Page 11 of Wedding Games
‘Like Rambo!’
Arnold nodded. ‘It saved my skin and disguised my scent, enabling me to hunt for food.’
Rory could see Mary’s lips pressed tight together. She was not going to undermine her husband’s story in front of Barbara, even though she’d gleefully torn his tall tale to pieces when Rory had first heard it.
‘Speaking of food,’ Rory said. ‘Clive, I think we’re ready for the next course?’
Clive nodded and left the room as Kayleigh cleared their plates.
‘What did you hunt?’ Brad asked.
‘Grouse, pheasant and rabbits mainly. I also wrestled a deer, but it got away.’
Clive re-entered the room with extra waiters carrying plates.
‘Pan seared venison loin with a wild bilberry sauce, roast potatoes in goose fat, and summer greens from the community garden,’ he announced with a flourish as they were presented with their food.
Rory only ate meat, so he had the venison with a side order of fatty beef ribs. He ate quickly, shovelling food in, hoping that everyone else followed his lead and the meal could be over in the next ten minutes.
‘This is delicious,’ said Mary. ‘Rory, did you shoot it?’
‘Or wrestle it?’ Barbara added.
He ignored his mother’s jibe. ‘Not this one, Mary, but it is from here.’
Mary nodded. ‘How are the last-minute preparations going for the big day?’
‘Great,’ said Zoe. ‘Sam and Jamie and Charlie and Valentina arrive tomorrow. We’re going to do the final fitting for the bridesmaid’s dresses before the rehearsal dinner.’
‘Well, darling, just let me know if there’s anything I can do to help,’ Mary replied. ‘I want to make sure your special day is perfect.’
‘Thank you for your offer,’ Barbara said. ‘But it is entirely unnecessary. We have everything in hand.’ She turned to Rory, not allowing Mary to reply. ‘You still haven’t answered my question about your decisions for decorating the flat in the castle. I’m sure you wish to put your stamp on it before you move in?’
Rory opened his mouth to speak.
‘We’re going to keep on living in the cabin,’ said Zoe.
Barbara lowered her cutlery, her eyes wide. ‘You can’t possibly be serious?’
‘Why not?’ asked Mary.
Barbara kept her gaze fixed on her future daughter-in-law. ‘The Earl and Countess of Kinloch residing in a one-room labourer’s cabin? When this?’—she gestured around her—‘is available and more appropriately befits your status?’
‘Whatever will the neighbours think?’ Mary added with a sarcastic gasp.
Rory’s heart rate spiked.
Zoe shot her mother a look across the table. ‘We are very happy in the cabin, Barbara, and can manage the estate without living on-site.’
‘But what about children? Are you going to be bringing them up there too? In vermin-infested mediaeval squalor?’
‘We haven’t yet discussed the matter,’ Zoe continued.
‘You haven’t discussed children? But the family line!’
Rory cleared his throat. ‘Mum. Zoe and I love the cabin and are very happy there. We appreciate there may come a time to move back to the castle, but that time is not now.’
Mary nodded. ‘I understand how you feel. The cabin is so full of homely charm. Whereas the castle is rather cold and off-putting.’
