“I suppose. But I about lost my breakfast when I saw you walk out, and there I was with Jimmy Joe muttering under his breath twenty feet away.” Loni began to laugh softly.
“What?” said David.
“A messenger boy!” she said as they drove away from the hotel.
“It’s the best I could think of on the spur of the moment.”
“You could have told him you were the chief.”
“Right! Can you imagine his reaction to that? ‘The chief? What’s that y’all’s talking about, boy?’” said David, doing his best to imitate the Texan. “‘What in the heck’s a chief got to do with it?’”
By now Loni was in hysterics.
“That is unbelievably good,” she said. “You could actually pass for a Texan.”
“Please! I’d sooner try to pass for an Englishman.”
Soon they were on their way back to Whales Reef.
“So, after a week of indecision,” said David, “it appears I would now be correct in addressing you officially as laird.”
“I suppose,” answered Loni sheepishly. “And you are willing to oversee things when I return to the States?”
“I would be privileged to help, though I hope that won’t be real soon.”
Loni smiled but did not reply.
“And then,” she said, “with all this decided, I have to figure out some way to tell Hardy I have changed my mind, and that he will not be serving as my factor. Though maybe for the present I should let him assume whatever he wants. We’ll have to find the right way to break the news that you will be in charge in my absence, not him.”
“When that time comes, you leave Hardy to me. I will tell him.”
“What if he doesn’t believe you?”
“I’ll tell him to call Jason.”
“Knowing Hardy,” said Loni, “he will come straight to me. I’ll have to face him sooner or later.”
“My mobile number is programmed into the phone at the Cottage. If Hardy shows up at the door, or the Texan for that matter, you call me. Don’t even answer the door. I will be there in less than five minutes. However, I don’t think Hardy will get physical with you.”
“I heard him getting rough with Audney.”
“True, but there’s too much familiarity there. I have the feeling he would be cautious around you. Still, I would rather be on hand.”
“I don’t want him getting rough with you either.”
“Neither do I!” said David. “Believe me, neither do I.”
42
The Mill
As they continued the drive back to Whales Reef, gradually it became quiet. With the signing of her name, they were both aware that everything had changed. The speculation and uncertainty, for the moment, had been put to rest. How everything would work out in practice over time remained as uncertain as ever. But the papers had been signed. The deed was done.
Waiting for the ferry, David at last broke the silence. “What would you think of us driving to the factory right now and telling the people that the mill will shortly be on firm footing again?”
“I would like that very much,” replied Loni.
They drove onto the ferry. She got out of the car and walked to the bow. She was still standing there ten minutes later as the ferry approached the dock. She could hardly believe how timid and afraid she had been when she first crossed these waters, with Dickie Sinclair quietly praying for her.
Now here she was, if Jason MacNaughton was right, though she could hardly bring herself to think it . . . a millionaire, a laird, owner of an entire island. Behind her in the car sat her third cousin, or half-third cousin, the chief of the small clan.
How could she possibly explain all this to Maddy . . . or Hugh? How could she convey the range of emotions, the ups and downs, the tears and the laughter, everything she had been through this week? Would they understand? Could they understand?
She returned to the car as the ferry bumped against the landing on the Whales Reef side.
“We may not have the luxury of waiting and hoping for the best with Hardy,” said Loni as they drove toward the mill. “If we make a public announcement, he’s bound to find out and cause a fuss.”
“We won’t divulge anything that he should find threatening.”
“The mere fact of your being with me when we tell the ladies will probably annoy him.”
“I’m sure it will,” said David. “Why don’t you go to the mill alone, then?”
“That isn’t what I meant. I want you with me. I’m still . . . you know, nervous about what people think.”
“I understand. I’m happy to stand with you. We will worry about Hardy when the time comes. Just remember what I said. You call me the instant he tries to talk to you about anything, whether on the phone or in person. And it would appear we have arrived,” he said, pulling up in front of the former hotel. “This should be fun!”
The moment they walked inside together, all work ceased. Every eye turned toward them, faces expressionless.
A twinkle in his eye, David cast Loni a wink, then stared back into the large room with no more expression on his face than those twenty or so greeting him. He allowed the silence to go on almost uncomfortably long.
“Hey, ladies!” he exclaimed at last, breaking into his characteristic smile. “Why so glum? Your new laird brings news. Where is Mr. MacBean?”
“I’m here, David,” replied Murdoc. Hearing the sudden pall of silence, he had emerged from his office onto the landing at the top of the stairs.
“Good—everyone present and accounted for,” said David loudly. “Now, for those who have not had the pleasure, let me introduce Miss Alonnah Ford, great-great-granddaughter of the Auld Tulloch, my own third cousin, I am proud to say, and the new official laird of Whales Reef as of about two hours ago. Miss Ford,” he added, sweeping his arm toward Loni.
“Hello again,” said Loni, smiling but obviously nervous, every eye still glued to her face. “As David said, I have some news about the mill, which I hope will put your minds to rest and relieve some of the uncertainty that I know has been plaguing you.”
She paused and smiled again, glancing over their faces.
“David and I have just returned from Lerwick, where I met with our solicitor, accountant, and banker. I assured them all that it is my intention for the Whales Reef Woolen Mill and Factory to continue in business stronger than ever. We have set in motion everything necessary for the mill’s bank accounts to be unfrozen. Your manager,” she added glancing up the stairs, “should have funds available in a day or two to pay all your back salaries and reinstate the mill’s staff to full strength. I hope—”
Whatever else Loni had been about to say was instantly drowned out by shouts and cries of joy and clapping and such a ruckus as had not been witnessed in that room in over a year. As Murdoc MacBean came bounding down the stairs two at a time, hardly able to contain his shouts of ecstasy, every chair in the place emptied.
Aging Eldora Gordon hurried toward Loni. Her warm embrace, followed by an equally affectionate hug from Odara Innes, told the rest of the ladies all they needed to know. A swarming human tide engulfed her. Every woman wanted to thank Loni and congratulate her and touch her, even kiss her.
The hubbub seemed in no hurry to settle down after fifteen minutes. Gradually it quieted. As if by common consent, again all eyes came to rest on Loni.
“With Mr. MacBean’s permission,” said Loni, “if there are no urgent orders pending, I would like to invite you all to take the rest of the day off . . . at your full salaries, of course. And on your way home, I want each of you to stop by the market for a bouquet of flowers—if their supply holds out—which will serve as a small token of my appreciation for your hard work in keeping the mill going through very difficult times. I will tell the shopkeeper to bill the flowers to the Cottage. It is a small thing, but is all I can think of at the moment. I will show my gratitude to you all more fully later. Mr. MacBean, your flowers are for your wife for putting up
with what I’m sure have been many sleepless nights on your part.”
Laughter and more clapping followed as Loni waved, then turned to follow David out the door.
43
Say It With Fists
“That was great,” said David, laughing as he and Loni left the mill. “You won over the entire island in one fell swoop. Telling them to go home early, and the flowers—a masterful stroke. And you nailed Murdoc with the sleepless nights. He has been a worrywart all through this. Well done, Alonnah!”
Loni laughed. “Thank you, but we had better stop by the market and alert them that they are soon to have a run on cut flowers.”
Ten minutes later David and Loni got out of Loni’s rental car in front of the Cottage.
“I’m beat,” sighed Loni. “A long and emotional couple of days.”
“You can relax now. Your decisions have been made.”
“I think I will take a long hot bath and read for the rest of the day. Do you want to take the car? You can bring it to me tomorrow.”
“No, I’ll walk.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“I will see you later, then. And thank you again for everything, David. I don’t know if I could have gotten through all this without you.”
“Don’t mention it. But don’t sell yourself short—you are stronger than you think.”
“If you say so!” laughed Loni. “By the way, it’s probably time that the Mathesons and Mr. Erskine stopped camping out at your place. They can come home if they like. I still don’t know what I will do with a butler and housekeeper, but they ought to be able to stay in their own quarters. That is unless they are a help to you.”
“They are all wonderful, but it is a bit much having people underfoot all the time.”
“Then tell them they can come home whenever they want. But tell Miss Matheson not to wait on me.”
Loni walked inside and flopped onto the couch in the Great Room. She wasn’t sure she could even summon the energy to climb the stairs and get ready for a bath. She was spared the decision whether to fall asleep where she lay or take a bath when the doorbell startled her upright.
She rose and walked into the foyer. The unmistakable shadow of Hardy Tulloch’s massive form against the curtain over the window next to the door sent her hurrying to the phone in the kitchen. Seconds later, David answered.
“David, it’s Loni. He’s here.”
“Hardy?”
“At the front door.”
“That didn’t take long. I wonder how he found out so soon—or maybe it’s just a social call.”
“I doubt that. Please come.”
“I’ll be there in three minutes.”
Even as Loni hung up the phone, the chimes rang again. Trying to remain calm, she walked slowly toward the door.
———
That Hardy could already have heard what had transpired at the mill, though perhaps incredible, was susceptible of a ready explanation. When Rakel Gordon appeared at home two hours before the mill’s closing time, with a bouquet of flowers in her hand, her mother was all eyes and full of questions. Either the mill had finally been forced to close its doors or Rakel’s none-too-secret romance with bookseller Armond Lamont had taken a more serious turn. Grizel instantly peppered her daughter with questions, with the result that she was flying along the street toward the bakery within minutes. To be the first with news was a point of honor between Grizel Gordon and Coira MacNeill. On this day, if no one had yet been into the bakery, Grizel held the winning hand.
Just back from a long night and most of the day at sea, trudging his way up from the harbor toward the inn, Hardy saw Grizel disappear into the bakery. The look on her face told the story. He only had to wait two or three minutes before hearing everything, with embellishments, firsthand. He ran home, threw on a clean shirt, and was on his way to the Cottage within minutes.
———
Seeing Hardy peering through the curtain, Loni opened the door and tried to smile casually.
“Hardy,” she said.
“Good day tae ye, Miss Ford,” said Hardy, taking little notice of her use of his given name for the first time. “Word’s aboot town that ye’ve been tae the mill wi’ plans an’ promises an’ the like.”
“I went to the mill, yes,” said Loni calmly.
“I was o’ the opinion that ye wanted me tae handle yer affairs on the island, mum.”
“I believe we were talking about when I return to the States.”
“Aye, t’was part o’ it. But I thought we had an agreement, mum.”
“You think I should not have spoken to the ladies at the mill?”
“I’m jist sayin’, mum, ’tis the traditional role o’ the factor tae see tae sich things.”
“I’m sorry you misunderstood me,” said Loni, smiling again. “But I saw no reason to keep the ladies in suspense any longer than necessary. I had been into the city and had seen our solicitor. I signed the papers to remove any remaining doubts about the inheritance. I thought it advisable to tell the mill’s employees that their jobs are secure.”
“I understand David was wi’ ye, mum.”
“That’s right.”
“Why was David wi’ ye an’ no yer factor?”
“He is the chief.”
Hardy’s fingers twitched, and the back of his neck reddened. “Like I told ye the first time we met, he’s no worth the name. An’ why didna ye let yer factor make the announcement at the mill as would hae been proper?”
“Meaning you, I assume?”
“Aye.”
“You’re not my factor yet.”
“Ye gae me yer word, mum.”
“That was before I overheard you in the hotel treating Audney the way no gentleman should treat a lady.”
“Audney an’ me’s got an understandin’. I dinna expect ye tae ken aboot sich things yersel’, no bein’ fae here.”
“None of my business, is that it?”
“What’s atween a man an’ his woman’s atween them alone.”
“Then is it my business when you boast about your plan to embezzle from me when I returned to the States?”
Whatever rejoinder Hardy might have thought to make to Loni’s starkly accurate charge was forestalled when David’s mud-splattered ATV came speeding around the corner of the Cottage from the direction of the moor. It skidded to a stop on the entryway gravel. David leapt off and strode quickly toward the front door.
Hardy turned toward him like an enraged bear.
“I should had kenned ye were at the bottom o’ this deception!” he snarled. “What lies hae ye been spreadin’ aboot me, David?”
“I’ve uttered not a word against you, Hardy. Whatever Miss Ford has learned about either of us, she has discovered on her own.”
As he spoke, David came forward and subtly insinuated himself in front of Loni. The symbolism of the gesture was not lost on Hardy.
“Thinkin’ tae protect the lady, are ye?” he sneered.
“I hope that will not be necessary,” replied David.
“Please, Hardy,” said Loni, stepping alongside David, “I think it would be best if you go.”
“Ye an’ me’s no finished wi’ oor business, Miss Ford.”
“I think we are for today, Hardy. I will not discuss whatever we may need to while you are in such an emotional state.”
Clearly furious, Hardy glanced back and forth between them. He took a step forward. David met him with arms outstretched. Loni quickly stepped behind David again.
“Git yer hands off me, David!” growled Hardy.
“Gladly. Just step away.”
“No for yersel’ or any ither man.”
“I believe Miss Ford asked you to go.”
“I’ll hear it fae her, no yersel’.”
“Please go, Hardy,” said Loni firmly.
Hardy stood his ground. David’s hands still rested against his great chest.
“Git yer hands off me, David!”
repeated Hardy.
Whatever David would have done would never be known. Hardy did not give him the chance. The next instant he threw David’s outstretched hands aside with his left arm. With almost the same movement his huge right fist slammed into David’s cheek just below the eye.
Loni screamed as David staggered back. He managed to keep his footing, but his knees wobbled from the blow. He rushed at Hardy, fists clenched, and threw several blows to his midsection before Hardy sent him sprawling away, this time to the ground.
Hardy came forward and kicked David several times with his booted feet.
“Stop!” shrieked Loni. She rushed headlong at him. “Hardy, stop! Stop it, please!” She reached around his shoulders and tried to pull him away from David, but she might as well have been trying to budge an elephant.
With the back of his arm, Hardy threw Loni aside as if she weighed no more than a fly. She fell to the ground with a cry.
It was fortunate that David lay dazed and did not see it. Otherwise he would have attacked Hardy in a fury. It would have been all the pretext Hardy needed to hold nothing back, in which case he might have killed David. Instead, hearing Loni’s cry and realizing what he had done, he thought better of pursuing the thing further. He knew about Americans and lawsuits. If she was the new laird, he did not want whatever legal action he decided upon jeopardized by a countersuit charging him with assault.
He stormed away, leaving Loni lying on the gravel with a bruised knee and bleeding forearm, with David on the ground a few feet away.
She managed to pick herself up, limped into the house, and returned a minute later with a saucepan of water from the kitchen and a towel. Terrified that David might be seriously injured, she stooped down as best she could and dabbed at his face and neck and forehead. He had no visible injuries other than one eye and cheek already swelling from Hardy’s fist.
Gradually David came to himself.
“Oiee,” he groaned as he tried to open his eyes. “I feel like I’ve been run over by the Flying Scotsman.”
“Not so far wrong,” said Loni. “But it was your cousin.”
The Cottage Page 20