‘My, they are so big,’ said Polly, her voice wobbled a little.
‘Honestly, they are harmless … look … watch.’ Isla bent down to clean the teats. At that very moment a strange gurgling sound was released from the cow’s mouth, followed by a swish of its tail, leading Polly to step back in alarm – into something squelchy.
‘Oh shit!’ she announced, pursing her lips together.
‘Yep, it’s definitely shit,’ laughed Isla. ‘Do you think Drew and Fergus have this much fun milking the cows?’ Isla teased.
‘Call this fun?’
Hearing laughter behind them, they swiftly turned to see Nate peering around the door as if he was acting like an international spy.
‘You can come out now and what are you doing here?’ asked Isla, tilting her head to one side, waiting for an answer.
‘Rory mentioned you may need some extra help this morning, but I can see you have got it all under control,’ replied Nate, stifling a laugh while cocking a cheeky eyebrow towards Polly’s shoes.
‘Polly came dressed for the occasion!’ teased Isla, thankful Nate had arrived.
‘I’ve stood in dung … YUK … and look, it’s seeped over the edge of my shoes,’ said Polly, screwing up her face and trying not to retch. ‘It stinks.’
‘And I’m trying to milk the cows with a bunch of amateurs present.’
‘Who are you calling an amateur?’ objected Nate, raising an eyebrow but smiling.
Isla looked down at Polly’s shoes. ‘I think you might need to go and change those shoes, there’s a pair of overalls and wellies in the shed.’
Polly stepped back hesitantly, avoiding another swish of the cow’s tail.
‘In fact, go and make us a cuppa,’ suggested Isla as Polly sprinted out of the milking shed.
‘Tea, one sugar, for me,’ Nate shouted, grinning. ‘Was she really milking cows dressed like that? She looked more like she was going for a job interview,’ Nate shook his head in jest, and rolled his eyes.
‘Talking of interviews, apparently my husband thinks I should have interviewed you to work here. He won’t have just anyone working on the farm, you know.’
‘And what’s your take on that, boss?’
‘If Rory is singing your praises … then that’s good enough for me.’
Isla stepped back and stumbled over the edge of the galley, falling on her backside.
Startled, Nate yanked her to her feet as quickly as she fell.
Isla looked straight into the eyes of Nate, who had a massive smile etched on his face.
‘Now who’s working with amateurs?’
Feeling like a fool, she brushed herself down, ‘Are you laughing at me?’
‘Why would I be laughing at you?’ His smile was slow and crooked. ‘Maybe a little, are you okay?’
‘I’m fine, it’s just been a while since I’ve been in here. Now, I take it you know how to milk a cow?’
‘Of course,’ Nate said, giving her a lopsided grin.
Just as they were about to start milking the cows they heard a muffled scream coming from outside.
They swivelled their heads towards the entrance of the milking shed. ‘What was that?’ asked Isla.
Nate shrugged and took off after Isla, who was now running down the gangway.
‘Polly,’ shouted Isla. ‘Is that you? Where are you?’
‘I’m in here. HELP!’
Isla and Nate locked eyes. ‘She’s in the shed,’ said Isla, swinging open the door to find Polly balancing on top of a quad bike, staring down at Robbie, the buff Orpington rooster who was following her every move with his watchful eyes.
Isla burst out laughing. ‘What are you doing up there?’ she asked, amused.
‘Trying to change into those overalls but … that thing, with its spiky beak and that red flappy body part dangling under its chin, looks like it’s going to kill me!’
‘I get the impression you don’t like him much,’ teased Nate, enjoying the entertainment. ‘He’s a fine specimen.’
The almighty creature hopped on to the handle bars of the bike, leading to Polly squealing again.
‘Shall I help you down?’ Nate’s smirk didn’t go unnoticed.
‘Please!’
Nate held out his hand which Polly gratefully took.
‘You are definitely not cut out for this farm life,’ joked Isla.
‘City girl through and through,’ laughed Nate.
‘Now, can we get on and milk those cows?’ asked Isla, in a playful tone. ‘And did you make us a cup of tea?’
‘No, I couldn’t find any milk!’
Everyone burst out laughing.
‘You just can’t get the staff, if I knew being a farmer was as much fun as this, maybe I’ll pack Drew off to a dead-end job and I’ll take over the farm.’
Walking back towards the milking shed, Polly kept one eye over her shoulder, making sure the rooster wasn’t following her.
‘We’ll make a farmer out of you yet,’ winked Isla.
Polly didn’t look convinced.
‘We’ll break you in gently, I don’t want you upsetting my cows. Milk means money and believe me, I need every penny right now.’
Isla walked back up the gangway. Nate had already wiped down the first five cows and attached them to the milking cluster. For a second Isla watched him, he knew how to milk a cow. He looked up and caught her looking at him, and arched an eyebrow.
‘You are a remarkable woman, aren’t you?’
‘What makes you say that? Even though I’ll take the compliment.’
‘Look at you, up at the crack of dawn, stepping into the role of farmer. Your husband is a very lucky man,’ said Nate, the intensity of his eyes making her stomach flutter.
‘It’s a shame my husband doesn’t know how lucky he is.’ The words were out of Isla’s mouth before she could stop them.
Nate narrowed his eyes at her before taking the milking cluster from one cow and attaching it to the next after it wandered into the stall.
‘Problems?’
‘Just the usual mundane married stuff,’ she answered, suddenly feeling disloyal towards Drew. They milked in silence for the next five minutes until Isla shouted over to Polly, who was sitting on a high stool swinging her legs, playing on her phone: ‘Are you okay up there?’
‘This farming malarkey is so easy!’ Polly shouted back.
‘That’s the spirit, don’t work too hard,’ teased Nate.
‘She better not let Drew hear her say that! … Urghh, I can’t get this cluster to stay on,’ said Isla, who was all thumbs and fingers.
‘Here … let me try,’ immediately Nate placed his hand over hers. ‘There, you just need to be firm.’
‘Thank you.’
‘When’s Drew home?’ asked Nate, moving the next cow on.
‘Hopefully today,’ Isla answered as Nate’s phoned beeped. ‘That’s an early morning text,’ she said, looking over at Nate, who seemed distracted by a message on his phone.
‘Everything okay?’ asked Isla.
‘Yes, sorry,’ he said, slipping his phone back into his overall pocket.
‘Rory mentioned last night you’d come up with a new business idea,’ said Nate, making conversation. ‘Something about refurbishing the campervans? I think that’s a brilliant idea. Mind you though, you do need a licence.’
‘A licence?’ Isla wasn’t aware she needed one.
‘Yes, I’m sure you do, but the guy who put your windows in will know.’
‘Alfie … yes, I’ll check with him. I’ve not even spoken to Drew about it yet but it may take time to get it all up and running.’
‘You’ll get those vans clean and refreshed in no time at all.’
‘Have you seen the state of those vans?’ exclaimed Isla.
‘I have actually, but I can take a closer look after we’ve finished milking. There’s plenty of time before Rory picks me up for the alpaca’s scan.’
‘Thanks, Nate.’
; This was the encouragement Isla needed.
‘I think it’s a no-brainer, the old vans are sat there, there’s no initial outlay … you can still work at the farm, which is handy for the children. I think you have it all worked out.’
Isla liked Nate, he was good company, easy to be around. It certainly would make her working day pleasant.
‘Call it instinct, but I think you have the making of a good business-woman. From what I’ve seen, you’re one determined lady.’
Isla mulled over what Nate was saying. His encouraging words carried reassurance. Those vans wouldn’t take long to clean out, she’d check with Alfie about the licence, and the thought of owning her own little business filled Isla with excitement.
As Nate attached the last cow to the milking cluster, she watched him. His bright eyes, his rugged cheekbones and those lashes … Any girl would die for those lashes. He looked up and cocked an eyebrow, ‘Have you seen?’
‘Seen what?’
Nate nodded towards Polly, who’d fallen asleep on the stool. Her head was bent low, her arms folded.
‘I don’t think she’s up to the farmer’s life,’ chuckled Isla, following the last cow down the gangway towards the exit.
‘Now go and wake up your friend, and let’s take a look at those vans.’
‘Thanks, Nate. And thank you for helping us out at the farm and turning up in Heartcross when you did.’
‘You don’t need to thank me, I’m only doing it for the money,’ he said, grinning.
Isla swiped his arm playfully. Nate was going to be good to have around.
Chapter 23
‘So what do you think, Gran?’
‘I think it’s a genius idea!’ exclaimed Martha.
‘Foxglove Camping …’ said Isla out loud. ‘It’s got a ring to it … I’m really going to do this!’
The adrenaline was pumping through Isla’s body, as she shared her new business idea with Martha over early morning coffee. Isla would be working the farm for the next six weeks, which would give her plenty of time to spruce up the vans and apply for a licence. Her gran agreed it was a perfect plan, and with Julia turning away custom left, right and centre, Isla was in no doubt the vans would bring in a steady income.
‘Nate thought it wouldn’t be a huge task to move the vans, the tractor would have no problem pulling them over to the orchard.’
‘You seem to have it worked out … good for you,’ said Martha.
‘I’ve got a good feeling about it … Nate said I need a licence, but I’ll have a chat to Alfie about that. Nate said he was sure it’s not going to be a problem.’
‘Nate’s doing a lot of saying,’ said Martha, narrowing her eyes at her granddaughter.
‘What’s that meant to mean?’ asked Isla, feeling slight irritation.
‘Nothing, I’m just saying.’
‘Now it’s you who’s doing a lot of saying,’ replied Isla, arching an eyebrow. She stopped what she was doing, ‘Honestly, Gran, that man is an absolute godsend. The gods were shining down on us when they sent him to Heartcross,’ she said, meaning every word. ‘He’s going to help me clean up the vans and we’re going to make a start as soon as he gets back from the alpaca’s scan. You know Gran, it’s been a good morning. Even though all the financial crap is hanging over my head, it’s good to keep busy, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I can’t wait to get stuck into cleaning those vans up.’
Isla stood up and, with a spring in her step, she went to wake Finn up for school and check on Angus who was still sleeping, leaving Martha cracking eggs ready to make Finn’s favourite, scrambled egg and bacon on bagels.
Finn looked like he had been wrestling with his duvet when Isla gently shook him. ‘Time to wake up, breakfast then school.’
Finn opened his eyes and instantly smiled, ‘Will Daddy be home when I get home from school?’
‘I hope so,’ answered Isla. ‘I’ve got to ring the hospital in a minute and check. Come on, Great-gran’s making you breakfast.’
‘Scrambled eggs and bagels?’
‘Exactly that!’
Finn jumped out of bed, ‘I like Great-gran staying with us, she’s a better cook than you too!’
‘Oi cheeky,’ laughed Isla, playfully chasing Finn down the stairs.
Martha was dishing up Finn’s breakfast and immediately he tucked in the second she placed the plate in front of him.
‘How was Polly at milking?’ asked Martha, sitting down next to Finn.
Isla told the story of Polly stepping in dung in her inappropriate footwear, which made Finn laugh so much he spluttered his juice everywhere.
‘She would never make a farmer’s wife,’ chuckled Martha.
‘It’s only me,’ shouted Rory, opening the back door. Finn jumped out of his seat and ran towards the door, ‘Rory!’
‘Good morning champ,’ said Rory cheerfully, stepping into the kitchen and ruffling Finn’s hair.
Finn flung his arms in the air, ‘Spin me round … spin me round.’
Without hesitation, Rory lifted a squealing Finn high off the floor and spun him round.
‘You’ve started something now,’ said Isla, laughing.
‘Are you here to make the alpaca better?’ asked Finn, looking up at Rory as he placed him safely back on his two feet.
‘I am, we are going to load her up now. Is Nate out on the farm?’ asked Rory, turning back towards Isla.
She nodded towards the kitchen window. ‘He’s heading this way right now.’
Nate sauntered across the courtyard, his mobile phone held to his ear. Isla watched him for a second; whoever he was talking to, by his facial expression he looked serious. Just before he reached the farmhouse, he seemed to plunge the phone quickly back into his overall pocket.
‘Nate is here now,’ Isla stepped outside with Rory.
‘Are we ready to load up this alpaca?’ asked Nate cheerily, which Isla immediately thought was strange as she’d just witnessed Nate looking irate.
‘Yes, two minutes,’ answered Rory. ‘Before I forget … the alpacas … their fleeces need to be sheared.’
‘But you know the situation with the alpacas, Rory,’ said Isla, giving him a look that meant she didn’t want to talk about this in front of Nate. Rory knew these alpacas weren’t technically hers.
Rory turned towards Nate, ‘Are you okay to fetch the alpaca?’ he asked, handing the head collar to him.
As soon as Nate was out of earshot, Isla said, ‘Rory, I can’t go shearing those alpacas!’
‘All I’m saying is, I’m looking after the welfare of those animals, and with the summer months on the way, those fleeces need to come off as soon as possible. Those alpacas are in your possession, so sell those fleeces. Pete, the guy who shears the sheep, is over in Glensheil in a couple of weeks’ time, so get him booked in.’
‘How much would we get for each fleece?’ she asked curiously.
‘About a grand per fleece.’
Instantly, Isla felt like she’d won the lottery, this would solve all their financial problems. It would certainly take the pressure off them and pay off the majority of the debts.
‘I think you should go ahead, technically you’ve bought them, they are grazing in your field and, for the welfare of the animal, the fleece needs to come off.’ Rory delved into his pocket and brought out a piece of paper. ‘Here, take this. Dad knew James Kerr very well. They were friends, despite his reputation, and Dad quite liked the old bugger. This is the name of the buyer that James dealt with. Give them a ring, we can get the fleeces shipped over to them on the same day.’
‘Thanks Rory, you know what, as soon as I get back from picking Drew up, I’ll give them a call.’
Rory turned and looked down the yard. Nate was walking towards them leading the alpaca behind him.
‘Look at her, she looks a little overweight but she’s up on those feet fine now,’ remarked Rory, taking the alpaca’s lead from Nate. ‘Come on, let’s load her up.’
&n
bsp; Isla leant against the wall in deep thought. What would the consequences be of getting the alpacas sheared? Would the Kerr brothers really demand the money back? Or was Rory right and they were doing what was best for the welfare of the animals? The money would certainly get them out of a predicament and Isla made up her mind, those alpacas were going to be sheared.
Chapter 24
As Isla drove towards the hospital she was deep in thought. The radio was on but she was oblivious to the songs being played. The only thing on her mind was the alpacas, getting them sheared as quickly as possible and using the money to pay off the debts. It would certainly make for an easy life, but what were the chances of it coming back to bite her on her bum?
As she drove, Isla concentrated on the road ahead, the pretty cottages and farm houses whizzing past with their colourful blooms hanging from baskets. She tried to dismiss all her negative thoughts and keep in a positive frame of mind. Drew had gotten them into this mess, but maybe the alpacas were the way out of it.
It didn’t take long to reach the hospital but, judging by the third missed call from Drew, he was at his wits’ end waiting for her to arrive.
The hospital car park was almost full, and Isla manoeuvred into a space at the far end before anyone else spotted it. Stepping out of the car, she was feeling apprehensive; she and Drew still had a lot to sort out between them.
Inside the entrance Isla grabbed a coffee from the small café situated on the ground floor before following the corridor towards Drew’s room. As she pushed open the door to his room, Drew was sitting up in the raspberry-coloured wingback chair next to the bed. His coat was already fastened and his leg was stretched out in front of him, his crutches resting next to the bedside table.
‘Morning,’ she chirped, hoping her voice sounded happier than she felt. She was still worried about the state of their relationship and the financial mess that they were in. She automatically popped a polite kiss on his cheek.
‘I didn’t know whether you would actually pick me up,’ Drew said.
‘That was actually a possibility,’ she replied, giving him a half-hearted smile. He was still very much in her bad books but what was done was done. She couldn’t change any of it. Isla just had to make sure they were never in this situation ever again. ‘But I’m not sure the boys would forgive me. We do have a lot of sorting out to do, Drew.’
Foxglove Farm Page 16