Page 25 of A Highland Family Affair

‘Grand. Oh, and if you happen to hear of any older kids looking for a Saturday job, I could do with someone. Saturdays are always busy.’

Olivia nodded. ‘I’ll keep my ears open. Anyway, say hello to Delia for me. I hope she’s well.’

He smiled. ‘She’s better now she’s had her hip replaced. She’s still helping Ellen at the flower shop in the village. In fact, she’s just taken on a few more hours now that the other lassie, Charlotte I think, has come to work for you.’

Olivia pursed her lips. ‘Oh, yes, sorry about that.’

He chuckled. ‘No need. Delia loves working with flowers.’

‘That’s good to know. Well, I’d better be getting back. Take care, Ali.’

He gave a brief bow of his head. ‘Aye, and you too. Bye just now.’

Judd raised a hand in a wave and turned his attention to one of the families that had just arrived.

Olivia went back to the Land Rover and sat observing the customers picking out the trees and wreaths that would adorn their homes for the festive season once again, and she smiled. Kerr was right. It did make sense to take the business on. But she had to make sure that he was the right person for the job.

On her return to the castle, Olivia drove up the long stretch of road with the castle standing proud in the distance, to a soundtrack of ELO’s ‘Mr Blue Sky’, an apt song for the radio DJ to have chosen for such a crisp and bright winter’s day. It was another song she remembered from her childhood that made her smile. Especially the line where Jeff Lynne welcomes to the world someone with a pretty face. Her dad always used to sing that lyric directly at her pointing his finger and ending with a boop to her nose which made her giggle.

The contrast of the pale stone of the castle against the cerulean backdrop was a beautiful sight to behold and she imagined what it would be like when summer rolled around again. Visitors wandering around the grounds, picnicking on the grass, kids playing in the outdoor playground, dog walkers making the most of the open spaces. She was looking forward to it.

She spotted Innes’s car parked out front and decided this would be a good time to talk to him about Kerr’s idea. He had always been a good sounding board and source of solid advice. She knew he would steer her right.

Everyone was gathered in the kitchen sitting around the large old battered table, and to Olivia’s surprise Kerr and Innes were talking, pleasantly, it seemed. It was a first. Kerr had always vehemently disliked their mother’s stepbrother and had no qualms about advertising the fact, conversing with him was something that simply never happened, unless there were raised voices, wagging fingers and swear words going on. Charlotte was chatting to Mirren over coffee and seemed to have settled right in.

‘Ah, Olivia darling, there you are!’ Innes said as he stood and walked over to kiss her on both cheeks. ‘How are you?’ He was wearing his favourite salmon-pink trousers and a blue V-neck sweater that clashed terribly, with a checked shirt underneath.

She nodded. ‘I’m good, thanks, you?’

‘Oh, you know me, plodding along. I’ve just met your very proficient new PA. What she knows about the place could give young Brodie a run for his money.’ He leaned in and in a theatrical whisper said, ‘She’s certainly done her research. You’ve got a good one there.’

Olivia laughed, relieved at his approval. ‘Uncle Innes, could I speak to you in private, please?’

His smile disappeared. ‘Uh-oh, am I in trouble?’

‘Not at all.’ She lowered her voice to speak solely to him. ‘A business opportunity has presented itself and I just want to discuss the matter.’

Innes’s eyebrows raised. ‘Oh, I see. Right then, lead the way.’ He held his hand out towards the kitchen door.

They walked along to Olivia’s father’s study, and she closed the door behind them. ‘So… Ali Gordon is retiring after this season.’

Innes frowned. ‘Oh, no, does that mean we’re saying goodbye to the plants and Christmas trees? I always loved seeing them growing on Drumblair land.’

‘That’s the thing. Kerr wants to take over the business. He’s filled with excitement and enthusiasm and he’s even talking about courses in tree surgery, but…’

Innes tilted his head. ‘His track record precedes him?’

Olivia nodded. ‘Sadly, yes. I’ve spoken to Ali Gordon and he’s compiling some figures for me. It would make sense to absorb the business as it’s already on our land but is Kerr the right man for the job?’

Innes sat on one of the chesterfield sofas. ‘Did he tell you he came to see me?’

Surprised at this fact, Olivia flopped down beside her uncle. ‘No. He never mentioned a thing.’

‘It was a couple of days ago. He came to my house filled with remorse. Telling me how much his mother loved me and how sorry he was for not realising my loyalty sooner. I have to admit to being sceptical at first. But the more we talked, the more I could see his genuine regret. I really do think he wants to make amends. He tells me he is in AA and GA. That surprised me greatly. He really is taking ownership of his mistakes. Or he certainly appears to be.’ He sucked air in through his teeth. ‘The question is, do we truly believe he is a changed man?’

Olivia sighed deeply. ‘That’s the million-dollar question. And the other one is, where would the money come from to buy out the business?’

Innes paused for a moment to contemplate that. ‘In all honesty, Olivia, that’s the least of your concerns. There is money available as part of the original grant. It could be used to buy out the nursery as it’s all about advancing Drumblair as a viable and sustainable business. What’s more sustainable than plants and trees?’