Page 35 of The Scottish Island Wedding

‘Ah, thank you, hen.’ Angus beamed at her from under the beard. He handed little Sarah McInnes a brightly wrapped present from under the Christmas tree next to him: she squealed delightedly and ran off with it.

‘How’s it going, Santa?’ Heather asked her father with a grin.

‘Aye, it’s fine, fine.’ He nodded genially. ‘No’ sure I needed the paddin’ down the front o’ the costume this year, if I’m honest. I need tae start exercisin’ more.’ He sighed. ‘It’s your mother’s cookin’. It’s too good.’

‘Ha. Maybe I should take this mince pie back to the kitchen?’ Heather joked.

‘You will not.’ Angus picked up the pie and ate it in two quick bites. ‘Anyway, I better get back to it. These children’ll go feral if not, aye. Keep everyone’s drinks freshened, will you, hen?’

‘Of course, Dad. We’re on it.’ Heather squeezed her father’s shoulder.

She looked up at the sound of a sudden disturbance in the hallway.

‘What’s that?’ Angus frowned. ‘Go an’ see, would you, Heather? I can’t go myself. If it’s John about the ponies, tell him I’ll pay him after.’

‘Of course.’ Heather made her way into the hallway, where Elizabeth Campbell stood, being photographed by three men with cameras and lights. She was posing against the reception desk of the Balhennie Inn, where there was a lovely large Christmas tree, decorated in Balhennie tartan bows – a red background with a green and yellow stripe – and shiny red baubles.

‘Elizabeth… what’s going on?’ Heather approached her as a flash went off in her eyes. She blinked.

‘We are enjoying your parents’ kind invitation to the Christmas party,’ Elizabeth replied, a little haughtily. ‘Isn’t it obvious?’

Elizabeth turned to one of the three photographers.

‘Claude! Get me on my left side only, remember,’ she chastised the man. ‘We’ll go and take some pictures with the ponies outside, and I need plenty of children looking happy.’

‘Um…’ Heather exchanged glances with Clara, who was watching the photo shoot with a neutral expression. ‘Lady Campbell, I think my parents intended this to be a private party… you’re welcome, of course, but we didn’t know you were bringing photographers.’

‘Oh, it’s fine, dear. You’ll hardly notice them,’ Elizabeth assured her.

‘Well, we have noticed them,’ Heather argued; Matty came in, unzipping a padded black parka.

‘Hello, beautiful.’ He enveloped her in a hug. ‘Hey. This is all very festive!’

‘Yeah, it’s nice, thanks… Mum and Dad organise it every year for the locals.’ Heather jumped as two primary school-aged kids zoomed past her and Matty, with their middle-aged father in hot pursuit.

‘Sorry,’ he apologised, as he sprinted past. ‘They’ve heard there’s cake.’

‘Right. Santa’s in here, Lady Campbell,’ one of the photographers called out. ‘I think if we can get you handing out the presents, maybe get one of the kids on your lap…’

Elizabeth and her retinue went into the next room. Matty put his hand over his eyes.

‘I can’t watch. Sorry she’s doing this. I didn’t know she was planning on making this a press opportunity.’ He kissed Heather on the cheek. ‘You okay?’

They’d spent the night before together, and Heather had woken up feeling so connected to Matty again. It had seemed like years since they’d been intimate, even though it was only a few days. It was a relief to be back in the right energy with him; she’d hated being so out of sync.

‘I’m fine. I mean, this is a private party… I don’t think anyone intended for Elizabeth to pretend she’s the guest of honour and use it as a photo op,’ Heather whispered, side-eyeing Matty’s mother as she smiled beatifically at the camera, standing under Catriona’s quilted sign that read, FAMILY * LOVE * CHRISTMAS.

‘I know. I’m sorry. I’ll have a word with her.’ Matty kissed the tip of Heather’s nose.

‘I wish someone would. Maybe I ought to do something totally outrageous to embarrass her.’

‘Like what? Streak?’ Matty started to laugh.

‘I could.’

‘I would pay to see that.’ Heather’s husband-to-be nodded faux-seriously.

‘Cheeky. You can see it anytime you like if we’re getting married,’ Heather replied, shaking her head faintly as Elizabeth shook hands with some bewildered locals.