Sally's Destiny - A short story of Love and Romance in the Scottish Highlands

by A. J. Temple

  ******

  Chapter 5

  She awoke to the slight sound of a bedroom door closing just down the hall, from Roberts room she was sure. A glance at the luminous dial of her watch told her it was only 6am, and the sound of footsteps told her that Robert was heading towards her bedroom. She could hear his footsteps slowing down as he approached the door, then from the light that shone underneath she could see that he had stopped outside.

  With her heart racing in anticipation, she waited for the handle to turn, mind conflicted over how she would react, but already considering the idea of just throwing back the duvet and drawing him into her embrace. Suddenly there was a sound of a quiet voice that she strained to hear.

  “You stupid idiot! Give the girl some peace will you.” Robert spoke this to himself. She heard a frustrated sigh as he continued the walk down the short hall and into the kitchen.

  Sally stifled moan of longing as she buried her head under the pillow and tried to get some sleep.

  Some time later she is awoken by a gentle tap on the bedroom door.

  “Sally dear, breakfast is ready if your awake.”

  She quickly looked at her watch and realised that she had slept in; it was almost 9am!

  “Ok, Agnes – I’ll be right out thanks.”

  She quickly dived into the en-suite shower, quite surprised that the spare room had one at all, then got dressed in some warm clothes before heading to the kitchen for breakfast.

  “Good morning Agnes, I can ‘t believe I slept so late. I’m usually up by 6.30!”

  “Good morning to you dear. Well it’s no wonder; you had quite a day yesterday after all. How is your head?”

  “Oh, that’s just fine, the swellings gone down a lot anyway.”

  “That’s good. Now sit yourself down and help yourself to a cup of tea while I finish cooking this little lot.”

  Sally took a seat by the table as Agnes prepared to serve breakfast – a typical fry-up of bacon, eggs, beans sliced haggis and sausage.

  “I take it we are not on the healthy option this morning then!” Sally piped up with a laugh.

  “Certainly not! This cold weather calls for some real food…you’re not a vegetarian are you!”

  “Ha ha, only when occasion demands – like a cabbage soup diet for instance!”

  They had a laugh to themselves, before Sally asked the question that was really on her mind.

  “Um…is Robert not joining us for breakfast then?” She asked innocently.

  Agnes turned around from the cooker with a pan full of goodies, and looked slyly at Sally before answering.

  “Well now, would you be disappointed to know that he won’t be joining us?”

  Sally blushed scarlet.

  “Mercy, is it that obvious!” She blurted out.

  “Only to an old hand like myself! Don’t you worry dear, I could see that he is more than a little interested in you also. Do you believe in fate at all?”

  “Yes, in fact I think I do.” Sally answered.

  “In that case I dare to believe that maybe fate – or the Good Lord Himself – has lent a hand here to bring you young people together.” She looked up sharply. “I hope you don’t mind me saying so dear?”

  “Certainly not Agnes – already I feel I should be calling you mum!”

  Agnes laughed delightedly to herself as she served up the breakfast.

  “I would be delighted if you did! Oh, have you tried the haggis at all my dear?”

  “Oh yes..It was one of the first things Elizabeth made for me when I came to her house. I thought it was delicious – but must admit I nearly threw it back up when she told me what it was! Chopped up offal, onions, spices and oatmeal, sewn up in a sheep’s stomach hardly sounds appetizing after all!”

  “He he, yes it does sound a bit grim when you put it like that I suppose!”

  “Never mind though – I’m over the shock, and now I love it! It always reminds me that I am truly in Scotland again.”

  Agnes served up a couple of slices of the haggis along with the rest of the ‘heart attack’ breakfast; before Sally asked a little more directly where Robert was that he would not be joining them.

  “Oh, don’t you worry dear, he is actually away with Tom to collect your car out of the snow-drift and bring it back here to have a good look at the damage.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful – I’ve been worrying about it I must confess. I was actually going to call the breakdown service or something to collect it.”

  “Well I think my son is possibly anxious to impress – if you get my meaning?” She gave Sally a sly conspiratorial look.

  “Agnes, you’re terrible – I’m sure you should be trying to protect him from women like me! What happened to the over-protective mums we hear about?”

  “Ha, the Lord forbid that I should become one of them! No, the fact is that I would like to see my son happy again. Last night was the first time in all these years, that I witnessed a spark in his eyes I haven’t seen since poor Mhairi passed away – and it’s all thanks to you Sally!”

  “Oh, please…you’ll have me blushing again!”

  “Ach, thing nothing of it Sally – the ramblings of an old woman!”

  “Now you’re putting yourself down! Since you brought up the subject however, I will confess that considering we’ve just met, I like Robert a great deal – I’m even glad I had that accident; as it is responsible for introducing me to a rather handsome young man – and for meeting yourself of course!” She added.

  Agnes beamed unashamedly at Sally, as a small tear fell onto her cheek. Sally jumped up from the table and hugged her with all her strength.

  “My dear, you do not realise just how much that means to me.” Agnes said between sniffles. “As you have just said – I thank God for the accident that brought us all together.” She paused a moment to blow her nose, and collected herself before stating firmly. “Now..let’s have this breakfast before it gets cold shall we?”

  ******

  Chapter 6

  The sound of engines as they finished their breakfast, alerted them to the fact the Robert and Tom had arrived back at the house.

  Sally peered out through the misted up window, to see Tom getting out of a Range Rover with her little Vauxhall hire car in tow. She made her way to the front door just in time to meet Robert on his way in.

  “Oh, hi Sally – did you sleep well?”

  “Yes I did Robert, thanks. I see you have managed to get the car ok, I’m owe you one!”

  “Well…we’ll see how you can repay me later shall we!” He said winking lasciviously at her.

  “Oh ho..well-spoken my brave hero – now you have Tom and Mummy here to protect you!”

  The sound of laughter caused them to turn around to witness Tom leaning on the door frame, his body shaking with mirth.

  “Ha ha, she’s sussed you out Robert – you’re a fraud!”

  He said this while making his way to Sally and wrapping his bear-like arms around her, to give her a huge hug.

  “Tom! You’re going to crush me to death you great bear!”

  “Sally! It’s fantastic to see you again – Elizabeth was worried sick till you called last night.”

  Sally extricated herself breathlessly from his embrace, before giving him a peck on the cheek.

  “Well I’m absolutely fine Tom, thanks to Robert and his mum. I just can’t believe you all know one another – it’s totally weird, and yet wonderful at the same time.

  “Ach, it’s not weird at all really – we had the accident all arranged so you would meet up that’s all!”

  Sally stepped back and looked at Tom – she never could work out when he was just winding her up or not.

  Tom suddenly burst out laughing again.

  “Of course I’m winding you up Sally – honestly you Americans are so naive sometimes!”

  Sally thumped him on the arm.

  “One of these days Tom!”

  “Ha ha, you’ve never changed Sall
y – except now you’ve got a few more wrinkles maybe!”

  “Tom!” Agnes spoke up. “That’s a terrible thing to say to such an attractive lass – you apologise right now!”

  “Oche Agnes, she knows I was only kidding her on – don’t you Sally.”

  “Indeed I do Tom, your tact has never improved over the years – I don’t know why poor Elizabeth puts up with you!”

  “That’s easy.” Tom replied. “I’ve made myself in-expendable. She just couldn’t live without me!”

  “Honestly Tom, your incorrigible!” Said Agnes, trying her best to be stern. Come away in, and you can give us the news regarding the car, and never mind the nonsense!”

  They all made their way into the lounge area as Tom and Robert explained that the car was mostly undamaged apart from a dent in the front wing, where it has went over into a slight ditch – and of course the ruined windshield.

  “It turned out that the windshield was shattered and pushed out by a tree branch.” Explained Robert. “You were very fortunate that it went through the passenger side of the screen – or you would have been speared through!”

  “Ha, so driving on the wrong side has some advantages after all!” Sally piped up, to the agreement of all.

  “So what do we do now then, should I phone the hire company?”

  “Yes, that’s the first thing to do. No doubt they will arrange for the screen to be repaired – they may even come out to the premises to do it if we’re lucky. Certainly the main roads are passable now, so it should not be a problem.”

  “What about the other damage though – is it bad?” Asked Sally; a little apprehensively.

  “No, it’s not bad at all. You will probably have an excess to pay when you return it though. We just towed it in because it wouldn’t start – but I’ll have that sorted in no time. I think the battery terminals have been slackened off in the bump.”

  After discussing the whole event over a hot cup of tea, Sally made the call to the hire company, as Tom and Robert went out to get the car started, and also to cover the windscreen till a replacement arrived.

  Soon she was able to report that the windscreen replacement would take a couple of days, and the excess on the insurance would have to be paid when she returned the car. Meanwhile Tom and Robert managed to get the car started without any drama, and headed back towards the house.

  “So Robert…what do you think of our friend Sally?” Tom asked his friend, while trying unsuccessfully to cover a big grin.

  “Well….I must admit she’s a bit of a cracker! I just can’t believe how easy it is to talk to her – it’s like we’ve known each other for years.”

  “Brilliant, Elizabeth is going to be over the moon – you know how romantic she is! Last night I think she was already arranging your wedding – horse driven sleigh and all!”

  “Hey hey, steady now!” Robert laughed. “She may not even like me that much!”

  “Hmm, yes your probably right..” Tom teased his friend, resulting in a punch to the arm, just as they reached the door of the cabin.

  They bundled inside chattering like two naughty school-boys.

  Agnes looked them up and down as they entered. “Well now, just what on earth are you pair up to? No good I would imagine!” She said good naturedly. “Have you got the car sorted out at least!”

  “Yes indeed we have, and the windscreens all covered up for now. We have put it in the barn at the back of the cabin, where it will be out of the weather for now.

  “Talking off the barn – have you fed Romeo?”

  Yes of course, he’s all fed and watered – thought I would take him out for a ride in the snow later on, you know how he hates being locked in the stable.”

  “Romeo – what or who is Romeo?” Sally asked, a little bemused.

  “Oh, I forgot to mention Romeo – how could I?” Said Agnes.

  “He is a Clydesdale horse that used to work with the estate, but when he was no longer required he was ‘pensioned off’ – and now we have him. Robert, why don’t you take Sally round to the stable to meet him?”

  Sally immediately perked up, she loved horses having had a pony when she was a little girl.

  “Ok then, I’ll leave you kids to it – some of us have work to do!” Tom said looking over at Robert. “Robert..you are on sick leave for a couple of days – you don’t look at all well to me!” He winked slyly at ‘The Kids’ as he headed for the door.

  “Thanks Tom!” Robert managed to blurt out.

  “Meanwhile Sally, I’ll get Elizabeth to call and you can get things sorted out with her. Is that ok?”

  “Tom you’re an angel – albeit a fallen one!” She teased.

  “Tell Elizabeth I’m looking forward to seeing her soon.”

  No sooner was Tom out the door, when Sally headed for her warm gear.

  “Right… Lets see Romeo!”

  Romeo the Clydesdale, stood ears erect and head-up as they approached the stable through the deep snow. Robert called out to him.

  “HEY Romeo…I have a visitor for you!”

  He bobbed his head up and down as if acknowledging the welcome, and leaned his massive head over the gate for the sugar lumps that were sure to appear in his masters hand.

  Sure enough Robert brought out a couple of the sweet treats for him, and offered them in the flat of his palm for Romeo to tenderly remove with his massive lips.

  “He is Gorgeous!” Piped up Sally. “And totally enormous!”

  “Ha ha , yes he is a bit I suppose. At 18 hands he is one of the larger horses that they used on the estate. Fantastic for log-pulling, they have quite enormous strength; but at the same time are the most docile of creatures. Romeo here, is a real ‘Gentile Giant’ with a fantastic nature – we both love him to bits.

  “So do they no longer use Clydesdales then?” Sally asked while gently reaching up to pat the side of Romeo’s neck.

  “Well not really. Occasionally though they will borrow him for some show piece, or perhaps to pull logs from an area that machinery would cause too much damage in. There is a big move now towards ‘sustainable forestry’ so hopefully there’s a chance that the Clydesdale may be in for a bit of a come-back.”

  Romeo nodded his huge head as if in agreement, much to Sally’s amusement.

  “He is just gorgeous Robert – I love him!”

  “Well if you like, we could go out for a ride through one of the forest trails?”

  “In this snow – won’t it be too cold for him; and will he be able to carry both of us ok?”

  “Ha ha, easy-peasy, he is built like a Clydesdale! And as for the snow – he can handle this stuff easily if I keep him out of the drifts; the trail through the woods should only be a foot or so deep – and he’ll love it!”

  Sally clapped her hands together with glee, looking for all the world like an over-excited teenager, rather than a mature young woman in her 30’s.

  “Great – I’ll just nip in and tell Agnes where we’re going, then we can get him ready for the trail.” Said Robert; heading towards the cabin.

  A few minutes later he was back and carrying a bag with hot coffee and a sandwich for them.

  “Agnes insisted that we take something to warm us up!”

  He said, waving the bag at Sally.

  “Will I get the saddle over for him?” Sally asked, already heading in the direction of the saddle that was nearby.

  “No need Sally, I’ll just put a couple of blankets over him and we can go bareback – will you manage that ok?”

  “Yes I think so – as long as you hold on to me!”

  Robert of course had every intention of holding on to her – and having Sally hold on to him was the ulterior motive for riding bareback altogether!

  He fitted on the bit and bridle, then led Romeo out of the stall, where he waited just a little impatiently for the riders to mount-up.

  Sally looked up at the massive muscular body of Romeo, and wondered how on earth she was going to manage to get up on his b
ack at all.

  Robert handed her a riding helmet to fit on, noticing her apprehension.

  “Don’t you worry Sally – He is a big horse I grant you; but he is really docile and contented.”

  “Yes, its not that; I’m just wondering at the height of him – you’ll have to help me up!”

  “No problem!” He leapt easily onto Romeo’s back, and led him over to a raised platform.

  “Right Sally, just jump up on this platform – and I’ll pull you aboard!”

  Sally did as she was told, and flew up unto Romeo’s back right behind Robert – and immediately wrapped her arms around him from behind – perhaps just a little tighter than was really needed!

  “Ok, lets get started! Gee-up Romeo!” And they headed off down the trail which was directly opposite the cabin. Sally turned around to see Agnes waving them off, and waved back laughing excitedly – even at this distance an understanding passing between them. Agnes let out a sigh “I just hope that this is the one for my boy at last.”

  A quick glance at the letter on the bunker, changed her mood, and a worried frown crossed her brow as she headed back into the warmth of the kitchen.

  ******

  Chapter 7

  Romeo plodded on through the snow, not the least bit troubled with it – only occasionally starting when a clump fell from the snow- laden branches of the Douglas Fir trees, sometimes covering them with cold snow that ran down their necks and caused them to wriggle about laughing and shrieking like two silly kids.

  They chatted animatedly as Romeo’s huge feet kicked up great plumes of dusty light snow – sometimes having to barge through drifts almost to his belly.

  “Are you comfortable back there Sally? Riding bare-back can be a little hard on the rear I know!”