Read Online The Legacy of Lochandee by Gwen Kirkwood - Free Book Online

in his own way,’ Rachel nodded.
    â€˜Do you think Dad will try to hire another man now that he has two farms to run?’
    â€˜I don’t know,’ Rachel said doubtfully. ‘He did buy a second tractor to help with the work.’
    â€˜Machines are splendid for some things but they can’t tend to the animals,’ Bridie responded crisply, indicating her own tension and anxiety far more clearly than any arguments.
    Nick was growing more and more impatient and he often misinterpreted Bridie’s silence when he tried to discuss their future.
    â€˜Changed your mind about marrying me, have you, Bridie? Now it is I would like to know, not when I’ve bought the plot of land. Any day now I shall be hearing if I am allowed to build there.’
    â€˜You know I want to marry you, Nick …’
    â€˜I know, do I? But …?’ His voice was cool. ‘Your doubts and reservations I can hear in your voice, Bridie.’ He watched her chewing worriedly at her lower lip and he longed to seize her and kiss away all her doubts and fears. Bridie couldn’t bring herself to tell him she hated the thought of leaving Lochandee and her beloved animals. Nick had already guessed and it angered him. He wanted to be the centre of her universe. He wanted them to work together as her parents had done.
    Recently he and Conan had installed a petrol pump and sales were good. They often needed an extra pair of hands to attend to customers when he and Conan were busy, or called out to a breakdown. Then there were accounts to send out and bills to pay, and neither of them liked the paperwork. Conan did not like the repairs to farm machinery either, yet he had to admit they were making a useful contribution to their profit and Nick refused to turn away trade. They had bought a reconditioned army lorry and he made deliveries of feed, lime, fencing posts, logs, and anything else which came their way. He enjoyed exploring the local countryside and getting to know the farms.
    Conan still hankered after buses and he, or Harry Mason, now spent most weekends ferrying small parties of people to the shore in the summer or to dances, concerts, and occasionally to the theatre in the winter.
    Even Jordon Niven was surprised at how quickly and smoothly the dealings over Nether Rullion had gone through. The resale of the Mansion House followed on without a hitch, and both he and Fiona breathed a sigh of relief when only the delivery of the deeds remained.
    Ross Maxwell had trusted them to make the best deal possible on his behalf, but he was surprised and delighted with the final settlement. He found himself £750 better off than he had expected, and the new owners of RullionMansion seemed highly satisfied with their acquisition. They had even asked his advice on the management of the parkland for their ponies.
    *      *      *
    It was the beginning of March when Mr Matthew Murray arrived to advise Fiona on the disposal of her parents’ furniture. Conan had arranged for him to stay the night at Glens of Lochandee and Rachel liked him at once. He was slightly built and his face was kind and sensitive.
    â€˜I think he’s a very genuine person,’ she whispered to Ross as they lay side by side in the darkness. ‘I feel so sorry for him losing both of his sons during the war. He says his wife scarcely leaves the house now, but he feels her sister encourages her to stay in, instead of getting out and meeting people.’
    â€˜Aye,’ Ross agreed softly, drawing her closer. ‘We’ve a lot to be thankful for. Is Bridie taking Mr Murray down to Fiona’s tomorrow?’
    â€˜Yes, so I’ve asked him if he would like to stay an extra night, now that he is here. He has agreed, so either Conan or Nick will show him around the district after he has finished at Fiona’s, then they are all coming back here for supper. He thanked me so nicely for making Mark