Page 7 of The Moon Sister
When Cal and I returned to the Lodge, I apologised profusely to the human Beryl for disappearing before breakfast, then felt obliged to work my way through the Marmite sandwiches she’d made for me – ‘in lieu of the breakfast you didn’t eat’. And I really wasn’t a Marmite fan.
‘I don’t think she likes me,’ I mumbled to Cal, as she left the kitchen and he helped me out by eating a couple of the doorstoppers.
‘Ah, Tig, the poor woman’s just stressed,’ Cal said sagely as his huge jaws demolished the sandwiches. ‘So now, what time train are yae thinkin’ o’ getting? There’s a 3.29, but it’s up to you.’
The ring of a telephone broke into the conversation, then stopped. Before I could answer Cal, Beryl arrived back in the kitchen.
‘The Laird wishes to speak to you, Tiggy. Is it a suitable time?’ she asked me.
‘Of course.’ I shrugged at Cal, then followed Beryl along the back corridor and into a small room that obviously served as an office.
‘I’ll leave you alone,’ she said, indicating the handset that lay on the desk. The door closed behind her.
‘Hello?’ I said into the receiver.
‘Hello, Tiggy. Apologies for not being able to join you up at Kinnaird. A couple of emergencies came up at the hospital.’
‘No problem, Charlie,’ I lied as Iwasdisappointed.
‘So, what do you think of Kinnaird?’
‘I think . . . that it’s one of the most incredible places I’ve ever seen. It’s breathtaking, really, Charlie. Oh, and by the way, I think I’ve found the perfect place for the wildcats.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes.’ I explained where it was on the estate and the reasons behind my choice.
‘If you think it’s right, Tiggy, then I’m sure it is. So, what about you? Would you be happy to come with them?’
‘Well . . . I love it here,’ I said, smiling into the receiver. ‘In fact, I don’t just love it, I adore it.’
‘So, could you live there for a while?’
‘Yes,’ I replied without a pause. ‘Definitely.’
‘Then, well, that’s . . . fantastic! Cal in particular will be thrilled. I realise we haven’t talked money or terms yet – but are you happy for me to email you over something? Shall we say an initial period of three months?’
‘Yes, that’s fine, Charlie. I’ll read the email and reply.’
‘Great. I look forward to showing you round myself next time, but I hope Beryl made you feel comfortable in the Lodge.’
‘Oh, she did.’
‘Good. Well then, I’ll send that email and if you agree to come and work at Kinnaird, perhaps you could travel up with the wildcats at the beginning of December?’
‘That sounds perfect.’
After a polite goodbye, I ended the call, wondering whether I’d just made the best or worst decision of my life.
After I’d offered profuse ‘thank yous’ to Beryl for her hospitality, Cal gave me a quick glance at the rustic but charming cottage I’d share with him if I took the position. Then we climbed into Beryl the Land Rover and set off for Tain station.
‘So now, are yae comin’ up wi’ the cats or no?’ Cal asked me bluntly.
‘I am, yes.’
‘Thank the heavens for that!’ Cal thumped the wheel. ‘The cats are the last thing I needed on my plate, along wi’ everything else I have tae do.’
‘I’ll be arriving with them in December, which means you need to start organising the building of their enclosure.’
