Chapter 17
The Drive Home
After a hearty breakfast and some sad goodbyes, Duncan escorted Heather back to the car. The weather was so perfect, the sky such a vivid blue with many fluffy clouds above.
As soon as he started the car, Duncan asked Heather what she had thought of the past few days.
“It’s like being home. I loved it. I loved Mari, Malcolm, everyone. The food was fantastic. I hate to admit it, but I couldn’t get enough. Everything tasted wonderful.”
“Perhaps that is why you fail to eat. You miss your comfort foods.”
“Could be.”
“Then I’ll have to find more places that serve what you like or really become a chef of Scottish foods.”
“That’s too much work for you to do for me.”
“No, not at all. There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for you, Heather.”
She didn’t know what to say. If he were Ian and remembering their relationship, that would be wonderful. But, if he were Duncan, she didn’t feel she had the right to enter into a new relationship. In truth, she wouldn’t know why she would start up something with a new man. Would it be because of the startling similar looks? Or would it be because she really cared for this man? Had she given herself enough time? Linda Sue had constantly told her she should get on with her life. She was way too young to stop living. The time for mourning was over, or it should have been.
“Oh,” she cried out as they came near the Hearst Castle. “I know we don’t have enough time to tour the castle and we didn’t make reservations. But could we stop off at the beach area and take photos, please? This was one of the areas Linda Sue had in mind for me to paint. In fact, I do recall that she felt she could sell some of the artwork up there at the castle gift shop. She had in mind several small ones that were the right size for tourist luggage.”
Duncan was just as relieved to stop the path of the conversation. He had almost gotten carried away and this was not the right time for it. In time, he thought. In truth, he was afraid of her reaction when he did tell her what he had planned to discuss.
“Sure, he pulled over to the parking area. “Just for your information, this is called St. Simeon. There is a town that was started in the late 1800’s. The Old General Store is called Sebastian’s and is now a state historical monument.”
“You know, I just can’t get over how much history and facts you know about everything.” Heather started taking photos of the waves as they crashed along the rocky coast. The water seemed so blue, the waves so powerful.
“I love the compliment, but I have to be honest. It is a habit with me that before I go anywhere, I study the area and history. It helps when I interview the owners of the restaurants. They are usually proud of their areas. It helps that I can converse well.”
“I can understand that.” Heather walked down closer to the shore taking more photos from varied angles.
“Be careful. Those rocks can be slippery.” Duncan reached out to grab his attractive companion should she begin to fall.
“I’ll be careful.” Heather laughed. “It’s not as if I’m not used to this kind of seacoast. Have you forgotten the area around Kinnaird Lighthouse?” Would this small thing help Ian to remember?
“Can’t say as I do remember. I’m sure my mom must have brought me there or near there when I was a young boy, but if she did, the memory is not strong.”
Heather was disappointed. Was there anything that would help him remember something of their life in Rosehearty? Why had he lost his memory? What if she just sat him down and told him who he was and what they had been together? But no, the doctor had warned her that the mind was a fragile thing. She was to give him time. The doctor wasn’t even sure that he would ever recall his past. Linda Sue was sure he was not Ian, but a man who reminded Heather of the man she lost. She would give him a little more time. It really wasn’t that bad to be with the man. It was if he were her old Ian with all the improvements she had wanted in him.
“And what are you so lost in thought about?” Duncan asked. She had just stood there on the sands staring out at the ocean.
“Nothing.” She answered. “I guess I was remembering my home.
“Are you homesick? Do you miss your friends, family, and your mother?”
“Of course, but this is the life I wanted. My mom is fine. My family and friends; well, I’m just not ready to see them at this time.”
Duncan felt it best not to ask any more questions. He could be forced to answer some of hers. If only the right time would come to tell her why he was really here with her. But perhaps it was too soon.
“Do you have enough pictures for your paintings?” he asked as he saw her put away her camera.
“I think so. If not, would you mind bringing me back here? Perhaps I can get more when we visit the castle.”
I’ll take you anywhere, any time, he thought as he answered. “Sure. We can make plans and reservations whenever we are both free. We did pass a special place you might also like. It’s called Cambria and it is a well-known artist colony.”
“That would be wonderful. You make the plans to suit your busy schedule and I will be ready to go.” She smiled as she gave him her hand to help her over the rock.
Careful, Duncan, he told himself. This girl is getting to you. He escorted her back to the car.
At first, they said little, each engrossed in thought. Duncan put in a tape of Scottish music. The silence was difficult and he didn’t know what to say. Best to say nothing than what he would someday have to say.
What If Page 17