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Being open-minded had brought her to Arran to embrace a new future, and she’d done so with the tiniest glimmer of excitement and hope. Edie had eventually unfurled from a dark place to flourish through her creative work and by connecting with nature around her. A few years ago, she’d even briefly found love again with George, an artist who’d visited the island for a summer. Then she frowned as she thought about the letter, and its contents flitted around her head.
‘The ceilidh, what about the ceilidh? Edie? Earth to Edie,’ Doris called.
‘Sorry.’ A frown knitted Edie’s brows together.
‘The band for the ceilidh for Christmas Eve — are they booked?’
‘Erm, yes, they are.’
‘Are you okay? You’re not your usual self. You’re looking a bit peaky.’ Thea’s voice was kind.
‘Sorry, I’m just tired.’
‘How about getting your visitor involved in all of this?’ suggested Doris, suddenly. ‘Didn’t you say something about her having a marketing background?’
Edie couldn’t remember what she’d told Doris. ‘Yes, she used to sell vodka.’
‘Ideal.’ She clapped her hands together. ‘She can help run the bar and launch our special gin.’
‘Don’t you think we should ask her first?’ Thea looked slightly concerned.
Doris shook her head. ‘Not at all. This will be a wonderful way for her to meet people.’
Edie knew Amelia wanted to stay under the radar, but when she opened her mouth to protest, Doris cut in.
‘Great. That’s all settled.’ Doris smiled. ‘Edie, you can tell Amelia that we are thrilled to have her on board and that I will be in touch with instructions. In fact, why don’t I ask her if she will come and taste the new Christmas gin. I bet she will be full of super ideas as to how to sell it. Brilliant.’ She pulled on her coat and swept her papers into her huge bag. ‘Right, I’d better be off. Things to do, people to see. Super seeing you, ladies.’
‘Bye, Doris,’ called Thea. But she was already out the door and marching across the road to her car.
‘She’s certainly a force of nature,’ said a bemused Edie.
Her comment made Thea laugh. ‘She is indeed.’
‘Poor Amelia. I hope she won’t be annoyed. I get the impression she is here for a quiet life.’
‘I’m sure she won’t be. Not when she realises how much fun she can have. Anyway,’ Thea said, chuckling, ‘I’m not sure if she’s actually got a choice.’ Glancing down at her watch, she stood up. ‘I’d better go too.’ She paused. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’
Edie nodded. ‘Yes, I’m sorry I’ve been so distracted this morning. I’m not entirely sure I heard everything that was being discussed.’ She looked up at Thea, her eyes apologetic.
‘Please don’t worry. Grant says the lights team are all good to go and they’ll start getting them up soonish; we can use the hall as usual for the grotto, and Grant and Fergus checked over the stands and the canopies and they all seem fine.’
Edie smiled at Thea. ‘I’ll need to get out all the chutneys and jams I made.’ She scribbled that down on her notepad. ‘You’d better head back to work.’ She tried her best to sound bright. ‘Off you go now, dear.’
Thea turned to walk away and Edie felt her smile falter. She was tired and aware she would need to do something sooner rather than later as she was up against a deadline that couldn’t be changed.
Chapter Fifteen
When Amelia’s mobile began ringing, she saw Jack’s name flash up and grabbed it excitedly. ‘Jack, how are you?’
‘I’m fine, darling, but how are you? Where’ve you been? Why haven’t you called?’
‘I didn’t want to wake you up. Every time I thought about calling, I realised you would either be at work or sleeping. Did you get the pictures?’
‘Yes. Wow. What an amazing place. Looks like you’ve been strolling around taking in the scenery?’
‘I’ve been quite busy. Seriously, relocation is an exhausting business.’
‘Sure.’ He laughed. ‘But, honestly, how are you doing?’
