by Norma Gail
An hour and a half later, a high mountain, which had to be Ben Nevis, rose into view. She gazed up at the rocky face and farther up to the rarely-seen summit. The dark sky had cleared, leaving a sky as blue as the Scottish flag. The highest mountain in Great Britain towered over her new home in Fort William, filling her with a sense of protection and permanence in the same way Sandia Peak did back home. She had grown up in the mountains, and all the best times in her life were somehow related to them. She pictured the log and stone house, once a welcoming home, standing quiet and empty, the family that once inhabited it reduced to only her. The family she hoped would someday fill it as nebulous as the swirling clouds which had greeted her arrival in Inverness.
Turning into the first major parking lot after entering Fort William, she turned on her cell phone. “Janet, it’s Bonny Bryant. I’m finally here, in the parking lot of the Nevis Bank Inn.”
“I’ll see you in five minutes. Fàilte gu Alba, welcome to Scotland. And Bonny, Scots call it a car park.”
“Thanks. I’m certain you’ll find plenty to teach me.”
“Guid, cheerio.”
When a blue car pulled up, she recognized the pretty blonde with the warm smile and striking, lavender-blue eyes. The photo on Facebook did her justice.
“Feasgar math, good afternoon. I feel as if I know you already from our e-mails.” Janet’s hug was a warm and encouraging welcome.
Bonny laughed and hugged her back. “What a delightful greeting. I guess I’ll begin to understand sooner or later.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll translate. You’ll want to learn some basic phrases since you’re living here.” Janet’s warmth and enthusiasm quickly set her at ease.
“I noticed the traffic signs give both English and Gaelic names. And everything is even more beautiful than I remembered.”
“Ach, that’s guid. I would hate for you to travel so far and feel disappointed. How was your trip?”
“The flight went fine. Once I got enough courage to leave the parking—car park and drive on the wrong side of the road, the trip from Inverness was spectacular. I love it here.” She waved her hand at the surrounding scenery.
“Dr. Cameron said to stop by anytime for the key to your office.”
Bonny couldn’t help clapping her hands in eagerness. “I’m anxious to see him and the school. Let’s go now.”
“Oh, aye, you can follow me to the college, and then to your house.” Janet motioned toward the cars.
The college lay on the outskirts of town. Passing through the tall, wrought-iron gates, Bonny read the lettering, “Fort William Christian College, 2005.” Tall trees and colorful flowerbeds lined the circular drive. She stepped out of the car, gazing up at the stately, three-story, granite building with its high-pitched and gabled slate roof. “This dignified old building gives a sense of decorum you wouldn’t expect in a new school.”
“Aye, it does. An old gentleman with no heirs donated it for the express purpose of providing students easy access to a Christian education. The estate was much larger, but they sold some of the land to create an endowment for renovations and provide for the future.”
Rose bushes and holly trees lined either side of wide steps leading to the double front doors with oval, leaded-glass windows. Bonny held her head high as she followed Janet. Eager as she was to begin her new life, she felt a twinge of sadness for all that would never be.
They approached a desk to one side of the large, round foyer, the centerpiece of which was an ornate staircase branching off to either side. Moments after the receptionist announced them, Dùghlas Cameron rushed out of a nearby office. His dark hair was thinner on top, but he still projected the contagious energy Bonny remembered.
“Uncle Dùghlas, how good to see you.”
He approached her with a gentle hug, kissing her on both cheeks. “Welcome, Bonny. I wish you were here under happier circumstances. I hope we can bless you and help you to heal.” His welcoming embrace brought unwelcome tears to her eyes. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. “I thought you might need that today, so I brought two. I trust you had no problems on the way over. I expected you to rest before visiting me.”
His strong Scottish burr brought back pleasant memories of his last visit to Albuquerque. It was comforting to find one familiar face in this new place. “Thank you. Right now, I’m running on adrenaline, but I was anxious to see you and the school.”
Janet followed as he hooked Bonny’s arm through his for the short walk to his office. “Arriving in July should help you feel quite at home by the time school begins in September. Mairi wanted me to invite you for dinner this evening, but I told her you needed to rest. Please consider us your family while you’re here.”
She swiped at her eyes as they misted over again. “How about tomorrow evening?”
“Perfect. I so anticipated spending time with Andy again.” He looked down, shaking his head. “The friendship your father and I developed at university remained strong, in spite of the years and distance between us.”
Bonny cleared her throat. “I miss him. Everything happened so fast.”
He patted her shoulder. “I do too. Why don’t you rest and settle in? Give me a ring when you’re ready, and we’ll talk about your classes. Of course, your father and I discussed it, but you’ll have your own ideas. Janet will give you the tour, and don’t hesitate to ask Mairi or me if you need anything.” He handed her the paperwork and keys. “Cheers, Bonny. I hope you’ll be happy here.”
She stood on tip-toe to kiss his cheek. “With my parents gone, I’m glad I have you and Aunt Mairi to lean on.”
Janet shut the door behind her and steered Bonny down the hall. “He really is like family to you, isn’t he?”
Bonny nodded. “My parents were both only children, so their best friends were the aunts and uncles I never had. I’ll have to remember to call him Dr. Cameron when people are around. It’s hard to break old habits. But tell me about the school.”
“It’s a lovely place. Let me show you around a wee bit.”
In her eagerness to explore, Bonny felt a burst of energy. “Thanks. Does Unc—Dr. Cameron show such concern for the entire faculty? He’s still the whirlwind of enthusiasm I remember.”
Janet laughed. “Aye, he’s keen on meeting the students and sets a strong example of living to glorify God. He’s out among the students and faculty almost every day.”
Bonny cringed, remembering her deception about her faith. “This will be very different from a large secular university where the president doesn’t even know my name.”
The marble floors, mahogany wainscoting, and high ceilings gave evidence of what a fine home it had once been. Though the classrooms boasted new desks and modern whiteboards, the old building lent a sense of antiquity. She wondered if the wide windows overlooking the broad green lawns, towering trees, and lush beds of colorful blooms would make it difficult to keep students’ minds on their lessons.
“The pictures you sent didn’t do it justice. What a place to go to school.” Bonny inhaled the essence of old wood and time.
“We’ll take a more detailed look around when you’ve rested. Let’s get you settled.”
They got back into their cars, and she followed Janet out the main gate and around the corner, stopping in front of a small stone cottage with green and white trim and a red front door. The only word that came to mind was “amazing.”
“This charming cottage is for me? I never expected anything so pretty.”
“Aye, it’s lovely.” Janet’s smile showed satisfaction. “It served as the caretaker’s house for the mansion. We want things home-like for our visiting professors.”
“It’s a fairytale cottage with all the beautiful flowers and hedges.”
“All you have to do is enjoy. The groundskeeper will care for the gardens. Come inside and see what you think.”
Crossing the threshold, Bonny felt as if she had stepped into a Scottish version of Better Homes
and Gardens. The flowered couch and tartan armchairs in front of a fireplace, flanked by bookshelves, created an inviting atmosphere. She paused in surprise at the sight of her own family photos on the piano, then looked around, recognizing her books on the shelves and a few familiar knick-knacks.
“You unpacked for me? Thank you for making everything warm and comfortable.”
“It’s just a wee bit o’ Scottish hospitality. I left your clothing for you to unpack, and you don’t have to leave things where I put them. As to the decorating, Mairi Cameron did most of that.”
Bonny wandered through the house, sinking into one of the chairs by the fireplace as jet lag began to take over. “You thought of everything. The bright colors and fresh flowers ... just seeing my own books on the shelves makes me feel welcome. It’s like finding old friends waiting for me. You don’t know what it means to have such a cozy, restful place right now.”
Janet’s eyes were full of questions as she shook her head. “You’ll need a wee rest after your long trip. If you want, I’ll bring dinner ‘round about seven, and we can get better acquainted. Unless you’d prefer the evening to yourself.”
“How thoughtful. I would appreciate that, and you’re right. A little rest will do me good. I feel I have a friend already.” Bonny stood and hugged her.
“Aye, you do. There are basic groceries in the cupboard. We can shop for anything else you need tomorrow. We’ll tour the town when you’re ready. Back a’ seven.” Janet let herself out.
Bonny explored the quaint house again after Janet left. Her luggage sat in the larger of the two bedrooms, and she lay down, intending to rest. When she closed her eyes, however, her mind filled with the reasons she left home—reasons unaltered by the change in scenery.
From somewhere down the street she heard bagpipes.
Out of a fog of sleep, Bonny awakened to someone knocking at the door and calling her name. Feeling a little disoriented, she looked at the clock on the nightstand and discovered three hours had passed. She got up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she went to let Janet in. They sat at the kitchen table, sharing traditional Hotch-Potch while they peppered each other with questions.
“You’re brave to move this far from home by yourself. I’m not certain I’d have the courage,” Janet said.
Bonny took a deep breath, closing her eyes and remembering her well-practiced response. No one needed to know she was escaping not only the loss of everyone dear to her, but painful humiliation, the destruction of her dreams, and even the happiness of friends. She cleared her throat and tried to sound convincing. “My parents died within six months of each other. My dad died in April. I had no responsibilities, and the adventure was too good to pass up.”
“I can’t imagine losing your parents so close together.”
“I felt overwhelmed by reminders everywhere I turned. It made the move very attractive.” Bonny clenched her hands into fists and swallowed hard, willing herself to maintain control.
“You’ll receive a warm welcome. The students and faculty are eager to have American History and Literature added to the course list. I’m teaching a full load or I’d sign up myself.”
Janet’s change in the direction of the conversation came much to Bonny’s relief. “You’d take the class?”
“A lot of the faculty is interested. Don’t be surprised if a few pop up in your classes. Just because I’m a forty-year-old professor doesn’t mean I quit learning.”
Bonny swallowed a sip of water. “I never expected such interest. It’s a great opportunity to teach the curriculum Dad and I wrote together. I was supposed to come over and co-teach the Civil War sections, but then with his cancer ...”
“It must feel good to fulfill his dream. You mentioned your friends Kari and Dan in your e-mails. There’s no one special in your life?”
Bonny winced. “Not anymore. And you?”
“A long time ago. Right now, I think you need a good night’s sleep.”
After Janet left, Bonny opened the suitcase containing the things she needed for the night. The rest could wait until tomorrow. No prayers had crossed her lips in a long time, and tonight was no exception. She refused to let the past prevent her from living in the present.
Opening the door of the large, old, granite-block house, Dr. Cameron ushered her toward the fireplace. “Welcome, Bonny. Come in and dry off. It’s a dreich day. Our Scottish weather must seem quite different after a lifetime in New Mexico.”
“I love it. The rain and mist are a nice change,” she said, laughing. “Thank you for putting Janet and me in touch. She’s gone out of her way to make me feel welcome.”
“Oh, Bonny, I’m so glad to see you.” Aunt Mairi crossed the room to give her a warm hug. “It’s difficult to believe how things have changed in the five years since we last visited you.”
Aunt Mairi gave her a gentle hug and motioned toward the dining room. “Our dinner will be ready as soon as I take the rolls out of the oven. I hope lamb is all right.”
“Of course.” She hung back for a moment, examining the banner on the wall. Sporting the Clan Cameron coat of arms, it was bounded by the clan tartan and set in an antique wooden frame. It brought back memories of being a fourteen-year-old girl feeling as if she were visiting royalty. The house, like the college, smelled of old wood, but with the added aromas of roasting lamb and Uncle Dùghlas’ pipe.
After the blessing, he said, “Friendships as special and long-lasting as I had with your father are rare. Though we spent only those two years together in Edinburgh, we never lost touch.”
“He was looking forward to teaching here. It all happened so fast …”
Aunt Mairi reached across the table and laid her hand on Bonny’s arm. “How can we help you, dear?”
“It’s difficult at times. Just being away from all the reminders helps. I can’t thank you enough for asking me to come here.” There came the tears again. Uncle Dùghlas rubbed his eyes with his fist. He was struggling too.
“I understand. Will you come to church with us on Sunday? Going to worship always comforts my heart,” Aunt Mairi said.
Uncle Dùghlas smiled. “Yes, what a lovely idea.”
“Thank you, but Janet already invited me.” Janet had mentioned it in passing, but she did invite Bonny first.
“Yes, of course. Andy and I used to discuss the Bible for hours. Remember, Mairi?”
She nodded. The moisture in the corners of her eyes was a poignant sign of her own treasured memories. “Beth and I developed a strong friendship also. We must value precious people when we have the opportunity. Life changes in ways we least expect.”
Uncle Dùghlas lay his hand on Bonny’s arm. “Your father was very proud of you. It pleased him that you shared not only his love of history, but his faith as well. He said your teaching abilities put him to shame—quite a compliment, I must say.”
Bonny sat silent, unable to find her voice or stop the tears from welling up in her eyes.
“Yes.” Aunt Mairi dabbed her eyes with her napkin. “I will miss them both.”
The evening wore on too long. Bonny was ready to escape the memories by the time dinner was over, but of course, staying to visit a while was necessary. At nine o’clock, she made a graceful escape, pleading exhaustion.
After only one wrong turn on the way home, Bonny stepped into her little house, grateful to be alone. Her emotions were on edge after an evening of memories. She headed straight for her bedroom, cracking the window enough to smell the fresh scent of rain. Once in bed, she burrowed under the blankets, enjoying the unfamiliar, but welcome, cool of a Scottish summer night. Sleep evaded her, as memories circled in her head like vultures, each one waiting to grab a piece of her—and they succeeded.
One week following her arrival, Bonny crossed the college compound for her first faculty meeting. She arrived early, but faculty members were already gathering in the lecture hall.
“Welcome, Bonny,” Dr. Cameron said, ushering her in. “Everyone wants to me
et you.”
Janet had already introduced Bonny to a few fellow professors they’d met while shopping. “Our colleagues are more of a family than co-workers.”
Bonny agreed as she watched the constant stream of laughter, hugs, and good-natured camaraderie. A man across the room drew her eyes like a bee to heather. Standing over six feet tall, he looked as solid as Ben Nevis. He stole her breath away. The only way to describe him was rugged and outdoorsy. He wore a plaid shirt tucked into riding breeches, which were tucked into tall, brown leather riding boots. He looked as if he belonged out in the hills rather than in a classroom. His eyes were a brilliant blue, and his hair was a mass of barely-under-control, reddish-blond curls.
With blood pounding in her ears and a fluttering in her stomach, she leaned toward Janet. “Who is he?”
“Kieran MacDonell, a math professor and a friend. He owns a large sheep farm north of here. Wheesht.” She held her finger to her lips. “Dr. Cameron is speaking.”
Bonny studied the powerful man whenever he wasn’t looking her way. Sheep farming explained the physical strength he exuded. His eyes met hers once, acknowledging her with a brief nod and an expression impossible to decipher, before he turned away. He spoke little and appeared somewhat disengaged from the general life and laughter of the group. Her pulse had begun a steady increase from the time she first noticed him. She had never experienced such a strong reaction to any man, but memories made her cautious.
“Did you bring something to wear to the faculty party?” Janet held the door open after the meeting. “It’s a lovely event. The men wear their kilts, and the women wear evening dress. We change tables between courses. You’ll meet people from all the different departments.”
