“Now gentlemen.” The police officer spoke up again. “Perhaps we ought to get Miss McInnis back to the house; and sort out the other business in due course? I’ve radioed up ahead and an ambulance will be waiting for the lady.”
Robert immediately nodded his acceptance, and they all headed back to the cabin; with Brandon handcuffed securely, and John and Frank bringing up the rear.
There was a reception committee awaiting their arrival at the cabin, and the first to rush up to sally’s side was a tearful Agnes.
“Oh my dear, what have they done to you!” She had seen at a glance that Sally had been stripped, and was covered by an over-size jacket to protect her modesty.
“come away in and let’s get you cleaned up!”
Before anyone could protest, Agnes had her up the steps and into the cabin; followed closely by a concerned Robert. The police constable however raced behind them, and in the privacy of the house asked the question that had to be asked.
“Miss McInnis, I’m so sorry to have to ask you this at this time? But I must do so before you get showered”
Sally knew what was coming. As an investigative journalist she had some experience in rape, and attempted rape cases.
“It is perfectly all right officer. I was not violated by that beast – thanks to the timely intervention of our two poachers – there will be no need for an internal examination.”
She choked on the words as they left her mouth; as the reality of what might have been sunk home.
“I just want to get showered and changed, if that’s ok.”
The officer thanked her, and said he had arranged for WPC to come visit later that day for a full statement.
Robert kissed her and hugged her to him, before leaving her to the tender ministrations of his mother Agnes.
They went outside to be informed that Frank, one of the two poachers had disappeared. John however had stayed behind, and immediately Robert strode over and bombarded him with questions – looking ready to assault him at any moment!
“Now then you two – I’m sure you have a lot to talk about; but for now Mr Turner, I will need to take you down to the station!
John was grateful for the intervention, and went willingly, with the police officer. While Robert made to go inside to comfort Sally
The crowd of close friends that had gathered for the search, began to disperse, delighted at the outcome – and the timely intervention of the two poachers; As Sir Malcolm and his wife Katriona entered the car-park.
Robert stopped mid-way up the stairs, as he heard the crunch of tyres on the loose gravel. He recognized the new Range Rover immediately; and to whom it belonged.
“Crap, this is all I need right now!” He thought to himself.
The distinguished figure of Sir Malcolm and lady Katriona, got out of the car and made their way towards him.
“I’m sorry my dear, we have only just received news that Sally has been found – can I take it that you are her fiancé Robert?” Said Katriona, her hand extended.
“Thank you Lady Katriona..”
“Oh please, Katriona is just fine; and this is my husband Malcolm.” She said indicating tall elderly gentleman by his side.
“Of course Sir Malcolm.” He said rather awkwardly. “I know you from a distance, as I work on the Loch An Eilein Estate.
“Robert my boy; it’s a real pleasure to meet you! Your charming fiancé has spoken well of you rest assured. It’s a pleasure to meet you at last; even though it would perhaps have been better under more pleasant circumstances! And please; cut out the ‘Sir.’ Malcolm will do just fine!”
Surprised by the genuine concern showing in the faces and actions of the couple, Robert found himself warming to them – despite his earlier protestations.
“Thank you so much for your concern; I really appreciate it. I’m just so happy that Sally has been returned to me without any serious harm done – physically at least”
“Can I just ask how she is Robert?” said Katriona.
“Well, at the moment she is being cared for by my mother. She has just gone in to get cleaned up and rest a bit after this terrible ordeal.”
“My boy, I just cannot believe that such a thing has happened in our sleepy village. The superintendent has given me the basic details – I hope you don’t mind - we were so concerned, that we just had to come down and offer our support should you need it. We won’t keep you just now, but please tell Sally that we were here; and if there is anything at all we can do for you both, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Robert thanked them both; and promised to let Sally know that they had visited. They said their farewells and Robert waved as the car left the parking area, scattering gravel as it went.
“Well Robert you stupid fool.” He mumbled to himself. “Where are your objections now! They seem like a really nice couple; and obviously genuinely concerned for Sally’s welfare.”
He continued, with some trepidation into the cabin, to comfort his fiancé – mind reeling, and body exhausted over the events of the past few hours.
******
Chapter 10
The next few weeks went by in a blur for Sally. After the events in the woods, Brandon had found himself under arrest and charged with ‘kidnapping with intent to do bodily harm.’ Before he faced sentence however, he skipped bail and fled back to the United States; where a warrant had been issued for his arrest – as soon as he was found.
Sally was ‘made of strong Stuff’ as Agnes proudly declared, and was soon back to her normal gregarious self; albeit she was a little more wary when outdoors by herself.
She had been forced to tell Robert of the previous attempt by Brandon, which made him incandescent with rage, as she had predicted. Now she had to deal with his sometimes overwhelming need to protect her; often resulting in arguments brought on by concern bordering on irrationality. She hoped that this fear for her safety would ease over time.
Robert had finally gone along with Sally to the Frazer’s for his Tea, and was surprised at just how well he had gotten on, with the couple whom he thought he would have nothing in common with. Sir Malcolm himself had a keen interest in the workings of the Estate; even though the day-to-day running of things was now in the hands of his son Michael – A young man that Robert never really knew, as he seemed to be always away in London on Estate business. For Roberts part; he loved his work, and his enthusiasm when he talked about wood-craft, and his work on the Estate, was infectious.
“My Boy.” Sir Malcolm had declared as they left. “I predict a fine future ahead for you, If you plan to stay on with us here at the Loch An Eilein Estates. I have enjoyed our conversation enormously!”
The big surprise at the meal however, was when Sally asked Sir Malcolm if he would take the place of her father, who had passed away the year previously.
“My dear; I would be honoured to do so!” Was his immediate response; much to Sally’s delight. She had felt a real affinity with this Scottish Aristocrat, whom she had first met on the flight over to Scotland just 3 months previously; but who was going to play a significant role in her future she was sure.
As for the situation with John and Frank. All charges regarding the poaching had been dropped by the Estate, as recognition of the part they had played in Sally’s rescue. The assault charges against the forestry worker however, were yet to go to court; though Sir Malcolm had promised to ask the court for leniency in this matter as well.
The situation with John regarding Agnes and Robert, was going to take a long time to be resolved – if ever.
Agnes still refused to have anything to do with him; and Robert was torn between loyalty to his mother, and curiosity regarding his father.
All this was running through Sally’s mind as she sat in the train down to Edinburgh with Agnes and Elizabeth, who was going to be her ‘Maid of Honour’ at the wedding in two weeks’ time. Her good friend Kiera, from her hometown in Milwaukee; was delighted at being offered the position of ‘Best Maid,’ and wa
s due to arrive at Edinburgh Airport by 11am and from there take a taxi to meet with them at the hotel.
The girls had planned a weekend in Edinburgh, as a kind of ‘Hen Night’ together; and also to do a final fit on the wedding and bridesmaid dresses; which they had ordered from a specialist wedding shop in the east end of Princes Street.
“So where are we staying when we arrive in Edinburgh Sally?” Agnes asked, excited to be going on a trip to Scotland’s capital city.”
“Well I was going to keep it a surprise, but what the heck…I have booked a lovely Boutique hotel in George St called ‘The cat’s Whiskers’ It’s right in the centre of town, so we do not have far to go for shopping trips!”
“Oh…I have been there before, for a meal with Tom!” Elizabeth declared. “It has a fantastic restaurant where all the beautiful, upwardly mobile people go – we should fit right in I think!” She declared, to much hilarity and jests about just what ‘upwardly mobile’ meant in these days of austerity.
“But won’t that be expensive my dear?” Agnes said with some concern in her voice.
“Really Agnes; it’s my wedding gift to myself – and anyway; I managed to get a weekend deal from them for dinner, bed & breakfast. I’ve booked two twin rooms though, which means we’ll have to share.”
“Sounds great!” Said Elizabeth. “I’m really looking forward to it!”
“I must admit – so am I Elizabeth! The events of the last month have left me quite exhausted. I still get the shivers when I think of that creep Brandon, and what would have happened if I hadn’t been found in time.”
“Well I thank God that you were found in time Sally!” Agnes said, reaching out and taking her hand. “However let us not let him gain another victory, by thinking of what might have been, and ruining your weekend away shall we?”
“Well I can certainly say ‘Amen’ to that!” Elizabeth said while taking Sally’s other hand in her own.
“Ok, to change the subject! How excited are you about your wedding dress? Because I’m really excited to see how my lovely bridesmaid dress has turned out!”
Elizabeth said, clapping her hands together like an excited child. The effect was immediate, and the atmosphere changed from fearful contemplation, to joyful anticipation of the dress fitting. The wedding dress that Sally had chosen was from the ‘Indulge’ Collection, and featured a strapless lace bodice with an organza skirt. A colourful deep purple sash enhanced the waist and complimented the bridesmaids dresses – which were a deep purple also.
In no time at all the train was pulling into Waverly Station in Edinburgh, and they took a short taxi ride to the hotel. The taxi driver was one of these characters who really knew his way around town, and chatted happily to them as they waited in one of the many delays caused by the controversial Edinburgh tram system. “Edinburgh’s Disgrace!” The driver cheerfully called it. The normally five minute trip took all of twenty minutes, by which time they had his life story, along with his opinions on everything from politicians to glamour models – including some scandalous innuendos thrown in for good measure. They all had a good laugh at his ‘banter’ and booked him to collect their friend from the airport later that morning.
“Thanks a lot Sally!” He said in a friendly tone, as if he had known her for years. “I’ll certainly do that; and I hope you enjoy your weekend in Edinburgh; if you need a taxi ride just give me a call anytime.” He handed her his card which read; ‘Graham McGuire – Taxi driver to the Stars – even the fallen ones!’
They enjoyed a good laugh, as their new friend helped them with their cases into the foyer of the hotel, and headed off through the chaotic Edinburgh traffic to his next assignment.
The hotel receptionist was a beautiful girl in her early twenties, who immediately took their names, and had a porter take their cases up to the rooms, where a complimentary bottle of champagne awaited them, along with fresh-cut flowers and a small selection of chocolates.
“Oh, this is just beautiful!” Agnes said, looking all around her at the luxurious fittings in the room that she was sharing with Sally.
Sally nodded in agreement as she also checked out the room, admiring the chic fittings and the slightly decadent feel of the place.
A Few moments later Elizabeth arrived at the room, enthusiastically endorsing her own accommodation – much to Sally’s delight.
Noticing that the time was now almost eleven, and that Kiera would be arriving at the airport soon; they decided to unpack while they waited, then they could all go down to lunch together.
It was nearly 11.45 when Kiera was dropped off at the hotel by the friendly driver, and they laughed as she recounted her journey, made short by his endless stories.
Introductions were made, and after Kiera had dropped off her luggage they headed downstairs for lunch in the hotel restaurant.
Sally and Kiera had a lot to catch up on – not the least being the latest episode with Brandon; which Kiera had found out about through the police investigations regarding his whereabouts.
They were still chatting when Sally suddenly looked at her watch. “Ouch! She exclaimed. “We have ten minutes to get to the dress-fitters!”
They all scrambled to make haste, as Sally signed the chitty for their meal.
They arrived at the Wedding Shop right on schedule, and were welcomed in.
Sally went first, and retired to the changing room; returning ten minutes later wearing the beautiful dress she was confronted by a tearfully smiling, enthusiastic group of friends.
The dress fitted perfectly, with the purple sash adding a splash of colour and highlighting Sally’s slim waist; while the strapless bodice emphasised her flawless neckline and shapely chest.
“Oh Sally!” Agnes said between sobs. “Robert is just going to die when he sees you!”
“Well I certainly hope not Agnes – I have high hopes to spend some time together first!”
Sally laughed delightedly at them all sniffing and wiping their noses.
Agnes took out the shoes that they had brought with them, and Sally tried them on with the dress. All agreed that they were a perfect match, with heels not too high, and comfortable enough to wear for what would be a long day.
“Right then ladies; time to get around to Coast in George street, and try on your bridesmaid dresses!”
The dresses were ready for Elizabeth and Kiera to try on when they arrived; and this time it was Sally’s turn to wipe a tear from her eye. In a deep purple with a sweetheart neckline, the dresses complimented beautifully the curvaceous figures of her friends.
“You girls look gorgeous!” She declared. “I’m going to look like a fright beside you both!”
The girls, along with Agnes, were loud in their denials; but secretly pleased with the end result.
“Sally, how could you say such a thing? You look hotter than a scotch bonnet pepper, in that wedding dress!” Elizabeth laughed at her.
With the dress fittings a major success, they all headed back to the hotel; chatting excitedly about the wedding to come.
“It may not be a large affair.” Thought Sally. “But it sure will make an impact!”
The weekend in Edinburgh was soon over; Sally and her companions choosing to celebrate her upcoming wedding in the hotel itself, rather than go on the traditional Pub Crawl. This was mainly for Agnes’s sake, who declared herself “Too old for all that nonsense!” However, thanks to the excellent facilities at the boutique hotel , and the many attractions within Edinburgh itself over the weekend; time flew by and they were soon on their way back to Aviemore laden with dresses and other shopping.
Robert had chosen to go to Amsterdam for his Stag night; thanks mainly to the pressure being brought to bear by his peers! Sally heard later that the party of 15 burly Scots had caused something of a ‘stramash,’ and subsequently had ended up in the custody of the local police for the evening. No major damage was done though; and they were allowed out of the jails to catch their flights home after a stern warning.
“Oh yes, of course…..It was these bad local lads – nothing to do with you at all eh!” She laughed, as she slapped him about the head.
Finally the day of the wedding came; Sally arriving at the church with Sir Malcolm in a horse-drawn carriage pulled by Romeo. The carriage had been especially adapted for him by the Estate workers, and his massive bulk pulled it easily along the quiet road to the little white church at Coylumbridge. He was decked in gleaming harness, intertwined with flowers; his mane and tail especially pleated and finished in the blooms that matched the bridesmaids own; which were a mixture of lilac freesia and white Calla lilies . Sally was delighted that Romeo had been able to play such an important part in her big day, and Romeo seemed to be enjoying the event almost as much as she; with his head held high and a definite haughtiness to his step.
It was a small informal church, with an atmosphere that was friendly and comforting to all who came under its roof. Sally marched down the aisle not to the traditional ‘Here comes the Bride,’ but to ‘The first time ever I saw your face’ sung by Roberta Flack. It was a beautiful song and always made her cry.
Sir Malcolm, resplendent in full Highland outfit, proudly led her on his arm down to the front of the church - Best Maids following regally behind - where Robert and his best man Tom waited. They both wore kilts of the Lindsey tartan, for traditionally the son would always wear the tartan from his mother’s clan.
As she reached Roberts side, and Malcolm released her to take his place; Robert turned and gazed upon the woman that he would spend the rest of his life with. Love and pride welled up in his chest, threatening to destroy in a blink his calm exterior; as he gazed upon the vision of beauty that stood alongside him.
The couple managed to keep their composure throughout the ceremony, as vows were given and rings exchanged. While the marriage certificates were signed, a good friend of Roberts stood with his acoustic guitar and sung a love song composed for the occasion.
Sally’s Wedding: Book 3 Of A Contemporary Romance Short Story Series Page 5