Page 40 of A Highland Family Affair

Charlotte appeared by his side. ‘Hi, Olivia. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you,’ she said, giving her a brief hug and then slipping her arm through Kerr’s. It was evident things were going well for the new couple.

‘Thank you, Charlotte. This is all so lovely.’

‘I had a bit of help actually,’ Kerr said, patting Charlotte’s hand. ‘You have Charlotte to thank for the beautiful flowers. They’re from all the staff here at the castle but the arrangement was all down to her.’

‘Not Nina?’ Olivia asked with narrowed eyes.

‘Erm, no, that was a little fib. But it got you to come to the dining room, so… Excuse me, I’m off to get some more orange juice. I’ll leave you to chat.’

Once he had gone, Olivia asked, ‘How are things going for you two?’

Charlotte blushed and smiled. ‘Really well. I’m so happy. He’s such a lovely man.’

‘That’s good to hear. Thank you for helping to arrange this party for us.’

‘You’re so welcome.’

‘Has everything been okay while we’ve been away? I’m guessing the lack of calls means it has.’

‘Everything has been absolutely fine. No major dramas, thankfully!’

‘And you’re still enjoying working here?’

Charlotte beamed. ‘Oh, I love it. It’s such a wonderful place to come to every day. And Paisley from the gift shop has been so helpful too. She and I are becoming good friends.’

‘That’s great. I’m so glad you’ve settled in so well.’

‘I really have, Olivia. Thanks for giving me the chance. Oh, look, here’s Paisley now.’

Paisley walked over and hugged Olivia. ‘Congratulations. I’m so happy for you both. You need to give me some tips on how to find a wonderful man for myself.’

‘Your date didn’t go well?’ Charlotte asked her.

‘Ugh, no. He looked nothing like his profile picture, his hair was clearly dyed and way too dark for his skin tone and I’m sure he was wearing lip gloss and concealer!’

Olivia laughed. ‘Just think, though, you’d be able to swap make-up tips.’

Paisley almost spat out her drink. ‘Did I mention he still lived at home with his mum?’

Olivia cringed. ‘Oh, no, scrap that! That’s a definite red flag. What about Noah? I think he quite likes you, Paisley,’ Olivia said as she glanced over to see Noah watching them.

‘Ugh, no. He’s far too serious and strait-laced. I’m not really into the whole British stiff-upper-lip thing. I’m going to hold out for a handsome millionaire actor, I think. Or perhaps a rock star.’ She giggled.

‘Livvy!’ Skye squealed as she grappled Olivia into a bear hug. ‘He finally proposed! Let me see the ring.’ Olivia held out her hand. ‘Oh, wow! That’s proper vintage too.’

‘It was my grandmother’s,’ Olivia said, admiring the ring for what felt like the millionth time.

‘That’s so sweet. He’s definitely a keeper. So, when’s the big day?’

‘We still need to look at our diaries but we’re not waiting a long time, that one thing is certain. And obviously I want you to be a bridesmaid.’

Skye hugged her again. ‘Yes, one million times yes! I can’t wait.’

The morning after the engagement party, Olivia and Brodie sat down together and checked their diaries. They earmarked Saturday 22 April as their wedding day.

Brodie spoke to Bishop Latham at the cathedral and luckily, or unluckily if you happened to be Olivia, it too was available. Olivia was still wishing for a quiet ceremony at her special little chapel but, alas, it was not meant to be.

Later that day, Mirren accompanied Olivia to the draughty old attic rooms to try to locate the dress her mother wore on her wedding day, as she knew her mother had kept it. But when they located the box in the very top of the castle, they made a heartbreaking discovery.