Page 54 of The Secret Castle in the Highlands

‘So, you’re telling me that there’s been some sort of family feud raging between us and the Lapleys for the past seventy years?’

‘It looks that way.’

I let out a shocked laugh that made Darwin whimper. ‘But why didn’t Dad tell us any of this? I had no idea my grandmother was Port Starr’s answer to Angelina Jolie and that Alex Lapley’s grandfather fancied her, or that they had an art gallery planned that came to nothing.’

Visions of my grandfather trying to establish his own art gallery made my heart jump in my chest. I recalled Dad saying George was keen on sketching (when he wasn’t toiling away as a bank clerk) and that he had a fair amount of talent. So, a love of art ran through the Summers’ genes.

‘And my grandfather was accused of financial misdemeanours when he was a bank clerk?’ I stuttered in disbelief. ‘That’s news to me too. I can’t comprehend it.’

Mason studied me. ‘You’ll have to speak to your dad about all this. I suppose there’s a chance he doesn’t know any of it, either.’

My mouth flatlined. ‘I find that hard to believe.’

‘Well, I just thought you should know.’

Not only was I shocked by the rivalry and intrigue I’d just discovered, but I was also seized by the fact that Mason had invited me over for dinner. I’d been wondering about that all afternoon, and now I knew it was because he wanted to tell me about the various historical tensions between the two families – not because he liked me.

I refused to acknowledge the disappointment gnawing at me. I was tired, I was emotional and I’d just discovered I didn’t really know my grandparents after all.

‘Thank you for passing this on to me,’ I acknowledged after a considered pause. ‘The next chat I have with my parents should be an interesting one. Would you be able to email me this stuff, please?’

I gave him my email address, and he fired over what I’d just read. ‘Done.’

A seventy-year-old rivalry I knew nothing about and a handsome man only inviting me to his apartment for dinner because he felt sorry for me. I leaned down and rubbed Darwin behind his fluffy ears. This evening was proving memorable for all the wrong reasons.

I didn’t sleep well that night. My mind performed cartwheels, trying to unearth an explanation for everything, but as I showered and washed my hair the next morning, I had to admit to myself that I was struggling.

The evidence was irrefutable and Mason was diligent in his vocation.

While I snatched a bowl of bran flakes and an herbal tea, I sent my dad an email. The last thing I wanted to do was ruin their trip, but I had to find out what was going on. It was as if my family history was clouding over with secrets and I couldn’t see what the truth was.

Hi, Dad. Hope you and Mum are okay and having a wonderful time! I had a quick look at your itinerary, and it looks as though you’re in Sydney. Can you spare ten minutes to dial us up on FaceTime for a quick chat? It won’t take long and I would really appreciate it.

Love, Poppy X

My father was permanently connected to his mobile, and a reply winged its way back to me within a couple of minutes.

Hi, sweetie,

Due to the time difference, we can FaceTime you from our hotel in about half an hour if that suits. Hope all is okay. I knew at some point you would need the benefit of my business acumen! Not having problems already, are you? Sounds like everything has been going great so far.

Lots of love, Mum & Dad X

I sighed at his message as I brushed my teeth and tweaked the collar of my velvet jacket. If only it were just for some business advice.

An aqua-blue sky slid its way across the harbour, wrapping McKerron Castle in the distance in an almost ethereal blanket. Even the waves were complementing the heavens, rocking gently in a hypnotic fashion.

Katie was opening up the office when I arrived.

‘Are you okay to join me for a chat with my dad on FaceTime in about half an hour? Can you ask Caleb to drop by too? It won’t take too long.’

‘Of course,’ Katie said with a smile. ‘Is everything all right?’

I didn’t answer and Katie didn’t push the matter further. Instead, she called Caleb and ordered him up to the cottages. Then she waggled her nails at me and sighed. ‘Look at the state of these.’

‘There have to be sacrifices for our art,’ I assured her, taking a closer look at her outstretched hands.

Katie sucked in air through her even white teeth. ‘I was up till midnight, working on my latest creations – two teapots.’