Choices & Changes

I don't own or claim ownership of Monarch of the Glen or any of it's characters, plotlines, etc., nor am I making money off of them.

They are the wonderful creation and property of BBC Scotland and Ecosse Films.

Please let me know what you think, and/or any errors you've identified. I love reading reviews and use them to better my writing=)

Part 1

Chapter 1

"I don't know if this is a good idea," Lexie said, biting her lip as the vehicle bounced along the gravel road.

"Well, it's too late to turn back now," Archie said bemusedly.

Lexie opened her mouth to protest, but Archie beat her to it.

"Just wait until you see the place at least. Hmm?"

She sighed heavily, then nodded. For some reason, when Archie looked at her that way, there was no gainsaying him.

It was the oddest thing. With her good looks and her inherited flirtation skills, Lexie normally had little problem getting her way with men. But something about the man next to her was different, special. She was under some sort of spell; if he'd asked her to run clear to Inverness and back barefoot, she just might have done it, if it meant that she went up just a bit in his opinion of her.

She turned to Archie, her eyes penitent.

"I'm sorry, it's just, I'm nerv-"

The range rover had turned a corner, exposing a stunning view.

There through the trees could be seen a grey castle, many-turreted, with a wide lawn, and glistening lake behind it. In the distance the outlines of mountains could be seen.

"How do you like it?"

"Oh Arch, I don't know what to say!"
"Yeah, I know. It could use some patching up. A bit soggy too. Lots of midges after a rain or in the evening."

"No, no, it's wonderful! It's like a fairy tale come true!"

Archie looked at Lexie, and then back at the castle.

A smile appeared on his face.

"Just wait until you see the inside."

A light came on in Lexie's eyes.

"Are there like lots of antlers and tapestries and centuries-old maces lying about?

"Oh yes, plenty of those."

"And its all fine with the family and everything, this visit?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?"

Lexie bit her lip again. She could think of more than one reason.

"See, they're even coming out to welcome us."

Sure enough, as the land rover pulled to a sliding halt in front of the enormous house, a small group of people hustled out the front door to meet them.

At the forefront was a smiling young man with golden hair, skinny but good-looking, dressed to the hilt in kilt and associated gear.

As Archie helped Lexie out of the vehicle, the young man walked over to greet them. A smile burst on Archie's face, and the two embraced.

"Lexie," Archie said, pointing to the young man.

"I'd like you to meet my brother Jamie, future Chief of the MacDonalds and Laird of Glenbogle."

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think!