Page 17 of The Moon Sister
‘That’s where my nickname comes from, yes. Apparently my hair stood up in spikes like a hedgehog when I was a baby. My real name’s Taygete.’
‘That’s unusual. Where’s it from?’
‘My sisters and I are all named after the Seven Sisters star cluster. Look.’ I pointed up to the perfectly clear night sky. ‘There they are, just above those three stars all in a line that look like an arrow. That’s called Orion’s Belt. Legend has it that Orion chased the sisters across the skies. Can you see them?’
‘I can!’ Zara said with childlike excitement. ‘They’re tiny, but if I look really closely I can see them all twinkling. I’ve always been interested in the stars, but they don’t really teach that kind of stuff at school, do they? So, did you enjoy your zoology degree? If I’m forced to go to uni, I want to do something like that.’
‘I did, and I’m happy to tell you about it, but don’t you think we should be getting back inside? Your parents might be looking for you.’
‘No, they won’t be. They’ve had a massive argument. Mum is refusing to come down and Dad’s trying to persuade her. As usual.’ Zara rolled her eyes. ‘She gets hysterical, you see, if Dad doesn’t agree with her, then he has to spend ages pleading with her to calm down.’
From what I’d seen of Zara’s father so far, I found it hard to equate such a scene with a man who’d seemed so in command of his environment. But it wasn’t my place to probe further, so I proceeded to tell Zara as much as I could about my degree, then my work at Margaret’s sanctuary, and her eyes shone in the moonlight.
‘Wow, that sounds amazing! Now that Dad’s finally in charge, I’ve told him that he should put aside a few acres to open an animal sanctuary like Margaret’s. And maybe a petting zoo too, which would mean local parents could bring their little ones, and encourage them to enjoy the estate.’
‘That’s a great idea, Zara. What did he say?’
‘That there’s no money at the moment to do anything,’ Zara sighed. ‘I told him I’d leave school and come up here full-time to help him, but he just went on about me finishing school then going to uni. Margaret didn’t have a degree, did she? All you need is a love for animals.’
‘True, but a degree does help you get onto a career path, Zara.’
‘I have a career path!’ The blue eyes blazed with passion as she opened her arms as if to embrace the estate. ‘I’m intending to spend the rest of my life up here. Did you know you wanted to work with animals when you were my age?’
‘Yes.’
‘Animals are so much better than humans, aren’t they?’
‘Some humans, yes, but then, one of the wildcats – Polson – is a real prima donna. I honestly don’t think I’d like him much if hewashuman.’
‘Sounds like my mum . . .’ Zara giggled. ‘C’mon, I suppose we’d better get back inside and see if my ’rents have managed to make it downstairs yet.’
As we walked back to the Lodge, I thought how Zara was the epitome of a teenager: stuck uncomfortably between child and womanhood.
The entrance hall was now crowded and I watched as Zara simultaneously waved and blew kisses to various faithful retainers in the crowd, who, judging by their age, had undoubtedly known her since a tiny baby. She was their ‘princess’ after all – the future heiress to the Kinnaird estate. Part of me couldn’t help being envious that one day all this beauty would pass to her, but at least she displayed a genuine passion for Kinnaird.
My musing was interrupted by the arrival beside us of a petite woman with wary blue eyes, and a mane of bright red hair.
‘Zara, will you no’ introduce us?’ the woman asked.
Zara turned to kiss the woman on both cheeks. ‘Caitlin! How lovely to see you. Tiggy, this is Caitlin, Cal’s better half. Caitlin, this is Tiggy, she’s come to work on the estate for a few months.’
‘Aye, Cal’s told me about you. So, how are you getting on in the cottage with him? It’s nae the most comfortable place to rest your head, is it?’
‘Oh, it’s fine really, and your Cal’s made me feel really welcome. The cottage is looking a lot better than it did, I’ve made a real effort to make it cosy for the two of us . . .’
Tiggy, just shut up!I told myself, as I saw the look on Caitlin’s face.
Zara came to my rescue and started to ask Caitlin about her job at the building society, then a few seconds later we were joined by Cal himself, a dram of whisky in each hand, accompanied by a slim attractive woman who I guessed was in her early forties. I could see how uncomfortable he was at the sight of his fiancée and housemate standing together.
‘I see you two’ve met already. I was, er, planning tae get the pair o’ you together earlier but I couldn’t find Tiggy.’ He smiled affectionately at Caitlin, throwing his brawny arm around her delicate shoulders, the whisky sloshing perilously in his hands as he did so.
‘Yes, we’ve met.’ Caitlin returned his smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
‘Aye, anyway,’ he continued, clearly wanting to move the conversation along. ‘I just brought Fiona here over to introduce her tae Tiggy. Tiggy, this is our local vet, Fiona McDougal. You said you’d be needin’ someone to look over the cats an’ this is your woman.’
‘Hi, Tiggy, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.’ Fiona’s voice was soft and warm, with a refined Scottish accent.
‘Likewise,’ I replied, grateful for the diversion from Caitlin.
