He’d pulled her into his lap, which was far more to her liking, but, much to her chagrin, he’d continued, ‘Yes, but you don’tseethem in the summer usually. Food is plentiful so they stay out of sight. That’s why they’re a Christmas card symbol, because they’re much more visible in winter.’
‘Okay, deal, so if I need you, you’ll come back as a robin. If it’s ever necessary, I’ll look out for you,’ she’d told him, keen to get off the rather morbid but fantastical subject. ‘Now, are you going to take me to bed or what?’
With that, he had scooped her up in his arms, causing her to squeal in delight, and carried her upstairs.
A week later, he had presented her with a silver locket – the same locket that had adorned her neck since he had passed – a friendly robin engraved on its front side and a photo of him on the inside.
* * *
It was Thursday evening and the final meeting was taking place in the church. Caitlin was seated beside Juliette and Morag flanked her other side. The atmosphere was tense with excitement and anticipation. Reid was nowhere to be seen and, in fact, had been noticeably absent for most of the preparations, which was, she was told, rather odd. She still hadn’t plucked up the courage to visit him and, as she looked around the people in the pews, a sense of guilt niggled at her insides. She had seen Evin walking with Chewie a couple of times, but when she had enquired after his father, he had been somewhat evasive. She vowed that she would go to see them straight after the meeting.
Kenneth stood at the front of the church near the altar and brought the meeting to order. ‘Now, ladies and gentlemen, we know that there will be quite a crowd here on Saturday. There are plenty of holidaymakers who’ve never witnessed a Highland event before, so we need to make this extra special. The Scouts have agreed to be on litter patrol and we really appreciate them doing this as I’m sure most, if not all of them, would rather be having fun at the gala. So, they’ll be working in shifts to give them a chance to enjoy the day too. Caitlin has done just about enough baking to sink the MPV Jura.’ A rumble of laughter travelled around the gathering. ‘And, of course, this year she will be ably assisted by everyone’s favourite dog whisperer, our current museum guardian, Jules.’ A rumble of laughter traversed the church.
These people really weren’t willing to forget her crazy act of heroics. Her cheeks heated with the attention.
‘There’s the tombola, which is around twice as big as last year, the bouncy castle, which I’ll be keeping well away from… bloody deathtraps, those things.’ More laughter. ‘And we have the Fire Service here with one of their engines for the wee ’uns to climb on and look at. The usual flower stalls, craft stalls, coconut shy and dunk the teacher will all be set up by the end of Friday evening in readiness. The Highland games events and other games will be at the west end of the field where there are no houses…Bobby Duncan…’ Kenneth glared, but then winked at someone on the front row and a roar of laughter and jeers aimed at the poor victim almost raised the roof.
Caitlin leaned towards Juliette. ‘Quoits. A bit too much enthusiasm, a broken window and lots of embarrassment, you get the picture.’ She rolled her eyes and grinned with a shake of her head. Juliette giggled at the mental image.
When the laughter had subsided, Kenneth continued, ‘And we’re very fortunate to have guest prize giver, Gregor Edmunds, with us on Saturday. For those of you who don’t know, shame on you because he was the 2007 Highland Games Champion and he’s a top bloke too.’
A cheer erupted, followed by raucous applause and whistles. Clearly this Gregor chap was a firm favourite.
‘So, we’ll be at the field from seven in the morning and the event starts at eleven. We have plenty of time to get set up. The Toilichte Hens will be playing music in the main tent throughout the day. We have a caller for the dances, but all those who already know the steps get yourselves in there and show our visitors how it’s done, eh? We’ve agreed on five pounds as the standard entry charge, but people are welcome to donate more, if they wish. And let’s hope they wish. The police have already put cones along the roads where parking isn’t permitted, so let’s be vigilant about that, folks. We have to keep the way clear for the emergency services should they need to get through. Now, obviously I haven’t gone through every single stall and event, as you all know the score, and for those that don’t, it’ll be a nice surprise on the day. So, that’s it, folks. Have a fantastic Highland games!’
A final applause vibrated through the pews and people began to leave.
Caitlin linked arms with Juliette. ‘So, are we off to The Coxswain for a cheeky glass of vino?’
Juliette cringed. ‘Oh, no, do you mind if I don’t? There’s something I need to do.’
Caitlin frowned. ‘Ooh, Mrs Fairhurst, that sounds fairly cloak and dagger. Is everything okay?’
Juliette’s face warmed, but she forced a laugh. ‘Of course. Everything’s fine. I just have some last-minute stuff to do, you know, before the gala.’
Caitlin shrugged. ‘Okay, well, if you change your mind, I’ll be in there. I think Archie is going for a pint, so I won’t be too lonely. See you soon!’
The friends parted company at the junction and Juliette waited for Caitlin to disappear out of sight before she headed to Reid’s. She didn’t want to set tongues wagging, after all.
As she walked up the lane, she thought about the last time she had been there. With the starlit sky above, it could’ve been quite romantic on that night. Sadness tugged at her insides again, but this was soon replaced by a twinge of guilt. Why on earth was she thinking about romance, for goodness sake?
She arrived at the detached stone cottage and admired the pretty exterior she hadn’t seen the last time. It looked a little tired and in need of TLC, but the bones of the building showed its true character and age. There was no sign of Reid, but Evin was outside with Chewie practising tricks in the overgrown garden. He approached as she walked up the front path to the door.
‘Hi, Sparkly Jules, w-what are you doing here?’
‘Hi, Evin. I just thought I’d stop by and see your dad… about…’Dammit, I haven’t thought this through. ‘… the gala. Yes, the stalls and other bits and bobs.’ She shook her head and waved her hands around, hoping she sounded genuine.
His eyes widened. ‘Oh, erm, he’s not feeling too well today. I… I think it’s the flu or something, but it’s probably best that you don’t go in. You don’t want to catch it.’ His insistence worried her.
‘Oh, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ve had my flu jab. Maybe I can make him some soup.’
Evin gave a weak smile and stood in front of the door. ‘Oh… I don’t think he really wants any. I don’t think he’s hungry. You know, it’s just the flu. Like I said.’
Juliette folded her arms across her chest and cocked her head to the side. ‘Evin, what’s the matter? You’re being very cagey.’
Another forced smile. ‘No, I’m not, honest. He’s just… snotty and coughing and looks a bit disgusting, that’s all. No one wants to see that, believe me.’ He pulled out his tongue and feigned vomiting to add to his dramatic performance.
She stepped closer to the door. ‘Well, in that case I won’t stay long. I just need to have a quick chat to—’
