Read Online When the Heather Blooms by Gwen Kirkwood - Free Book Online

and hair, the same stubborn jaw and high cheek bones. They were both tall and slim. It was Mimi who remarked, ‘they look like brothers.’
    â€˜They do, indeed,’ Willie said, holding out his work-roughened hand and clasping Peter’s in a firm grip. ‘Welcome to Darlonachie, laddie. I hear you want to know all about farming and the countryside. You’re welcome to come over to High Bowie if you feel like it. Lachlan and Mimi will show you where we live.’
    â€˜Thank you. Uncle Andrew says you have lambs. I’d like to see them,’ Peter said, overwhelmed by the warmth which radiated from the little group. It was all so different to his family. Even when his mother was alive there hadn’t been much laughter or teasing, and things were even more constrained now.
    â€˜I don’t know about you lot but I’m ready for my tea, and I’m sure Peter must be too,’ Victoria declared. ‘Come inside, all of you. Mimi be an angel and help me set the table, will you?’
    â€˜Oh goody. Have you got any strawberry jam left, Aunt Victoria?’ she turned to Peter, her blue eyes sparkling. ‘It’s the best strawberry jam in the whole world.’ Then her small face became serious. ‘Our Grandpa has died though. There won’t be anybody to grow the strawberries this year.’ Over her head Willie, Andrew, and Victoria looked at each other. None of them had considered how much Joe Pringle’s gardening skills were going to be missed, but Mimi was right.
    â€˜We shall have to look after Grandfather’s garden ourselves,’ Fraser said. ‘Do you like gardening, Peter? You can come down to Gran’s cottage and help me if you like. Grandpa often showed me what to do. He said Dad and Uncle Willie could only grow potatoes.’ He grinned at them. ‘He said I’d have to tend his garden or there’d be no vegetables. He was always passing on his secrets.’
    â€˜Mmm, it’s strange that, Fraser,’ Andrew nodded at his elder son. ‘I’d forgotten what a lot of time you spent following my father around when you were younger. You’ve always liked growing things more than looking after the cows. You must take after him. Libby was the one who knew all the animals by name. I thought she’d find it too tough but she enjoyed working with the cattle. I don’t know why she doesn’t give up that job of hers and help Billy.’  
    â€˜Now Dad,’ Fraser warned. ‘You said Doctor Sterling wanted to run Peter’s life, but you’re as bad.’
    â€˜I am not.’ Andrew frowned. He looked at Victoria. ‘Am I?’
    â€˜I suppose it is the same sort of thing, dear,’ Victoria said. ‘I wonder why we always think we know what’s best for the next generation.’
    â€˜Well I can give you two reasons why Libby is sticking in at her job at the creamery,’ Willie said bluntly, ‘and if she was my lassie I’d be proud of her.’
    â€˜And what are they, Willie, these reasons?’ Andrew asked with a faint note of irritation. All the young folk seemed to confide in Willie, or maybe he paid more attention.
    â€˜Well for one thing Victoria wanted her to have a career. She thought being a teacher was the best thing she could do for herself.’
    â€˜I’m afraid I did,’ Victoria admitted, glancing at Peter.
    â€˜Aye, well she’s proving she’s got herself a responsible job, and she could have made a career if she needed one. The other thing is she promised that crotchety manager she would stay until the new laboratory was up and running efficiently, and until she’s trained someone to take her place. You’d know that if you listened instead of lecturing, big brother.’ Willie’s grin took the sting out of his words. ‘Libby’s not the kind to let anybody down if she can help it. Maybe she and Billy should have waited