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She leaves, and I let out a long, exasperated sigh. I really need to move out.

Maw raps the brass knocker of Johnny’s cottage. She’s carrying a box of shortbread and a bottle of red wine. I’ve pulled on a light-blue shirt and jeans.

It’s David who answers the door. “Elspeth! It’s so nice to see you. And Aidan!” He hugs us both then ushers us inside.

From the sofa, Johnny raises a hand in greeting. There’s no sign of Grace, but there is a woman who just has to be her maw. She gets up from her armchair and offers a small but friendly smile.

“This is my mum, Viola,” David says. “And Mum, this is Elspeth Stewart and her son, Aidan. If I remember right, Aidan shared quite a few dances with Grace at the engagement party.”

He shoots me an amused grin. As Grace’s twin, I’m sure he knows exactly what Grace and I got up to that night.

Viola comes over and gives Maw and then me a firm, business-like handshake. “Very pleased to meet you both.”

“It’s just wonderful that David’s moving up here,” Maw gushes. “He’s such a lovely young man. But you’ll miss having him nearby, Viola. When Aidan went travelling around the world, I missed him dearly.” She squeezes my arm.

“Oh, I will miss him, but it’s reassuring that he’s moving to a place where the people are all so friendly and welcoming.”

Maw’s face lights up, pleased as punch by this compliment.

Viola turns to me. “Grace is up too, but she’s staying at the Bannock Hotel to catch up with Emily. You may like to pop in and say hello, Aidan?”

“Oh, don’t worry, I saw her last night. I was the one who drove her to the hospital.”

Viola’s brows knit together, creasing her forehead. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure I follow. What do you mean you drove her to the hospital?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

GRACE

“That was quite the adventure you had yesterday,” Emily says with a conspiratorial smile. “I still can’t believe it was Aidan who rescued you.”

We’re in the Bannock Hotel’s cute little restaurant, which is just big enough for nine tables. The walls are adorned with paintings of rolling green hills and misty lochs, and the carpet is, of course, tartan. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the aroma of hot breakfast dishes being prepared in the kitchen. Silverware occasionally clinks against plates, the sound resonating over the gentle murmur of other guests’ conversations.

“Oh, don’t!” I say. “It was mortifying, him carrying me like that.”

“Well, I’m just glad he found you. You need to be more careful, okay?” Emily reaches across the crisp white tablecloth and takes my hand.

She looks different now from how she did when she lived in London, her outward appearance mirroring the internal transformation she’s gone through. In the past, her brunette hair would always be straightened, and she was never seen without flawless make-up and a designer outfit. In contrast, nowadays she embraces her natural curls together with a more fresh-faced approach, complemented by relaxed and comfortable clothing. Ironically, despite no longer caring so much about how she’s perceived by others, she looks more incredible than ever. I don’t know what her secret is—maybe it’s just her happiness shining through.

Normally, Emily would be waiting on the hotel’s guests, showing them to their seats and talking them through the breakfast offering, but today Ally has stepped back into his former role so she can catch up with me.

“How’s your ankle?” she asks.

“It’s still pretty tender, but I had some paracetamol when I got up. It’ll be fine—I’ll just take things easy for a while. I’m exhausted, though, so sorry if my chat isn’t the best. I didn’t sleep very well.”

“Oh no! Grace, I work here now: I want all our guests to wake up feeling refreshed. Was it your ankle that bothered you? Or was it something else?”

I assure her it was my ankle, but it wasn’t. It was the other thing the doctor and I discussed at the hospital that played on my mind all night, keeping sleep from coming.

Jamie comes over to our table, a cheeky grin already playing at his lips. “Morning, ladies! So, how does this work, Emily? Tomorrow, do I get to sit while you take my order?”

She offers a saccharine-sweet fake smile. “I suppose—if you can find someone to cover for you, just as I found Ally.”

He drums his fingers on his leg. “Hmm . . . that’s a pain. Obviously, I need to get myself a girlfriend. Talking of romance”—he turns his attention to me—“how did yesterday with Aidan compare to the night of the engagement party?”

I roll my eyes. I’ve little patience for Jamie’s humour in general, but today? Today he’s treading on dangerous ground.

“Your silence says it all!” Jamie winks at me. “Anyway, what can I get you two to drink?”