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“Ah, there you are,” said Anne-Marie. “Did you manage to sleep through all the wind?”

“A little,” said Lottie, not admitting that she’d actually spent much of the night thinking about what might have happened had Anya not appeared just as she kissed Hannah.

“I’ve been round all the rooms and left power cut packages and notes outside the doors.” This was one of Anne-Marie’s routines. It was something she had started years ago, and she always had them ready, especially during the winter.

“Oh you are good,” said Lottie. “I’ll go and light the candles in the dining room ready for breakfast.”

She made her way to the grand room, which looked a little dim despite the fingers of dawn light creeping in.

Each table had a centrepiece of a glass lantern, inside which was a candle. At this time of year it was usually just a table decoration, but in a power cut it served an important purpose. She picked up the lighter stowed in one of the cutlery drawers and started to light up the room.

Slowly but surely the room began to glow, and warmth spread. Sprigs of holly on the tables glistened in the flickering light, and Lottie couldn’t help but smile at the festive picture in front of her.

“Morning,” said Satnam, one of the guests who was due to stay over Christmas with his son. “Are we too early?”

“Not at all,” beamed Lottie. “You’re right on time. The porridge is steaming and fresh and the pastries are just out of the oven. Did you have everything you needed this morning?”

“Yes,” said the small boy beside him, shining his torch directly into Lottie’s eyes.

Satnam laughed and pulled his son’s hand down. “Sorry about that. Thank you, yes, we are all good.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

HANNAH

Hannah hadn’t slept. She knew the weather meant she couldn’t be in any real danger. But the news Mark had shared had scared her to the point that she couldn’t allow herself to close her eyes for any length of time.

She switched on the bedside light. Nothing. She looked at her phone. It hadn’t fully charged, despite being plugged in all night. She raised herself from the pillow and made her way across the dim room. Out of the window she could just make out the blanket of thick snow that had transformed the landscape.

A power cut. That had to be it. Somewhere between the wind and the snow. She looked again at her phone. The Wi-Fi was off as well. There was barely any phone signal in the castle, and what had been a welcome escape from the outside world, the news and everything that had kept her busy for the last few months, suddenly felt concerning. She needed to know what was happening. Aside from anything else, she probably needed to speak to the local police. She could feel the sharp talons of anxiety reaching into her chest.

Carefully, she pushed open her bedroom door to make sure it wasn’t just her room. Nope. The corridor was in darkness and although it was after seven am, it felt like night time.

She noticed at her feet a small linen bag with a label tied to it. She picked it up and took it inside. She sat on her bed and emptied the contents. A small wind-up torch and some candles, along with a box of matches and a charging brick. She read the label.

Dear guest,

Don’t be alarmed. We have a power cut, which isn’t unusual in this weather/at this time of year (delete as appropriate…).

This is your power cut kit, courtesy of the McLennon Castle pixies. We will have everything up and running as usual as soon as we can, and we will look after you with our characteristic Highland charm come rain, wind or shine.

Do come down to reception if you need anything, and rest assured, the kitchen will still be operating.

x

Hannah’s chest felt slightly less tight and she allowed herself a smile. They were clearly well-practiced at dealing with this sort of thing, and she was charmed by the gesture. She lit a candle in her bedroom and another in the bathroom. She plugged her phone into the power bank for what it was worth, and then climbed into the shower. Thank goodness the heating and hot water still worked.

There was a comfort in the warmth of the water and the yellow flickering glow of the flame reassured her. She couldn’t imagine anything bad happening here. She just hoped that her imagination proved correct.

Once showered she donned some jeans and a woollen jumper. She pulled on a pair of chunky boots and brushed her hair. Today didn’t feel like a day for glamour. She poked her hair behind her ears, blew out the candles, and made her way down to the dining room, her torch lighting her way.

It was full of guests chattering away about the power cut. They all seemed remarkably cheerful given the circumstances. There was an unexpected sense of camaraderie. Satnam greeted her with a warm smile.

“God bless the staff here,” he said. “They’ve really pulled it out of the bag this morning.” He gestured at the selection of pastries and fruit. “I was worried we’d all be eating digestive biscuits and wishing we were back in England.”

Hannah smiled politely and excused herself. She wasn’t in the mood for small talk, however friendly.

“Good morning,” said the older woman, who always seemed to be working. “Please find yourself a table Ms Castle, and we’ll get you something to warm you up on this cold and windy morning.”