Page 68 of A Highland Family Affair

‘Oh! Hi! It’s lovely to hear from you, Lady Olivia.’

‘Now, I know you applied for a job as my PA, but I’m not actually calling to offer you that role.’

‘Oh, I see, that’s such a shame but thank you for letting me know.’ He sounded so disappointed so she had to clarify quickly.

‘No, but I am offering you a job as marketing assistant. Still answerable to me but taking on the task of publicity on social media, dealing with tourist agencies, etcetera. I feel that your degree would be put to better use that way. What do you think?’

There was a pause and Olivia chewed the inside of her cheek, worried he had been put off.

After a few seconds, Parker replied, ‘Sorry, I’m a bit shocked. Oh, my goodness, really?’

Relief flooded Olivia. ‘Absolutely. You came across very well at the interview and you seemed very enthusiastic and I think we could certainly use your experience and qualifications.’

‘I can’t believe it. That’s brilliant. Oh, and I accept. I can start as soon as you like too, no job to give notice at.’

Olivia was happy to hear the positivity in his voice. ‘Fantastic. It’s probably best to leave it until after the wedding. So shall we say Monday?’

‘But won’t you be going on honeymoon?’ Parker asked.

‘Oh, no, we haven’t planned anything yet. We may go later in the year.’

‘Okay, great. Then I’ll see you on Monday. Can’t wait. Thanks again.’

‘Lovely. Bye, Parker.’ She ended the call and exhaled a whoosh of air. ‘Thank goodness he said yes,’ she said to the empty room. ‘Now on to the next one…’

Esme Cassidy was delighted to be offered the PA role. ‘I can’t believe I get to work at Drumblair. I’ve loved that place since I was little and was so excited when I got to actually visit and do a tour last year. But to work there, wow, I can’t tell you how happy I am.’

‘Excellent! Parker, the new marketing assistant, will be starting on Monday so how about we say the same for you?’

‘I’ll be there! Thanks so much, Lady Olivia. And I hope your wedding goes wonderfully.’

‘Thanks, Esme, see you Monday.’ Olivia ended the call and breathed another sigh of relief.

26

The sun was shining, the sky was a glorious shade of cerulean and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. Olivia stood in front of her full-length mirror, shaking. Her heart was racing, and she had been fighting tears all morning. A combination of happy tears and tears for the absence of her parents. But today was the day. Today she would marry the person she had loved since she was fourteen years old. If fourteen-year-old Olivia could see me now, she’d be doing cartwheels, Olivia thought as she took in her reflection.

The vintage lace-covered gown fit to perfection and as per Scottish tradition was finished off with a tartan sash in the groom’s tartan, MacLeod of Harris antique, with its blues and greens, worn over her left shoulder – because she was a noblewoman – and it was fastened at her hip with her mother’s silver sash brooch. Her hair was in loose waves because she preferred a more natural look, and it felt in keeping with the seventies design of the dress. She couldn’t remember a time she had felt so beautiful.

Her stunning pink peony, blue hydrangea and ivory rose hand-tied bouquet had been made by Ellen, the florist in Drumblair village. The blue of the hydrangeas had been the colour she had chosen for her bridesmaids to wear, but she was yet to see their dresses. They had decided to get ready in one of the guest rooms so they could appreciate the impact of seeing Olivia when she was ready, and she could experience the same with them.

She glanced over at the painting Brodie had commissioned for her that he had hung on the wall a couple of days before, and she sighed. She closed her eyes for a few moments and could imagine her mum and dad on each side of her, beaming proudly at their only daughter, dressed exactly as they were in the painting. For a moment, her breath hitched and her heart ached with the loss she felt and the pain of missing them so very much, but she knew they were there in spirit; she could feel them.

She opened her eyes and gazed at the photo of her mother that was stuck into the frame of the mirror and smiled. ‘This is it, Mum. I’m marrying Brodie MacLeod; can you believe it?’ She sighed. ‘I wish you and Dad could be here to walk me down the aisle. It won’t be the same without you. I still can’t quite believe you’re gone.’ Her throat constricted and her heart ached. ‘It’s times like this that having neither of you with me hurts so much. But I know you’re here with me in spirit. And I hope you like the dress. It was as close to the design of yours as I could get. And I’m wearing Grandma’s engagement ring.’ She held up her hand to show the photo. ‘I miss you and Dad so much. But I hope I make you proud.’ She dabbed at the tears that were on the verge of escape.

There was a knock on the door. ‘Olivia, darling, may I come in?’ Uncle Innes asked.

‘Of course you can,’ she replied.

He opened the door, walked into her room and gasped. ‘You look so beautiful, the image of your mother,’ he said with a wavering voice. ‘Speaking of which, I have a gift for you.’

Olivia hadn’t noticed the white box he was carrying at first, but he handed it to her. It was tied with a gold ribbon. She unfastened it and Innes interrupted her.

‘I’ll leave before you open it. I already know the contents, but I think you may want a few moments to yourself. I’ll see you at the church, my dear girl.’ He kissed the top of her head and left.

Olivia was a little confused until she lifted the lid from the box. Therein lay an envelope and, beneath that, the most stunning diamond tiara. It was the one her mother had worn on her own wedding day. Olivia covered her mouth with one hand and her eyes welled with more tears. She took the envelope and eagerly opened it, hoping it was a letter from her mum.

Dear Olivia