Page 83 of Death on a Scottish Train

“As in off with the betrayer’s head,” I said.

“Things were a bit more brutal back then, but yes. I’m afraid that’s true. My family could be quite barbaric when necessary. It isn’t always such a pleasant thing to discover just how far they were willing to go.”

“I’m slightly envious of your family’s history. Especially, since I know so little about my own.”

“I thought you were digging into that?”

I shrugged. “I have been. The records are spotty though. I found a great uncle, as you know. The one who used to be a minister in Sea Isle. There was also information about his father, but not much. I can’t find anything that shows how they ended up in Sea Isle. But I was told many of the older records may be spread out over Scotland and that they are just now building a centralized genealogy system. I’m hoping to learn more this winter when things slow down a bit.”

“You may be right about the records, though I think it also depends on the clan from which the family came when it comes to information. Some of them kept better records than others.”

“Ah. That makes sense. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t checked any of the other archives, but I will. Visiting those is on my bucket list of places to go in my new country.”

He smiled. A valet opened the door for me and helped me out of the SUV.

“Our bags are in the back,” Ewan said. “Can you take them to my mother’s suite of rooms?”

“Yes, sir,” the valet said.

“Thank you,” Ewan said.

There were several stone steps leading up to the mansion, which were tricky in a long dress and heels. Ewan offered his arm, and I gratefully took it. Lifting the front of my dress with my other hand, we went up the stairs.

While Ewan’s family had several homes, and even a few castles, they had opened up most of the refurbished ones to use for events such as this and weddings. Others were also open to tourists. It made good financial sense for the upkeep and gave the public a chance to see the gorgeous architecture and interiors.

At the double front doors, we were checked off a list. Inside, the stone-arched ceilings were massive and stole my breath.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” I whispered.

Ewan glanced up as if he’d forgotten what was up there. “Again, a bit of architecture from our French ancestors, who preferred things a bit more ornate and much larger. Originally, the structure had the entrance in a different place. Most of the stonework is also new; well, it was done within the last three-hundred years.”

I laughed. “Only in Scotland could three-hundred years be new.”

He grinned. “Aye. Being you are American, I can see how that would be different.”

“It’s beautiful, though.” We followed several other well-dressed couples to another set of tall double doors made out of ornately carved wood.

Waiters with glasses of champagne stood on each side. Just inside the door was a receiving line. An elegant woman in a long-sleeved chiffon dress, held out her arms.

“There’s my boy,” she said. Her grayish hair, with a white streak in the front, was pulled into a chignon. She radiated both power and class. And she was gorgeous in her long flowing gown.

She pulled Ewan tight to her in a mother-bear hug. There was no mistaking who she was.

And I already liked her.

“Hi, Mum. Everything looks nice. You did a good job.”

She put his face between her palms. “Are you eating? Make sure you eat tonight. You’re looking too thin to me.”

I grinned but said nothing. Ewan was extraordinarily fit and took very good care of himself. But then, I wasn’t his mother.

“Mum, Da, may I introduce you to Dr. Emilia McRoy,” he turned to me. I held out a hand to shake, but his mother pulled me in for a hug.

“We’ve heard so much about you, Emilia,” she said as she squeezed me tight. “Our Ewan cannae stop talking about you every time we see him. He tells us how much you’ve done for his wee town.”

I glanced up to see Ewan’s cheeks turning a light pink.

He cleared his throat. “She has done extraordinary work for the community,” he said. “We are lucky to have her in Sea Isle.” He sounded so formal and was obviously embarrassed.