Deb had stationed herself in the vestibule at the castle entrance, where tourists usually bought tickets. She sat at the wooden table that was always there, with the boxes of wrist corsages and the buttonholes she’d had to manhandle out of the Post Office in front of her. Her idea had been to provide traditional Clan Cameron flower tokens to all of the guests as a thoughtful gift – each corsage or buttonhole featured a purple thistle, representing Scotland, some oak leaves, which were featured in the Clan Cameron crest, and lilac, which was abundant everywhere in the village at that time of year. After all, part of the reason for the party was to celebrate the togetherness of the community, and Deb had thought that the flowers would be a good way to symbolise that.
She was slightly self-conscious in her black bodycon dress and heels, though she had to admit her outfit was surprisingly comfy. She’d draped the tartan shawl around her shoulders and fastened it with the brooch, and was grateful for the warmth on a chilly evening.
‘Look at you! Glamourpuss.’ Zelda Hicks sashayed through the door from the Great Hall to the vestibule where Deb was sitting. ‘Deb! It’s so good to see you!’
Deb stood up, and Zelda wrapped her up in a warm hug.
‘Hi, Zelda. When did you get back?’ Deb had known that Zelda and the Laird were coming back for the party, but they had been a little vague about details.
‘Last night. I’m jetlagged like you wouldn’t believe.’ Deb always noticed Zelda’s New York accent, and it stood out even more in a Scottish castle than it had done when Deb had first met Zelda in London. ‘Hal’s here somewhere. You look fantastic, I’m not even joking. You’ve lost a lot of weight. Not that that’s important, but… you have.’
‘Yeah. It’s a combination of being busy and the post-operation recovery, I think.’ Deb shrugged.
‘Well, you look fab. And I love the dress.’
‘I got it at Fiona’s, in the village.’ Deb fiddled with one of the wide shoulder straps. ‘It is actually weirdly comfy.’
‘Ah, I love Fiona! That’s a great little shop. You know, I helped her out a little, setting up her Instagram account and stuff for it. Have you seen her feed? She’s got like, thousands of followers now. She’s probably going to post a lot from the party. You should definitely make sure she takes a picture of you in that dress.’ Zelda winked. ‘Belle of the ball.’
‘Oh, hardly.’ Deb blushed a little. ‘Look at you! You look absolutely stunning.’
‘That’s what I told her.’ Hal Cameron walked into the vestibule, and pulled Zelda in towards him, planting an affectionate kiss on her cheek. ‘I’ve never known you look anythin’ other than perfect.’ Zelda was dressed in a long Cameron tartan ball dress that looked to be made especially for her. It had short sleeves, a sweetheart neck and nipped her in atthe waist before billowing out into a wide, floor-length skirt. She looked every bit the Lady of the Manor.
‘Oh, this old thing?’ Zelda held out the skirt to one side, exposing a long slit up one leg. ‘Ha. I’m joking. I had it specially made in Edinburgh to match Hal. Gotta be sharp and look good next to the Clan Chief.’ She looked up into his eyes, and planted a little kiss on Hal’s clean-shaven cheek.
Hal was wearing full Scots evening dress, which comprised a Cameron tartan kilt, a black evening jacket with tails, crisp white shirt, black socks with a matching tartan tab, and a black bow tie. Over his kilt, he wore a traditional fur and leather sporran, and an ornamental knife – thesgian dubh– tucked into one sock.
They were one of those couples that you could see straight away absolutely adored each other – it warmed Deb’s heart to see them so in love. And, just for a moment, she felt alone, even though she was surrounded by people.
‘Deb, you look amazing too. The shawl looks beautiful.’ Hal planted a kiss on Deb’s cheek. ‘This was my mother’s,’ he said, to them both. ‘As was the brooch.’ He nodded, looking pleased. ‘It looks great on you, Deb. Zelda actually suggested I give this tae ye. After we read yer email, we were both in bits.’ He shook his head. ‘I’m so sorry for what happened tae yer granny, Deb. I really am.’ Hal looked grave. ‘I’ve actually been thinkin’ a lot aboot what I can do tae remedy the situation, an’ I think I’ve come up with somethin’. We’ll talk, okay?’ He reached for Deb’s hand and squeezed it.
‘Okay. Thank you, Hal.’ Deb was touched. ‘I really didn’t expect … all this.’ She touched the brooch, which sat on the shawl at her shoulder. ‘But it was a really kind gesture.’
‘No’ a bit of it.’ He nodded. ‘We wanted tae show ye that yer part o’ Loch Cameron. It’s only right.’
‘Lady Cameron had some really cool stuff,’ Zelda added. ‘Hal’s still got loads of her couture, up in one of the rooms here. You should come and see it sometime. I need to persuade one of my old fashion buddies to come and do a feature on it or something because there are some hella good dresses up there.’ She grinned at Deb. ‘We should invite Fiona, and try it all on. Make a day of it.’
‘That sounds really fun.’ Deb smiled, grateful for Zelda’s warmth.
‘And you’ve done such a great job with everything! The castle looks fantastic!’ Hal turned to her. ‘Thank ye, Deb. I really appreciate the fact that we’ve been able to be away and just leave it in your capable hands.’
‘You’re most welcome.’ Deb felt a glow of pride in her chest eclipse her temporary loneliness. She was really proud of how the party had come together.
‘Now, listen.’ Hal looked serious. ‘I’m goin’ tae make a bit o’ a speech, later. An’ I want tae mention yer granny. Is that okay?’ He looked concernedly at Deb. ‘Reason bein’, I’ve got tae address the issues aboot the housin’ project up on Gyle Head, an’ connected wi’ that, I want tae be completely honest with the community aboot the past. I think it’s important.’
‘Oh. Right. I guess so,’ Deb said, feeling suddenly on the back foot. There was a part of her that felt protective of Grandma Elise, but then, on the other hand, she thought that peopleshouldknow. It was important to tell her grandmother’s story. ‘Yes. Yes, okay.’
‘You’re sure?’ Hal asked, his eyes crinkling kindly at the edges. ‘I just think, honesty is important, aye. I want tae say an official apology to you. In front of everyone.’
‘You don’t have to do that, Hal,’ she said, feeling emotional.
‘I know. But I want tae,’ he said, softly.
‘Thank you,’ Deb replied. A thought struck her. ‘Hal? I have a question, actually. My grandmother had a brother, Tom, who lived in the cottage with her and her parents until they were evicted. I don’t know if you remember from what I sent you, but according to my grandmother’s diary, they went into care, and were separated. I think she spent the whole rest of her life without him.’
‘Oh, no! That’s terrible!’ Zelda put her hand to her mouth. ‘I can’t imagine how horrible that would be!’
‘I know.’ Deb nodded. ‘I can’t, either. I mean, I doubt that he would even be alive now. But, Hal… would you have any way of tracing him, do you think? Would there be something in the archives at the castle? It’s a long shot, I know, but…’
