When the Heather Blooms

by Gwen Kirkwood

  ‘Mmm, I see it’s not an easy decision,’ Willie frowned.

  ‘Well, now you see why I can’t make up my mind about Ivy Cottage. I’ve told Mr McNay I would need to know what his son intends to do by the end of January at the latest so I can give Mr Stacey decent notice if I’m leaving, but I’ve already mentioned what’s on the cards. He says he appreciates my dilemma and my honesty.’

  ‘Aye, I’m sure he does. Goodness me, is that the time? I’d better be off. Come up and talk things over whenever you feel like it, Peter. You know I’m no gossip. But I’d like to come down next week and see around the rest of the Croston Estate while you’re here and I have the chance.’ He grinned at Peter and the years seemed to fall away from his lean face.

  Mimi and Libby enjoyed their weekly drive into town and the couple of hours at their respective classes. Willie went twice more to Peter’s for a tour of the Croston Estate but as the nights drew in Peter fell into the habit of going up to High Bowie instead.

  ‘You have a fine comfortable house now,’ he said. ‘You’ll not find much comfort in mine but I didn’t see the point in wasting money when I knew it wouldn’t be permanent.’ Sometimes they had a game of chess or draughts but more often than not they discussed the state of farming, and sheep in particular. Although he went to High Bowie to see Mimi, Peter found it easy to talk to Willie about his own affairs but he was no nearer reaching a decision. Tom McNay didn’t want to make any changes until he had talked to his son during the Christmas holiday.

  ‘I doubt he’s hoping in vain,’ Willie said. ‘The lad would know by now if he wanted to farm. Their mother insisted on sending them both away to boarding school when they should have been helping their father around the farm and learning all the time.’

  Even in winter Willie was an early riser so he was ready for bed by the time Mimi returned from her classes and made them all a drink of cocoa. Mimi looked forward to these quiet interludes with Peter in front of the fire, but he was finding it more and more difficult to curb his desire when Willie left them alone together. He longed to discover whether Mimi might learn to love him as he loved her; he had to keep reminding himself she was still seventeen. After an evening spent with Willie, in his home, his conscience wouldn’t allow him to betray her father’s trust, but each week he looked forward to his evening at High Bowie.

  When they went to a dance or the pictures he felt more relaxed but he was finding it difficult to control the passion which writhed inside him when Mimi’s soft mouth yielded willingly to his, and her body moulded against him in the most satisfying way, but he knew she was as innocent as the dew on the daisy. He hoped and prayed she would never go out with any other man who might take advantage of her youthful innocence.

  Two days before Christmas Tom McNay rode his stallion down to Croston to see Peter.

  ‘That lad o’ mine doesn’t want anything to do with the farm,’ he announced. ‘If I’d any sense I’d sell up, but my family have been tenants at Darlonside for four generations. I bought it as a sitting tenant when Darlonachie Estate was sold. My wife had the stables built to suit her so she doesn’t want to move away. Anyway, Peter, if you want to rent a farm without a house I’ll have my solicitor draw up a tenancy agreement and a lease. There is one cottage but Hughie MacNaught has worked for me all his life and he’ll be staying on to help with the stables. I can’t turn him out. Do you understand, laddie?’

  ‘Yes, I see how you’re placed.’ Peter nodded, chewing his lip. ‘I have a cottage in the village but it’s too far away when there’s stock to look after, especially in the winter and during lambing and calving.’

  ‘Aye, I understand. If you do decide to take it the rent will take account of there being no house available.’

  ‘Thanks, Mr McNay. I’ll think it over and I’ll let you know by the seventh of January.’

  Although the family gathered at Langmune for Christmas it was a quiet affair, bearing in mind it was just a year since Mary’s death. Willie’s spirits were low and Mimi’s heart ached. She was wearing the pretty gold watch but every time she looked at it she was reminded of her mother. Peter had to return to Croston early. He had agreed to do the milking to allow the herdsman to have a day off with his family. Andrew and Fraser also had their cows to attend to and Lachie, home from university, went with Billy to have a look around outside.

  ‘Perhaps we can make Hogmanay a more lively affair this year,’ Libby said to her mother when the men folk had gone to work and Mimi and Willie had returned to High Bowie. Josh and Charlotte were sitting side by side in front of the fire, watching seven-year-old Molly entertaining Lucy, Kirsty, and Joe with a new game which Joe had been given for Christmas.

  ‘I’d like to be at home at New Year,’ Charlotte said. ‘We’re often asked to take in a child for temporary fostering at this time of year. Some of the parents seem to over indulge and there’s always the odd one who turns violent and mistreats their children. We wouldn’t mind keeping these wee ones overnight on Hogmanay though, would we, Josh?’

  ‘Whatever you say, sweetheart,’ Josh replied, squeezing her hand where it lay between them.

  ‘That would be super,’ Libby said. ‘Fraser and Lachie and the rest of the younger end could come to us at Home Farm. I could make a buffet supper about nine o’clock and then we could all see the new year in. Peter will be off for New Year so he could stay overnight. I know he’s careful about not drinking too much if he has to drive back.’ She frowned. ‘But I doubt if Mimi will come and leave Uncle Willie alone.’

  ‘How about you and Andrew coming down to us, Victoria?’ Charlotte asked. If you bring Willie he wouldn’t be on his own and we’ll see the new year in together.’

  ‘That’s a splendid idea.’

  ‘You could bring Libby’s children and Molly with you. They can all go to bed together when they’re tired.’

  ‘All right, we’ll do that,’ Victoria nodded. She chuckled. ‘I hope you know what you’re taking on with our wee madam though, Charlotte.’

  ‘I heard that, Mummy!’ Molly said in the nearest her child’s voice could manage to a growl. ‘I am not a madam, I’m a girl.’

  ‘So you are, poppet, but you knew who I meant, didn’t you?’ Victoria laughed.

  ‘She doesn’t miss much,’ Josh nodded, watching his youngest niece with amusement. ‘I think she might turn out to be the brightest of them all yet.’

  ‘She’s the most determined of my four,’ Victoria said.

  ‘Molly’s always well behaved when she comes to us, and she’s a great wee helper with younger ones,’ Charlotte said. ‘In fact she’s far more reliable and sensible than you’d expect for a seven-year-old.

  ‘Mmm, strange that. She tells us she’s going to be a farmer like her daddy. She tells her teacher that too, at least once a week from what I can gather.’

  ‘No harm in dreaming at that age,’ Josh said.

  Mimi was looking forward to Hogmanay and the party with Libby and Billy at Home Farm.

  ‘You’ll be there, Peter. Will you see her home?’ Willie asked. ‘I expect it will be into the early hours so you may as well stay here for what remains o’ the night. You did say you wouldn’t be working at Croston?’

  ‘No, I’m not. Half of us worked at Christmas and the rest of the staff will be working over New Year. I’ll bring my car then but if it’s dry we’ll leave it here, at High Bowie, and walk to Home Farm, and home again afterwards. What do you think Mimi?’

  She nodded. ‘I’ll get my winter boots out and carry my shoes.’

  ‘Aye, it’s safer not to be driving, even on the track, if you’ve had a bit to drink,’ Willie agreed, ‘and that’s what Hogmanay is all about for you young folk.’

  ‘Oo-oh,’ Mimi said, ‘it’s not just the young folk who like a drink at Hogmanay, Dad. I heard Aunt Victoria saying she would drive you and Uncle Andrew back from Lintysmill because neither of you would be fit to get behind the wheel.’

  Willie and Peter were sitting at
the kitchen table when Mimi came downstairs dressed for Libby’s party. Her eyes held faint anxiety as she met Peter’s and she was relieved to see admiration flare in his dark gaze. He gave her the quizzical smile and lift of the eyebrows which always made her heart beat faster, but it was her father who commented.

  ‘Haven’t you a dress to wear when it’s a party, lassie?’

  ‘I don’t want to wear a dress, Dad. Miniskirts are all the fashion and I hate wearing short skirts. It’s bad enough having curly hair when everyone else has short straight bobs, at least they do in all the glossy magazines.

  ‘Oh, Mimi, your hair is lovely,’ Peter spoke involuntarily, ‘why should it matter what’s in fashion?’ He turned to Willie. ‘Trousers will be warmer for walking home.’

  ‘Aye, I suppose you’re right,’ Willie nodded and sighed. ‘The girls all wore pretty dresses, even to go to the pictures, when I was a young man. These days I don’t know which is which when I’m in the town.’ Mimi and Peter exchanged wry smiles.

  ‘I’ll just get my coat and gloves,’ Mimi said. ‘Listen! That will be Uncle Andrew’s car to collect you, Dad.’

  ‘All right, love, I’m ready. Enjoy the party and leave some lights on in the house for when we come back.’

  Peter stood up as soon as Willie closed the door behind him.

  ‘I think you look lovely, Mimi,’ he said, his eyes running over the new skinny-rib sweater which clung to her slender figure like a second skin, emphasising her firm young breasts and narrow waist. He slid his hands down her arms and clasped her fingers, holding her arms wide, while his eyes travelled down to her toes. ‘Are they new trousers? I should think they’re wide enough to get two legs in each hole.’ His dark eyes danced.

  ‘Bell bottoms are all the fashion!’

  ‘Don’t be indignant, Mimi. If you were wearing sackcloth I’d still be pleased you’re coming with me,’ he whispered and drew her closer. She looked up then and the expression in his eyes made her heart race. He lowered his head and kissed her, parting her lips as his arms tightened, holding her close against the length of his lean, hard body. ‘Promise me that’s just for starters,’ he said, ‘everybody kisses everybody at Hogmanay so I’m booking my quota.’ He reached for her winter coat and held it while she slid in her arms then he enfolded her from behind in another embrace before he turned her around to button it up, tilting her chin and stealing a quick kiss when he reached the top button. ‘Wear your furry hat, Mimi, it will be cold walking home.’ She pulled it on and made a face at him.

  ‘You’re as bad as Dad.’

  ‘It’s because we lo – we care about you.’

  The house at Home Farm was well lit up and they could hear a Dusty Springfield song playing in the background. Fraser and Lachie were already there, with Tom Adamson, but Mimi was relieved to see Jade was not with them.

  ‘I’m glad to see your smiling face, Mimi. At least you haven’t changed while I’ve been away,’ Tom chuckled as he hugged her exuberantly, lifting her off her feet, oblivious to Peter’s raised eyebrows.

  ‘You’ve only been away a term, Tom,’ she laughed back at him and returned his hug. He had spent so much time at Langmune when she and Lachie were younger that he was almost like an extension to the family. She couldn’t have guessed what a struggle he’d had to escape without Jade tagging along, or that her laughter was the perfect antidote to his sister’s sullen scowl.

  ‘If you’re invited to Home Farm with the Pringles, why aren’t you taking Jade?’ his father had demanded. ‘You shouldn’t be leaving your sisters behind on Hogmanay.’

  ‘For goodness sake, Father, they’re old enough to make their own arrangements. Anyway Lachie invited Iona if she wanted to come but Jade kicked up such a stink because she wasn’t invited as …’

  ‘And why wasn’t Jade invited? That’s what I want to know …’

  ‘You’ll need to ask her that, Father. I’m not her keeper. Thank God,’ he muttered under his breath. Tonight Tom was back amongst old friends and determined to enjoy himself.

  ‘Go on through to the sitting room,’ Libby called. ‘Steve Ritchie and June are in there and Jim MacLean and Alma. I’ve threatened to put them out if they mention selling Ivy Cottage to you tonight, Peter.’ She noticed how he kept a protective arm at Mimi’s back as Billy handed them a drink and led them across the hall.

  ‘There’ll be some people you know and some you don’t,’ Billy said cheerfully, ‘Young farmers from our day, younger ones you and Fraser know. And there’s an old friend of mine from Yorkshire, Mick Butler. He would like to meet you, Peter. He’s interested in your Suffolk sheep and he’d enjoy a look around the Croston Estate if you can find time during the holiday.’

  ‘Hey, no talking shop tonight,’ Libby warned. ‘Mimi, you put a stop to it if they begin.’ Billy grinned and ushered them over to where his friend was chatting to Fraser and one of his friends.

  ‘Mimi?’ Mick Butler said in pleased surprised, jumping to his feet and grasping her hand in both of his, before bending his tall bulk to kiss her cheek. ‘My goodness, you were just a young lass the last time I saw you, and now you’re the prettiest young woman I’ve seen in a long time.’ He beamed down at her. ‘Don’t you remember me from Libby’s wedding?’

  ‘Yes, I do remember,’ Mimi smiled up at him, overwhelmed by his extravagant compliments.

  ‘Just you watch him, Mimi,’ Billy warned. ‘He gobbles up pretty girls like you for tea.’

  ‘Eh,’ Mick protested. ‘Anybody would think I was a wolf, and I thought you were my friend.’ He was still hanging on to Mimi’s hand and Peter frowned.

  ‘You are a wolf, at least where pretty women are concerned,’ Billy grinned. ‘That’s why you’ve never settled down with one.’

  ‘I’ve been waiting for Mimi to grow up.’ He winked at her. She laughed but she drew her hand from his firm clasp, reassured to feel Peter close behind her.

  ‘Whew!’ she breathed as she turned to him.

  ‘Larger than life, isn’t he?’ Peter smiled. ‘Come and talk to the bunch over there. You will know most of them, I think.’ He bent closer and whispered in her ear. ‘But he’s right, Mimi, you are the prettiest girl here tonight. I’m glad it was me your father trusted to see you home.’ Mimi blushed.

  ‘Peter, you’re as extravagant with compliments as he is, and this is your first drink.’

  Libby had made a delicious buffet and Mimi was pleased to assist her with helping everyone to food and drink. Afterwards someone helped Billy wind up the long dining table and move it to one end, setting the chairs around the walls to clear the floor for those who felt like dancing. There was no doubt the house leant itself to partying better than most. It seemed no time at all before glasses were being charged to drink a toast to the New Year on the stroke of midnight, then everyone was singing Auld Lang Syne and hugging and kissing everyone else.

  Fraser, Lachie, and Tom were going to first foot Granny Pringle home and then go down into Darlonachie village to meet more of their friends. It would be morning before they were home. Mimi was surprised to receive so many offers to see her home but she was glad Peter was with her. She was not used to alcohol and although she had not drunk a lot compared to some of the other women she felt a little light-headed as she kissed Libby good night and thanked her for a lovely party.

  Outside it was freezing after the warmth of the house and she was glad when Peter reached out his arm and pulled her close as soon as they were clear of the lights streaming from the windows of the house. The frosty grass crunched beneath their feet and sparkled like jewels in the beam of the torchlight. Mimi felt snug and safe, tucked against Peter’s broad shoulder with his arm around her waist. There was no need for conversation; they enjoyed the silence and the freshness of the night air and the closeness of each other’s bodies.

  They had reached the outer wall of High Bowie farmyard before Mimi said, ‘It was a lovely party. I never thought I could feel so happy without Mother. Do you think s
he would have minded me feeling like this, Peter? And your mother, would she have been happy for you to be with us at the start of another year?’

  ‘Dearest Mimi, I’m sure both our mothers would rejoice for us. The world would be a very sad place if we had to go on grieving for the rest of our lives.’ He held open the gate for her. On the outer edge of the farm yard there was a row of stone cart sheds, built with their backs to the prevailing wind and rain. Before the war they had been used to store the wooden carts and the few farm implements, now they were used as shelters for bales of hay and straw. Peter drew her into the nearest of these and encircled her in his arms.

  ‘All night everyone seems to have been kissing you except me,’ he laughed. ‘Can I take my turn please, my sweet Mimi, before we go inside? I expect your father will be home by now. ’ Mimi was always honest and without pretence, and tonight the alcohol had relaxed her inhibitions. She spoke from her heart.

  ‘You know I would rather have your kisses than anyone else’s, Peter.’

  ‘I didn’t know, Mimi, but I hoped. You were so popular I was jealous.’

  ‘You couldn’t possibly feel jealous, Peter. No one else would be as kind and patient with me as you are.’ She reached up her arms and clasped them around his neck.

  ‘You don’t realise how lovely you are, Mimi.’ He kissed her parted lips, but tonight one kiss was not enough. He reproached himself for feeling jealous but he couldn’t deny the pang of dismay he felt at the prospect of losing Mimi to other, younger fellows. Apart from her lovely face and blonde curls, her ready smile and warm sincerity would make it easy for any man to forget whatever physical disability she might have. His arms tightened. ‘I don’t know if I have enough patience Mimi. I keep reminding myself you’re seventeen.’

  ‘I shall soon be eighteen, and I don’t see what age has to do with anything.’