Whatever Moira had expected Blackmore to be, this was not it. It was absolutely stunning and larger than any castle she had ever seen. She couldn’t help but gasp at the sheer size of it.
Heavens above.Two Glenhavens could fit within it and have a touch of room to spare. She swallowed hard. ‘You didn’t tell me your estate was quite so...expansive.’
‘Well, it wasn’t originally so large, but over the years there have been additions and improvements.’
The driver slowed as they eased their approach to the castle. There were no cobblestones along the drive, but a smooth, level sheet of rock perfectly fit together. She marvelled at how she could scarce tell they were even moving. How long it must have taken to level out the dirt and create such an exquisite entry she couldn’t imagine.
‘Is there a village below? I haven’t seen any other cottages or buildings.’
He chuckled. ‘You were sleeping as we rounded many of the cottages that sit tucked in along the hillside and the village proper. There are also extensive pathways that lead from the south end of the property to the larger farms as well as the mine below it.’
‘I’m sorry to have missed it.’
‘You’ll have plenty of time to see everything. Do not worry yourself.’
She marvelled at the beauty of the trees, shrubbery and plants that framed the castle walls. The leaves were burnished and turning, casting a golden glow amongst the dark castle stone. ‘It must be absolutely gorgeous in the spring and summer when all is in bloom.’
‘Every season has its own beauty. I believe you will favour them all.’ He met her gaze. ‘Welcome to Blackmore, your new home, Moira.’
Home.
Her chest tightened. She never thought she’d have a home other than Glenhaven after Peter’s death, yet here she was about to be mistress of this huge, sprawling estate. ‘Perhaps I should pinch myself to ensure I am not still dreaming.’
He chuckled. ‘I assure you that you are awake and that this is no dream, merely your new life. One that I hope will bring you some joy and happiness.’
The carriage rolled to a stop and before she could respond, a young servant opened the carriage door.
‘Mrs Fraser.’ He bowed and offered his hand.
She smiled, accepted his hand and stepped down from the carriage. Soon that would be a name long forgotten, as a part of her past would be, or so she hoped. She was ready to let Mrs Fraser fade into the mist and embrace a new version of herself and eager to become a McKenna. Perhaps as a McKenna she would be the Moira and the woman she’d always hoped to become.
The line of servants was impressive, and their friendly, flushed faces brought a smile to her lips. While she was horrid with names, she was wonderful with faces. She’d learn them all and their duties in due time, and she was grateful that they seemed as eager to meet her as she was them.
Having greeted all of the Blackmore household staff, she took hold of Rory’s offered arm and walked with him side by side up the ripple of stairs that graced the large, wide doors of her new home.
‘Everyone here is quite warm and lovely,’ she murmured to him.
‘We are a bit more informal here and many of our staff are from families who have been serving Blackmore for generations. For what we lack in longevity within our own line, we have in loyalty from those who serve our family. I’d dare say they view you as a precious and welcome addition. As do I.’
She tightened her hold on his arm as a flush of happiness warmed her. It was quite the contrast to the rather cold welcome she had received when she had joined Peter’s household. She almost wished to pinch herself to wakefulness as she crossed the dark, smooth stone floors which swallowed the sound of her footfalls.
The main hall was impressive and quite tastefully decorated. Colourful tapestries dotted the walls amongst paintings of what she would only assume were past McKennas who had graced the castle before her. One portrait arrested her attention and she paused. A woman with flowing auburn hair sat resting under a tree reading a book. She was surrounded by lush greenery and a sea of purple heather that almost seemed to be in motion behind her.
‘My mother,’ Rory stated, emotion filling every syllable.
‘She is beautiful. I almost feel like she is here.’
He nodded and smiled to her. ‘I have oft thought the same. I will not reveal how many hours I have spent staring upon it over the years.’
Moira squeezed his arm. ‘I do not blame you. She is absolutely captivating.’
A door slammed from the other end of the castle and a loud cacophony of barking sounded, jarring Moira from the moment. Rory bent down to whisper in her ear. ‘Maintain that tranquil peaceful thought. You’ve yet to meet my uncle and his many hounds.’
She relaxed her hold on his arm and chuckled. ‘I wondered when I would get to meet him.’
Nails clicked along the stone floors and around the corner came a trio of wolfhounds in a full sprint.
‘It seems you shall meet them all at once.’
