Heat rose in my cheeks. ‘Something like that.’
He held out his hand. ‘Come on then.’
As we walked through the ballroom I swore I could feel eyes boring into my back. I nervously glanced round but couldn’t see the Hunters. It didn’t mean they weren’t there though.
Colette was standing with a man I presumed to be Malcolm McClintock and after Alasdair had made the introductions Colette linked her arm with mine. ‘Come on, let’s go and find some more champers, eh?’
I glanced up at Fin but he was already deep in conversation. Colette could obviously sense my hesitation. ‘Let me guess, you’ve spotted the Hunters?’
I nodded and swallowed as I fought threatening tears once again. ‘I’ve more than spotted them.’
Colette frowned and pulled me close as she led me away. ‘Have they said something to you?’
‘You could say that.’
She stopped and turned to me. ‘Star, whatever they said to you, which looking at your expression and the tears in your eyes was undoubtedly cruel; please do not take it to heart. They are the bitterest people I’ve ever had the displeasure to meet. And whatever they have said speaks volumes about the type of people they are. What hypocrites to be in attendance at a charity event when they don’t have a charitable bone to share between them. You are worth ten of each of them, and don’t you forget it.’
Her support was appreciated and so sweet, but it didn’t stop me looking over my shoulder. If they had intended to spoil my night and to make me feel even more like a fish out of water, they had succeeded with aplomb. But I plastered a fake smile on my face and linked my arm through Colette’s again.
‘Come on, let’s go find that champers. I think the key here is not to let those bleepers grind me down.’ I wished I felt the conviction that my delivery suggested.
41
Fin
Malcolm McClintock was a force to be reckoned with. He’d recently been pipped to the post by a rival on the purchase of the row of cottages at Inveresk that my father had helped to acquire for a large conglomerate. The company was hell bent on knocking the old buildings down and constructing a muckle shopping centre that no one wanted nor needed. Like my brother Callum who lived and worked in the wee village, McClintock wasn’t happy about it in the slightest.
‘The thing is, Hunter, people have their roots in those homes. Their family trees are established there. I can’t allow the cottages to be demolished as if they mean nothing. Hundreds of years of family history will be lost. A part of our country’s culture will be lost. Those buildings aren’t just bricks and mortar. This is... well, it’s sacrilege, that’s what it is.’ The man’s face turned beet red, and I feared for his heart. He was a portly man, to say the least, and his passion for the row of cottages was palpable. ‘My own family has history there. This whole ridiculous situation sickens and angers me, Hunter.’
‘Of course. I completely understand your anger at the situation, Mr McClintock, but there is little chance of us getting the decision overturned at this late stage.’
McClintock wagged a fat finger in my face. ‘Now, look here. I came toyourfirm because you are the best. Don’t you bloody let me down. I’ll not live if those cottages are demolished. It willbreakme. You have my life in your hands, Hunter. McKendrick.’ The man nodded, turned, and walked away, heading for the bar.
Alasdair heaved a heavy sigh. ‘You see, that is one very passionate man. He truly believes in his cause,’ he told me as he watched the man leave our company. ‘I suggest we get our thinking caps on, Fin. And fast.’
At that, my boss left too. Star had returned clutching a glass of champagne and I glanced down at her. Her eyes were focused on something, and she nervously chewed on her lip.
Never a good sign.
I heard an emotion-filled voice coming from behind me. ‘Finlay, darling.’
The reason for Star’s demeanour became clear. I turned and came face to face with Isobel Hunter. ‘Mum.’ She wore a demure blue gown, and her skin was paler than usual. She looked...ill.
She leaned in and kissed my cheek. ‘Oh, I’ve missed you so much, Finlay. We both have. Why haven’t you been in touch?’Stupid question, and God, if there was an Oscar for most melodramatic mother...
I gritted my teeth. ‘You know very well why I haven’t been in touch.’
‘Oh, come now, Finlay. Blood is thicker than water, dear. You would do well to remember that.’ She trailed her disapproving gaze over Star and turned up her nose.
I slipped my arm round Star but said nothing.
‘Have you heard from Elise... yourfiancée?’
Anger bubbled up inside me, and I fought to calm the storm that was beginning to rage beneath my skin. ‘No, Mother, and you know very well that Elise is no longer my fiancée. She’s moved on and so have I.’
Ignoring me completely, she continued, ‘Oh, Finlay. Why must you make such rash decisions, dear? There are so many eligible young ladies out there just like Elise. You could find someone more of your standing. Is it really fair to let this… this girl believe you’re going to be together long term when you and I both know that’s not who you are.’
Star gasped and I swallowed hard. ‘Howdareyou judge and make assumptions when you don’t even know Star?’
