‘Right, just take them off and I’ll give you some dry stuff to wear. Give me a minute to fetch some things and stand by the fire. The boiler will have gone off with the power cut, but at least we have the wood burner.’
Callum strode through to his bedroom and found a pair of jogging bottoms and another fleece, along with a pair of thick woollen socks. ‘Here you go Beth. Put these on and I’ll nip over to see Maisie, let her know what’s happening and check she’s okay.’
‘Thank you for this.’ She sniffed.
‘It’s no bother. Just sorry you won’t get that cuppa for the moment. I’ll be back soon.’ Callum closed the door behind him and went out to the hall, where he pulled on a dry anorak and his waterproof trousers. There were lots to choose from on the peg — he was used to going in and out in all weather. He realised Ruby hadn’t followed. He couldn’t blame her. He would rather be indoors too. His thoughts were still lingering on Beth. The dog was obviously quite taken with her, she hadn’t left her side since she’d arrived. Calum pulled up his hood and tied the toggles as tightly as possible, then opened the front door and made a dash for it. He jogged lightly up the drive towards Maisie’s small cottage, which was also in darkness aside from a small, warm orange glow in the front room.
He rapped the door and went straight in. ‘Hey Maisie, checking you’re okay and have enough to keep you warm.’
Maisie was sitting in her batwing chair by the fire, looking very content with her knitting. ‘It’s like you’ve got ants in your pants tonight dearie.’ She looked up over the frame of her glasses.
He laughed. ‘I wanted to let you know that the panic is over and Daisy is okay. She’s over at her friend’s house not feeling well and is staying there tonight.’
‘That’s a relief. I did think it was a bit unlike her not to tell you where she was. But I had a feeling she would be fine. She’s not daft you know.’
‘All just a case of crossed wires. Now, do you need anything with the power off?’
‘Stop fretting about me,’ she said sagely. ‘It’s just a wee bit of wind. It’s not like we’ve not had any storms before.’
Callum looked at her in the dim light. ‘Can you see properly though?’
‘Away with you,’ she said. ‘I can knit with my eyes shut. I don’t need bright lights. But enough about me. I thinkyoushould be focusing your attentions on that lady friend who you’ve left at the cottage.’
Callum felt his cheeks redden. ‘Yes, it would seem that she’s stuck with me. The road to Lamlash is shut.’
Maisie chuckled at him. ‘You’re like a knight in shining armour.’
‘I don’t know about that,’ he muttered. ‘I’m sure you’re far more competent and able to cope in a storm than I am, Maisie.’
‘True.’ She smiled. ‘The electricity will be back on before we know it. I’ll probably head to my bed soon anyway. So don’t be worrying about me. If I need you, I’ll send you a sign. A smoke signal or something like that.’ She chuckled again.
‘Likewise. I’ll do the same if I decide I need you to come to my rescue,’ he said wryly.
‘Enjoy your night,’ she said. ‘Perfect romantic conditions for it too with the log fire. Especially as she’s stranded and the wind is blowing a hoolie. Even if she wanted to leave, she can’t.’
‘Oh for goodness’ sake,’ said Callum. ‘It’s not like that.’
‘Of course not.’
‘Bye Maisie.’ He shook his head. She had a frustrating way of reading his mind.
Even though the cottage was only about fifty metres away, by the time he reached the front door he was weary and cold. He hoped Beth was cosy and dry now. He pulled off his wet things and shivered. Ruby had slinked through to greet him briefly, then disappeared again into the kitchen when she realised how cold it was in the hallway. When he walked through, he was glad to see that Beth had curled up on the sofa next to the fire. It was only when he leaned in closer that he realised she was fast asleep. He pulled a blanket over her and sat down at the opposite end of the couch, with Ruby in between.
He sat for a while watching her and, before long, he too became drowsy and also fell asleep.
Chapter Forty-Two
When Beth woke up, she opened her eyes and looked around. She could see pale grey walls and a painting of sunflowers on the wall opposite. She was lying in an unfamiliar bed in a room that she didn’t recognise, completely disorientated. Yet she felt comfortable and warm. She knew she should get up, but she had no energy — her body was heavy and lethargic. The thought of even trying to throw off the fleecy blanket that covered her was too much of an effort. There was a gentle knock at the door and it opened, squeaking on its hinges. Callum tentatively walked in, followed closely by Ruby.
‘Good afternoon.’ He hovered beside her. ‘How are you feeling?’ His eyes were full of concern.
Beth was aware of Ruby resting her chin next to her on the bed. But when she tried to sit herself up, she found she couldn’t. She collapsed back into the pillows.
‘It’s okay Beth,’ he said. ‘You don’t need to rush to get up. You’ve obviously caught the bug that’s doing the rounds.’
‘But why am I here?’ She felt so confused.
‘Do you remember last night and the storm?’
