Page 13 of A Summer House on Arran (Scottish Romances #3)

The truth was Kitty didn’t want to be in this predicament at all.

She wanted to be alone and have this time out from her usual everyday life.

Tears of frustration pooled in her eyes as she walked past her parked car.

She hesitated and wondered if she should just get in it and drive somewhere.

She gave herself a shake. There was no point in doing that.

It was better to just keep moving, so she followed the road down the hill.

Reaching for a fresh tissue, she dabbed her face.

Hopefully a walk would help her think and formulate a plan.

Should she call Fergus and tell him what had happened?

Though the last thing she wanted was to cause him hassle and stress, especially when he’d been trying to do her a favour by arranging this house-sit.

He would be embarrassed and insist she go and stay in his flat, which may be okay for a couple of nights but wasn’t really ideal or the reason she’d come here.

As she walked towards the centre of the village she started to feel a bit calmer, especially when she saw the blue water in the bay stretching out ahead of her.

The early afternoon sunshine felt pleasant on her face, and she began thinking about options and what her plan B might be.

It wasn’t the end of the world. If the house was taken, then that was how it was, and at least the offer of the cottage had made her come out of her comfort zone and actually make the journey over to Arran.

She could spend a couple of days with Fergus and hopefully meet his new girlfriend, Amelia.

She’d have had a change of scene and then she could go home to Rosemarkie and enjoy the summer there. There was plenty to keep her busy.

As she passed the community centre, she smiled at the elderly gentleman who stood outside the door looking at the board, which had a poster advertising a new art class for beginners.

‘I’m just wondering whether this might be fun,’ he said as she passed.

‘I’m sure it will be,’ she said wistfully. She had always wanted to draw, and would definitely have signed up to it if she could. This was supposed to be about new adventures.

‘My girls are always telling me to try new things,’ he said, scratching his chin. ‘Maybe I’ll see you there?’

She smiled. ‘Perhaps you will. I’m Kitty.’

The man smiled at her. ‘Pleasure to meet you, Kitty. I’m Alex. Hope to see you at the class.’

Feeling more relaxed, she walked on and pulled out her phone to call Fergus.

‘Hey you,’ he said on answering. ‘I was just about to call you and find out if you’d found the cottage and settled in okay.’

‘Well . . . there has been a bit of an unexpected problem,’ she started.

‘What’s happened?’

‘The cottage is already taken.’

‘I don’t understand,’ he said.

‘When I arrived there was someone already there.’

‘Eh? That makes no sense.’

‘It’s fine,’ she said hurriedly. ‘I think there’s been a bit of a mix-up or miscommunication. And don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. I wondered if I could maybe just stay with you for a couple of nights and then I’ll head home.’

‘Oh, Kitty. What a nightmare. I’m so sorry. Let me make some calls and find out what’s going on. I’m sure we can sort something out.’

‘Thanks, Fergus. Look, do you mind if I just pop over now? It’s kind of awkward and I’m down in the village to get out the way.’

He groaned. ‘I’d love it if you could but I’m not at the flat. There’s an issue with the plumbing and all the water has been switched off, so Amelia and I are staying in Coorie Cabin.’

Great , thought Kitty, rolling her eyes in exasperation. She attempted to sound light-hearted. ‘Well, it would look like my summer retreat to Arran might be over before it’s even got started. Unless you have a spare tent?’

‘Don’t do anything hasty. Let me make some calls and get back to you. Where are you just now?’

‘Out and about walking and exploring. I had to get away from the cottage as it was all getting a bit intense.’

‘I’m so sorry,’ said Fergus. ‘It doesn’t sound ideal at all. Did you let yourself in and find someone cooking naked in the kitchen or something like that?’

‘Oh, Fergus, trust you to lower the tone. It wasn’t quite like that. There was a woman in the kitchen, but it could have turned violent as she had a rolling pin.’

‘A rolling pin?’ said Fergus, amused. ‘Sounds like it could have turned into a potential bloodbath, then?’

‘Either that or a flour show.’

He chuckled. ‘Oh dear, I see your jokes are as dire as ever.’

‘Cameron would have laughed at that,’ she said indignantly. ‘He thinks all my jokes are funny. And anyway, you did laugh.’

‘Mmm,’ said Fergus. ‘I was being polite.’

She sighed. ‘It’s better to laugh than cry, isn’t it?’

‘Exactly. Look, I’ll call you back as soon as I have some more info.’

Feeling slightly reassured, she thanked him, then started making the walk back up the hill towards Lilybank Cottage.