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Lottie and Sunitra laughed. Brian had started work at McLennon Castle ten years earlier, coming directly from working for the Queen. He was inordinately fond of his past career, as indeed were the legions of international visitors who frequented the castle.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” replied Sunitra, with a wink.

“I’ll just get changed, and I’ll be down in a bit,” said Anya, pointing at her chef’s whites.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” said Brian, welcoming Lottie and Sunitra into the bar off the great hall. It was cosier than the other room, and perfect for a quiet drink and chat.

“Hey, Lotts,” said Zack, who was already at a table with Tom, nursing a whisky of his own.

“Oh, hello. Mind if we join you?” Lottie asked.

“I’d be offended if you didn’t,” said Zack. Tom smiled warmly as Lottie introduced Sunitra to him.

“And I need no introduction to you, young man,” said Sunitra looking at Zack. “I remember you begging me to decorate all the fir trees within a mile radius of the castle with you when you were wee.”

Zack laughed. “Well, it would have been good.”

“Not overly practical, though,” Sunitra pointed out.

“Now then,” said Brian, pushing the whisky trolley towards the group. “What can I tempt you with?”

Sunitra and Lottie carefully examined the selection on the old dark wood trolley that had become an institution at the castle. Brian stroked his perfectly waxed moustache, his afro hair smartly parted on one side.

“Excellent choice,” he said, as they chose their respective drams.

It was at this moment that the American couple from earlier made their way into the room.

“Good afternoon Brian,” said the man. “Do you have a dram of my usual?”

“Of course, sir,” said Brian, his voice rising at the end of the sentence as if this was the most exciting request he’d received all day.

“Brian,” called Sunitra, “did they have a whisky trolley on the Royal Yacht Britannia when you travelled with the Queen?”

“Well,” said Brian, “funny you should mention that…”

Anya elbowed Sunitra in the side, while Zack and Lottie dissolved into giggles. Tom smiled.

Chapter Thirty-One

HANNAH

Hannah inspected her outfit in the mirror. She had taken longer to get ready this evening. She tried to pretend to herself that it wasn’t because she was going to be having dinner with Lottie. She reminded herself that it wasn’t a date or anything like that. She would be joining Lottie, her children, and Anya and Sunitra. Of course.

But. There was part of her that wondered if perhaps Lottie had invited her to dinner not just because she was stuck in the Highlands and under threat, but perhaps because she liked her. Well, more than liked her. Perhaps Lottie wanted her.

The thought of Lottie wanting her sent a spark through Hannah’s body, and she revelled in it for a moment. She hadn’t expected this on any level. But it was exciting. It was the first time she’d been excited about anything in her personal life for years.

She smoothed down her dark hair, checked her eyeliner, and left the room.

Dinner was a raucous affair. Zack and Freya competed to see who could embarrass the other the most. Occasionally Lottie told them to be quiet, but it was obvious she enjoyed their banter. They seemed to as well. Anya and Sunitra joined in with the conversation, falling into an easy rhythm with people they’d clearly known for years. Tom was a little more reserved, but every now and again he would shoot Hannah a smile.

Once dinner was over, they made their way to the small bar, promising Brian they would order some whisky later. “I’ll get the drinks,” said Hannah, making her way to the highly polished wooden and brass bar.

“I’ll help carry,” said Tom easily, joining her at the bar.

“Thanks.” Hannah nodded at him.

“They’re a lot, aren’t they?” he said, gesturing his head subtly towards Lottie and the others.