Page 23 of The Moon Sister
‘I could help you, I’ve got plenty of time on my hands.’
‘Could you? Have you any experience in that area?’
‘Yes, at uni and at Servion Zoo I had to apply for funding for research projects. I’ve only done a few, but I vaguely know my way around the bureaucracy of it all.’
‘Well, that would be incredible. I’ve been tearing my hair out over the applications. I’ve been either at the hospital or had my head bent over legal paperwork ever since my father died. My wife keeps trying to convince me to either sell up or convert the place into a golf course, and I don’t blame her.’
‘I hear she took over the renovations of the Lodge. She did a great job, it’s stunning.’
‘Yes, even though the project came in at way over the original budget. But it’s unfair of me to criticise her. It’s not been easy for her and she was only trying to help.’
‘And I’m sure the Lodge will attract discerning clients in future,’ I said firmly as Charlie glanced at his watch.
‘Yes, right, I need to get back. Perhaps I can bring over the application forms to the cottage – as far as I’ve got with them – for you to have a look through at some point?’
‘Any time, Charlie.’
*
By the time I got back to the cottage, a bitter wind was howling along the glen, so after I’d eaten breakfast, I lit a fire and curled up on the sofa with a book. Last night, knowing Cal was away, I’d let Thistle into the cottage and this morning he was back on my doorstep. He promptly attempted to climb onto my lap, and, eventually, I turfed him off and he curled up at my feet, his wheezing snores and the gentle crackling of the fire comforting me as I read.
I jumped as I heard feet stamping on the mat outside. If it was Cal, I knew I was in for a mouthful about Thistle, but instead, a pair of bright blue eyes appeared round the door.
‘Hi, Tiggy, am I disturbing you?’ said Zara.
‘Not at all, I was just reading,’ I said as I sat upright. ‘Are you having a nice Christmas?’
‘Any day is nice when I’m at Kinnaird,’ she said as she sat down next to me on the sofa. Thistle immediately bounded over to her and put his head in her lap. ‘I drove to Deanich Glen this morning – Mum and Dad were having another of their rows – so I went for some peace and quiet. It’s fantastic down there, have you been?’
‘No, but Zara, should you really be driving out there alone? The roads are treacherous in this snow . . .’
‘I’ve been driving around the estate since I was ten, Tiggy! This is our land, remember? I don’t need a licence or anything here. I take a radio and a hot flask and stuff in case anything goes wrong – I know the rules, okay? I went to give Chilly his Christmas box. I stole a bottle of Dad’s whisky to perk it up.’ Zara gave me a conspiratorial wink. ‘We shared a dram and a few rollies. Even though he’s mad and he smells terrible, he’s more fun than anyone else round here. Except you, of course.’
‘My friend Margaret was talking about him yesterday. I’d love to go and meet him.’
‘I can take you down whenever, if you want. It’s probably best if I introduce you to him first and explain who you are, because he doesn’t take well to strangers.’
‘A bit like my wildcats.’ I smiled at her.
‘Yeah, exactly. So, how about – in return for taking you to meet Chilly – I get to say hello to them? I’m very quiet on my feet like you are, Tiggy, promise, and I really would love to meet them. What are their names?’
I told her, thinking that if Ididtake Zara to see them, how could I explain it to her mother after I’d shooedheraway?
‘Why don’t I see how sociable they’re feeling tomorrow? I’m just paranoid about them scenting strangers and going back into hiding.’
‘I understand, Tiggy. I’m here until just before Hogmanay, so I have a few days yet. And while I’m here, I was wondering if I could . . . be your assistant, or something? Follow you round and see what you actually do?’
‘I’m afraid at the moment, until we’ve arranged to bring other animals onto the estate, the cats are the highlight of my working day.’
Zara checked the time on her mobile. ‘I’d better be off. We’ve got a load of neighbours coming for dinner and Mum’s forcing me to wear a dress!’ She rolled her eyes, stood up and walked to the door. ‘If it’s okay with you, I’ll swing by tomorrow around noon.’
‘You’re welcome here any time. Bye, Zara.’
‘See you, Tiggy.’
*
Zara appeared the following lunchtime, and I was glad to have her. Cal had been out on a shoot all morning and I really was feeling like a lonely old spinster.
