Megan was pleasantly surprised to find all her relatives dressed in traditional style. Each wore a woolen kilt in clan colors, still an integral part of the Scottish national costume. The men's skirts with large pleats at the back; a tartan plaid thrown over the left shoulder, secured with a brooch. A white shirt, handkerchief tie, black waistcoat, and black jacket all perfectly fit the members of the McKenzie family. High woolen socks up to the knees, and over the belt hung a sporran a leather pouch on a chain that fastened around the waist. It featured three small, rabbit tail-like attachments.
Carefully observing all this magnificence, the girl thought that the male members of the McKenzie family were very distinguished by their tall stature and good physiques. Aloud, she remarked, Ive seen many Scots in national dress in England, including Grandfather, but never paid attention to the details. It's truly very beautiful and extraordinarily elegant, especially when men know how to handle all the accompanying accessories, which, I think, many people these days neglect. All three of you look gorgeous like Scottish national fashion models.
You are absolutely correct. A properly assembled costume is our history, which started here in these mountains, and we are proud of our traditions. In the big towns, few people nowadays wear kilts; they mostly prefer trousers. But the northern Scots will never abandon their customs.
Having delivered his speech on national attire, Alaric took his place at the head of the table. His grandsons, Duncan and Warren, sat beside him. Megan noted how much Alaric and her grandfather resembled each other. A robust, gray-haired man, shorter than his grandsons, with a serious expression on his face. The eyes, nose, authoritative chin, were all so reminiscent of Malcolm It felt as if they were of the same age. This resemblance poignantly touched her soul. The whole family was here, but he was not
She couldn't remember who was actually older, Alaric or Malcolm. Presumably, it was Grandfather since he had inherited Castle Mal, the ancestral home of the clan.
Mr. Douglas, you may begin, Warren said.
All the members of the McKenzie family are gathered here today for the reading of the will of the late Malcolm McKenzie, Mr. Douglas began. Allow me to state his will: I hereby bequeath Castle Mal and the Mal Scotch Production whisky distillery, as well as all the funds remaining in my bank accounts, to my only granddaughter, Megan McKenzie. Miss McKenzie, there is one more amendment you should be aware of. In the event of your death, if there are no legitimate children-heirs, your mother cannot inherit what your grandfather left you. The entire estate will pass to Alaric and his grandsons, as was the deceased's wish, concluded Mr. Douglas.
Following these words, Megan was frantically thinking. It must be one of them trying to kill me, now it all makes sense. If I'm gone, they are the lawful heirs. This means another attempt on my life is imminent. Oh, what a nightmare! What should I do? There's no point in offering the family to buy the estate now. Why would they spend the money if they can get it all for free?
After several seconds of complete silence, Alaric asked her a question, Megan, how are you going to manage the distillery and the castle? Are you going to stay in Scotland, or would you like to manage things from London?
This is precisely why I came here to see the distillery first-hand and get acquainted with its management specifics. Based on this, I will make my decision. Perhaps you have some thoughts on this matter?
We can offer our assistance if you find it challenging. I believe Warren wouldn't mind looking after the castle, and along with Gregor, managing the production. Duncan is involved with our other factory with its woolen products. Warren is more available time-wise. As for the terms of your cooperation, I believe you are capable of negotiating them if you're interested in such an arrangement.
Thank you, Alaric. I will certainly consider your offer, trying to speak very calmly and without unnecessary emotions, Megan continued, but theres something Id like to discuss. Last night, near the castle, I was attacked by a man with a knife. He tried to kill me. I don't want to accuse anyone of what happened, but just in case, I'm informing you that due to the inheritance order that has been revealed to me, I will definitely, right after the meeting, call my lawyer in London and ask him to prepare a document. If something happens to me, a thorough investigation will be conducted based on the information about a possible direct interest in inheritance matters.
The meeting room fell into complete silence, surprised looks turned into offended ones. Duncan was the first to recover and find a voice to speak.
Megan, what are you saying! You just arrived here, youre meeting us for the first time, youve got no idea what kind of people we are, and you start threatening us? I cant speak for my grandfather and brother, but personally, Im offended to the core, his cheerfulness and friendliness were abruptly replaced by a kind of aggression. His cousin's statement seriously angered him.
I had no intention of offending or insulting anyone here. But since an attempt was made on my life yesterday, I think its quite reasonable that I bring this up since I obviously have good reason to fear.
I'm terribly sorry that this happened to you, but it's hard to imagine. Could it have been some drunkard attacking you with the intention of robbery? It might just be a coincidence, said Alaric in bewilderment.
This man was following me and attacked me with a knife, but Megan hesitated for a moment, reluctant to mention the raven, knowing it would sound ridiculous, but I swiftly dodged him. He slipped on some rocks near the riverbank and fell. That saved me, and I managed to escape.
Everyone in the assembly hall exchanged puzzled looks. Who could it be? Why and for what reason? No one had answers to these questions, and it seemed unlikely that the girl had made up this story.
The awkward silence was broken by Gregor, Miss McKenzie, Ive prepared all the accounting reports for you; theyre in this folder. You can review them whenever you deem necessary. I am ready to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Gregor. Ill start on them today, she replied.
Since Megan does not yet have any ideas regarding the future of Castle Mal and the distillery, we should schedule another meeting in the near future. What do you say, Megan? How much time do you need? A week, two? asked Alaric.
I think we should discuss everything in about ten days. I need to study the documents carefully and make an informed decision, she answered.
Despite the unfortunate situation we find ourselves in today, on behalf of our family, I still invite you to join us for dinner this Friday at Castle Raven. I believe we all need to get to know each other better. We are still one family, after all. Maybe you will stop fearing and suspecting us, said Alaric more warmly, but still a bit stiffly.
Well be glad to have you as our guest, added Duncan, now composed, with a restrained, polite smile.
Thank you, I will come. Is it far from here?
A ten-minute walk up the hill behind Castle Mal. Glenn and I will escort you, Warren replied.
I would greatly appreciate that. Alaric, Duncan, it was nice meeting you. I'll go study the materials now, saying this, the girl quickly left.
What a foolish situation. They offered help, seemed friendly, and here I am with accusations, threats Such absurdity. But on the other hand, they could be pretending. It might be a cunningly planned game. Time will tell. I shouldn't torment myself with guilt over what I said there. At least, now everyone knows about the attempt on my life. She thought while walking through the castle's corridor.
Megan really wanted to visit the family crypt where her grandfather now rested. Before the meeting started, she had planned to ask her relatives to accompany her there since she was afraid to go alone. But given how things turned, she felt it was improper to ask any of them now. Before delving into the documents, she decided to take a short walk, familiarize herself with the surroundings, and organize her thoughts. The weather was splendid, with the temperature reaching twenty degrees Celsius, quite warm for the north of Scotland.
Walking toward the shore, she relished the warm summer sun caressing her face. Just to be safe, she looked around carefully to make sure no one was following her. There was nobody in sight. It took her about ten or fifteen minutes to reach the beach through the green-pink meadows.
Gazing at the horizon and admiring the sea, she didn't immediately understand what had startled her so abruptly. Megan looked around again nobody was there. Then she realized it was a bird. A large black raven had flown over her head two or three times with a cry. She feared it was the same one from her nightmare, worried it might attack her face as it had done with the assailant. But the bird flew off towards a cliff. Perching on an outcrop, it continued to watch the girl unblinkingly. She too could not take her eyes off it for several minutes, then shifted her gaze back to the water. Megan didn't know how long she had spent walking along the beach in contemplation. An hour, two? The raven remained on the same spot, watching her intently. Soon, she stopped paying it any attention and headed back to the castle.
So much heather around, covering all the hills, fields, mountains, just as grandfather described. Now I understand those who say the most picturesque part of Scotland is the north. Could it be that my mother never wished to come back here again? To once more enjoy the beauty so generously bestowed upon this land by nature.
Megan's contemplations were abruptly interrupted by a voice, In the North of Scotland, heather is considered a flower of happiness and good luck.
Startled, the girl almost jumped on the spot, fearfully placing her hand over her mouth to suppress a slight scream. She had been so absorbed in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed the old lady who had stopped beside her, holding a straw basket filled with heather. She held out one of the flowering sprigs to Megan.
Oh God, you scared me, said Megan.
The woman appeared to be about 85 years old. Short in stature, slightly stooped as if weighed down by the years she had lived, her snow-white hair was neatly tied back. Wrinkles furrowed her forehead, around her eyes, and lips, betraying her advanced age, while her bluish-grey eyes radiated wisdom and kindness.
Take a flower, my dear; it brings luck. Who knows, maybe you will find the happiness left behind in the distant past
Thank you, the girl replied, accepting the flower.
She didn't understand what kind of lost happiness the woman was talking about. Maybe it was about her mother leaving the family home while pregnant. Or perhaps the old lady had just lost her mind
Whats your name?
Innes Wallace, and youre Megan McKenzie, the late Malcolms granddaughter. Its good that youve come back. The time has come. He has been waiting for you for so long, it's time, it's time, he has waited May the pink heather stand in your room every day. You will see how you will regain your lost happiness. Youll see; youll see. Love overcomes all, even centuries cannot diminish its power
With these words, Innes moved further away. Meanwhile, she continued to mutter to herself, seemingly forgetting about the existence of the girl watching her in astonishment.
What was that? Megan whispered quietly.
Concluding that the woman was out of her mind and didn't understand what she was talking about, Megan decided to take the flower to her bedroom. Let it stay, maybe it really will bring good luck. I need it now more than ever!
The rest of the day, the girl spent exploring the castle from the inside, and only in the evening did she start reviewing the reports given by Gregor. Tomorrow, she intended to visit the distillery and acquaint herself with the production processes.
Preparing for bed, Megan heard again the heart-wrenching sounds of the bagpipes. It was 10.45 p.m. on the mantel clock. Pain and sweetness filled her soul at the same time. The melody was enticing, mesmerizing, but the girl was afraid to leave her room. If it was a trap, she could be attacked again She opened the window and saw the mysterious stranger. The moonlight illuminated him well. He stood on the same hill as the night before. The man raised his head so he could look at her, without stopping the musical instrument. Megans breath was taken away, and a thought flashed through her mind, Its him. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her hands and legs trembled so much that she was afraid to fall. Not understanding what was happening to her, the girl whispered, "Who is he?" An inner voice answered, "It's him." But who «he» was remained unclear.
Emotions swept over her one after another: sadness, pain, love, despair, joy. Megan couldnt make out the strangers features, but she knew for sure that his face was the most beautiful in the world, that the scent of his skin, his body, was the most desirable to her in the world. The highlander kept playing the bagpipes without taking his eyes off the girl. It seemed to Megan that he saw right through her, reading her thoughts and feelings. With an incredible effort of will, she forced herself to close the window, shivering as if from cold, although the room was warm.
My God! What's happening to me? What kind of obsession is this?
Without turning back to the view of the hills, the girl went to bed, but for a long time she could still hear the sad melody of the Scottish bagpipes, and she was unable to calm the feverish excitement that flooded her soul.
When Megan looked at the clock for the last time, it was already four in the morning. Falling into a restless sleep, she saw the highlander next to her bedside, whispering to her, Ive been waiting for you, Megan. He kissed her tenderly and then disappeared, jumping outside, into the darkness.
She woke up late, a bit after 10 a.m. There was a fresh scent in the room the smell of grass and nature.
Nature! Grass! Megan jumped up in bed, realizing that the window, through which the stranger disappeared in her dream, was wide open. The girl tried to recall closing it the night before but couldnt; shed been too excited.
I simply forgot to close it yesterday, she convinced herself to calm down. It's just a coincidence. My nerves are frayed from stress. My God, whats been happening to me these past few days? Complete madness!
5. Scotch Whisky
When Megan descended the staircase, she saw that Warren and Gregor were already waiting for her in the hall.
Good morning, greeted the girl.
Good morning, the men said in unison.
Have you had breakfast yet? her cousin inquired.
No, I was just about to have a cup of coffee now. I didn't think you'd be ready before the appointed time.
Its all right, Megan, no need to rush. Weve got plenty of time.
She quickly went to the kitchen. In two minutes, she managed to drink coffee and eat a small piece of shortbread. Megan didnt like being late and felt uncomfortable if she kept someone waiting. Punctuality and perfectionism were in her blood. Brushing the biscuit crumbs off her fingers, she hurried back to the hall.
After leaving the castle, they got into Warrens car and Megan asked how far it was to the distillery.