Page 14 of Chasing a Highland Dream

Applause ensued and Bella watched as Olivia’s shoulders visibly relaxed. She continued, ‘You are here to witness a new phase in the life of this historic building. First, you’ll be taken on a tour of the castle, followed by a fashion show of my own Drumblair Tartan designs and finishing off with the amazing local band Fire in the Middle!’ Cheers and whoops followed.

‘This evening will showcase the very best Drumblair has to offer as an event destination, a retreat and a visitor attraction. But first, a wee bit of history. The MacBain clan came from Lochaber and settled here hundreds of years ago in the fourteenth century and Drumblair Castle has had a MacBain at the helm ever since. It’s said the Bonnie Prince himself was holed up here before the Jacobite uprising, making plans for taking back the throne he saw as rightfully his. It’s also said that Drumblair remained a stronghold for supporters of the Stuart line even long after Culloden. The honour of being warden to this stunning piece of architecture now lands with me. My mother and father loved this place so much and they knew it needed to move with the times for its legacy to remain intact. Opening the place to the public was a difficult and scary decision, one that wasn’t met with positivity from everyone, sadly, but it was necessary. Without such steps, the place would have eventually crumbled, and I know for a fact my parents would’ve been heartbroken if that had happened. So this is my phase… our phase of Drumblair. And I very much hope you can see the potential as I can. Please enjoy.’

Applause rang out around the long gallery louder than before, and Bella released her hand from her granny’s as they both joined in with the standing ovation. The gathered people were split into groups and each group followed its guide for a tour of the MacBain family home. Mirren, Dougie, Brodie and Olivia all led off in different directions and Bella felt her knees weaken as relief flooded her once more.

‘Are you all right, hen?’ Isla asked, cupping her cheek. ‘You’ve gone awfy pale.’

Bella nodded, covering her granny’s hand with her own. ‘I think so. I’m angry with myself for letting my heart rule my head. It won’t happen again. That’s it now.’ She meant it with every fibre of her being.

Isla gave a sad smile. ‘Arabella Douglas, you absolutely don’t need a man in your life, that much is so true. You’re a modern lassie, for sure; independent and all that and you don’t ever have to lose yourself. But don’t close your heart off to the possibility of genuine love, dearie. Kermit wasn’t genuine. I don’t think he’s an ounce of decency in his whole body.’

Bella widened her eyes. ‘I should have listened to you.’

Isla nodded. ‘Aye, well, I suppose there comes a time when you have to learn from your own mistakes. It’s what makes you a better person, so they say. I tend to trust my gut feelings; they don’t usually steer me wrong.’ There was a thoughtful pause when Isla seemed to drift off a little. But within seconds, she was back on her train of thought. ‘Now, speaking of love, I met your grandpa Caelan when I least expected it. I’d had my heart broken by a scoundrel who had messed me around and I was like you, I’d had enough. But your grandad was the perfect gentleman. Didn’t play games. Treated me with respect. And I fell head over heels in love in spite of myself. That’s what I wish for you. Your grandad was no looker like Tom Jones, or poet like Lewis Capaldi with his words, but he always put me first. That’s what I want for you, someone to share your beautiful life and heart with. And I’m sure it’ll happen someday, if you let it.’

Bella chewed her lip. ‘But with that kind of love comes the possibility of getting hurt again, Granny. And if not that, the pain of loss, eventually. I’m not sure I can cope with that. I’m not as strong as you.’

Isla’s eyes brightened. ‘I miss your grandad more than words can express but I wouldn’t change a thing, not even now he’s gone. We had fifty-five years of happy marriage and I laughed so much and loved so deeply in those years. The pain of losing him is nothing compared to the joy of loving him.’

Bella realised her chin was wobbling on hearing her granny’s heartfelt words and she reached out to hug her tightly. She missed Grandpa Caelan desperately too but couldn’t imagine the pain of loving someone for so long and then losing them like Isla had. But hearing her granny speak of joy in that way sparked a little flame of hope inside Bella that she knew she would have to remember and cling to if she was to dare to give her heart away again.

9

The tours had been a huge success and the atmosphere in the place was electric with excited chatter. Once the fashion show was in full swing, and Bon Jovi’s ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’ reverberated through the hidden speakers and around the room, both male and female models paraded down the runway dressed in Olivia’s stunning designs. Next Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ played over the sound system, in keeping with the eighties-inspired creations which were sometimes outlandish but completely unique; Olivia’s style and creativity there for all to see. While the local TV station hadn’t been able to attend, there were press photographers and social media influencers snapping away on both sides of the runway.

Bella could see Olivia’s face was flushed as she stood with her hands clasped nervously in front of her, whereas Brodie beamed with pride from the opposite side of the room as he whistled and banged his hands together to show his appreciation for her work.

Bella was delighted, not only for the success of the show but for knowing they had proved Kerr completely wrong and had scuppered his latest attempt at ruining things for Olivia. One thing was certain in Bella’s mind: now Olivia had very little related family left, the one she had chosen for herself was as solid a foundation as the stone that formed the heart of Drumblair.

At the end of the evening, as people filed out, Bella watched from a distance as Olivia was congratulated over and over and told multiple times by various people they’d be in touch about hosting events at the castle. A local journalist interviewed her briefly, holding up an old-fashioned tape recorder to catch Olivia’s enthusiasm for a piece in the Inverness Courier.

When the last guest had gone, Bella hung back and watched as Brodie wrapped Olivia in his arms. ‘How are you doing?’ she heard him ask.

Olivia shook her head and burst into tears. Seeing that brought a lump to Bella’s throat and she walked away. The reality of the whole evening was finally sinking in and while Bella was grateful that Brodie instinctively knew Olivia needed him, she couldn’t help feeling utterly responsible for her best friend’s tears.

Even though the evening had ultimately been a success, Bella couldn’t help berating herself. At the end of the night, she chatted briefly with Adaira and apologised for the situation with Kerr.

‘Don’t worry, Arabella, dear. I was a fool to think he was actually interested in me. I shudder when I think of the nights we spent together. What must have been going through his mind?’

Bella gulped at hearing their relationship was deeper than he had admitted. ‘I’m so sorry. He… he told me you weren’t really together in that way.’

Adaira gave a small, crestfallen smile. ‘Of course he did,’ she replied before walking to her waiting taxi.

Bella was riddled with so much guilt for so many reasons. A knot had formed in her stomach and wouldn’t loosen.

Her granny arrived by her side. ‘Come on, the taxi’s here, hen, you can leave Fifi here for the night,’ she said, patting her arm. ‘And stop it.’

Bella scowled at her perceptive granny. ‘Stop what?’

Isla wagged a finger. ‘I can see the cogs whirring in that heid of yours. It’s done and finished. You didn’t spoil everything, even though that’s what you’re telling yoursel’. I chatted to Olivia earlier and she’s worried about you. She doesn’t want you to feel bad. She knows none of this was deliberate on your part.’

Bella smiled in spite of the stinging sensation behind her eyes. ‘Thanks, Granny.’ She followed Isla to the exit. ‘Actually, I’m going to say goodbye to Liv. See if she needs me to stay and help tidy up.’ Isla nodded.

Bella found Olivia and Brodie were still in the long gallery, sitting on the chairs that faced the runway. Olivia was still crying and that hard ball of emotion knotted Bella’s stomach even tighter.

Brodie released Olivia and whispered something before gesturing at the exit. He smiled at Bella and gave a small wink and a nod, as if to say everything was okay, before he stood and left the room.

Olivia turned and quickly wiped at her eyes. ‘Hey, you. I’m glad I’ve seen you before you leave for the night.’