Where the Heart Belongs Read online

  It occurred to her, suddenly, that working at Ferniehope Castle would mean she could stay in this lovely area. There was nothing to hold her in Harrogate, except Jodie of course, living in her old home that meant she was homeless unless she turned them out. Maybe one day Jodie could come up here for holidays, but that would have to wait until Duncan had got himself into employment again, of course. That day might be a long time coming.

  Meanwhile, what of herself?

  She had always intended taking a look at the place where Harley de Los’ friend lived and if she liked it, contacting Jack Cullen as he had suggested. And she had liked Ferniehope Castle in spite of Rake Man.

  Instead of roaming the area first she could apply for the post of personal assistant right now if she felt inclined.

  ‘What do you think, Toby?’ she said. ‘Let’s have an opinion out of you for a change.’

  He said nothing, of course.

  SHONA SEIZES AN OPPORTUNITY

  The rain was thumping down on the roof of the car now and visibility was poor. Shona slowed down and through the onslaught saw that the vehicles ahead were signalling right on to the main road. On impulse she followed them until they turned left again after a few miles. Definitely the way to Ferniehope Castle, which couldn’t be far away. Instead of turning left too, she signalled and pulled across into the forecourt of a likely looking café that had appeared just at the right moment. Bessie’s Kitchen was the sign above the door.

  She leapt out and ran. Inside, the room was empty of customers but the atmosphere was warmly welcoming on this wet day. She sat at a solid pine table nearest the low picture window at the far end and looked out on to the dripping trees bordering the misty grey water.

  ‘It’s a bad day to be outside,’ said the short cheerful-looking woman in a mauve jersey and skirt who came forward to serve her. Pushing her damp hair back from her face, Shona agreed.

  ‘Now what can I get you?’

  She ordered tea and scones and when they came found she was hungrier than she had thought and asked for a toasted cheese sandwich as well. When she had finished eating she saw that in the corner of the room was a stand of postcards. She got up to look at them. There were other cards, too, reproductions of original paintings.

  ‘These are attractive,’ she said. ‘Are they all local scenes?’

  ‘Mostly,’ said the woman, walking across to join her and bringing with her a faint waft of flowery perfume. ‘They run painting courses near here, you know, residential ones with excellent tutors. A lot of them get their cards made at the printing place they set up locally. The owner is an enterprising sort of man.’

  ‘Jack Cullen?’

  ‘You know him?’

  ‘Not yet,’ said Shona. ‘But I’m thinking of applying for a job at Ferniehope Castle as his personal assistant.’

  ‘You are?’ The surprise in her voice was disconcerting.

  Surely he hadn’t filled the position already?

  ‘Accommodation is provided, so I’m told, and that’s important.’

  ‘Good luck to you then. I’m Liz, by the way.’

  ‘Not Bessie?’

  ‘Bessie was my mother and I took over here when she died a couple of years ago.’

  ‘A lovely place to live,’ said Shona wistfully.

  Liz’s round face flushed with pleasure. ‘Och yes. It’s hard work in the season, of course, but hard work never killed anyone and I love it.’

  ‘I can see you do. I think you’re lucky. I’m Shona, Shona Renison, by the way.’

  ‘And you’re staying round here?’

  ‘Just for a couple of nights. Near Newton Stewart.’

  ‘A grand place.’

  Liz put a card straight in the rack and then retired behind the counter again.

  ‘They’re booked up after that,’ Shona said. ‘I would have stayed on for a few days, but maybe I won’t need to if I’m offered the job and Mr Cullen wants me to start at once. I do hope so.’

  ‘That would be fine for you, Shona,’ Liz said.

  She sounded so interested that Shona smiled. ‘You see, my dad was almost an invalid at the end. I was so pleased to get a job I could do at home so I could be there for him. But now he’s gone I’ve nothing to keep me in Harrogate.’

  Liz nodded, her sympathy apparent in her luminous eyes. ‘So you decided to get about a bit and see something of the world before deciding what you want to do next?’

  Shona nodded. ‘It seemed a good idea.’

  ‘There’s a single room vacant here if you’re ever stuck. I take guests every now and again and I’d be glad of the company.’

  ‘I may well take you up on that.’ Shona smiled, delighted to have made a friend so soon. She liked Liz’s friendly manner and the offer of accommodation here so close to Ferniehope Castle was welcome.

  Rain was still falling when she left the warmth of Bessie’s Kitchen and made a dash for the car. No more sightseeing today but straight back to the farm and a rest before the evening meal was served. She might even phone Ferniehope Castle and make enquiries about the job she hoped was still open to her.

  * * *

  Showered, and wearing clean shirt and jeans, Shona shook her damp hair away from her face and sat down on her bed to dial the number for Ferniehope Castle. Now that she had made up her mind to act she was impatient to make it happen as soon as possible.

  The dialling tone stopped and a rasping voice spoke. ‘Ferniehope. May I help you?’

  ‘Can I speak to Mr Jack Cullen, please?’

  ‘You could if he was here.’

  Shona sighed. Oh dear, another odd one. Ferniehope Castle was obviously full of them. Well, she was pretty odd herself talking to a toby jug. She should fit in well.

  ‘I’ll ring back later then, shall I?’ she said.

  ‘No need for that.’ The voice sounded unfriendly. ‘Miss Shona Renison?’

  Surprised, Shona hesitated.

  ‘Are you Miss Renison or not?’

  ‘Yes, that’s me,’ Shona said quickly.

  ‘You are speaking to the proprietor’s secretary.’

  ‘I was hoping to speak to Mr Jack Cullen.’

  ‘Was it about something important?’

  ‘I’m phoning about a job I understand has been advertised as personal assistant to him. My ex-boss suggested I contacted him.’

  ‘Ex-boss?’ The tone was definitely suspicious.

  ‘That’s right,’ Shona said, struggling to keep her voice even. Why should she explain to this unfriendly person that Harley de Los, the thriller writer, for whom she had worked as his researcher, had gone with his new American wife to make their home in the States? True, she could have continued to work for him long-distance, emailing her research results, but she didn’t want that because his decision had provided the jolt she needed to make an important change in her life. Add to that Jodie and Duncan’s housing problems and her decision was made.

  ‘May I make an appointment to see him very soon?’ she added.

  ‘Mr Cullen went off to Edinburgh this morning.’

  ‘Oh.’ The disappointment in Shona’s voice sounded acute even to her own ears.

  ‘You may leave your number.’

  Shona did so and then put the phone down, feeling as if she was being accused of pushiness and arrogance. Now that she had decided to make contact with Jack Cullen he wasn’t available.

  * * *

  Next morning rippling shadows decorated the lawn and the branches of the trees swayed gently against the cloudless sky. A glorious morning but poignant too, Shona thought as she sat down at the breakfast table. Tomorrow someone else would be sitting here listening to the pleasant sound of birdsong through the slightly open window while choosing between the tantalising items on the menu.

  Somehow the idea of travelling on somewhere new had lost its appeal.

  But where was her sense of adventure, her pleasure in discovering new things while she had the chance? Toby would have something to say about it
if she hadn’t left him in the car.

  Smiling at the idea, Shona ate her porridge and then, making an effort, decided on scrambled egg and mushrooms.

  ‘Why not have some smoked salmon as well?’ her landlady suggested with such a kind smile that Shona agreed and then was glad that she had because the locally smoked salmon was mouth-watering.

  Ashamed of her earlier feelings, she poured more coffee and thought about where she would go today. It hadn’t occurred to her yesterday to ask when Jack Cullen was expected home. This must be her first priority so that she could plan her time sensibly until it was possible to contact him. When she left here she would drive into town and buy provisions for a picnic lunch as she had done yesterday and then telephone Ferniehope Castle to enquire.

  She paid the bill and left. Her mobile rang as she drove through the entrance and she pulled in to the side of the road to answer it.

  ‘Miss Shona Renison?’ The voice was deep and strangely familiar.

  ‘Yes, that’s me.’

  ‘I understand you phoned about the job? I apologise for not being at Ferniehope to meet you yesterday.’

  ‘Jack Cullen!’ she gasped.

  ‘The same.’ He sounded amused.

  She took a deep breath, struggling to hide her surprise that they had already met. Now what had she done showing herself up as an inquisitive moron? The wonder was that he had bothered to contact her now. ‘I believe Harley de Los has spoken to you about me?’

  ‘He did that. I got home too late last night to contact you. My timing was bad, I’m afraid. My apologies.’

  He sounded as if he thought he was to blame and she hastened to reassure him. ‘I should have telephoned first before calling at the castle, Mr Cullen. I’m sorry.’

  He brushed her protestations aside. ‘He sang your praises to the sky, did Harley. So . . . when can you start?’

  ‘Oh,’ she said in surprise. ‘I thought you might want to interview me first.’

  He gave a deep-throated laugh. ‘I’ll take Harley’s word that you’ll do, no question. I’m satisfied, if you are. Shall we say this morning at eleven sharp? Don’t be late.’

  And that was that. For a few moments after he rang off Shona gazed at her mobile in wonder and then glanced at the toby jug in his place on the passenger seat beside her, gazing impassively ahead. ‘You don’t care, do you?’ she said. ‘You could at least show a bit of interest.’

  She took another deep breath, marvelling at how quickly things changed. One minute she was thinking of the road ahead leading her into the unknown and now she knew exactly where she was going, back to Ferniehope Castle. There it seemed she would start her new life as personal assistant to Jack Cullen, owner of the conference centre.

  Suddenly invigorated, she put the car into gear and started off again, hoping she was doing the right thing. Jack Cullen hadn’t suggested coming for a trial period so they could both work out whether this was a good idea. He must trust Harley de Los implicitly. Suppose she didn’t suit after all? Or didn’t like the job? Well, she would soon discover that.

  She drove straight there, bypassing Newton Stewart and reaching the main road before she knew it. Sunshine silvered the water of the estuary to her right and to her left the mountains were hazy against the pale sky. Nearly there . . . but, wait a minute, it was much too early. Keen she might be, but turning up an hour and-a-half before the appointed time wouldn’t look at all good. Needy and pathetic, in fact. She imagined Jack Cullen’s contempt and her own feeling of disadvantage.

  She needed somewhere to spend the intervening time. Bessie’s Kitchen, of course.

  * * *

  To her surprise a coach was parked in the yard at the side and a roar of laughter and chatter greeted her as she pushed open the door. A smiling Liz pouring coffee and cutting slices of carrot cake, waved to Shona. ‘Be with you in a minute,’ she mouthed.

  Shona smiled as she seated herself at the table in the far corner. She had plenty of time to sit here watching all the people bustling about. Too much really. A stir of apprehension rippled through her because the time was getting nearer when she would meet the man she knew now was her future buss.

  Gradually the noise subsided as everyone sat down and placed the remaining orders. Liz, looking a little harassed in spite of her outwardly calm manner, came to her. She was wearing blue today and her perfume was the same light fragrant one.

  ‘I wasn’t expecting an onslaught this early,’ she said, smiling.

  ‘Don’t worry about me,’ Shona said. ‘You’re busy and I don’t need anything, just to kill a bit of time until I have to be at Ferniehope Castle. I’ve been offered the job there I told you about.’

  ‘You have?’ said Liz, looking surprised.

  There it was again, Shona thought, that strange air of disquiet.

  ‘Can I just sit here out of the way?’

  ‘You’re welcome, Shona. We’ll talk some other time. Sorry it’s so busy.’

  ‘Good for business,’ Shona murmured as Liz edged away. She had planned to ask her about Jack Cullen to find out what kind of a man he was apart from being good with a rake. He was obviously someone prepared to take a friend’s recommendation on board and act on it quickly.

  Running a conference centre held responsibilities so he must have a lot of experience gained over many years. She had already seen for herself that he was a confident man, completely sure of himself and his ability to cope with everything that such a position threw up.

  She got up at last, checked she had her bag with her and then left. Liz, busy at the till, didn’t see her go.

  * * *

  Turning into the drive to Ferniehope Castle today felt like coming home this time and that was a good sign surely? The sunny front of the building looked welcoming and she parked her car to one side and crunched across the gravel and up the short flight of stone steps.

  Jack Cullen opened the door himself. She was expecting this but it was still a shock to see him dressed in a white shirt that looked as if it had been freshly ironed and his black brogues highly polished. He seemed older today, late thirties probably.

  ‘Miss Renison, I do believe?’ He took her hand in his and pressed it. ‘Come in, come in. A good journey from whence you came this fine morning?’

  Shona smiled. ‘I enjoyed the drive.’

  ‘That’s good.’

  He pressed a button on the desk in the large hall. ‘Coffee for two, please, Ingrid, in the conservatory,’ he ordered when a door at the far end opened.

  Shona glanced about her, liking the comfortable feeling of dark furniture and velvet curtains. There was even an ample stone fireplace filled with fir cones with a tapestry screen to one side. The faint scent of roses lingered in the air. A new-scented furniture polish or had someone been spraying in here?

  Jack Cullen turned to her. ‘Shona . . . may I? And I’m Jack to everyone. Coffee first and then a guided tour. I’ll fill you in on a few things while we drink it. OK with you?’

  ‘Very much so,’ she said.

  He led the way to the conservatory that overlooked the sunny back lawn. Donald had done a good job with the mowing, she thought, but there was no sign of him today.

  ‘Take a seat, Shona. Coffee won’t be long.’

  He waited until she seated herself in a creaking basket chair and then sat down opposite her. She glanced around her. The plants here in this shady conservatory looked well tended. She exclaimed in pleasure at the display of orchids on low tables out of the direct sunlight and at the white jasmine climbing against the glass walls. The sweet scent from it mingled with another richer one and was almost overpowering.

  Jack looked at the orchids with pride. ‘I’ve been collecting these for a while now,’ he said. ‘When I started out I didn’t realise there were so many varieties.’

  She smiled. ‘I can see that someone loves them.’

  ‘I’ve got some beauties like that Miltoniopsis over there, Red Knight.’ His face shone with enthusiasm and fo
r a moment she saw a softer side to him than the rather hard man who had first greeted her. He got up and smoothed the dark shiny leaves of the flamboyant orchid on the windowsill near her. ‘This fellow likes a west facing position and what a scent he’s got.’

  ‘It’s lovely,’ said Shona.

  ‘You like them too?’ He leaned forward eagerly. ‘I’m a bit of a fanatic on the quiet, but Ingrid keeps me in check.’

  ‘Ingrid?’

  ‘My secretary, Donald’s daughter. Her mother, Mags, does the cooking and oversees the cleaning. They live in the cottage near the back gate. We employ other staff too as you’ll see. But so far no one to act as hostess to the guests and that’s why you’re here.’ He sounded as if he was pleased with himself for employing her. She hoped he wouldn’t regret it.

  There was a clatter of china and an exclamation of annoyance from the open doorway.

  ‘Ah, here’s Ingrid now.’

  He took the laden tray from the sandy-haired girl who stood stolidly staring at them. ‘Ingrid, this is Shona.’

  Ingrid sniffed. ‘Good morning,’ she said in the same rasping tone as yesterday.

  Jack placed the tray on one of the small bamboo tables and then sat down again. ‘Thank you, Ingrid. That’s great. You won’t need to hang around much longer, but I’ll need you to show Shona to her room before you head off.’

  Ingrid threw Shona a look of dislike before she retreated.

  ‘You’ll welcome the conference delegates on arrival, Shona,’ Jack said. ‘See to their comfort in all matters and generally be at hand all the time they are here to deal with any problems that arise. How do you like your coffee?’

  ‘White please, no sugar.’

  She watched him pour and then took the mug from him, noticing the design of yellow orchids decorating it. As she put it down on the small bamboo table at her side she saw a crack above the handle that he obviously hadn’t noticed. His own, with a pink orchid appeared undamaged. Surely Ingrid hadn’t made up her mind to dislike her before they had even met and was showing her in this small way that she was unwelcome here?

  Jack proffered a plate of shortbread and then took one himself. He downed his coffee swiftly and she had the impression that her mini interview was over and that he had more important things on his mind now. Her mouth burning from the hot liquid, she drank as quickly as she could. He stood up as she replaced her empty mug on the tray.