The Legacy of Lochandee Read Online Free PDF Page A

company. I-I must go …’
    â€˜Of course you can’t go home to that big empty house. This is Nick, by the way. I think he’ll understand how you’re feeling because he’s been through it himself.’
    â€˜Yes, Bridie’s right.’ Nick came forward, holding out his hand. ‘I’m pleased to meet you, Fiona, but I’m sorry it has to be in these circumstances.’ Fiona summoned a wavering smile. ‘Shall I put the kettle back on for a cup of tea? I don’t suppose you feel like eating, but it would be better if you could.’
    â€˜Nick’s right, Fiona, even if it’s only tea and toast. Dad and Conan are in the sitting room. I’ll bring you a tray in front of the fire, if you like?’
    â€˜Oh, no!’ Fiona dabbed ineffectually at her face. ‘I can’t imagine Conan having much time for weeping women, whatever the circumstances. D-do you mind …?’ Over her shoulder Bridie saw Nick raise his eyebrows in surprise.
    â€˜Come on, I’ll show you the bathroom and you can wash your face while I make the toast. Then you can have it in here, if that’s all right?’
    â€˜Anywhere,’ Fiona shivered, ‘so long as it’s not at home.’
    â€˜We’ll make up the spare bed after you’ve eaten something,’ Bridie suggested. ‘I know Mum will want you to stay.’
    â€˜Yes, that’s a good idea,’ Nick agreed, pushing down his disappointment. He longed for a good long talk with Bridie. The more he thought about asking for a bank loan and building a house for them, the more optimistic he felt, but he knew there would be no opportunity tonight. He had quite forgotten Bridie’s love for Lochandee and it did not occur to him that the prospect of living anywhere else would appal her.
    When Bridie returned to the kitchen alone he made the tea while she cut bread for toast.
    â€˜It sounds as though your friend knows Conan well? Don’t they get on together?’
    â€˜Oh we all travelled on the same bus to school. Fiona is younger than Conan, but she could always hold her own with him in any debate. She was a real rising star at school and Conan had always been the one who was brilliant. She didn’t hero-worship him like the rest of the girls and I suspect my big brother may have been a little … well, you know!’
    Nick threw back his head and chuckled.
    â€˜Know, I do! His own ideas, Conan has. Trouble there is, if anyone opposes them. But on Saturday we’ll talk. Make our own plans, we will,’ he grinned. ‘Then he’ll have to accept them. I’ll call for you just after lunch. Go for a short drive somewhere …’ He broke off as Fiona reappeared.

Chapter Three
    T HE FOLLOWING MORNING FIONA looked pale and there were deep shadows beneath her eyes, but she had regained her composure, outwardly at least. Rachel, ever a keen observer, suspected she was deeply troubled beneath the calm facade but Fiona insisted she must go home. There were arrangements to make for her mother’s funeral and other things needing her attention.
    â€˜I can’t thank you and your family enough, Mrs Maxwell,’ she said with sincerity. ‘Last night I felt I was alone in a dreadful nightmare. Perhaps it was coincidence that I ran into Bridie yesterday – b-but sometimes I wonder if these things are meant to happen. Does that sound silly?’ She gave Rachel a wan smile.
    â€˜Indeed it isn’t silly, lassie. When you’ve seen as much life as I have you realise that some things are preordained, and one thing we all need is friendship. Remember you’re welcome here anytime.’ Fiona nodded and gave a grateful smile but Rachel saw her mouth tremble and knew she was only hanging on to her self control with a great effort. She wondered why Conan was convinced Fiona Sinclair was a girl who was always in control of every situation.