Page 91 of Death on a Scottish Train
“Aye, it was. And he left it a mess. He’d been ignoring things for years, which was one of the many arguments we had back then.”
“Have you always been so responsible? You have taken on the running of Sea Isle, and even the job of ACC. It seems to me, you could have at least passed those duties on?”
He stopped in the hallway, and I paused with him.
“What did I say? Did I offend you?”
He shook his head. “No one has ever asked me that question. Everyone just assumed I would do whatever was necessary to keep the town running.”
“And you do. I’m not trying to get rid of you, but I’m curious why, when you have estates all over Scotland, you chose Sea Isle as your home base.”
“My grans,” he said. “I’ve told you about my parents, and because they lived separately, I spent a great deal of time with my grandparents. They lived in the estate in Sea Isle, and as a young boy it felt like a magical place. Being right on the sea, and I had the run of the town.
“For me, Sea Isle was home. My grandfather taught me how to run the farm, and care for the animals. And how to fish. My grandmother was a nurse and would often help the former Doc look after the townspeople. I suppose I grew up feeling the same sort of responsibility they did.”
“Everyone in town adores you,” I said. “I don’t know what they would do without you.”
He laughed, and then started walking again. “Everyone who lives there is like family to me,” he said. “And many of the older folk see me as a nephew or grandson. That can be a good and a bad thing.”
I smiled. “I can see that.”
“And aren’t you feeling that pull as well? I’ve seen you interacting with the town. You aren’t just the doctor. You’ve quickly become an important part of the community. For which, we are all grateful.”
“Aw. Thanks for that. I’m amazed how quickly this past year has flown, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I mean, during February when the wind never quit, and I felt like I was a popsicle most days, I may have thought about a warmer climate. But I’ve come to love the town and the people. I like that people genuinely need me. I think there is a part of all of us that appreciates that sort of thing.”
“Aye. As usual, you’re right. Here we are,” he stopped outside what I assumed was my bedroom door.
“Thank you for tonight,” I said. “I had fun. Goodnight, Ewan.” I don’t know why, but I rose up on my toes and kissed his cheek.
His eyes went wide, but he just nodded. Then he quickly turned away. “See you in the morning, Doc,” he said as he walked away.
We’d seemed so close there for a moment in time, but we always fell back into that awkwardness that came between us. That said, I’d had fun. Even with everything that had happened with the accountant and his wife.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d danced so much or relaxed into the arms of a handsome man.
It was a great night. One I would not soon forget.
I shut the door behind me and took in the room where they’d put my things. There was an enormous canopy bed dressed in blue and gold brocade. The wooden furniture was ornate and fancier than anything I’d ever own, but it fit the overly large room that was big enough for a sofa and chairs in front of a fireplace that was taller than me.
It was hard to believe that Ewan came from such opulence. He was so down to earth, but this was his world.
I wasn’t sure I’d ever fit into it.
The next morning, after packing my overnight bag, I headed downstairs. Ewan and his mother were in the dining room right off the stairs.
“Good morning,” she said as I walked into the room. “Did you rest well?”
“I did. How are you?”
She laughed. “I’ll need a day to recover. These old bones need more and more time after these parties.”
“You aren’t alone, my feet may never be the same. I’m glad I brought my sneakers for today. Hi, Ewan.”
He put down his phone, which he’d been looking at, and nodded my way. “Doc.”
“Son, I would hope I’ve taught you better manners than to be on your phone at the table.”
“Catching up on a case,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to be rude.”
