5 All you Need is Love
Archie, Lexie, and Paul were just finishing their breakfasts when Lizzie entered the kitchen.
"The early birds got all the worms, sleepy head," Lexie said. "Do ye want some eggs?"
"I was doing my yoga", Lizzie said. " and I don't eat eggs. Do you have any muesli and soy milk?"
"No, just oatmeal, corn flakes and coo's milk."
"I'll have oatmeal, no milk. Thanks, Lexie."
"Coming right up." Lexie said in the cheerful voice that means she feels a little put upon.
Archie and Paul made their farewells and left for work.
"I thought we had a cook," Lizzie said. That boy wonder?"
"Ewan. He's good isna he. He just does dinners. He's mostly a hoosekeeper."
"Weren't you a full time cook and a housekeeper before you snared Archie."
"Yes, but I didna snare Archie, I charmed him." Lexie said in a slinky voice. "Anyway, I worked impossible hours and got paid nearly twice as much as we're givin' Ewan. It's one of our economy moves."
"Like your wedding on the heath?"
"No, that was actually what we wanted. What I wanted, anyway."
"Good, I'm glad to see you didn't let Archie push you around. I can just imagine the kind of wedding he must have wanted. All black tie and white lace."
"And the MacDonald pipin' band."
"No." Lizzie shook her head.
--------
"I don't know if I'm upstairs or downstairs in this establishment." Paul was saying has he and Jess were walking up Ben Bogle together. She was taking photographs. He was marking the trail for climbers. "I sleep and eat in the big house, but out here I'm just another estate worker."
"Well we're glad to have you as one of us," said Jess.
Paul smiled. "And the family doesn't really accept me. Molly doesn't even pretend to like me. She usually takes her meals elsewhere."
"Yes, Ewan told me he brings her tea and toast in bed in the morning."
"Ah that explains it. Now Lexie and Lizzie, I think like me. But Archie, I don't know. Sometimes he's friendly. Other times I think he sees me as a rival for his job."
"You mean as laird?"
"Yeah."
"Do you have any claim?"
"No. In any case I'm not interested in taking anything from anyone. I just want to be part of the family business. It would be nice to be part of the family, as well."
--------
In the kitchen Lizzie was saying, "That's okay, I can wash up Lexie."
"Okay, but I can dry."
"So, Lexie," Lizzie said a little anxiously. "What are you doing this morning? Is there anything I can help with?"
"I don' think so. I'm goin' over the bank statement. It's a one person job. But I see Molly outside workin' in the garden. Maybe she'd like some company."
"Yeah, maybe she would."
"If ye want to help me in the kitchen at lunch time, meet me back here at noon."
"All right, I will."
--------
Outside Lizzie found Molly weeding the garden. "Need some help?" she asked.
"Always," Molly replied. "I sometimes wonder why we don't grow the weeds and get rid of the flowers," she said.
Lizzie knelt down and started weeding. "I remember when we had two full time men working in the garden. A father and a son."
"Gavin and Mitchell," Molly recounted. "We had to let them go."
"I had a crush on Mitchell when I was 12."
"You had a crush on everybody, as I recall."
"How about you, Mummy? How's your love life these days. Are you dating that Andrew chap?"
"Oh Lizzie, he and I are friends. I think I'm a little old for dating."
"You're never too old."
"I'm still wearing your father's ring."
"Well then," Lizzie said mischievously. "If you're not interested in Andrew, then you wouldn't mind if I checked him out, would you?"
"Lizzie!"
"What?" she asked innocently.
"Isn't he rather old for you? He's your father's age."
"I like mature men."
"Lizzie, don't you dare!"
"Why, Mummy, I do believe you are fond of him...Don't worry. I was just kidding about making a play for him. I like mature men, but not that mature."
--------
Paul was heading towards the kitchen when he saw Molly and Lizzie in the garden.
"Hi Paul," Lizzie said. "Don't take this personally, but I'm leaving to help Lexie with lunch."
"I'll see ya," he said. Then he turned to Molly. "Can we talk?"
"I suppose so," she said. She stood up from her gardening but she kept her distance.
"I'm sorry I make you so uncomfortable that you can't eat in your own dining room."
"I'm sorry too," she said with a sweet smile that looked almost sympathetic.
"Look, is there anything I can do to help? I can't change who my parents were but I'm hoping maybe you can get to know me for who I am."
"Paul. I know it's not your fault that my husband and your mother... had you..."
"But the sight of me turns your stomach."
"Well, I wouldn't put it that way but, close enough. I know it's unfair of me."
"I can understand it, even though I don't like it. I might feel the same way if I were in your place."
"Would you?"
Paul shrugged his shoulders. "I have an offer. There's no point in my coming up here for lunch every day. I can eat with the other workers. You go eat with your family."
"Oh, Paul. You put me to shame."
"I don't mean to do that, Molly. But if I soften you up a little, that's all right."
--------
Archie, Lexie, Molly, and Lizzie were sitting round the long kitchen counter which doubled as a table. Simple sandwiches were on the menu.
"It's nice to have you with us, Mother, but where's Paul, I wonder," asked Archie.
"He's eating with the staff," Molly said.
"Mother did you put him up to this?"
"No, it was all his idea."
"Hmm. I'll talk to him about it. Make sure he knows he's welcome here."
"No, Why don't I talk to him about it, dear. It would have more impact coming from me...Lizzie, is that all you're having? An apple, raw green beans, and a slice of bread? Isn't there any cheese in the house?"
"I'm vegan now. I don't eat eggs, dairy, or honey, as well as meat."
"What's wrong with honey?" Lexie wanted to know.
"It's stolen from bees. Vegans don't want to exploit any living creature."
Molly gave an exasperated look.
Lexie looked at the bread and said, "What about yeast. That's livin', isn't it?"
Molly shot her a dirty look.
Lizzie began to put the bread down and then said, "We only count creatures above the microscopic level."
--------
Golly, Duncan, and Jess were sitting at a picnic table in the visitors area eating their lunch. Paul joined them with his own brown bag.
"This is interesting," Jess said glancing at the Scotsman. "The Scottish Wildlife Trust is appearing at the Highland Agricultural Fair to promote the return of the beaver to Scotland."
"How fascinatin'," Duncan said in his posh voice.
"It is," Jess said. "Farmers and landowners have been blocking the beaver's return for years now. There should be a lively debate at the Fair."
"I can understand their point of view," Golly said. "I wouldna want beavers blockin' up our rivers and eatin' our fish."
"Actually, they don't eat fish, Dad. They're herbivores."
"Humph."
"Archie and I have already talked about the possibility of our adding beavers to the Wildlife Centre. I bet he wouldn't mind if I went to the fair to do some research. How would I get there, though?" Her car had died shortly after her arrival to Glenbogle.
"I can take you," Paul offered.
"That would be great."
"Hey Jess," Duncan said sticking out his front teeth and gnawing a carrot from his lunch in a rapid fire fafafafafafa. "I'm a beaver."
--------
Andrew drove up on his motorcycle and parked in front of the house. He found Molly in the kitchen, finishing lunch.
"Andrew, I wasn't expecting you. Look at me, I'm such a fright."
"I just dropped by to say hello and see how everyone was getting along. I wasn't planning to stay."
"Oh but you must," Molly insisted. "Unless you have something more urgent."
"No, I don't. I was hoping you might be free."
By now Archie and Lexie had said their goodbyes and left for their afternoon duties.
"Have fun you two," Lizzie said to Molly and Andrew. "I'll be off."
"Why don't you join us, invited Andrew. "Unless you have something more urgent."
"Actually, I don't," Lizzie said. "If you're sure I won't be a nuisance."
"Of course not," Andrew said.
"Jolly good, then," said Lizzie. "What shall we do?"
--------
Lexie was waiting for the tour bus that was about to arrive when a man in his late 30s with a neatly trimmed black beard introduced himself to her.
"I'm Hal Innes. I'm here to see Molly MacDonald if she's at home."
Fortunately, Ewan was nearby and could be dispatched to find Molly.
"Right this way, Mr. Innes," he said upon his return. "She's in the garden."
"It's so good of you to call on us," Molly gushed as she took the chess man's hand.
"I hope I'm not intruding."
"Not at all. Let me introduce you to my daughter, Lizzie. You already know Andrew."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ewan will be coming out with a light tea, shortly. Meanwhile, we were trying to assemble this croquet set. We don't seem to have all the pieces and no one remembers the rules."
"As I recall you set the wickets up in a sort of horseshoe," Hal said. Do we have 4 balls and 4 mallets? Good."
"If you join us, we can play mixed doubles," Molly said.
"I will if I can have you as my partner." Hal said.
"Oh, but wouldn't you rather..."
"Then I'll have Lizzie," Andrew said.
"Very well, that's settled, Molly said, a little perturbed.
--------
An intense croquet match was in progress in the garden. Molly hit the ball and sent it flying past the wicket she was trying to send it through. Outcome - frustration.
Andrew sent the final ball through two wickets and hit the stake for victory. Outcome - jubilation. Andrew whooped and Lizzie ran over and gave him a pat-on-the-back hug.
"Congratulations," Hal said.
"Yes, well why don't we have tea," said Molly.
"They sat down at the garden table and surveyed the delectables Ewan had brought out for them. Molly began to pour.
"Lizzie just returned from India where I believe chess was invented. Hal is a top ranking chess player" Molly said, trying to find a mutual interest between the two younger people.
"Really, "Did you like India?"
"I don't think one can really like India with all the squalor and the poverty. But the people there are amazing - so warm and spiritual, so... enlightened."
Hal smiled politely and sipped his tea. "What I'd really like, Molly, is to see your watercolours."
"I'll be glad to show them to you when your done with tea."
"I'm done," he said.
"All right, we'll be back soon." she said with emphasis.
--------
Andrew and Lizzie were laughing uproariously when Molly returned alone.
"What's so funny," she asked.
"Andrew was just telling me how you met Hal," Lizzie said. "Imagine you thinking he was the Devil."
"I thought no such thing."
"You ran away from him fast enough," Andrew reminded her.
"So did you."
"I was only trying to keep up with you." The two friends stared at each other: Andrew humorously; Molly, not;
"Well, never mind," Andrew said. "Lizzie, tell her our good news."
"Andrew's offered to hire me a few hours a day as a model for a project he is doing."
"You're going to model...live?" Molly sputtered.
"Certainly not," Andrew protested. "I'm doing a series of outdoor sketches with a human figure, casually dressed."
"How casual?" Molly muttered.
"Oh, Mummy, be reasonable."
"Molly, you're not insinuating..."
"Go ahead," Molly said. "I trust you both."
--------
Early the next morning Paul and Jess met in the camper area to go to the agricultural fair.
"Have you ever been to a fair like this?" Paul asked as they set out in his camper van.
"No," said Jess. "It sounds like a lot of farmers displaying their fattest pigs and woolliest sheep, competing for the blue ribbon."
"It's probably the most excitement the local yokels get all year," said Paul.
---------
"I'm starting a new project today," Molly announced over breakfast. "I'm going to try my hand at portrait painting and see if it will sell."
"Who are you going to paint," Paul asked.
"Anyone who will pay me," replied Molly. "But I need some samples to show people, so I'm going to start off by painting Ewan today."
"You should have a website," Lexie suggested. "Would you like me to help you with it?"
"That would be lovely."
"Mm. Andrew should be here any minute," Lizzie said getting up to bring her bowl to the kitchen.
"Andrew?" Archie asked.
"She's modelling for him."
"What kind of modelling?" Archie asked.
"Nothing you have to worry about." Molly laughed.
But when Andrew did come to pick Lizzie up, Molly watched disapprovingly from the window as her daughter got on to the back of his motorcycle and drove away.
"Molly, I'm ready for ye." It was Ewan, dressed in a grey suit, pink shirt, and a fresh rose in his lapel that he had nicked from a vase. As always he wore a cocky smile.
"Don't you look dapper," Molly said. "But that's not how I'm going to paint you. I want you in your work clothes."
"Aw Molly."
"Come on now, go get changed."
Ewan dragged himself upstairs muttering in protest.
------
Outside the croft, Andrew was posing Lizzie against a tree with the mountains in the background. "Tilt your head up like this," he said guiding her chin gently with his hand. "Look relaxed."
"I can climb the tree, if you want."
"Capital. We'll do that tomorrow."
"You resemble your mother," Andrew said as he sketched. "She's a lovely woman. Good, keep the pose. Modelling is a bit like going to the dentist," he continued. "I can talk all I want but you have to keep quiet."
-------
Paul and Jess arrive at the agricultural fair to discover it was as bustling as a city. There were dozens of marquees each filled with some agricultural commodity: sheep, goats, pigs, cows, poultry, grains, cheeses and more. There were sheep shearing demonstrations, wool spinning demonstrations, oatmeal making competitions, horse shows, dog shows, children doing highland dancing, and more. And thousands of people were milling about, going from marquee to marquee, sampling, and buying foods and t-shirts and farm equipment and who knows what else. It was all such a blur.
"It looks like the local yokels know how to put on a fair," Jess said.
"Let's go over here," Paul said. He put his hand on Jess' back to gently guide her through the crowd. They entered the chocolate marquee. The aroma was intoxicating. "I just brought us here to sit down," he said. "But now we're going to have to buy something."
One chocolate croissant and two chocolate covered strawberries later, they were seated at a picnic table. Paul carefully tore the croissant in two and offered a piece to Jess. They each took a bite and murmured with pleasure as the soft flaky crust gave way to the warm oozing chocolate in their mouths. Jess flipped through the program guide to find the marquee for the Wildlife Trust as she ate.
"Hey, you didn't eat your strawberry," Paul said. He picked up the delicacy by the leaves and brought it to her lips. "Paul," Jess laughed as she took it from him, popped it into her mouth, and continued reading.
--------
Ewan returned to Molly in the great hall wearing his usual jeans and jersey and an uncharacteristic pout.
Molly handed him a mop and his apron and placed a bucket at his feet. "There are a lot of people doing formal portraits out there," she explained. "I hope to make my mark by doing portraits of people in their natural settings, doing their every day things."
"D'ye hope to get many skivvies among your clientele?"
"Well, probably not," Molly admitted. "Come on, Ewan, let me see you smile," Molly was now poised over her easel ready to do the preliminary sketch.
Ewan turned up the corners of his mouth without much feeling.
"No, not like that. Like you're chatting up a girl. Like you're telling her I'm from Glasgow and I'm proud of it,'" Molly raised her fist in a power salute."
Ewan laughed.
"Perfect," Molly said as she began to sketch.
--------
"Lizzie, I could make you my Helga," Andrew said as they were finishing for the day.
"Who is Helga?"
"Helga was a model for an American painter, Andrew Wyeth. He painted hundreds of pictures of her, many of them with her standing against a tree. They are known as the Helga collection. I will have my Lizzie collection."
Lizzie looked pleased as they got on the motorcycle and rode back home.
--------
Jess and Paul found made their way to the Wildlife Trust demonstration. It was in a marquee with some whole food vendors, and the advocates of various fringe causes and the singers of wauking songs. They sat and watched the slideshow. Paul had to agree with Jess, the beavers were extremely cute. After the slideshow came the inevitable adversarial questions.
"What are their dams going to do to the rivers and fish?" one sportsman wanted to know.
"There's evidence that they will actually increase the number of fish by creating wetlands where fish and other animals breed." was the answer.
Jess spoke with the presenter afterwards who was encouraging about her acquiring beavers for the Wildlife Centre. "We'd rather see them in the wild, but in the meantime you are educating the public by bringing the beavers to them." He also told her about a small zoo in England that was breeding beavers and may have some for sale.
--------
Molly had dismissed Ewan and was beginning to paint the background when she heard the sound of the motorcycle outside and slipped to the window. She saw Lizzie and Andrew chatting and laughing, but she couldn't hear them. She hurried back to her easel before they walked in.
"Nice composition," Andrew remarked.
"It's very Ewan," Lizzie smiled. "Are you going to place it next to one of Archie as laird, dressed in a kilt and wielding a sword?"
"No, if I do one of Archie it will probably be with a phone to his ear surrounded by the clutter of papers on his desk," she smiled. "How was your morning?"
"Excellent," Andrew said. "Lizzie's a natural model."
"Modelling is a lot like meditation," Lizzie explained
"I have to be off to do some errands," Andrew said. "I'll see you tomorrow Lizzie. Bye Molly".
"Mummy, Andrew said I'm going to be his Helga," Lizzie said when he had left.
Molly stared at her sternly.
"Do you know who Helga is?" Lizzie asked.
"I do," Molly said returning to her painting.
"He said I'm a natural at modelling. Did you hear that? I'm good at something."
"Of course you are, dear. Just don't expect to make your living at it."
"Well, Helga did," Lizzie said feeling a bit deflated. She went upstairs.
---------
It was dinner time when Paul and Jess returned home. Paul drove the Camper Van near the croft area and pulled over to the side when the road got too narrow. They both got out. "I'll walk you to your place," Paul said taking Jess' hand.
"Okay."
"I had a really good time today, Jess. I hope we get to do this again, soon."
"I don't think the fair comes again for another year."
Paul chuckled. "I bet we'll find something else before then."
They stopped outside Jess' croft. Paul turned toward Jess and lowered his head towards hers. "May I," he asked, but he didn't give her time to reply. He was already kissing her gently on the lips.
Jess had been through this kind of thing many times before, but she still didn't know what to do other than close her eyes and think of the proverbial England. Fortunately she didn't have to do this for long. Paul, it seems, was taking things slowly. He straightened up with a boyish grin. "I'll see ya," he said and turned towards the camper.
"See ya," Jess said. When Paul was out of sight, she grimaced and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
--------
Golly knocked and walked into Jess's croft. "What did he do to ye?" he demanded.
"What are you talking about?" Jess said annoyed.
"I saw him. Paul was making unwanted advances towards ye, wasna he."
"Dad, what were you doing, peeking out your window? Mind your own business."
"I saw yer face. You didna want it, but he did it anyway."
"Yeah Dad, we had a little misunderstanding. It was no big deal."
"He's a MacDonald, practically your boss. I won't have him taking advantage of ye."
"He won't. Don't worry. I can take care of myself."
"Well, somebody's got to set him straight."
"Not you, Dad. Stay out of it. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to take a bath."
--------
The next morning found Archie sitting at his desk in the estate office. There was a knock on the door and Golly entered.
"Hi Golly, what's up?"
"It's a delicate matter concerning yer brother and my daughter."
"Really?"
"Paul has been takin' advantage of Jessica."
"In what way?"
"In the usual way. Oh, it hasna gone very far, but I don't want to see it go any further."
"You don't think this is something they can work out between them?"
"I think it is sexual harassment in the workplace. As laird, ye should see that it stops."
"As laird, I can't get involved unless one of the interested parties comes to me."
"Well, if you don't get involved, I might hafta. And Paul willna like that at all."
--------
Molly was waiting for Ewan in the great hall when he came down the stairs wearing yesterday's jeans but a different jersey.
"Ewan, I thought I told you to wear the same clothes every day."
"Sorry, I got some grease on the jersey when I was cookin' yesterday."
"Well you shouldn't have been wearing it cooking."
Ewan gave her a defiant look.
"Never mind. I'll make do with what you have on."
He flashed the smile he knew she loved so well.
--------
Outside Andrew's croft, Lizzie was climbing the tree. "How's this?" she said standing on a solid branch, feet apart, and arms outstretched, one holding onto the trunk, the other a thick branch. "It's the Star Posture."
"Id like you closer to the trunk, with one arm wrapped around it. Feet together. Other arm down. Far away look. Good," said Andrew. "It's like you're one with the tree."
Lizzie gave a little smile, and Andrew began to sketch.
--------
Archie went to look for Paul. He found him nearby checking out the new tents that had arrived the day before.
"Paul, do you have a few minutes?"
"Yeah, what's up, Archie?"
"It's a delicate matter, one I'd rather not have to bring up. And mind you, I'm only repeating what I was told, okay? Golly says you are taking advantage of Jessica. He thinks it amounts to sexual harassment in the workplace."
"What is he daft? I had one date with Jess. We had a good time. I didn't hurt her or force her into anything. What can he be thinking?"
I don't know, but I suggest you talk to Jess. If there's a problem, I suspect you two can handle it.
"If there's a problem, I suspect it's with Golly."
"And Paul... Just a word of advice. In general it's better not to get involved with someone you work with."
"Oh you should talk. What about you and Lexie?"
"That's different."
"Laird's prerogative, huh? Yeah, I get it."
--------
Lexie came into the great hall and stopped to admire Molly's work.
"I want to do you next, Lexie."
"No' in a get up like that, I hope," she said glancing at the mop and pail that were gracing the floor."
"What would you like to wear?" Molly asked.
"Oh, I was thinkin' of my mink and my tiara." Lexie said in a lady of the house voice.
"How about your business suit with your brief case."
"Oh," Lexie gave her a withering look. "If ye insist."
--------
"So what are your plans after Martha returns?" Andrew asked as he and Lizzie were finishing up for the morning. "Will you be going back to the ashram?" He was folding up his easel.
"I don't think so. The ashram was a nice protected environment. Alcohol free, which was obviously good for me. But it's too far away. I couldn't even make it back for my own father's funeral."
"Were you and he close?"
"Heavens no. I loved him but we drove each other crazy. The last time I came home was to give birth to Martha. I was in labour and he was banging on about my not being married to the father."
"That's tough," Andrew sympathized.
"But once she was born, he fell in love with her. He said some of the sweetest things."
"At least you have that to remember him by."
"Yes."
They walked to the motorcycle. "Andrew. I don't know that I've ever met a man like you. You're a good listener, you're understanding. You're even a bit dishy."
"Thank you," Andrew said, taken aback. They got on the motorcycle and rode away.
--------
Paul found Jess at the Nature Area, examining some photographs she had just developed.
"Jess,"
"Hi Paul."
"Did you know your father has been talking about us to Archie?"
"No, what has he been saying?"
"That I am taking advantage of you. That I'm sexually harassing you."
"Ooh, that man. He insists on interfering in my personal life. He treats me like I'm 12."
"So it's okay, then, between you and me? You're alright with what we've been doing?"
"Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I like you, Paul. I like you a lot. But not in that way."
Paul stiffened. "Okay. You sound pretty sure about that. I don't think there's anything more I can say except that I won't impose myself on you in that way again. See ya around." He turned to leave.
"Paul wait, don't go.
Paul turned back. "What."
"I understand you are probably cheesed off right now. But I really do hope we can be mates."
"Why not?" Paul said trying to look casual. "We can be mates."
"I'd like to tell you something, as a mate. Something almost nobody knows about me. It might make you feel better about what I just said or worse, I don't know."
"Go ahead."
"It's not you. I just don't go for blokes. It's not that I haven't tried. It's just not for me."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying? Are you gay?
"Yes."
"Ohhhhh, he said, trying to sort out what he had just heard with every else he knew about Jess and the world.
"Are you disgusted?"
"No, just surprised."
Oh good. Does that mean we really can be mates?
"Yes. Of course."
"Oh thank you, Paul." Jess threw her arms around him. "I'm so relieved."
Paul put his arms around Jess and smiled warily. He was trying reconcile the many conflicting emotions that were competing for his attention.
--------
In the great hall alone at her easel, Molly heard the sound of the motorcycle and once again she slipped to the window see what there was to see. Again, Andrew and Lizzie were getting off the bike. They had a short conversation, and Lizzie kissed Andrew on the cheek. Lizzie was flushed with excitement.
Once again, Molly returned to her easel. When she heard Andrew and Lizzie come in she turned to them and said, ashen-faced, "I just want to know, what's going on between you two, because if there is something, I think I have the right to know. Andrew, you and I have made no commitment to each other, so I'm not casting blame. I just want to know." She struggled to keep her composure.
"Mummy, are you out of your mind?"
"Molly, what makes you think there is anything...
"I saw you two out there."
"I'm going to call my therapist," Lizzie said, marching upstairs.
"Molly," Andrew protested. "If you are referring to that kiss on the cheek, you are way out of line."
"Am I?" Molly said, "She looked quite flirtatious to me and you looked extremely pleased."
"I was extremely pleased," Andrew said indignantly. "because she just told me that she would be chuffed if I were ever to become her stepfather. So what do you think of that?"
"Oh, Andrew. I think I've been very silly." The tears began to fall.
"Yes, you have been silly, Molly."
"I don't know what to say. I'm sorry."
Andrew stood with his arms crossed and looked disparagingly at Molly.
"Since you seem to be in competition with your daughter, I don't want you to think that she has gotten the better of you." Andrew walked over and kissed Molly on the lips. "There. If you liked that, you know where to come for more." He turned around to leave.
"Andrew?"
"Yes, Molly."
"Thank you."
Andrew smiled. "You should check on Lizzie."
"Yes, I should."
--------
Jess had invited Golly over for dinner at her house. She was planning to wait until after they ate to bring up any touchy subjects. Golly had other ideas.
"So did Paul leave ye alone today?"
"Da-ad, you just don't get it. My relationship with Paul is my business.
"Relationship, is it? I thought you said ye weren't interested in him."
"I don't want to be his girlfriend. That doesn't mean we can't be mates."
"Humph."
"And don't go talking to Archie about things that are none of your business, because they're none of his business either."
"Aye, I get your point. I was just tryin' to take care of ye."
"I'm not a little girl."
"I wasna around when you was a little girl. I guess I'm tryin' to make up for lost time.
Jess cleared away the dinner things and started making tea.
"Paul's not a bad man, just a little old for ye," Golly said.
"Maybe."
"Even Duncan is not the wee lad he was when he first came here. Have ye thought about Ewan?"
"Dad!"
"Right. Ewan is too young. You ought to get out more and meet people yer own age."
"Dad, don't try to fix me up because anyone you choose is going to be wrong."
"You're right. I'm sure ye'll find the right man on yer own."
"I doubt it."
"What do ye mean. I thought ye were sayin' that you could handle yer personal affairs yerself."
"Dad, there's been something I've been wanting to tell you for some time. I haven't because I've been afraid to. So now I'm going to ask you to hear me out and try to be understanding."
"Okay."
"I'm not going to find a man because I'm not looking for a man. I've dated men, but I'm not attracted to them. Someday I hope to find the right woman." Jess bit her lip and waited for his response.
Golly stared at his daughter for what seemed a long time. "No." He pounded his fist on the table. "This canna be true. You don' know what yer talkin' aboot. Yer not like those people." His eyes began to water but his expression was angry.
"Dad, it's not like it's a disease or anything. It's just the way some people are."
"Not my daughter," he said. He walked out and slammed the door behind him.
Jess picked up the phone and began to punch in numbers. "Paul?" she said tearfully.
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Paul and Jess were at her croft, sitting on either side of a coffee table and drinking beer. Jess' face was tear streaked but she was calm.
"I'm sure he'll come around in time," Paul said. "He loves you but he's old fashioned. It'll take some getting used to."
"I hope you're right. I couldn't bear it if I lost him."
There was a knock at the door and Golly walked in. He looked from Jess to Paul to Jess again. " If yer busy I can come back later."
"I was just leaving," Paul said.
"Thanks for coming over, Paul," Jess said, seeing him to the door.
"Call me anytime." he smiled.
Golly sat down in the chair vacated by Paul. "I'm sorry I ran oot of here. I was in shock. I never expected somethin' like this."
"I guess it's a surprise to most parents in this situation."
"Does yer mother know?"
"I haven't told her yet. Do you want a beer?"
"Yeah, I think I can use one." Jess handed Golly a bottle and he took a mouthful.
There was a lull in the conversation. Finally Jess said tentatively, "So does your coming back mean you're willing to accept me for who I am."
"I'm gonna try, but I canna say it will be easy."
"Thanks, Dad. That's all I ask."
"But I don' understand. How did it happen? Yer mother raised ye right, didna she? Was it because I wasna there? Nobody did anythin' bad to ye, did they?"
"Dad, it's not like that. I had a happy childhood. I've probably been this way all my life."
"So there's nothing anybody coulda done."
"Nothing. And that's okay. I don't want to change."
"But where are you gonna meet other people like yerself, out here in the middle of nowhere."
"GLOH," she said.
"Glow?"
"GLOH - Gays and Lesbians Of the Highlands. They have a website with a message board. I've met all sorts of people through them, well not in person, just in cyberspace. (Now Golly was really confused.) Twice a month they sponsor activities, like trips to a museum, or hikes in the woods."
"They could come here sometime," Golly suggested. "We have more hikin' trails than we know what to do with."
"Dad, you're the greatest." Jess said running to her father's arms. She nearly knocked the beer out of his hand.
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Paul was back home getting ready for bed. He met Lizzie in the hall coming out of the loo.
"So how was your day," Paul asked.
"It had its ups and downs," she said. "How was yours?"
"It had its ups and downs."
"What's this I hear about you and Jess?" Lizzie asked slyly. "Are you two together?"
"We're mates. That's all. What's this I hear about you and Andrew. Are you two together?"
"It's a strictly professional relationship, that's all," Lizzie said hotly.
"Somebody out there must be getting some lovin'" Paul said "but it sounds like its not you or me."
"Not a chance." said Lizzie as she walked off to bed and Paul took his turn in the loo."