As they walked, Sally introduced Agnes, who was delighted to meet them both.
“Sally has spoken so well of you Sir Malcolm.”
“Oh please, as I said to Sally; just call me Malcolm. It is far more personal I think, don’t you?”
Agnes nodded her agreement as she turned her attention to Katriona. “Lady Frazer, I’m so pleased to meet your acquaintance.
“And I yours Agnes; but please just call me Katriona – I agree with my husband that Titles are for balls and banquets, not for everyday use I feel.”
Sally spoke out. “Oh, how stupid of me, I never realised you had a title as well – you must think me so rude!”
“Please, nothing could be further from the truth! Now can I ask you what you are doing for lunch? We would be delighted if you could both join us – wouldn’t we Malcolm?”
“It would be a real pleasure!” Malcolm declared without hesitation. “I have a business meeting to attend in an hour or so with the manager here, who is a good friend of mine; so we have time for a quick lunch; what do you say ladies?”
Sally and Agnes jumped at the chance to share a lunch with them; so they set off to the restaurant where the couple were obviously known, and a table was set for the four of them.
******
Chapter 3
The hour passed quickly, as they all enjoyed a light meal in the Bistro. Katriona insisted on hearing all the details of Sally’s wedding plans, including of course the wedding dress, favours, and venues; and Sally was more than happy to oblige. The wedding itself was to be conducted at the charming small white church in Rothiemurchus; but this had yet to be confirmed, as they possibly had a cancellation they could offer them.
“Oh, that is a beautiful little church Sally. It will make a fantastic back-drop for your pictures as well I’ve little doubt! I do hope you get it booked.” Katriona opined.
As for the reception; Sally confirmed that this was actually why they were at the hotel this morning – to go over some little details of the booking at the Hilton itself.
It was not to be a large wedding, as both Sally and Robert’s family were somewhat diminished with the loss of three parents in total. Sally’s explained that her mother had left her in early childhood, to be reared by her doting father; until he passed away early the previous year.
“My dear I am so sorry to hear that.” Said Katriona. “But what about your mother; do you know if she is still alive, and wouldn’t she like to come to her daughter’s funeral if she is?”
Sally bristled at the suggestion.
“As far as I am concerned my mother is dead!” Sally exclaimed with conviction. “She has played no part at all in my life – and she will play no part in my new life with Robert – even if she is still alive!”
An awkward silence followed, but Malcolm soon stepped in to ease the tension.
“Well I think it is quite understandable Sally; and certainly no business of ours. Tell me though; how are you settling down to life in Aviemore – is it all that you expected?”
They were all relieved that he had changed the subject so adroitly.
“Thank you Malcolm. To tell the truth it stills feels like a vacation; sorry holiday, for the moment. As you can tell, I’m still picking up the subtle language differences like holiday instead of vacation!”
“Ha ha yes indeed. I have been to the United States several times now, and know to wait in a ‘line’ rather than in a ‘queue’ as you would here in the UK.”
“Yes, and what about ‘pants’? When I told Robert I had left my good pants behind in Wisconsin, he gave me the strangest look. I had to explain that I meant my trousers!”
Sally explained laughing.
“Well it does get worse my dear believe me.” Said Katriona. “In America men wear suspenders to keep their trousers up – but over here suspenders are regarded as sexy; being worn by women to keep their stocking’s from falling around their ankles!”
Agnes and Sally both laughed at this revelation, while Malcolm nodded his head in agreement.
“Yes indeed my dear, we both speak English – but with subtle and not-so-subtle differences!”
As the humour died down, Agnes spoke softly to Sally.
“Should you not tell Malcolm about this morning’s events Sally?”
Malcolm and Katriona immediately caught the change of tone, and the concern in Agnes’s voice.
“What is this, has there been some kind of trouble?” Asked Malcolm, suddenly all serious.
Sally spoke up. “Well, I don’t really want to bother you with this; I’m sure Robert and Tom have it all under control after all?”
“My dear, please let me be the judge of what is ‘bother.’” Malcolm said gently. “Now; what happened this morning that has left you so concerned?”
She related the mornings events with the poachers, and what Robert had said about the situation as he knew it
Malcolm considered a moment, then decided to tell them what he knew, which was just a little more than Robert as it turned out. The police were on the track of the men, but they had eluded them so far.
“However your description might help us to get a better idea of who we are dealing with, as we have not got any real eye-witness to their crimes – until now!”
“But what about the worker who was beat up, did he not get a good description?” Asked a worried Sally.”
“Unfortunately not.” Relied Malcolm with a frown. “It was fairly dark at the time so he was unable to see their faces. However one of them picked him up by his jacket and threw him like a rag-doll against a tree; which sounds just like your brute who was carrying the deer I would say.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, as he mulled over this new turn off events.
“I’ll tell you what Sally. The chief superintendent is a good friend of mine; would it be all right if I contacted him with this information? He may well ask if you could help with an artist’s impression, to help us track him down.”
“Yes Malcolm, that would be no trouble at all.”
“Good. Meanwhile I have no doubt that Tom, and your capable young man Robert, are coordinating as we speak, with the Estate factor and my son Andrew, to see just what else can be done.”
“Are these men dangerous, do you think Malcolm?” Said Agnes who could not hide her concern.
“Only as much as a rat is dangerous, if you corner it Agnes. Really though, I would take Roberts advice if I were you, and stay away from that trail until we have caught them – and catch them we will; you can take my word for it!” These last words were spoken with a steely determination in his voice that none of them – with the exception of Katriona – had heard before.
“Phew, He must have been a real fire-brand in his day!” Thought Sally to herself as she looked with respect at this apparently gentle man before her.
Malcolm stood up, looking at his watch. “Well ladies I have to go to this business meeting now. Katriona, I will not be long I promise; are you all right to wait for me?”
“Yes my love, I will just wait in the lounge with a cup of tea until you return.”
“Excellent, but before I go – be sure to set a date for our friends to come to tea will you?”
“I will indeed Malcolm. Now be off with you, you are late already!”
Malcolm said his farewells, and promised to be in touch again regarding their earlier discussions.
Sally spoke up after he had gone. “Actually Katriona, I have to discuss a couple of details regarding the wedding reception, with the events manager. Would you like Agnes here to keep you company while I hunt him down?” She looked across at Agnes as she spoke who nodded in agreement.
“That is a wonderful suggestion Sally, I can get all the real gossip about you and Robert while you are gone!”
Sally laughed as they both headed for the ‘comfy seats’ in the lounge area; and she headed off to the reception to get the whereabouts of the events manager. Sally could tell they had a mutual respect, and no doubt with Agnes’s re
cent stint in hospital, and the upcoming wedding, they would find plenty to talk about.
The conversation with Malcolm meanwhile had relieved her fears somewhat about the poachers; however she could not wait to see Robert tonight and tell him of the latest encounter with Sir Malcolm – and their up-coming dinner invitation!
*****
Chapter 4
As predicted by Sally, Agnes and Katriona did indeed have plenty to chat about – despite the difference in their social circumstances; though Sally herself was the subject of most of the conversation!
“She really is a very charming young woman Agnes.” Said Katriona. “And so attractive! How I wish that our own son would find such a catch!”
“I count myself blessed Katriona, and no mistake.” Agnes confirmed happily. “Though the circumstances of their meeting was a little dramatic I must say!”
“Oh, and why was that Agnes?”
Agnes then went on to give a blow-by-blow account of the ‘kids’ meeting, and the subsequent transformation of her son from a depressed unhappy man; to someone who now looked forward to the future with excitement and anticipation.
“That is a remarkable story Agnes. Isn’t amazing how things work out sometimes?”
Sally returned within 20 minutes, to confirm that all was ok with the hotel booking and the numbers of 50 could easily be accommodated for the sit-down meal, with a further 50 coming along later for a traditional Scottish Ceilidh.
“How exciting my dear.” Said Katriona. “And what about the evening buffet; do you have that all planned?”
“Well.” Said Sally. “I have asked around, and it seems that the latest fad is for either a selection of Scotch Pies with different fillings. Or perhaps Stovies? Which I believe are not unlike what we would call corned-beef hash.”
“That’s quite right my dear, although Stovies can also traditionally be made with crushed potatoes and sausage as well. Both are equally delicious in my opinion!”
“Thanks Katriona, however the hotel had another suggestion, and that was a posh version of ‘tatties haggis & Neeps’? Which I believe is another way of saying ‘potatoes haggis and turnips’. He said it was delicious but I’m not so sure. I had haggis once before and to be honest, I loved it, but when they told me the ingredients it almost made me gag!”
Agnes and Katriona clapped their hands together in delight at Sally’s face, all screwed up at the memory.
They were still laughing together, when Malcolm arrived back from his meeting.
“Well, I see the children have been having fun!” He said happily.
“Hello dear. Can you believe it; we have someone in our midst that does not like haggis! – or rather, she does not like the thought of it!” She told a smiling Malcolm, who went on to explain that she had probably tasted one that had been shot out of season, meaning that the meat would be tainted and no amount of seasoning would make it taste good.
“Really my dear;” Said Katriona to a confused Sally’ “please pay no attention to him, he is just trying to ‘wind you up’ as they say. It is our national sport, to confuse the tourists as to the origin of the haggis!”
Malcolm laughed delightedly at Katrina’s frowning face.
“Have you invited our guests for tea yet?” he asked.
“Yes indeed I have; and we have set a date for next Friday evening – will that be all right for you?”
Malcolm conformed he was free that evening, and that he was looking forward to meeting Robert, and hearing all about their plans to set up a new life together.
“This is such a small community, you will discover that your whole life will be known to everyone in no time at all!”
Sally thought he was joking until she saw Agnes and Katriona nodding their heads in agreement with Malcolm’s statement.
“Phew, I really had better be careful then – hadn’t I Agnes!” Agnes nodded at Sally’s inference to the mornings caper in the bedroom. Looking at their new friends inquisitive faces, Agnes just said. “Some things better left unspoken – if you get my meaning!”
“Ahhh, yes indeed Agnes. Though perhaps I might get more information from you, over a glass or two of sherry sometime!” Remarked Malcolm; who was immediately rewarded by a slap on the arm from his wife.
“Malcolm really! You are supposed to be a gentleman indeed! Poor Sally is blushing!”
“So she is my dear – it must be worse than I thought!” Malcolm exclaimed delightedly at Sally’s embarrassment.
“Men! I wonder why I put up with you sometimes! Please excuse his bad manners Sally; something in his genes makes him think that pretty women like to be wound up I think!”
“No apology needed Katriona honestly; I’m sure I will get the opportunity to get my own back before too long!” She gave Malcolm a mischievous look that made him raise his hands in mock defence.
“Ok, I surrender! You have my apologies my dear – you do know that no offense was intended don’t you?”
“Yes indeed Sir Malcolm – but I will still get my own back at the first opportunity, so you had better be on your best behaviour from now on!”
“Ha, now you are in trouble old man!” Katriona laughed delightedly at Malcolm’s comic face.
The group of new friends finally left the hotel, and headed back across the car park to their cars. An older, distinguished looking couple, chatting companionably with an attractive young American woman and an older, obviously local Scottish lady; would not normally draw much attention in a place like Aviemore, packed as it was with tourists most times of the year.
On this occasion however, their presence was duly noted; and a pair of greedy eyes played over the shapely figure of Sally. “Clothes are no barrier to an active imagination my dear.” He thought to himself as he mentally undressed her; and planned his next move.
Sally meanwhile felt a prickling on her neck, and swiftly turned around to look in the direction of the woods surrounding the parking area.
“Are you ok Sally?” Agnes asked.
“Uh..oh yes I’m fine…I just felt that someone was watching me – I must be spooked by all this poacher nonsense!”
“Well I do not blame you for that my dear! Please try and put it from your mind though; I will be giving it my full attention and you can be rest assured we will catch them.” Malcolm said with conviction.
He reached out to shake Sally’s hand as they said their farewell’s; Sally however reached over to kiss him on the cheek – amazed at how comfortable she felt in this man’s presence, even though in truth she had only recently met him.
Katriona laughed. “Be careful my dear; you do not want to give him any encouragement!”
It was Malcolm’s turn to blush, as he stumbled to make a witty reply; which never quite made it to his lips.
“Hmmph..yes..well. Till next Friday my dear – and I’ll make sure haggis is off the menu!”
Sally laughed. “Yes I would very much appreciate that Malcolm!”
As they left the car park, Sally just could not shake off the feeling that she was being watched. Saying nothing about it to Agnes in case it frightened her; she nevertheless kept a close watch in the rear-view mirror.
******
Chapter 5
John rubbed his aching leg carefully, as he lay silent in the undergrowth. The crossbow was loaded and pointed, in the direction where the deer was most likely to come from. It was a lethal weapon, that fired a fixed blade broadhead arrow mounted on a carbon fibre shaft. With an effective range of only around 30 yards, it would nevertheless kill easily if the arrow went true – which it usually did when John, and not his burly colleague Frank made the shot.
He wondered afresh, at the wisdom in bringing Frank along with him on these poaching expeditions. He was terrible company, and a constant fidget – which played havoc with John’s stalking ability. The fact was however that Frank was the brawn, and he was the brains and talent behind this operation; which up until lately had been running smoothly until the altercation wit
h the estate worker a few months back. It was an incident he regretted deeply, especially as he knew the family of the young man involved; he was happy to hear later that he had made a full recovery.
Frank on the other hand had no such regrets. “Stop your bloody whining John!” Was the reaction to the news that had filtered through to them later. “He got what he was bloody asking for and no mistake – would you rather that you were languishing in jail right now eh?”
Of course in a way, Frank was right, but it did not sit any easier with him; he was sure that this ugly giant would have broken the lads neck if he had not intervened to stop him. The memory of Frank’s wild stare made him shudder even now.
“John..John..How much longer are we going to wait here? I’m bursting for a bloody piss!” Frank’s urgent whisper broke into his thoughts; causing him to reply angrily.
“What are you? Bloody incontinent! Hell’s fire, we’ve hardly been here half an hour and your needing a sodding piss! Maybe we should start packing bloody incontinence pants for you!”
“You bastard John, one of these days I’m going to break your bloody neck – I swear I will, so help me!”
“Just you keep dreaming Frank – and remember who’s holding the crossbow!” John replied bravely, for he knew that to show any sign of weakness to this giant would be fatal.
The fact was that when they started off on this partnership over a year ago now; they had got along reasonably well. Frank was not the ‘sharpest knife in the drawer’, but he was strong and generally amiable enough. John had damaged his leg permanently in a tree-felling operation that had gone wrong; leaving him with a permanent limp. With John’s hunting ability, honed from years of poaching with his father when he was a lad; and Franks brawn to help with the lifting; they had a sweet little business going, supplying venison to some of the local hotels, who asked no questions regarding its source.
As John waited patiently, he wished – not for the first time – that he could have brought Robbie along. Robbie was his Deerhound; a favourite hunting dog amongst the Scottish clansmen, that could be traced all the way back to the ancient Scots and Picts that once roamed these hills. The Deerhound was ideal for the conditions in the Highlands of Scotland; being faster than a greyhound in rough country, but with all the muscle and stamina to bring down even a full-grown Red Deer.
Sally’s Wedding: Book 3 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series Page 2
