It was a somewhat sleepy couple who made it just in time for the 9:30 am departure of the train to Oban. Lawren had elected to take the train rather than to drive north, as he had heard Anna’s account of her first trip to Oban and he wanted her to relive that experience with him by her side.
The train was not very busy, so they sat comfortably, linked together, half-asleep as the train travelled through the precincts of Glasgow. Once outside those limits, however, Lawren was glued to the windows and the spectacular views. His questions came fast as he sought the names of the mountains, valleys and lochs that were revealed in an endless parade. Anna did her best to supply the required information. She smiled inside as she remembered her own first journey and the same need to know what she saw and where she was. This was Lawren’s chance to see the land-based interior of the Scottish west coast. Together they had experienced some of the western isles on their trip to Iona but the heather-clad hills and tumbling waterfalls of Argyll and Bute had their own, unique, wild splendour.
When he stopped to take a breath again, he turned to Anna and his expression reflected her own feelings.
“It’s simply magnificent!” he said.
“I know,” she replied, and she squeezed his hand to show her understanding.
“But, look at the people in this carriage,” he continued, quietly. “The man over there is asleep and that family seems to be having a picnic. The two young men are watching their phone screens and ignoring the scenery completely and that girl has her eyes shut and her ears plugged with headphones. What’s wrong with these people?”
“I suppose even the most gorgeous views in the world are commonplace to those who have seen them many times before,” suggested Anna. “By the way, can you hear the music the girl is listening to?”
“I can hear some of it? It must be very loud. Would you like me to ask her to turn it down?”
“Oh, no!” insisted Anna. “It sounds familiar to me but I can’t remember why. I must have heard it before somewhere.”
As the hours drifted by, Anna could not help comparing the comfort of Lawren’s presence and the prospect of their holiday together in Oban with the trepidation of her first journey north and the feelings of uncertainty that had been her constant companion on that occasion.
How her life had changed in the interim! It was difficult to absorb the differences and yet she was so much more confident and happy than she could ever have imagined on that prior trip.
How had it all happened?
She knew now that by accepting the challenge of coming to Scotland and attempting to live in Helen’s old farmhouse, she had awakened something within herself that had lain dormant for decades. The Anna sitting comfortably with Lawren was a new creature. Had it not been for her willingness to accept new experiences and take chances, she would never have been able to overcome her natural fears about a new relationship with a younger man. She had learned that age has nothing to do with the life force. Her old-fashioned ideas had been swept away when she opened her heart to Lawren and now the future, however long or short it might be, was something to be welcomed and cherished in every way possible.
Thoughts of the future reminded her that there was at least one other piece of information that she had not yet shared with Lawren. She waited until the train was passing one of the long lochs and gently nudged Lawren’s arms to get his attention.
“Lawren, I heard something interesting from Alina on the phone.”
“Oh, what was she saying?” His eyes never left the view but his tone of voice indicated that he was paying attention.
“She’s thinking of buying a condo in our Westmount complex and living there at least part of the time with Philip.”
Lawren’s head snapped round and he looked into Anna’s eyes to make sure she was not joking.
“Really? What would make her do that? Does Philip agree to this idea?”
“I imagine he does agree. They have some elaborate plan to spend part of the year in Manchester, part in Ontario and part in Oban. Philip got this idea from his sister Lynn and her husband the Greek professor. Apparently they are in the process of working out a similar plan for their retirement years.”
Lawren frowned and his eyes darkened. “Is this something you would consider Anna?”
“Which part? Living in two countries? I am doing that already. Buying a home? Philip is in a position to take on that expense but I think it would be an excellent thing for us to have the condo to ourselves.
What do you say?”
“I don’t believe I have a say in this, Anna. I don’t have now, nor am I likely to have anytime soon, the finances to consider that kind of lifestyle.”
Anna raised her fist and pretend-punched his shoulder. “Now, don’t you start that again, Lawren Drake.
I thought we had dealt with those issues already. What we have, we share.”
“I may have allowed you to think I agreed, Anna, but that was when I had a possibility of inheriting money from my father’s family. No chance of that now.”
“The situation has not changed as far as I am concerned.” She raised her left hand with the ring on her middle finger catching the light from the train window. “Remember this? It’s a promise, isn’t it?”
Lawren’s heart melted. How could he forget that moment in the firelight when the word ‘soulmate’ was first spoken between them. He touched her hand with his and pressed them together until the matched set of rings made the gentle click of silver on silver.
“I won’t listen to any apologies from you, sir. I know you are a proud man and I respect that, but I value your love far more than any amount of money.”
There was nothing more to be said on the subject.
Lawren kissed her hand and Anna snuggled contentedly into his shoulder. He was not, however, finished with the topic. There were mitigating factors in this possible home purchase that Anna might not have considered. If he could not contribute financially, he could always think ahead and save his lady from future problems. For the remainder of the journey his mind was busy with prospects and plans while Anna dozed against his side.
Grant met them at the Oban station and quickly disposed of Anna’s case and Lawren’s backpack.
When they were comfortably settled in the back of the large car, Anna looked around at the seafront of Oban and heaved a glad sigh. “It’s like coming home! This is our first time arriving here together, Lawren, but I hope it will be the first of many times.”
Once they had left the town behind, Anna asked, “Well, Grant, what’s the news?”
Grant chuckled and replied in his soft Aberdeenshire voice, “I dinna ken if you’ll have time to hear it all, Ms. Mason, but I’ll at least start you off. No doubt the ladies of your acquaintance will fill in any gaps.”
“That sounds intriguing, Grant. What’s been happening?”
“Now then, there’s the new Phoenix Cinema on George Street where the Disney film ‘Brave’ had its premier performance. A Waterstones bookstore has opened. One of your Highland knitting ladies has won a speed-knitting contest and beaten the holder of the Guinness Book of Records in the process.
And, you’ll mind the fuss there was last November 5th when the Guy Fawkes fireworks display went off in a blaze in a mere fifty seconds instead of twenty full minutes? Well, some lad watching, put the whole
fiasco on the internet and now everyone wants another big Obang, (that’s what they’re calling it), this year, only it’s to be all done in ten seconds, if you can believe it!”
Lawren and Anna were laughing out loud at Grant’s offended tone but Anna stopped when he finished his recitation with this piece of news. “Aye, I thought there was another thing, Fiona’s got a boyfriend.”
“Tell me you’re not kidding, Grant?”
“Not a bit of it! It’s true as I’m sitting here. Mind you, she’s not exactly shouting it out from McCaig’s Folly up above the town. I’m thinking I’m one of the few who knows. It might be best not to say anything, Ms. Mason, until she tells you herself.”
Anna thought this was good advice. Fiona was a private person who would not appreciate her personal business being a topic of speculation for all and sundry. She would wait, with whatever patience she could muster, until Fiona chose to reveal the information.
Whoever he is, I hope he’s a worthy opponent. Fiona is not one to trifle with and I will appoint myself ‘in loco parentis’ if required to do so.
There was a welcoming committee assembled at the front door of the McCaig Estate Farmhouse.
Grant had called to alert Simon as soon as the Glasgow train had pulled into the Oban station.
Anna eagerly waved out of the car windows as they came over the rise in the track and saw the house. She tried to point out her family members for Lawren but had to give up as she was too excited to wait until the roll call was done.
Lawren settled the bill with Grant and carried their luggage up the path watching Anna greet her brother and his wife, Michelle. The older couple were the easiest to identify. He was not sure who the trim woman with thick, bouncy hair might be, but the young girl waiting beside her was obviously a daughter. His keen eye assessed Anna’s brother and determined he must be more like their mother than their father. He did not have Anna’s height and colouring, but his upright posture spoke of the same early training.
He stood back until the first round of hugs and chatter had been completed. Although Anna had said she did not see enough of her brother because of his busy life as an environmental engineer in Alberta, it was clear they had a great deal of affection for each other. The kind of banter that is shared by close family members had already commenced between them. Something about Simon’s beer belly was being commented on by Anna. Michelle, a small, round woman with grey hair and a warm smile, took the chance to step forward and offer her hand.
“Never mind those two! It’s always the same when they get together. You must be Lawren. It’s great to meet you at last. We are so happy that Anna has found someone who appreciates her and I must say, we are astounded at the painting you did for her. This is Donna, our daughter, and beside her is Ashley, our granddaughter.”
Lawren smiled and shook hands with the three women. Ashley seemed shy and hid behind her mother’s shoulder but she held his gaze and almost started to speak to him before changing her mind and leaving the conversation to her elders for now.
“Just leave the case there, Lawren. We prepared a meal for you in the kitchen. There’s nothing like travel to give you a good appetite, we always find.”
Anna threw herself into his arms before he could follow Michelle. “Oh, Lawren, forgive me for deserting you. Blame Simon; I always do!” She turned back to her older brother who was laughing and shaking his head at her antics.
“Hi, Lawren. Good to meet you. Are you sure you know what you are doing with this one?”
Lawren did not know an appropriate response to this challenge so he let it go with only a lopsided grin as his answer. Clearly, Anna was a different, lighter person within her family group. He still had a lot to learn about her and the next few hours would be instructive.
Michelle proved to be an excellent cook and an experienced hostess. Anna praised the relay of succulent dishes she managed to produce from the ovens of the Aga.
“Well, I didn’t know for sure what Lawren might like so I covered all the food groups just in case,” she confessed. “You can freeze some of the leftovers and save cooking time for the rest of this week. We’ll all be off to Glasgow tomorrow and you two will have the place to yourselves.”
“But, I thought you were staying here for another day or two,” said Anna. “We don’t want you to rush off on our account. There’s plenty of room.”
A look was exchanged between husband and wife and Simon resumed the conversation. “We have had the most wonderful time here Anna. Everything you told us about Oban and Scotland is true. We’ll be back for sure and the rest of our Calgary gang will come too. There’s something Michelle and I have to tell you and something else that you need to know.” Simon paused for effect and Anna interrupted.
“All right! That’s enough of the mysterious hinting. What’s going on?”
“Patience, my dear sister! Patience! You know, that virtue you never did find the time for?”
Anna threw him a glance and Simon moved on speedily. “Michelle and I are moving from Alberta to Prince Edward island.”
This announcement stunned Anna to immobility. Her mouth fell open.
“I know it’s unexpected, but with retirement overdue, we decided to get as far from the rat race as we could, and spend our declining years close to the ocean and the fresh air of the Atlantic coast.”
Michelle continued as soon as Simon drew a breath. “Simon won’t tell you, but he is tired of struggling with the oil sands projects and their environmental impact. It’s been a good living for us and the family, however, and now we want to do something for ourselves. We’ve bought a large cottage near the shore between Victoria and Charlottetown, so the girls, their brother Ken, and all the grandkids, can come and stay any time and, of course, now that we know how wonderful it is here, we can hop across to Scotland when this place is free.”
Anna blinked rapidly as she attempted to absorb this unexpected information. She could see that Simon was waiting anxiously for her response so she gathered her thoughts together and answered with delight. “This is great news! You will love the milder winter in PEI and Lawren and I can visit you there when the family are busy working. One thing I have discovered since coming here to Scotland is the difference it makes to live near the sea. This is a decision you two will never regret. Well done!”
She nodded to Simon and asked, “Is there any wine? I feel like a toast is required.”
“My thoughts exactly!” responded Simon. He disappeared into the larder off the kitchen and emerged with two bottles in hand. “Red and white; take your pick and let’s get started on that food. You first, Lawren. You are the guest today.”
Lawren obediently filled his plate. Eating might save him from the questions that would surely come at this meal. He was not certain he was ready to open up to Anna’s family until he knew them a lot better.
It was much later in the afternoon when Anna remembered that Simon had hinted there were two pieces of information he had to share.
Lawren and Ashley had ventured up Helen’s Hill together as she wanted to show him the patch of blackberry bushes that had provided the pie he raved about at lunch.
Anna was sitting in the garden lazily watching their progress up the steep hill. The sun was shining on the front of the house as well as on the hill, but she was in the shade and the cool air forced her to get up and return to the house to find her brother.
“Simon! Where are you?”
His reply came from the lounge where he and Michelle were making up the pull-out bed for the night.
She found them there and fetched the duvet that kept the bed cozy.
“I’m glad I caught you two together. Listen, are you sure you need to leave Oban so soon?”
“Absolutely! There’s a special reason why. I meant to tell you about this at lunch but we were having too much fun eating and drinking to introduce the subject.”
“Is this the other thing you mentioned?”
“Right! Sit down Anna. We got a call from Ross and Joyce in Glasgow.”
Anna at once felt remorse because she had not had the chance to fill her brother in on the events at the Kelvinside house. “I am sorry, Simon. You must have been shocked to hear from them. I did not warn you they might call.”
“Don’t worry, sis. They explained everything. They said you had given them your Oban info and mentioned we were here.”
Michelle reassured Anna with her interpretation of Ross and Joyce’s personalities. “They could not have been nicer, Anna. They welcomed us to the family and spoke very highly of you and they insisted that we stay one night with them before we return to Canada. It seemed to us a really good chance to meet them in person. It’s not every day of the week you discover a whole new branch of the family, especially in yours and Simon’s circumstances.”
“You’re right of course, Michelle. I thought they were extremely kind and considerate. We had a good, long talk about family matters and, honestly, I felt at home with them after only a few hours. I’ll be keen to know how they seem to you when you meet face to face.”
Simon had been listening to this exchange and now he moved from the end of the bed and sat on the arm of his sister’s chair. “Isn’t life strange? To suddenly find we have a living, breathing Aunt and Uncle, not to mention a whole clan of cousins, after all these years of believing we were alone in the world. What would Dad have said if he had known about a younger brother?”
“That’s the sad part, Simon. Our father and mother deliberately chose to separate themselves from any connection to Scotland. I can’t help thinking how much they missed.”
“Well, that’s not going to happen to us. Agreed?”
“Agreed! There’s no excuse now that we’ll be closer together in the future. We’ll start by planning our next reunion before you leave.”
The brother and sister exchanged a high five and did it again with Michelle.
Anna had one more important thing to say.
“I am so glad you brought Donna and Ashley here. I want everyone to share this place with us. There were sad times here for Aunt Helen once, but with every laugh and each happy moment, it seems to me the sadness is lifting and there’s a new beginning for all of us.”
Much later that evening when silence had fallen at last on the farmhouse, Lawren and Anna lay in bed whispering, in that intimate couple’s prelude to sleep. Moonlight streamed through the window and laid moving patterns on the bed and the floor. The painting above the fireplace was in deep shadow but it was that subject that prompted Lawren to speak.
“I like Ashley. She’s quite bright for a teenager. She asked me a number of interesting questions about my painting of you and your Aunt Helen while we were up on top of the hill.”
“Oh! What did she want to know?”
“It seems she has been studying the portrait while they have been here. She says she sees things in the borders and the background of the painting that I never intended.”
Anna came fully awake. “What kinds of things?”
“She is convinced there are clues about where the castle is and she sees printing on the book with words about Helen’s family. She is somewhat obsessed with the subject and asked me a lot of questions.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I told her to ask you. I suspect she is writing information down, for what purpose I don’t know. It is an interesting story, you must admit, particularly for a young person who loves mysteries.”
“Do you think she is slightly psychic like you, Lawren?”
“I doubt it, although I haven’t ever encountered anyone with the kind of vibes I have. I do have a feeling you will have an e mail correspondence with Ashley when she gets back home.”
“I won’t mind that at all. If she wants to write about Helen, I will encourage her, although she will have to use different names and dates, of course. We could have an author in the family. I don’t think Helen would mind, do you?”
The question remained unanswered. Lawren had drifted off to sleep.