to read it.’ I offered it to him, and he came and took it from me, his charged gaze flicking between me and the journal.

‘Daisy.’

‘Yes?’

‘Thank you. I mean it.’ His kissable mouth made me tremble. ‘Thank you for trying to help my family.’

A lump of emotion caught in my throat. I managed a nod and a flicker of a smile. ‘Don’t mention it.’

* * *

I spent the next half hour bustling around my room, making sure I hadn’t left anything behind and folding up my clothes. I would be sorry to leave The Ramblings behind, but the thought of seeing my grandpa again made my mouth break into a wide grin.

I was just angling my case from the bed when a voice at the doorway made me start. ‘Need a hand?’

It was Dane, blond locks streaming loose down his back, his wrists adorned in his trademark leather straps.

Before I could answer, he came in and swiftly lifted the case down and onto the floor.

‘Thanks.’

‘No worries.’ He gave me a wink. ’Always at the ready to help a gorgeous girl.’

‘Do you ever switch off?’ I teased, yanking up the handle on my case.

‘Not when someone like you is around.’

I shook my head, laughing, and checked the room to make sure I hadn’t left anything behind. Maybe my heart with Evan, I thought before dismissing it.

Dane flicked his hair back. ‘I hear you’ve been making suggestions to turn The Ramblings into a theme park.’

I grasped the handle of my wheelie case. ‘Hardly. Just trying to help out your parents.’ My voice faltered. ‘And your brother.’ I tugged the case along the bedroom floor and made for the door.

‘This place wouldn’t be in such a state if Ma and Pa weren’t such dogged do-gooders.’