The Legacy of Lochandee Read Online Free PDF

Later she mentioned her concerns to Bridie.
    â€˜Fiona was certainly full of grief last night, shock too, I think. She said even though her mother had cancer, she hadn’t expected her to die so soon. She is full of remorse because she has spent so little time with her mother in recent years. It must be awful to be an only child and so alone, especially now. I hope you didn’t mind me asking her to stay overnight, Mum?’
    â€˜Not at all, dear. I’m pleased you thought of it. We all need friends at times like this. I was an only child too, remember, and I know what it’s like to be alone in the world. I shall never forget the kindness of your Aunt Meg and Uncle Peter. Did you offer to go with Fiona to make the funeral arrangements?’
    â€˜Yes, but she said she would be all right. She liked Nick and she said he was right about things not being quite so alarming in the daylight.’
    â€˜Of course she would like Nick, everyone does. Even your father, and I didn’t believe he would consider any man good enough for his wee girl,’ Rachel teased, giving Bridie a glimpse of her dimpling smile. ‘How will you feel about living away from Lochandee, Bridie, if he does buy a plot of land to build a house near the garage?’
    â€˜I should hate it!’ The words were out almost before Bridie knew she had uttered them and she looked at her mother, wide-eyed and troubled.
    â€˜It may be a choice you’ll have to make, dear,’ Rachel warned with some anxiety. ‘Nick and the home he provides for you, or Lochandee. I must say we’d miss your help here if you have to leave, but I wouldn’t like to see either of you hurt. Nick is ready for marriage and he’s getting impatient, I suspect.’
    â€˜Don’t talk about it, Mum. I can’t bear the thought of leaving Lochandee and my animals and Bill and Sandy, and – and everything. I couldn’t bear not being here. It’s my life! Auntie Alice trusted me to care for the Glens of Lochandee.’
    â€˜Have you told Nick that?’
    â€˜No. He would be hurt if I said I wouldn’t go to live wherever he lives. I almost hope he doesn’t get a plot of land. But then I don’t know what we shall do. O-oh why does life have to be so complicated!’
    â€˜Dear Bridie, you don’t know what troubles are yet. Nick is a fine man and he loves you. That’s a very precious thing, but don’t expect him to wait for ever.’
    â€˜Fiona said much the same thing!’ Bridie frowned.
    â€˜Compromise is the only solution, dear. You think about it.’
    Bridie remembered her mother’s advice when Nick came to collect her on Saturday afternoon.
    â€˜I’ve got a reprieve from the milking,’ she told him gaily. ‘Beth said she might as well be working too, since Harry will be driving Conan’s bus. So she’s doing the milking with Sandy Kidd and Dad.’
    â€˜A-ah, good it is then, bach. We’ll make the most of it. Take you for a drive then, I will. Get away on our own for a bit, eh. Maybe we could go to the matinee at the cinema afterwards?’
    â€˜That’ll be lovely. I know it’s a cold day but I brought a Thermos and some sandwiches. Maybe we can have a picnic if we find a sheltered cove near the shore. Have you got enough petrol?’
    â€˜Yes, been saving it up, I have. No time to go anywhere, see, with so much work. Making a profit we are, though.’
    â€˜Will it affect business at the garage if the government goes ahead with their plans to nationalise road transport, as they’ve done with the railways?’ Bridie asked anxiously.
    â€˜Have to wait and see, we will. But it’s not work we’ll think about today, eh?’ He glanced at her and smiled. ‘There’s pretty you are in your coat, Bridie. New is it?’
    â€˜Mmm, and it’s lovely and warm.’
    â€˜I hope it’s me you’re