A Highland Family Affair (Highlands #3)

Chapter 9

9

On Friday, Olivia greeted Charlotte at the main entrance to the castle. Once again, the woman was smartly presented, this time in a navy trouser suit.

‘Welcome aboard, Charlotte,’ Olivia said as she shook her new employee’s hand.

Charlotte smiled. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous!’

‘No need. We’re a nice friendly bunch. Now let me show you around the place. I know you’ve done the public tour but as my PA you will need to know your way around the whole castle.’

Charlotte raised her eyebrows. ‘Oh, wow, lucky me.’

Olivia showed Charlotte every room she would need access to and introduced her to the various staff members as they went. Charlotte was in awe in every room and Olivia was delighted at her reactions; her enthusiasm for the place was reassuring.

Eventually, they reached the kitchen.

‘This is the real hub of the place. You met Mirren on your interview day, Mirren, Dougie, this is Charlotte, my new PA.’

Charlotte shook hands with Mirren and Dougie and Mirren smiled. ‘I’m not an ogre, just so you know, regardless of what my stepson Brodie might say.’

Dougie laughed. ‘He said that? I’ll be having words.’

‘He didn’t use that exact phrase, but it was implied by the cheeky beggar.’ She laughed good-naturedly.

At that moment, Kerr walked into the kitchen. ‘What’s all the laughter? Aren’t you all meant to be working?’

‘Ah, Kerr, I’d like to introduce you to my new PA Charlotte Szabo. Charlotte, this is my big brother, Kerr MacBain.’

Kerr held out his hand. ‘Welcome to the madhouse,’ he said with a grin.

Charlotte’s face turned a shade close to pillar-box red, and she tucked her hair behind her ear. Sure signs of an immediate crush , Olivia thought. Oh no, that’s all I need . ‘Th-thank you. Kerr, was it?’

Kerr nodded. ‘Aye, that’s me. Prodigal son and bad apple, at your service.’

Olivia whacked his arm playfully. ‘Hey! That’s not true and don’t you be scaring her away.’

Kerr chuckled. ‘Am I right in thinking you’re the one with a cat called Spock?’

Charlotte nodded. ‘Yes… well, my son at least.’

‘Well, you’re not alone with the daft pet names, this here is Sir Lancelot,’ he said, scratching the long-haired dog behind his ears.

‘Oh, yes, I’ve heard about him. He’s lovely.’

‘He’s a big softy, aren’t you, lad?’

‘Just like his owner,’ Olivia added with a wink.

Kerr opened his mouth to protest but instead gave a shrug. ‘Aye, she’s right. Come on, lad, time for a walk. Good to meet you, Charlotte.’

Charlotte cleared her throat and her cheeks flushed again. ‘Nice to meet you too.’

Olivia spent the rest of the day training Charlotte and was impressed with how well she seemed to be grasping everything. It was, once again, very reassuring and her trip to Skye with Brodie became a little more real with every task Charlotte took on.

At lunchtime, Olivia left Charlotte with Mirren and Dougie in the kitchen and she climbed into the old Land Rover. It was time to pay a visit to Ali Gordon. The route to the plant nursery was a pretty short drive along the tree-lined main road that led away from the castle. The sky overhead was a vivid, cloudless blue, but it was deceptively cold, and she was grateful that the heater in the car worked well. Her fingers and cheeks were pink by the time she pulled into the car park, which was already busy.

The nursery had been in situ for many years and had an excellent reputation. Many of the shrubs in the castle grounds had been purchased from there and anyone who was anyone within Inverness knew of the quality of the plants. But Olivia’s favourite memories were visiting with her mum, dad and Kerr to choose their family Christmas trees for the castle. The Christmas trees were only a small part of the business, but Ali made a festive treat of visiting during the season with hot chocolate being sold from the little wooden cabin and mulled wine for the adults who weren’t driving. He would play Christmas music over the speakers that were dotted around the place too, adding to the warm, fuzzy feeling. The MacBains always had a huge ten-foot spruce in the castle’s foyer and then a smaller one – although in hindsight this too always seemed huge – in the drawing room where they would open gifts on Christmas morning.

The set-up at the nursery hadn’t changed in all those years. A small car park sat just off the main road with the little wooden cabin in the corner. Beyond this, row upon row of polytunnels were filled with every plant you could think of, then beyond that were the alder, oak and beech saplings, and further still were healthy green fir and pine trees in a variety of sizes standing proudly waiting to be chosen. In the distance, the younger trees that would form next year’s crop waited in abeyance.

Olivia watched for a few moments as families with small children, who were wrapped up well against the cold, wandered up and down the rows of Christmas trees with tape measures and excited smiles. The festive spirit was already at play, that one thing was clear. And from the little wooden cabin ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ travelled through the air just as she remembered.

After exiting her vehicle, she found Ali, Santa hat atop his head, stuffing trees through the tree baler, packaging them ready to be transported. He was happily chatting to his customers and there was a smile on his ruddy, weather-worn face.

‘Hi, Ali, you’re looking well,’ Olivia said as she approached the man, who was probably in his late sixties. He wore a pine-green fleece with the name Drumblair Nursery embroidered onto the left breast in gold.

‘Ah, Lady MacBain, to what do I owe the pleasure?’ He removed the heavy gloves from his hands and offered one to Olivia, which she shook.

‘I hear you’ve been chatting to my brother about the business. I wanted to come and speak to you directly, though. Kerr runs away with ideas and forgets himself sometimes.’

He chewed on his lip and appeared sheepish. ‘Aye, we had a chat the other day. Just so you know, though, I was going to come and see you myself. I hadn’t intended for you to find out about my decision to retire from a third party. Even if he is your brother.’

Olivia smiled. ‘That’s okay, don’t worry about it. So, you’re definitely selling up then?’

He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Aye, I think it’s the right time. I’m getting too old for something so physical. And I’ve no one to pass it on to, unfortunately. I’m sorry to mess you around, Lady Olivia. It’s just that our eldest is moving to Shetland so we won’t see much of the grandbairns if I’m still working on this place with it being a seven-days-a-week job. The wife won’t cope with only seeing the wee’uns twice a year. So, I figured if I retire, we can visit more often. Maybe even relocate up there someday, who knows?’

Olivia nodded and hoped that her warm smile reassured him. ‘I totally understand. Family should come first, especially when you’ve got grandkids. The only problem is that I’m not entirely sure Kerr realises how much is involved in the business. He’s never really been a manual worker.’

‘So why don’t you suggest he comes and helps out? That way he can see the customer-facing side of the business, but he can see the upkeep of the land and the trees and plants too. We’re on with planting seedlings just now so he can really get stuck in. I can always use an extra pair of hands.’

Olivia nodded. ‘That’s a brilliant idea. And in the meantime, could you put together some figures for me? The incomings and outgoings, and also what you’re looking for to sell the business on?’

‘I can do that, no bother.’ He shrugged. ‘The land is yours already and that would have been the biggest outlay. You’d simply be buying the goodwill and the existing stock, including the new transplants. I’ll get the figures sorted and you tell Kerr to be here tomorrow by 8a.m.’ He paused and glanced over his shoulder to where one of his workers was chatting to a customer. A tall, broad man with mousy hair. ‘There’s just one thing I’d like to ask, if that’s okay?’

‘Of course,’ Olivia said with a nod. ‘Go ahead.’

‘If you could keep Judd on, that’d be grand. He’s Delia’s sister’s lad. Well, I say lad but he’s twenty-seven.’ He chuckled and shook his head. ‘I still see him as a young lad. Anyway, he had a difficult time growing up. His dad was a hard man, very unforgiving, really strict. He was in the military, so they travelled around lots. As a result, Judd struggles to settle in one place for any length of time, but he’s really settled here since he started working for me two years ago. He seems to have a really green thumb too. I’d hate to think that he’d lose his job if we sold the business.’ As if he knew he was being discussed, Judd jogged over.

‘Hey, Unc. Is everything okay?’

‘Aye, lad, this is Lady Olivia MacBain from the castle.’

Judd smiled to reveal a row of crooked but white teeth. He was handsome in a rough-around-the-edges way, with a large scar on his chin. ‘Oh, aye, I’ve seen you in the paper a time or two. Nice to meet you in person, Lady… erm… MacBain?’ He held out his hand and gave a small bow, as if he wasn’t sure how to act.

Olivia shook his hand. ‘Nice to meet you too, Judd. Your uncle tells me you’re great with the plants.’

His eyes brightened further. ‘Aye, I love nurturing things and watching them grow.’

A few more customers drove into the car park. ‘It’s getting busy. I probably should leave you to it. I’ll wait to hear from you, Ali.’

‘Grand. Oh, and if you happen to hear of any older kids looking for a Saturday job, I could do with someone. Saturdays are always busy.’

Olivia nodded. ‘I’ll keep my ears open. Anyway, say hello to Delia for me. I hope she’s well.’

He smiled. ‘She’s better now she’s had her hip replaced. She’s still helping Ellen at the flower shop in the village. In fact, she’s just taken on a few more hours now that the other lassie, Charlotte I think, has come to work for you.’

Olivia pursed her lips. ‘Oh, yes, sorry about that.’

He chuckled. ‘No need. Delia loves working with flowers.’

‘That’s good to know. Well, I’d better be getting back. Take care, Ali.’

He gave a brief bow of his head. ‘Aye, and you too. Bye just now.’

Judd raised a hand in a wave and turned his attention to one of the families that had just arrived.

Olivia went back to the Land Rover and sat observing the customers picking out the trees and wreaths that would adorn their homes for the festive season once again, and she smiled. Kerr was right. It did make sense to take the business on. But she had to make sure that he was the right person for the job.

On her return to the castle, Olivia drove up the long stretch of road with the castle standing proud in the distance, to a soundtrack of ELO’s ‘Mr Blue Sky’, an apt song for the radio DJ to have chosen for such a crisp and bright winter’s day. It was another song she remembered from her childhood that made her smile. Especially the line where Jeff Lynne welcomes to the world someone with a pretty face. Her dad always used to sing that lyric directly at her pointing his finger and ending with a boop to her nose which made her giggle.

The contrast of the pale stone of the castle against the cerulean backdrop was a beautiful sight to behold and she imagined what it would be like when summer rolled around again. Visitors wandering around the grounds, picnicking on the grass, kids playing in the outdoor playground, dog walkers making the most of the open spaces. She was looking forward to it.

She spotted Innes’s car parked out front and decided this would be a good time to talk to him about Kerr’s idea. He had always been a good sounding board and source of solid advice. She knew he would steer her right.

Everyone was gathered in the kitchen sitting around the large old battered table, and to Olivia’s surprise Kerr and Innes were talking, pleasantly , it seemed. It was a first. Kerr had always vehemently disliked their mother’s stepbrother and had no qualms about advertising the fact, conversing with him was something that simply never happened, unless there were raised voices, wagging fingers and swear words going on. Charlotte was chatting to Mirren over coffee and seemed to have settled right in.

‘Ah, Olivia darling, there you are!’ Innes said as he stood and walked over to kiss her on both cheeks. ‘How are you?’ He was wearing his favourite salmon-pink trousers and a blue V-neck sweater that clashed terribly, with a checked shirt underneath.

She nodded. ‘I’m good, thanks, you?’

‘Oh, you know me, plodding along. I’ve just met your very proficient new PA. What she knows about the place could give young Brodie a run for his money.’ He leaned in and in a theatrical whisper said, ‘She’s certainly done her research. You’ve got a good one there.’

Olivia laughed, relieved at his approval. ‘Uncle Innes, could I speak to you in private, please?’

His smile disappeared. ‘Uh-oh, am I in trouble?’

‘Not at all.’ She lowered her voice to speak solely to him. ‘A business opportunity has presented itself and I just want to discuss the matter.’

Innes’s eyebrows raised. ‘Oh, I see. Right then, lead the way.’ He held his hand out towards the kitchen door.

They walked along to Olivia’s father’s study, and she closed the door behind them. ‘So… Ali Gordon is retiring after this season.’

Innes frowned. ‘Oh, no, does that mean we’re saying goodbye to the plants and Christmas trees? I always loved seeing them growing on Drumblair land.’

‘That’s the thing. Kerr wants to take over the business. He’s filled with excitement and enthusiasm and he’s even talking about courses in tree surgery, but…’

Innes tilted his head. ‘His track record precedes him?’

Olivia nodded. ‘Sadly, yes. I’ve spoken to Ali Gordon and he’s compiling some figures for me. It would make sense to absorb the business as it’s already on our land but is Kerr the right man for the job?’

Innes sat on one of the chesterfield sofas. ‘Did he tell you he came to see me?’

Surprised at this fact, Olivia flopped down beside her uncle. ‘No. He never mentioned a thing.’

‘It was a couple of days ago. He came to my house filled with remorse. Telling me how much his mother loved me and how sorry he was for not realising my loyalty sooner. I have to admit to being sceptical at first. But the more we talked, the more I could see his genuine regret. I really do think he wants to make amends. He tells me he is in AA and GA. That surprised me greatly. He really is taking ownership of his mistakes. Or he certainly appears to be.’ He sucked air in through his teeth. ‘The question is, do we truly believe he is a changed man?’

Olivia sighed deeply. ‘That’s the million-dollar question. And the other one is, where would the money come from to buy out the business?’

Innes paused for a moment to contemplate that. ‘In all honesty, Olivia, that’s the least of your concerns. There is money available as part of the original grant. It could be used to buy out the nursery as it’s all about advancing Drumblair as a viable and sustainable business. What’s more sustainable than plants and trees?’

‘Okay, so the only thing to consider is Kerr.’

Innes nodded. ‘I’m afraid so.’ He fell silent for a few moments and then seemed to have a spark of inspiration as his eyes brightened. ‘Why not hire him? That way he’s salaried and works for you, meaning any issues or gross misconduct and you can terminate his employment.’

That idea sat more comfortably with Olivia. And as much as she felt guilty about being unable to fully trust Kerr with the business, it was a good way of resolving the matter. And in the back of her mind, she knew she could always sign it over to him if it came to the point where he proved beyond any doubts that he was capable of making it work.

‘You can leave me to negotiate with Ali if you’d prefer. I’m happy to take that on. That way you’re not the bad guy if Kerr takes umbrage at the decision.’

Concern niggled at her mind. ‘That’s not fair, Uncle Innes. I’m not afraid of being the bad guy. I’ll speak to Kerr, but I’d certainly appreciate you taking on the negotiations with Ali Gordon, if you wouldn’t mind.’ Relief flooded Olivia’s veins, knowing it would all be handled properly by the one person who knew the funding regulations inside and out, seeing as he had been instrumental in acquiring it in the first place.

‘Consider it done. There’s another thing I’ve been wondering about. Another possible business avenue.’

Olivia tilted her head. ‘Oh? I’m intrigued, go on.’

Innes held up his hands dramatically and simply said, ‘Whisky.’

Olivia couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. ‘Drinking it or selling it?’

His eyes widened and he grinned. ‘Making it.’

Olivia crumpled her brow. ‘I thought it took years to make proper whisky.’

‘Aye, but only three years for a blend. It’s single malts that take upwards of ten years. But in the meantime, we could produce our own gin. Gin is big business these days.’

Olivia nodded. ‘I do love a G&T. Where could we fit a distillery, though?’

‘The old barn.’

Olivia cringed and shook her head. ‘Sorry, no, that’s earmarked for artists’ workshops.’

‘The other barn along the loch from the chapel then. It’s not like we’re short of potential locations, Olivia. We have acres of land to utilise. There’s another old structure past the nursery that could be converted too,’ he said with a matter-of-fact shrug.

Olivia smiled. ‘Wow, we’re really putting the MacBain name and Drumblair on the map, aren’t we?’

Innes seemed pleased with her positive response. ‘Right where it should be. Let’s think on it further and I’ll do some more research.’

‘Sounds good to me.’