She climbed into the car beside Mr Shaw, hugging an excited Conan on her knee while trying to brush aside her tears and wave goodbye, all at the same time. Mr Shaw gave her a few minutes to compose herself ‘All right now?’ ‘Y-yes. Th-thank-you,’ Rachel stammered nervously. She had noticed Mistress Beattie afforded this man considerable respect and she realised he had influence on matters to do with the estate and its tenants. She gulped and took out a clean white handkerchief to blow her nose and banish the last of her tears. ‘You must think me very silly. I did not want to come to Lochandee, and now I do not want to leave.’ ‘A beautiful place, friendly people with a warm welcome …they can have that effect, I’m sure,’ Mr Shaw said, surprising himself. ‘The Glens of Lochandee is one of the most pleasant places to live.’ He gave a wry smile, ‘But I’m sure it is not leaving Lochandee which distresses you, so much as leaving your husband?’ Rachel was silent. Lochandee was a lovely place – both the village and the farm above it, but it was true, the thought of another parting with Ross was unbearable.
