Spirit of the Island

by Joan Fleming

  ‘How did things go with Adam yesterday?’ Elsa asked, pouring a glass of wine for each of them.

  ‘He’s keen to try to save our marriage. I’m not sure if–’

  ‘Marriage needs work, Kirsty,’ Elsa interrupted before Kirsty voiced her doubts. ‘Even if the couple love each other to distraction, a marriage doesn’t always run on well-oiled wheels. Perhaps this was your first big test, and Adam didn’t come out of it too well. From what you say, he seems to be making up for that now.’

  ‘I don’t think I came out of it too well, either,’ Kirsty said.

  A knock at the door ended their conversation. Duncan came in, his hat in his hand. ‘Good evening, ladies. You look very comfortable there. Am I intruding?’

  ‘Not at all,’ Elsa said. ‘Have a seat, Duncan. Would you like a glass of wine?’

  ‘No thanks,’ he said. ‘I won’t stay long. I’m going round updating people about Mary Benview. As far as I can gather, her cottage belonged to her family, and with no relatives left, it will probably revert to the State. The door’s unlocked, so I’ve had a quick look inside. I’m worried in case anything happens to it, as it did with Flora’s cottage. My suggestion is that we make it secure until we have some more information.’

  ‘Good idea. Thank you for dealing with this, Duncan,’ Elsa said.

  ‘I’m happy to do it,’ he said. ‘Keeps me out of mischief.’ He smiled, obviously enjoying his role as self-appointed administrator for the area.

  ‘But there is one problem. Once or twice I’ve seen Bess sitting outside the cottage. She must be missing Mary. I can’t forget how that wee dog kept vigil for her mistress the night of the storm.’

  ‘Oh, Bess sometimes comes here. We feed her and she occasionally stays the night. But where she goes when she leaves here, I don’t know,’ Elsa said.

  ‘Amy told me she sometimes stays at Columb Cottage,’ Kirsty said.

  ‘That’s so sad: the idea of a dog waiting for someone who has died. Just like the story of Greyfriar’s Bobby. Didn’t that wee terrier sit for years by his master’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh?’ Elsa asked.

  ‘Yes, Elsa. There’s even a statue of the dog near the graveyard,’ Kirsty said.

  ‘I’m sure we don’t have to worry about Bess,’ Elsa replied. ‘She’s well used to roaming around the neighbourhood. If she’s not offered her dinner at one house, she’ll try another.’

  ‘Well, ladies, I must be on my way. No doubt you’ll be seeing me again soon.’

  ‘You’ve been to Mary’s cottage, haven’t you?’ Elsa asked Kirsty, when Duncan had gone.

  ‘I remember going with my granny; she was quite friendly with Mary. The house always seemed in such a mess.’

  ‘Mess doesn’t begin to describe it. It was a boorach, as they say here. Complete chaos. The one saving grace was that she had few possessions. But what she had was strewn everywhere. How she found anything, I’ll never know,’ Elsa said.

  ‘It was a strange friendship she had with my granny. Everything in Granny’s cottage was tidy–a place for everything and everything in its place. Maybe it was the attraction of opposites,’ Kirsty said, memories of her beloved grandmother bringing a smile to her face.

  * * *

  That night, Kirsty found it difficult to settle to sleep. She had so many things on her mind fighting for attention: her talk with Adam; her conversations with Amy and with Elsa; not to mention Duncan’s information about Mary Benview’s cottage triggering memories of her granny.

  She lay staring at the ceiling, musing on what her granny might have advised her to do about her marriage. Kirsty’s mother had abandoned her island heritage for city life. How must Granny have felt? Devastated, Kirsty was sure. If her only daughter had offered to return to Mull, how would Granny have reacted? No doubt, she would have welcomed her with open arms.

  It obviously wasn’t the same. The mother/daughter relationship was different from the connection between husband and wife. But feelings of rejection applied to both. How difficult would it be to overcome the hurt of Adam’s neglect?

  On her bedside table, the box containing the ring seemed to issue an invitation. At that moment, if he had walked into the room, she would have forgiven him. She was even beginning to wonder if there was anything to forgive, or indeed if she was the one needing to be forgiven.

  Refusing to yield to the temptation to open the ring box, she switched off the bedside lamp and tried once more to relax into sleep.

  Chapter 33

  Amy was standing by the window, looking out at her view of Iona Abbey–a dark shape outlined against the ice blue of the sky–when Sandy walked into Columb Cottage. He grabbed hold of her and swung her round, narrowly missing the lamp on the coffee table.

  ‘I need your birth certificate,’ he said, once he’d set her down.

  ‘Why? To see if I’m over twenty-one?’

  ‘No. To make sure you are who you say you are. I don’t want to marry you then find out you’re–’

  ‘An heir to the throne?’

  ‘I was thinking more along the lines of a government spy checking to see if I had included all my earnings in my tax return.’

  Amy gave him a playful punch. ‘Joking apart, why do you need my birth certificate?’

  ‘Because I’m planning to run away with you to Gretna Green, and there are a few formalities to attend to. I’ll see to everything. All I need is your consent, and you’ve given me that already. Haven’t you?’

  It was clear Sandy was excited at the prospect of a secret wedding in the not-too-distant future. Amy felt her blood tingle in anticipation, too. Why hadn’t she agreed to marry Sandy sooner?

  He held her close, covering her hair with kisses, and Amy was content to nestle in his embrace, feeling the warmth of his arms around her. ‘Yes,’ she said.

  ‘Just think,’ he said. ‘Within a month, we’ll be married. I’ve waited so long for you, I can’t believe it’s really going to happen at last.’

  ‘I don’t believe it’s happening at all,’ Amy said.

  Sandy pulled away to look straight into her eyes. ‘You’re not taking cold feet, are you?’ His voice was full of concern.

  ‘No, my darling. I simply meant that it seems such a big step.’

  Folding her into his arms again, he trickled his fingers through her hair. ‘We’re meant for each other, Amy. I’ve known that for a long time. I love you so much.’

  He pulled her so close she could hardly breathe, then with a groan, he pushed her away, almost roughly. ‘I don’t know if I can wait much longer,’ he said. ‘I want to come here on my white charger and carry you off this minute.’

  As he walked over to the window, and stared out over the water to Iona, Amy cupped her hot face in her hands. Being carried off on a white charger sounded like rather an attractive proposition.

  At last, Sandy turned and came back to her. He wrapped his arms loosely round her shoulders. ‘No doubt one of your friendly neighbours would send a picture to the Oban Times,’ he said.

  ‘I’m sure a paper like the Oban Times…’

  Sandy cut off her words with a kiss. ‘Only teasing, my love. We’ll leave here in a few weeks in my car.’

  ‘You make us sound so dull.’

  ‘Dull’s not an adjective I would ever use to describe you, sweetheart, but if it prevents any other young man’s ideas turning to fancy when he looks at you, I’m happy.’

  ‘That works both ways. I want to make it clear to any young women who set their sights on you that you’re spoken for.’ Pausing for a moment, she added, ‘Especially if we’re going to be living here all the year round.’

  ‘Oh, you never know what the future holds, Amy.’

  Chapter 34

  In spite of having put so much effort into hardening her heart against Adam, Kirsty found herself increasingly tempted to return to her marriage. Yes, it was a gamble, but nothing in life was written in tablets of stone. What did worry her, though, was how close
she had felt to Finn when they were together on Uisken beach. How could that happen if she was in love with Adam?

  The following afternoon, she set off in her car, simply to be alone. Finding herself retracing the route she had taken with Finn, on an impulse she turned off and headed for Uisken beach. Perhaps some solitary contemplation in that place of beauty would help her to clear her thoughts.

  The winds were stronger than they had been the week before, churning up the surface of the water to white caps that crashed onto the sandy beach. It was as if the turbulence of wind and waves reflected the turmoil that filled her mind. Huddling inside her jacket, she walked a short distance along the shoreline, the wind whipping her hair across her face, stinging her eyes, hiding the splendour of the scene taking place around her.

  Seeking shelter, she turned and walked back to the rocks, where she sat down, pulling the hood of her jacket tight round her hair. Now she could look out at the magnificence of nature in this unspoilt bay. She recalled her moments of companionship with Finn. It could have led to a relationship when she returned to Glasgow, if that’s what she wanted.

  At the time, she had felt no guilt; there was no reason to. After all, it seemed then that her husband preferred to spend his time away from her and remain out of contact. Surely she had every right to pass the afternoon with anyone she wanted? In retrospect she was relieved she had done nothing she might later regret. But was she interested in allowing this kernel of a relationship with Finn to progress further?

  Looking up, she became aware of dark clouds forming, a promise of the rain predicted in the weather forecast. She should go back to the car before she was soaked, but she was reluctant to move. She felt so small in this powerful arena of nature, a solitary actor on a grand stage.

  If she and Adam settled their differences, would she tell him about Finn? She pictured the effect of describing the scene on the beach. He would be hurt, she was sure of that, but did he have any right to injured feelings? It was he who had set the scene, he who had prepared the ground for her to find friendship elsewhere. On the other hand, she really didn’t want to hurt him.

  A flash of lightning lit up the bay, which had grown dark under the gathering black clouds. It was a special moment, as if the flash cleared her mind of its confusion. She made her decision: she would do what she could to save her marriage.

  Chapter 35

  On her return to Lochside, Kirsty walked into the inn with a new purpose in her step. She had arrived here five weeks ago, a neglected woman seeking a refuge where she could lick her wounds. She’d found support from Amy and Elsa, and even some salve to her injured feelings in the attentions of Finn.

  She was sure the island itself had played a part in her recovery. Amy’s spirit of the island had been at work, too. The Isle of Mull had helped with her healing; it had readjusted her priorities, making her stronger and able to face any difficulties which might lie ahead.

  ‘How many for dinner tonight?’ Kirsty asked Elsa as she walked into the kitchen.

  ‘Only two,’ Elsa said. ‘If you fancy an evening off, I can manage on my own.’

  ‘No thanks. I’ve been out all afternoon. Why don’t you go out for the evening?’

  ‘That’s a lovely offer. I think I’ll take you up on that. Charlie can drive me over to Amy’s and I’m sure she’ll give me a run back. I’ll phone to see if she’ll be at home.’ Elsa said.

  There was a lump in Kirsty’s throat when she saw how delighted Elsa was at the prospect of a few hours off duty. How little it took to make the older woman happy.

  In the event, Kirsty had to chase her friend out of the inn. Elsa fussed around the kitchen, making sure everything was in order.

  ‘Elsa, will you go! Now! The evening will be over before it starts. Charlie’s waiting.’

  As if to emphasise her point, there was an impatient toot on the horn of Charlie’s car.

  Serving dinner to the two guests was problem-free, and Kirsty cleared up the kitchen quickly. Once she’d set up the tables for breakfast, she still had some of the evening left. Charlie had gone up to bed shortly after he came home, which meant Kirsty was on her own in the lounge downstairs. Unused to the inactivity, she wandered from room to room wondering what to do. In the hall, she looked at the empty glass case. The whisky! She had completely forgotten about it.

  She still found it hard to believe that Finn might have taken it. Maybe it would remain one of those unsolved mysteries, like some of the crime series she watched on television. As she heard the rain battering against the front door, she checked that it was firmly closed and then retreated into the lounge, where the peat fire sent out a comforting glow.

  The phone rang.

  ‘Lochview Inn,’ she said, when she picked up the handset.

  ‘Hi Kirsty! I recognise your voice.’ The caller was her elusive friend.

  ‘Freda! I’ve been calling you for days. Where have you been?’

  ‘Yes, I’ve listened to all your voicemails. But I’ve only come back home today. I’ve been on a short break to Italy. I told you I was going. Did you forget?’

  ‘Oh yes. I remember now,’ Kirsty said. How could that have slipped her mind? ‘My head’s been so full of what’s going on here, I sometimes think my brain’s in overload. Did you have a good time?’

  ‘I did. My batteries are recharged, ready to go back to work next week. How are you? Feeling any better?’

  ‘It’s a long story…’

  ‘I’ve got plenty of time.’

  ‘Are you sitting down?’ Kirsty asked.

  ‘I’m all ears.’

  With an occasional interruption, Kirsty gave her friend a report on all that had happened since they last spoke.

  ‘So, are you and Adam back together?’ Freda asked.

  ‘Heading that way. Tell me, did you let Adam know I’m living at Lochside?’

  The hesitation on the line gave Kirsty her answer.

  ‘Not exactly, but I think he may have guessed through me. He phoned here shortly before I left for Italy, and asked if I knew where you were. When I told him it wasn’t up to me to say, he asked directly if you were in Mull. I just repeated that it wasn’t up to me to say. He probably knew I wouldn’t lie to him. Sorry if I gave the game away.’

  ‘Don’t worry. I know you were in a difficult position. Anyway, it’s all water under the bridge now,’ Kirsty said.

  ‘At least you can give it a try,’ Freda said. ‘You’ve nothing to lose. Besides, he does have a point; you haven’t offered him much opportunity to explain things to you.’

  Although she knew Freda was right, Kirsty had a flash of irritation. ‘He could have tried a bit harder…’

  ‘Faults on both sides, then,’ Freda said. ‘Did you kiss and make up?’

  Kirsty laughed. ‘No, as a matter of fact, we didn’t.’

  ‘You’ll have that to look forward to then,’ Freda said with a chuckle. Sounding keen to change the subject, she asked: ‘Any news on the job front?’

  ‘Not as yet, but I told them I would be away until the end of the month,’ Kirsty said.

  ‘When are you planning to come back?’

  ‘In a couple of days. I’ll make sure Elsa has someone to help her. Charlie’s much better, but he shouldn’t overdo things.’

  A loud knocking at the door called Kirsty to her duties.

  ‘Someone at the door. Must go. I’ll let you know when I’m back. Big hugs. Bye, Freda.’

  Her visitor was Duncan, who immediately let himself in, Mull-style.

  ‘Hello, Kirsty. Are you holding the fort tonight?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, Elsa’s gone over to visit Amy.’ How easy it was to inform someone about another person’s whereabouts. The information simply slipped out. No doubt that’s what had happened with Freda. ‘Have a seat,’ she said. ‘Would you like a drink? Tea? Coffee? A glass of wine?’

  ‘No, thank you,’ Duncan said. ‘I’m rushing as usual. I just came to say that a group of us are going over to Mary
Benview’s house tomorrow to clear it out.’

  ‘Would you like me to help?’

  ‘No reasonable offer refused,’ he said, smiling.

  ‘So, what will happen to her cottage? Will it be put up for sale?’

  ‘Looks like it. Why? Are you interested?’ he asked.

  ‘Me? What would I want with a cottage in Mull?’ Kirsty asked

  ‘A nice little pied-à-terre in an unspoilt country area. It probably won’t be expensive. If someone local wanted it, they might not even bother to advertise it. Just think, you could come up here at a moment’s notice, whenever the mood took you, to a place you could call your own.’

  Kirsty laughed. ‘You make it sound so attractive…’

  ‘Hold on, hold on. The concept is attractive, the reality at the moment less so. It’s in dire need of care and attention, but that can’t happen till it’s cleared. Come along tomorrow and you can have a look at it.’

  Chapter 36

  Kirsty was already in bed when she heard Elsa arrive back from Columb Cottage. She was about to go downstairs, but a tap on her bedroom door told her that Elsa had forestalled her.

  ‘Come in,’ Kirsty called softly, aware that Charlie was probably asleep.

  ‘I saw your light was on, and thought I should check that everything went well. At dinner, I mean,’ Elsa said.

  ‘No problems,’ Kirsty said. ‘Did you have a good time?’

  ‘Yes, I had a lovely time,’ Elsa said. ‘It seems ages since I was last out for the evening with no worries. We had a long chat, and we managed to polish off a bottle of red wine between us. Sandy arrived, and he drove me home. Did you have any visitors?’

  ‘As a matter of fact, I did. Duncan called, really to see you, but he gave me the info to pass on. He’s assembling a team tomorrow to clear out Mary Benview’s cottage. He’s hoping you’ll help out with teas and coffees for the folk concerned. But he asked me to warn you that the group will be pretty dirty. He’ll provide plastic gloves for everyone.’