Page 73 of A Highland Family Affair

Brodie opened it eagerly. ‘What’s this, Mum?’ He took out a letter.

June held up a hand. ‘Now don’t get too excited, it’s nothing much, but I know you have friends on Skye and it’s where you got engaged so it’s a special place and I just thought it might be nice for you to have a couple of nights away. I’ve booked you a two-night break for June, so you remember who arranged it for you,’ she said with a giggle. ‘And I thought that would give you plenty of time to sort out the time off.’

‘Oh, June, that’s so kind of you!’ Olivia said, hugging her again.

‘It’s the least I could do. And it means Brodie’s leg should be healed so you can go hiking. I know how much you love your hiking, son.’

Brodie hugged her too. ‘I think that might be a bit ambitious, but we’ll see. Thanks, Mum, you’re a star.’

‘Brodie tells me you’re going to start designing again.’

Olivia nodded. ‘I am, he convinced me I should.’

‘He’s right, hen. It’s part of who you are. Send me photos, won’t you? I love to see what you’re doing.’

‘I will.’

June took Olivia’s hand. ‘I can’t tell you how happy I am that you two found each other again. That ex of his was evil. I’m just so glad she got what she deserved in the end. Right, I’m going to go and have a wee dance. Love you both.’

‘Love you, Mum.’

28

It was almost eight in the evening and the long gallery was filled with smartly dressed people quaffing champagne and dancing. Some of the so-called dignitaries who would have attended a wedding at the cathedral were present for the evening reception, in all their finery, medals and brooches.

Olivia was dancing with her Uncle Innes, but she could see Bella standing over by the wall, chewing on her thumbnail, a crease of concern to her brow. Olivia wondered if she’d maybe had words with Harris. But a further glance along the same side of the room showed Harris chatting happily to Brodie and Ben. Isla was dancing with Will, and she looked merry enough. And to top everything off wonderfully, Kerr was dancing with Mirren. She turned to focus on her uncle and decided she would ask Bella later if everything was okay.

‘I hope you’ve had a wonderful day, my darling girl.’

Olivia smiled up at him. ‘It’s been magical.’

‘You’re happy?’ Innes asked with a tilt of his head.

Olivia nodded. ‘Deliriously so.’

Bella approached and took Olivia’s hand. ‘Excuse me, Innes, but could I borrow Liv for a few moments?’

Innes let go of Olivia and smiled. ‘Of course you can. Apologies for hogging our beautiful bride. I shall go and see if my good lady would like a champagne top-up.’ He turned and walked away towards Adaira, who was sitting chatting to one of the dignitaries’ wives.

Bella pulled Olivia by the hand until she dug her heels in. ‘What’s going on, Bells? You’ve looked really worried all evening, but you were fine this morning.’

Bella glanced over Olivia’s shoulder. ‘I need to talk to you for a sec. Can we go somewhere a bit quieter?’

Olivia nodded and allowed Bella to lead her along the corridor to the drawing room. Once inside, Bella closed the door behind them. The three drowsy dogs in their faux fur bed in front of the fire lifted their heads to see what the commotion was but Wilf and Marley lay back down again. Sir Lancelot, however, walked over to Olivia and began sniffing her dress again.

‘I don’t have any food, Lancey. Go and lie down, there’s a good boy.’ Instead of leaving, he sat, gazing up at her, nudging her with his nose. She huffed and turned her attention back to her friend but stroked the dog’s head to appease him. ‘What’s wrong, Bella? You’re worrying me.’

Bella placed a hand on both of Olivia’s arms and fixed Olivia with a concerned gaze. ‘Is there something you’d like to tell me?’

Olivia’s brows knitted and she shook her head. ‘Erm… thank you for coming all the way from Skye to be my bridesmaid? I’m sorry if I’ve neglected you today but it’s all been a bit full on and⁠—’

Bella tilted her head back and made an unladylike groaning sound. ‘Not that, you loon. Anything else you need to tell me? Anything exciting?’

Olivia shook her head. ‘I just got married?’

‘Not that either. In case you hadn’t noticed, I was here when that happened.’

‘Give me a clue here, Bella, because I haven’t the foggiest idea what you’re talking about.’