Cauldstane by Linda Gillard Page B

what Sholto did when he was home from expeditions and waiting for the next. It was just a substitute for what he really wanted to be doing. I suspect my mother understood that, but by turning a blind eye, she thwarted him in a way. She deprived him of some of the excitement he craved, some of the drama. But Meredith certainly made up for that,’ he added grimly,
    ‘She wasn’t so tolerant?’
    ‘No, indeed. Meredith was jealous, possessive and controlling. Then when Sholto lost interest in her and looked elsewhere, she got angry. When that didn’t get her anywhere, she decided she’d look elsewhere. But Sholto didn’t even notice. Or if he did, he didn’t care. He’d moved on to the next challenge.’
    ‘The next woman, you mean?’
    ‘Aye. Or so Meredith said. My father never discussed his marriage with me.’
    ‘But Meredith did?’
    ‘S he tried.  She wanted to confide in someone, but I wasn’t prepared to enter into that kind of relationship. I didn’t want to have to take sides. But if I had, I’d have taken Sholto’s. Meredith knew the score when she married him. She’d been his mistress for years, so she can’t really have expected an old leopard like Sholto to change his spots.’
    There was a knock at the door. Alec glanced at his watch, quickly got to his feet and called out, ‘OK, Wilma. I’m coming over now.’
    Mrs Guthrie’s head appeared round the door. She looked startled to see me on the sofa. Her sharp eyes didn’t miss the two whisky glasses either.
    ‘S orry to disturb you, Mr Alec, but I was wanting to clear away lunch and I wondered if you – and Miss Jenny,’ she added with a deferential nod in my direction, ‘were going to come across? I’ve made quiche lorraine today. Your favourite.’
    ‘Thanks , Wilma, we’ll be right over. I’ve been bending Jenny’s ear with the family history and I lost track of the time.’ He turned and offered me a hand up from the sofa. ‘Come on, Jenny. You must be famished.’
    Mrs Guthrie looked at Alec, then at me. Her smile wasn’t exactly conspiratorial, but I have to say, she looked inordinately and unaccountably pleased.

CHAPTER NINE
     
     
     
    As Alec and I approached the din ing room we heard raised voices – Fergus and Zelda engaged in what sounded like a heated argument. I hesitated in the hallway, unwilling to move forward. Alec stood beside me, listening, his brow contracted into a frown.
    ‘ Ferg sounds upset. That’s not like him.’
    ‘Perhaps I should go and eat in the kitchen. I’m sure Wilma will let me make myself a sandwich. I don’t want to intrude.’
    ‘Och, no, you’ll come and have your lunch,’ Alec said, taking my arm. ‘ Ferg is probably ranting about estate business. It gets him down sometimes.’
    Still unsure, I followed Alec ’s lead. As we reached the door of the dining room he was almost knocked down by Fergus who burst out of the dining room, his face flushed. But Alec side-stepped neatly, avoiding a collision.
    ‘Whoaa… What’s up, Ferg?’
    Fergus glanced across at me, then looked down at the carpet. He plunged his hands into his jacket pockets, clearly trying to compose himself. I wanted to make myself scarce in the dining room, but the two men were in the way, so I just stood feeling awkward.
    Eventually Fergus managed to speak. ‘She said no.’
    Alec looked puzzled. ‘Who said no?’
    ‘Rachel.’
    Alec’s face lit up and he thumped his brother on the back. ‘So you finally asked her to—’
    ‘She said no , Alec.’
    His brother ’s face fell. ‘But… why?’
    Fergus looked at me again and I wished the ground would open up and swallow me. ‘Zelda will explain,’ he said turning back to Alec, then he swept past us, calling out over his shoulder, ‘Look at the Courier . Page six.’ He disappeared and shortly afterwards we heard the back door slam.
    Alec bowed his head and exhaled. Not for the first time I sensed frustration of some kind. It was impossible to ignore the