Page 54 of The Scottish Island Wedding

‘You’re right. But unfortunately, the attitude towards women’s health in the general medical community has been, for a long time, that women complain about things that aren’t real, and that we shouldn’t listen to them.’ Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

‘That’s terrible!’ Heather was genuinely appalled. ‘I mean, I guess I sort of knew that – we’ve been lucky to have always had a good family doctor. But there are definitely times all women get told, “This is women’s problems, you just have to sort of deal with it.”’

‘I definitely thought that. My mother told me that I should just get on with things when I had my first postnatal depression,’ Catriona remarked. ‘It wasn’t until much later that I realised what was going on. And it’s taken me until recently to see a therapist.’

‘I went to the doctor about fibroids. It took four appointments to get someone to listen to me.’ Primrose raised an eyebrow. ‘I totally believe this is true, about the research.’

‘Indeed. I won’t be happy until women are taken seriously in the GP’s office, in hospitals, and diagnosed properly. And that means upskilling all medical practitioners, educating them better, in some cases, and stopping damaging narratives like women can endure more pain. Women typically get prescribed less pain relief than men. In 2020, only five per cent of global research and development funding was dedicated to women’s health, and four per cent of that was for women’s cancers. Women’s cancer is important, of course. But almost no money was being channelled into other gynaecological research. And all the time, women are suffering.’ Elizabeth picked up her spoon and tasted the soup.

‘So, you fundraise?’ Heather asked.

‘Yes. I present to various wealthy individuals, groups, concerns. We raised over a hundred million last year. And we also work with universities to sponsor targeted research. We’re running a programme with Edinburgh University at the moment, and some others.’

‘Wow. That’s amazing, Lady Campbell.’ Bluebell stared at Elizabeth in surprise. ‘Why don’t you do more press about that?’

‘I thought it would be better to focus on making social connections and then using them for fundraising. Most of the foundation’s work is done in its specific area, which is research,’ Elizabeth replied. ‘But I have been thinking recently that more public information about these conditions would be a good area to get into.’

‘I think you should,’ Bluebell said. ‘Women need to be better informed about what happens in their own bodies. The information just isn’t always there, never mind the treatment.’

‘I’m sure you’re right, my dear.’ Elizabeth nodded politely. ‘Perhaps you could help me think about that some time. Since we’re about to be related.’

‘Oh. I would love that!’ Bluebell said. ‘I’m about to start at uni. That would be great experience for me.’

‘Then it’s settled. Let’s have a talk after the wedding.’ Elizabeth smiled at Bluebell, and Heather was amazed to see real warmth there. Was Elizabeth Campbell’s icy exterior beginning to melt?

‘Now. The main course is a vegan curry, which should suit everyone’s diets. There are no escargots or oysters, although, if you girls would like, I can order some and teach you how to eat both in a ladylike and socially acceptable fashion.’ Elizabeth raised a playful eyebrow.

There was a silence, and then everyone started to laugh.

‘Game, set and match, Lady Campbell,’ Sorrel chuckled, tearing a roll apart and dipping it in her soup. ‘I for one would be delighted to have an oyster masterclass with you.’

‘Fine, then. Let’s practise our speeches when we’ve finished the soup, or we’ll never get to bed.’ Elizabeth’s lips twitched with the suggestion of a smile.

Heather side-eyed Matty. Somehow, Elizabeth Campbell had turned the rehearsal dinner around. Heather felt a warm glow in her heart for her future mother-in-law.

‘See. I told you. She can be great,’ Matty murmured, leaning against her.

TWENTY-FOUR

FRIDAY 24 DECEMBER

‘Feel like a walk?’ Matty found Heather in the lounge the next afternoon, adding sugared almonds into little tartan boxes.

She was sitting with Primrose and Sorrel, who had formed a mini production line around a cherry wood coffee table. On the table was a stack of the cardboard boxes – half of them in the Campbell tartan and half in the Balhennie – a large bag of white sugared almonds, and a bag of ribbon. Sorrel and Heather were filling the boxes of favours, that would sit on the tables when the guests sat down for dinner. Primrose, her tongue between her teeth in concentration, was tying bows around each box.

They’d been there for about an hour already, with a tray of tea and biscuits, in front of a roaring log fire. Aunt Joan might have complained about the castle being draughty, but at that moment, Heather was cosy and very content.

‘Oh, hello, darling. Maybe later? I’ve got to finish the guest favours…’ Heather said.

The rehearsal dinner had turned out to be better than she’d expected: she hadn’t been looking forward to it. She was especially glad to have learned about Elizabeth’s foundation, though she still wished Matty had told her. How difficult would it have been to lead with something like, Heather, you’re going to love my mum; she runs a whole foundation focused on fundraising for women’s health research.

However, the situation between Blossom and Tom seemed to be getting worse. Everyone had noticed their bickering the night before, and it had only got worse the more Tom had drunk. Catriona had ended up staying at the castle instead of going home, and spent the night in Blossom’s room with her; Tom had slept on a sofa in the lounge.

That morning, Heather had spoken to her mother over breakfast about it.

‘He’s being an arse. I don’t know how else to put it.’ Catriona had sighed, rubbing her eyes. ‘I’ve told Bloss that she’s welcome to stay with us for as long as she likes if she needs a bit of space. They need couples’ counselling at the very least,’ her mother added. ‘But listen. This isn’t your problem to solve right now. I’ve got this.’

Still, it had been playing on Heather’s mind. She wanted to help her sister, but she didn’t know how.