Heir to Glengyle

by Miriam Macgregor

  ‘Amy had also forgotten about them, but fortunately they slipped into my mind.’ Cathie paused, then found herself admitting, ‘In some strange way my mind has not completely left Glengyle in Scotland and all that happened there.’

  His voice held a grim note. ‘I presume you mean the things that upset you? And now you’ve found an additional load of trauma at Glengyle in New Zealand. No doubt you’ll be glad to leave this place.’

  ‘My suitcase is already packed,’ she informed him quietly. ‘I’m sure you’ll be delighted about that fact. It’ll bring Lola back.’

  He made no reply. Instead he sent her an inscrutable look before leaving the room to join his parents and Amy.

  Cathie heaped silent curses upon her own head. Hadn’t Amy warned her not to bring up Lola’s name? Couldn’t she see that by doing so she was building a wall between herself and Baird? Brick by brick it was getting higher.

  Infuriated with herself, she returned to the kitchen and was in the act of stirring the rich gravy of the gently simmering casserole when she heard a timid knock on the back door. She returned the lid to the dish but left it on top of the stove while she went to see who was there. It couldn’t be Lola, she thought, because she always strode in as though she owned the place.

  However, the woman who stood there was an older version of Lola, and in fact gave the impression that she could be Lola’s mother. She was blonde, slim, and as Cathie stared at her she realised that her eyes were red from weeping. And then the sight of the woman’s brooch and earrings caused her jaw to sag. They were her own gold orchids.

  CHAPTER TEN

  CATHIE controlled the exclamation that had risen to her lips. ‘Yes?’ she enquired politely, her eyes riveted on the brooch.

  The woman blinked reddened lids at her. ‘I saw Baird’s car come home,’ she quavered. ‘I would like to see him.’

  ‘Just a moment, please.’ Cathie hastened to where Baird sat in the living room beside his mother. She waited until he had finished speaking, then said, ‘Excuse the interruption, Baird, but there’s a lady at the back door asking to see you.’ As he rose to his feet she laid a hand on his arm and added, ‘Please do take particular note of her brooch and earrings.’

  He frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘You’ll see for yourself,’ she said, conscious of a strange hysteria building within herself.

  Muriel turned to Cathie as Baird went towards the kitchen. ‘Who is it?’ she demanded.

  ‘I don’t know—but I think she could be Lola’s mother, because they’re very alike,’ Cathie said.

  ‘Jane Maddison? Then she must come in at once.’ Muriel left her chair and followed Baird to the kitchen.

  Cathie turned to Amy. ‘She’s wearing my brooch and earrings,’ she whispered excitedly. ‘I could hardly believe my eyes.’

  Ewen demanded impatiently, ‘What the hell’s going on?’

  Amy whispered to him, ‘Not a word about jewellery. Let Baird handle it. Cathie says—’

  But Cathie cut her short as she gave a startled exclamation. ‘Oh, dear—the casserole is still standing on the bench! I’d taken it out of the oven to give it a stir when the knock came on the door.’ She went to the kitchen where Baird and his mother were standing on either side of Jane Maddison, who was dabbing at her eyes. ‘Please excuse me,’ Cathie said. ‘I must return this casserole to the oven.’

  Nobody took any notice of her, and for this she was thankful, because she was interested to learn the reason for the neighbour’s visit. And there was also the matter of the jewellery. She had no intention of watching the woman leave while still wearing it.

  Jane said tearfully, ‘Baird—I must talk to you.’

  Muriel put an arm about her shoulders. ‘Why are you so upset, Jane? What is the matter? Can’t you tell me?’

  ‘I’d rather tell Baird,’ the other woman sniffed. ‘I want to talk to him privately. He’ll help me, I know he will.’

  Muriel said, ‘You’re in no fit state to talk to anyone. You must come in and sit down. You must compose yourself. Baird will pour you a gin and tonic.’

  Baird moved to do so while Muriel led Jane into the living room where she introduced her to Amy, and to Cathie who had followed them.

  But Jane became agitated. ‘I don’t want to talk in front of strangers,’ she protested. ‘I don’t mind Ewen because he’s one of you—but these other people—’

  ‘I’m Ewen’s stepmother,’ Amy said. ‘And Cathie is my great-niece, so we’re family too. There now—Baird has poured you a drink, so do sit down and relax. I know you have trouble,’ she added in a sympathetic voice.

  ‘Oh, yes, I have.’ Jane took the well-filled crystal glass from Baird. She looked at him gratefully then said, ‘Thank you, Baird—but I do want to talk to you privately. It’s most important.’

  ‘All in good time,’ he promised.

  ‘What about our drinks?’ Ewen complained. ‘I reckon the sun is well over the yardarm.’

  By the time Baird had poured drinks for everyone Jane Maddison had emptied her glass, the gin and tonic having disappeared with amazing speed. His brows shot up, but he merely took her glass and refilled it, and while handing her the second drink he said casually, ‘You’re wearing attractive jewellery, Jane. May I ask where you acquired that gold orchid set?’

  Cathie held her breath while awaiting the answer.

  Jane’s hand went up to finger the brooch. ‘Yes, it is nice, but it’s not mine. It belongs to Lola—a little something she brought home recently.’

  ‘During the last couple of days?’ Baird asked smoothly.

  ‘That’s right. We often borrow each other’s things if they happen to match whatever we’re wearing. I thought it would give a lift to this blouse,’ Jane said, taking another sip of the gin and tonic.

  ‘Lola knows you’ve borrowed it?’ he pursued silkily.

  ‘No, she doesn’t. I put them on just before coming to see you, but I know she won’t mind—’

  Baird grinned. ‘I wouldn’t be too sure about that.’

  Jane became vaguely cross. ‘Why are you going on about this brooch when I need to talk to you? Baird—I need your help. You must help me, do you understand?’ She glanced at Cathie and Amy, then shrugged. ‘I don’t suppose it matters if they stay and hear what I have to say. You’re sure to tell them about it in any case.’

  Muriel said, ‘I’ll admit you’ve got me thoroughly puzzled, Jane. Perhaps I can give you more help than Baird—I mean, as another woman I might have more understanding.’

  Jane sent her a wan smile. ‘Thank you, Muriel, but no, it has to be Baird. It’s important that he talks to his friend for me.’

  Cathie, who had been sitting on the arm of Amy’s chair, straightened her back and sent an indignant look towards Jane Maddison. ‘His friend? Are you referring to me?’

  Jane swept a withering glance over her. ‘You? What would you do to help? Aren’t you the person who is doing her best to come between my Lola and Baird? A redhead, she said.’

  Cathie flushed but made no reply.

  Baird spoke sharply. ‘What are you talking about, Jane? I have many friends. To whom do you refer?’

  Jane took a deep sip from her glass, then, after a moment’s hesitation, she said, ‘To your friend at the minimarket, of course. Noel—what’s his name?’

  ‘Noel Robson?’

  ‘That’s right. You must plead with him for me.’ The words came imperatively as more confidence emerged via the gin and tonic.

  Baird was beginning to lose his patience. ‘Jane, I’m still not getting the picture. I’m still in the dark. Are you deeply in debt to him? Is it money you want?’

  Jane’s chin shot up. ‘Certainly not. We always pay our bills,’ she declared haughtily.

  ‘Then what the devil are you getting at? How can I help?’

  Jane emptied her glass for the second time, then she drew a deep breath and said, ‘You can ask him to withdraw the charge.’

&nbs
p; ‘Charge? What charge?’ Baird almost barked at her.

  Jane drew another deep breath, then her lip trembled as she admitted, ‘This afternoon Lola was caught shoplifting in the minimarket. That man Robson had the—the utter temerity to bring in the police and lay a charge against her. He declared they’d been watching her for some time.’

  The shocked silence that followed her words was broken by an uncontrolled chuckle that burst forth from Cathie. From the moment Noel Robson’s name had been mentioned she had guessed what was coming. Mirth had bubbled within her, and now it had risen to the surface to emerge unbidden.

  Jane turned upon her angrily. ‘It’s all very well for you to laugh. You’re the cause of all this. You’re the one who has upset Lola to the extent of making her commit stupid acts.’

  Cathie sent Baird a look of appeal. Did he also believe this?

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Jane,’ he rasped. ‘Cathie had nothing to do with Lola’s thieving activities. Obviously she’s been at the shoplifting game for a long time. It’s a wonder she hasn’t been caught before now. I’m afraid you must face up to the fact that Lola is a thief. For example, that brooch and earring set you’re wearing belongs to Cathie. I bought them for her in Singapore. Lola stole them from the drawer in Cathie’s room the last time she was here to do vacuuming.’

  Jane’s mouth fell open as she gaped at him. ‘I—I don’t believe you,’ she gasped, turning brick-red.

  ‘Amy can vouch for it and Cathie can find the box they fit into. I’m afraid you’ll have to hand them over. If you don’t Lola will have a further charge brought against her,’ Baird informed her.

  Jane unpinned the gold orchid, removed the earrings and dropped them into Baird’s outstretched hand. He crossed the room and handed them to Cathie who murmured a faint word of thanks.

  Jane’s voice now rose on the air in a cry of distress. ‘What can I do about Lola?’ she wailed. ‘What can I do—?’

  Ewen, who had sat listening in silence, now spoke in a hard tone. ‘You can do nothing,’ he said. ‘Lola must now face the music. She must be taught a lesson. Nor will Baird intercede on her behalf. To do so would indicate that he condones her thieving activities. Why should she be allowed to get away with stealing from people who are struggling to make a living? Tell me that, eh?’

  Jane could find nothing to say, and a short time later she went home, leaving Muriel with plenty to say, much of it consisting of apology to Cathie.

  ‘I’m sorry I said unkind things to you,’ she said contritely. ‘I was quite wrong to doubt you.’

  Cathie gave a wan smile. ‘Don’t allow it to concern you. I’m accustomed to being doubted—especially by an expert.’

  ‘You mean Baird?’ Muriel queried.

  Cathie nodded. ‘He was furious with me for even daring to hint that Lola could be dishonest.’

  Muriel moved closer to examine the golden orchids that Cathie was now wearing. ‘If it’s any consolation, I don’t believe he ever gave Lola such a lovely present. I wish—’ She fell silent.

  Cathie was mildly curious. ‘Yes—? You wish—?’

  Muriel shook her head. ‘I’m finished with making wishes where Baird is concerned. I’ll just wait and hope for the best to happen.’

  By mutual consent neither the subject of Lola’s behaviour nor her mother’s recent visit was mentioned during the meal, but later, when Cathie was putting the kitchen in order, she found Baird beside her. She hadn’t noticed him come in, nor had she heard his quiet closing of the door.

  ‘I’m waiting for you to say it,’ he said.

  She turned to look at him. ‘Say what?’ she queried, puzzled.

  ‘I told you so, I told you so,’ he chanted in a sing-song voice.

  ‘You’re waiting for me to dance on the roof while shouting it to the world?’ she asked in an amused tone.

  ‘I feel sure you’ll toss it at me from somewhere.’

  ‘Then you’ll wait for a long time, because I haven’t the remotest intention of doing so,’ Cathie said, turning away from him.

  He spun her round to face him. ‘Why not?’

  ‘Because when I did tell you you wouldn’t believe me. It’s pointless to harp on it now that you’ve seen the light for yourself.’

  His hands reached to draw her towards him, his arms clasping and moulding her against his muscled form. His head bent to possess her mouth in a kiss that sent her pulses racing.

  For Cathie time seemed to stand still as she clung to him, every moment making her increasingly aware of the pleasurable sensations coursing through her body. Nor did she have the power, much less the desire, to do other than melt against him, joyously responding to the call of the passion she knew to be leaping within him.

  Suddenly his hands went to her shoulders and, as he gazed intently into her eyes, his deep voice murmured huskily, ‘Darling—have I told you that I love you?’

  The words came as a shock, causing her to catch her breath. Had she heard correctly? Or had those words been mere imagination—an echo of her own wishful thinking? ‘Wh-what did you say?’ she whispered, staring at him in a dazed manner.

  ‘I said I love you. And, what’s more, I’m sure you love me. You couldn’t kiss me with such depth of feeling without genuine emotion that is more than mere affection. Tell me you love me.’

  She looked up into his eyes, her own wide with sincerity. ‘Yes, I love you very dearly, Baird. I’ve never felt about anyone as I feel about you.’ Then she leaned against him, trying to think with a clear mind while revelling in the thought that he loved her. But the point was, how much did he love her?

  ‘Then you’ll marry me? I want to hear you say you’ll marry me,’ he persisted urgently, his voice still husky.

  She made no answer, trying to sort out the problem in her mind.

  His arms tightened about her. ‘Why don’t you say the words? Why do you hesitate?’ he demanded.

  ‘Because I’m not sure that your love for me goes deeply enough for you to have complete faith in me,’ she admitted reluctantly.

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘It’s probably because I’m a Campbell. You’ve let me know quite plainly that the Campbells are not to be trusted, and no doubt that resentment is still sitting within the depths of your mind.’

  ‘You’re talking damned nonsense and you know it. I’m beginning to doubt that you really do love me.’ His tone held a ring of bitterness, while the expression about his mouth had become grim.

  ‘Yes, I do love you, Baird. Please believe that I do love you deeply—but how can I be sure you love me sufficiently to—to risk marriage?’

  ‘I wish I could see a clear picture of what’s going on in your mind. I wish I knew what’s bugging you.’ His words betrayed a world of frustration.

  She stepped away from him, hoping that a little distance between them would enable her mind to find the right words. ‘It’s the fact that you’ve been so doubtful of me,’ she said at last. ‘You were quite positive I was telling lies about Lola. You were so sure I was getting at her. You had no faith in my integrity. If you loved me you wouldn’t have thought that way. You’d have had faith in me, but no—you had to have proof.’

  ‘Would you have had me be unfair to Lola, to someone I’ve known for so long? Surely I owed her that much.’

  ‘Yes, I suppose you did. But it made you consider me to be a liar—and that, if you really want to know, is what’s bugging me.’ Was she being unreasonable? she wondered uneasily.

  He regarded her mockingly, his arms folded across his chest. ‘So—you imagine you can kiss me goodbye as easily as that, do you?’

  ‘Have you forgotten I’ll be going to Auckland next month?’

  ‘Where you intend to forget me?’

  ‘No. I’m well aware that I’ll never forget you,’ Cathie said. ‘You’ll always be kept in a secret corner of my mind.’

  ‘Are you saying that eventually you’ll marry a man, with me still in your mind? I feel sor
ry for the poor chap—’

  ‘At least I’ll make sure he’s one who won’t need proof of every word I utter,’ she flashed at him.

  He regarded her sombrely. ‘I had no idea just how deeply my doubting attitude had affected you.’

  ‘Well, you know now.’ She paused, then said frankly, ‘My real trouble lay in loving you. It made the hurt so much more intense—there were times when I could have screamed.’

  He said hoarsely, ‘Cathie—please believe me, I’ll never doubt you again—not as long as I live.’

  ‘That’s what you say at the moment, but I can’t risk having more of it for the rest of my life.’

  Further conversation was then curtailed when the door opened and Muriel came in. ‘Baird, dear,’ she said, ‘Amy wants to talk to you about the house in Scotland. She’s wondering what you’d do about it if she decided to move to New Zealand—although, to be honest, I think she’s worrying about somebody named Elspeth and her husband.’

  Baird thought for a few moments before he said, ‘She’s probably worried that I’d put them out and let the house. If so she’s quite mistaken, because I’d allow them to remain in it as caretakers—that is if they wished to do so, of course.’

  ‘Oh—well, that should please her.’ Muriel looked from Baird to Cathie and perhaps sensed the tension between them. ‘Have I interrupted something?’ she asked.

  ‘Nothing of importance,’ Baird replied nonchalantly. ‘I had merely asked Cathie to marry me—and she had merely turned down the offer.’

  Muriel turned shocked eyes upon Cathie. ‘I don’t believe I’m hearing this,’ she declared, drawing herself to her full height. ‘You rejected my son?’

  Cathie’s chin rose. ‘He rejected me—even before the offer was made.’ Then she rushed from the kitchen, ran upstairs and threw herself on the bed, where she began to weep. At the same time she began to fear that she was being unutterably stupid, and although she longed to rush downstairs again and throw herself into Baird’s arms her pride would not allow it.

  However, she knew she couldn’t remain in her room for the rest of the evening, and she also knew she must go downstairs to face the reaction to her refusal to accept Baird’s offer of marriage. No doubt there would be surprise from Amy—and possibly more than a hint of resentment from Muriel and Ewen. As for Baird, she expected to be greeted by nothing more than nonchalant unconcern.