CHAPTER 15 Together Again

 

Arriving in Kingussie, Mary booked accommodation at The Duke of Gordon Hotel. It crossed her mind that this would be an ideal venue for Doug Campbell's farewell AGM of Campbell Holdings next year. She asked to see the manager but it was his day off, so she made an appointment to see him the following day. When she asked the receptionist about Jock Stewart, the girl told her in no uncertain terms that if she was a newspaper reporter she was wasting her time because Jock had no time for them. She told Mary that just after Jock had arrived home from hospital, a photographer took a photo of him against his wishes. They were later stopped in Perth by plain clothes security officers, interrogated by the police for two hours and had their camera seized and the film confiscated. However, she did let Mary know that Jock lived at Achlean and that after buying it, he had been renovating it and the croft to a very high standard.

As Mary drove up the road at Glen Feshie, memories of that weekend with Jock came flooding back. With a bit of trepidation and some excitement, Mary got out of her car at Achlean. She saw a notice informing visitors to ring the large brass bell to announce their arrival, which she duly did.

As soon as the bell rang, she heard a dog bark and a black terrier came at full speed from the side of the house and sat up like a meerkat in front of her, expecting to be given a treat. Mary laughed out loud and her feelings of anxiety dissipated slightly as she began to relax. She saw a large firewood area where split logs were stored in sheds made from pallets. There were also two car ports, one of which housed a big boiler and the other one a four-wheel drive pickup, both looked new.

The house looked as if it had recently been renovated and a lot of work done to the garden. Then she heard his voice, no mistake there, calling on the dog, Rambo.

Jock suddenly appeared from a large, newly built shed with big windows which faced towards the house and a large metal chimney which was obviously attached to a wood burning stove. As he walked to the gate, he was paying more attention to fastening his checked shirt, which Mary immediately recognised as the one she had bought him in Canada all those years ago.

“Good morning. What can I do for …?” Jock stopped talking as he suddenly recognised Mary. “It's yourself,” he continued, stroking his thumb and forefinger across his chin as he contemplated what to say next.

Mary answered, “I just came to see that you were all right after your skiing accident. I only found out about it yesterday. How are you?”

“I am getting there,” he replied, “but the accident put a spanner in the works with my plans for this place. You're looking as beautiful as ever and really affluent with your clothes and the vehicle you’re driving.”

Mary was pleased with his compliments and, without thinking, blurted out, “If you are not married or going with someone, I am looking for a man to go on a dinner date with.”

“You're turning the pages of time back a good few years now,” replied Jock, “I never married but I’ll ask my girlfriend when she comes if that’s alright with her. Indeed, I hear her transport coming along the road now.” Mary felt the pangs of dismay curb her delight and excitement at meeting Jock again.

A Land Rover drew up and parked beside Mary's car. A middle-aged woman got out from the driver's side and her passenger was a girl who appeared to have special needs. Jock introduced Mary to Nan Cameron and her daughter, Jean. Both asked at once if Mary was Jock's sister, which appealed to Jock's sense of humour. “No, she’s just an old girlfriend who’s come to see if I'm alright.”

“Look Jock,” exclaimed Jean. “Mum has made scones for our morning break. Can I collect the eggs? Have you done the signs? I like your girlfriend's car but it needs a good wash,” and turning to Mary, “I like your fancy jacket. You must be well off and have plenty of money.”

Nan Cameron was embarrassed and told Jean to calm down. Both Mary and Jock laughed to cover their embarrassment. However, Jean continued, “Can we take Rambo down the field as well?”

Jock was smiling at Jean's demands and spoke in a very polite tone to the two women, “If you two ladies would like to put the kettle on, Miss Cameron and I will attend to a few chores. I presume, Miss Stuart, that you will give us the honour of your company.”

Nan Cameron shook her head in wonder, while Mary nodded in acceptance, but Jean was already getting Rambo for a walk to the field. “That daughter of mine can be an embarrassment at times. I am sorry about that Miss Stuart.” said Nan.

“Please, Mary is my name and think nothing of it. It certainly appealed to Jock’s sense of humour,” laughed Mary.

Mary followed Nan to the porch at the side of the house. Although a big porch, one half was stacked neatly with dry logs and the other half with outdoor clothing and waterproofs hanging up, as well as an array of footwear on the floor. Mary noticed that Nan was changing her shoes for a pair of slippers, so Mary took off her own shoes and walked in her stockinged feet. The reason was obvious, the floor throughout the house was highly polished wood. When they entered the kitchen, it was of a very modern design and had a combined dining area. This is a better equipped kitchen than mine, thought Mary.

“Sit yourself down,” invited Nan. “I'll make the tea. Can I ask how you know Jock? Don’t tell me you let a man like that slip through your fingers. A lot of women in Kingussie, aye and Newtonmore as well, cast their eye on him when he was playing shinty. When he never took them on, some of them spitefully said that he was gay.”

“He is definitely not gay,” replied Mary, “but we broke up a few years ago because we both wanted to continue with our chosen careers.”

“I am nearly old enough to be his mother,” continued Nan, “but when I see him in the yard out there, splitting logs or digging, with his shirt off and his muscles rippling, the sweat glistening on his skin, it gives me ideas that I haven’t had since I was a teenager … However, never mind that. Jean has been good for Jock and Jock has been good for her. My man was a woodsman the same as Jock, mad on shinty and an incredibly skilful player for Kingussie too but he was killed in a road accident twelve years ago next month and left me with two bairns to bring up. I'll admit it has been hard but Jock kept my boy on the rails last year and convinced him to go to university in Aberdeen to study forestry and I am so proud of him because he is turning out to be a fine young man. Jock bought Achlean over two years ago and started doing the place up as it was a bit of a mess. He also did a lot of forestry work for the estate, tree felling and planting. He started playing shinty for the second team because the golden rule at Kingussie is, if you don't turn up for training, you don't get to play on the first team on Saturday. When they saw how fit Jock was, they asked him to be their fitness coach and he nearly killed them. He did the same exercises as they did and they could not keep up and he had already done a hard day’s graft in the woods too. Last year's cup final against Kyles has made him a legend. I really got to know him after his accident when the mountain rescue asked me to look after his dog. I do a bit of cleaning, laundry and shopping for him and I get firewood, eggs and vegetables too. He made me the signs for my bed and breakfast and caravan hire. I also do cleaning at a couple of holiday houses in the glen and help at functions at the Duke of Gordon. Jean is a tremendous help with the cleaning and she just loves washing cars.”

Mary was just about to tell Nan all about herself when Jock and Jean came in accompanied by the dog. Jean had a small basket half full of eggs. The tea was made and the four of them sat at the table and devoured the scones. Mary did not realise how hungry she was until she tasted the home-baking. Jean dominated the conversation, talking about Rambo and the croft.

Jock interrupted her by asking, “Mary has asked me for a dinner date. Do you think I should go?”

“Go, Jock.” was her reply, “and eat a big steak and a big knickerbocker glory.” The four of them laughed out loud.

An idea came to Mary. “Why don't the four of us have a pub meal at the Duke of Gordon, as my treat to celebrate me meeting Jock again?”

Jock nodded his approval and Jean asked, “can we mum?”

Nan answered, “That’s very generous of you Mary. I've not been out for ages. I’m looking forward to it already.” It was agreed that they would meet at seven thirty and Jock would bring Nan and Jean. As Jock and Jean got up to leave, he asked Nan if she cared to show Mary round the house. This suggestion pleased Mary and Nan.

The tour started off in the utility room and although there was a huge freezer, there was no washing machine or tumble dryer. Jock explained that he had spent all of his money on everything else except furniture. The large living room was bare, no curtains but a log burning stove and a deerskin rug on a highly polished wooden floor. The bathroom was very modern and spacious with all new fittings but not even a towel hanging in there. When they came to the master bedroom Mary had to stifle a laugh. Jock's single bed was made from pallets and had a mattress covered with a blanket. The three other blankets and two sheets were folded and boxed as if Jock was still in the army. Two huge, mirrored sliding door built-in wardrobes covered one wall but again no curtains or carpet. There was a very modern en suite bathroom, in which a pair of slippers, a dressing gown and two towels were the only accessories. In the conservatory there was a beautiful, polished coffee table on which an expensive-looking chess set was laid out. Looking out of place were two battered sofas which had seen better days. However, the view was superb, looking across the croft to the River Feshie and the hills beyond. To the left you could see all the way up the glen and to the right all the way down the glen. Mary was impressed and thought that this view beat the view from her flat hands down. Upstairs were two bedrooms, both en suite and a small box room with a lovely view. A lot of unopened cardboard boxes were in each of the rooms. All this time, Nan had been giving a running commentary and Mary warmed to her. She obviously thought a lot of Jock and, after the tour, Mary told Nan a little about herself and how she had met Jock. She was taken aback when Nan said in all sincerity, “Don't let him slip through your fingers again. If I was you, I would hold on to him so tight that he would be in tears.” Mary laughed at Nan's earthy response.

Back in the kitchen, Nan showed Mary a biscuit box full of paper money and a smaller one full of coins. She put some money in the tins and wrote an entry into the ledger kept next to the tins. “He trusts me completely and I just get on with it. Our transactions are mainly a barter system and if there is money left over, I put it in the tin, or vice versa. He will, no doubt, show you what he’s been working on since he came out of hospital and he intends to sell them in a couple of weeks at the Moy Game Show. He should do well and I really hope he does, he deserves to. Anyhow, I’d better get on with my work now or I'll be getting the sack because I haven't done a hand's turn all morning.”

Just then Jock, Jean and the dog came in. Nan and Jock had a conversation about domestic matters and payment, while Jean told Mary all about Rambo.

Jock turned to Mary and said, “Would Miss Stuart like a guided tour of the estate?”

“Certainly,” she replied. “Especially that big shed where it appears works of art are to be seen.”

As Mary was putting her shoes on in the porch, Jock accidentally brushed against her as he let Rambo out of the door. It was like an electric shock to her system, making her body tremble. What an effect that man has on me, thought Mary.

When they entered the shed, Mary saw two doors inside. One was presumably to the wood yard but she was unsure where the other one went. On the shelves around the shed there were tools of all descriptions including power saws, and large pieces of wood. In the centre was a large workbench and a log burning stove. “Watch your good clothes on the dust in here,” advised Jock.

They then went through the other door into another room which was bright and airy by comparison. Mary gazed in wonder at Jock’s handiwork. Plaques of birch wood showing drawings of otters, deer, foxes and eagles were on display. There were dozens of them, as well as pieces of furniture. Two coffee tables caught her eye, one of which showed an otter on a rock with a fish in its mouth. She also spotted two plaques with house names on them which were in the process of being varnished.

“I hope to sell these at Moy Game show in a couple of weeks. If I was posh, I would say that there is a cash flow problem but in real life I am broke and in need of some ready cash. My army pension pays for the mortgage, insurance and telephone bill. I just need to find money for food, fuel for the pickup truck and for the electricity bill. I was doing all right until the accident sent my plans all wrong. However, I look on it as a challenge and am confident that things will turn out right in the end.”

Mary smiled at his optimism and complimented him on his work. She thought about offering to buy something but thought that would offend him as he would consider it charity, so she dismissed the idea.

Walking around the croft, with Rambo foraging for scents of something to chase, Mary felt happy but she was desperate to talk about the break-up of their relationship and she got the feeling that Jock had it on his mind too. He continued to talk though about his ideas and plans to improve the croft with vegetable plots, goats and more hens. Mary was happy just hearing him talk and walking beside him. She told him all about Laura and Barry and their family and about meeting Lord Lyle of Kinnordy at the christening of her god daughter. As they stood at the river's edge, admiring the rapids as they descended into a dark, deep pool, the conversation turned to the poaching trip with Doug Campbell and they both laughed at the memory.

Making their way back to the house Mary related some of the exciting things that had happened to her recently. Jock was a good listener and added little compliments as she told him of her adventures. As they reached the house, Nan and Jean were just leaving. Goodness, thought Mary, we've been gone for nearly two hours, how time flies when you're enjoying yourself.

As the four of them made their way to the car park, Mary was amazed to see her car, washed and shining, in the bright sunlight. She expressed her thanks to a smiling Jean, who was pleased to see her work recognised. Nan reminded Jock to pick them up at seven o’clock and said that she had taken the bread that he'd made earlier out of the oven. After the goodbyes were said Mary turned to Jock, “Baker of bread as well, are you?”

“Oh aye, necessity is the mother of a lot of things as well as invention.” was his reply. “Lunch is home-made soup and home-made bread. Care to join me?”

“A chef as well,” said Mary, “this I must taste.”

Both laughed and when they entered the kitchen the aroma of freshly baked bread made their taste buds tingle. Mary had bonded with Rambo and she played with him while Jock prepared lunch.

Mary was impressed with Jock's cooking and complimented him on it, which pleased him. As they ate, they talked about the house and afterwards Jock washed up while Mary dried. The conversation then started to take them down memory lane and it was just veering towards their break-up when the doorbell rang. Rambo shot off to greet the new arrival who, it turned out, was the estate manager and he was a bit on edge. Jock introduced him to Mary and when he replied that she was far too good-looking for him, the ensuing laughter seemed to relax him.

“Jock, we need your help badly. Remember those two big spruce trees that you declared to be a danger? Well, the root plate has lifted on them. One of the estate workers tried to cut them this morning and the tree sat back on the saw and it is now jammed tight. Can you help us? Are you fit enough after your accident? There’s a shooting party coming to the estate tomorrow so we would be unable to help you after nine o’clock that morning.”

Jock stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I'll get my strongest rope, you get the estate tractor on site and I'll be with you in thirty minutes. If it goes all right today, I'll finish it tomorrow, as long as I can get someone to be with me in the afternoon for health and safety reasons.”

The estate manager looked relieved as he said his thanks and goodbyes. Mary asked Jock if he was fit enough for it and commented that there had been no mention of payment. Jock smiled and said in a jovial tone, “My biggest problem isn’t the payment, it’s getting someone on site tomorrow while I'm using the power saw. Payment will be in firewood and venison and the promise of more work on the estate.”

Mary replied, “I could come out tomorrow after my meeting with the hotel manager. We intend to hire a hotel next year for the AGM of Campbell Holdings and the Duke of Gordon Hotel seems ideal. I've got my hill-walking gear in the Land Rover and I'll bring a packed lunch for both of us.”

There was a big smile on Jock's face as he answered, “That would be great. Thanks a lot. I'll get over there now and sort it out. I'll give you directions on how to get there when I see you tonight as it's on the other side of the river.”

As Mary left Achlean she could see Jock loading the power saws, fuel and tools into the back of his pickup and hitching on the big trailer. Driving down the glen, she was in a buoyant mood. Could the romance be back on? Back at the hotel she unpacked and felt the toll of an early rise, long drive and the joy of meeting Jock again all combine to make her need an afternoon sleep, or a power nap as she liked to call it.

At about quarter past seven, she wandered into the hotel lounge bar and spoke to the bartender who told her which table had been reserved for them. He added that the bill would be added to her account at reception. Mary had just sat down to look at the menu when Jean, Nan and Jock came in. Jean came over and gave Mary a big hug. Jock and Nan were laughing as Jean was so excited about dining out.

Mary ordered their drinks, fruit juices for her and Jock, diet Cola for Jean and whisky and lemonade for Nan. Nan was curious and asked casually, “Do you ever take alcohol, Mary?”

“No,” Mary replied, “The last time I took alcohol I said things that I've always regretted and I vowed I would never touch it again. It caused me to lose the love of my life.” She looked directly across the table at Jock, who said nothing but just stroked his chin with his forefinger and thumb. Nan smiled knowingly but Jean dominated the conversation, talking about Jock playing shinty.

During the meal, Mary told the stories of Jock at the bothy in Glen Feshie, about the Paris trip and the Majorca holiday and about the smelter at Ballachulish. At one point, the meal was interrupted by a friend of Nan's who bought a round of drinks for everyone at the table. When Jock was telling them some of his stories from the army the estate manager, accompanied by his shooting party, also bought them a round of drinks. By this time Nan was a little tipsy and, as the evening drew to its close, she declared that listening to their stories, the excellent meal and the friendships had made this the best night she had enjoyed in years.

As they made their way to the car park to say goodbye, Jean gave Mary another big hug before taking Jock away to open the car door and let the dog out. Nan and Mary embraced in newfound friendship and Nan whispered to Mary, “Don't let him slip through your fingers again. Hold on to him till he is in tears.”

Jean shouted, “Can I sit in the front with Rambo and Jock, mum?”

“Yes,” came the reply, “because if I was in the front, I would molest him!”

“What does molest mean?” enquired Jean.

“Put him off his driving,” answered Mary, and she and Nan burst into a fit of giggles.

“See you tomorrow,” Jock called as they drove off.

Mary walked back to the hotel, content at how the day had been but a little disappointed that there was no goodnight kiss or hug from Jock.

At reception she informed them that she wanted to make a long-distance call to America. When the call came through, she spoke to Beth Campbell who was preparing breakfast. She told her all about Jock still being alive and all that had taken place. Doug Campbell joined the conversation and told her that Mr McLean had contacted him about the outcome of the Kinlochleven smelter and the part Mary had played. Doug Campbell was full of praise and congratulations. Mary told him about the suitability of The Duke of Gordon Hotel for the AGM. He sounded impressed and asked that she get all the details and prices tomorrow to send on to him. He was absolutely delighted to hear about Jock.

Lying in bed later that evening, Mary's feeling of contentment was something she had not experienced in a very long time.

Next morning, after a long, hard run over Kingussie golf course, Mary showered and dressed, then sat down to a hearty breakfast in the dining room where she was joined by the hotel manager, just as she was finishing her coffee. She explained about Campbell Holdings wishing to hold their AGM at a Scottish Highlands hotel and it appeared that the Duke of Gordon was the ideal choice. The manager was delighted and took some time to show her around the dining hall and kitchen and both bars. After they had finished discussing the date and prospective costs, the manager said to Mary, “I believe you were in very good company last night with Nan Cameron and Jock Stewart. Everyone admires Nan for the way she coped after her husband's tragic accident and Jock Stewart is a shinty legend in Kingussie after last year's cup final and surviving in that terrible snowstorm.”

All she could say was, “I was certainly in good company and we had a lovely meal into the bargain.”

Mary then ordered two packed lunches from the kitchen and decided to visit the baker’s to get coffee and a couple of pies. Passing the chemist shop she saw some fancy boxes of perfumed soaps and lotions on sale, so she bought the biggest one as a surprise for Jean.

Driving up the glen, Mary could see Jock's cottage on the other side of the river and further on she could see the smoke from the fire where all the small branches were being burned. Getting out of the car, she could see Jock splitting logs, his black vest darkened with moisture, his muscles rippling and his sun-tanned skin glistening with sweat. No wonder it made Nan think she was a teenager again, Mary thought. He had the same effect on me when I first met him ten years ago in the Ballachulish Hotel. S

Mary made her way over to where two large trees lay parallel with one another, about ten yards apart, and was greeted by Rambo who came to meet her, tail wagging furiously. Jock turned round. “I see my dog has taken a fancy to you. I can't blame him. Even in your hill-walking attire you're looking ever so attractive.”

“You and your dog are both alike. It's a case of cupboard love. You know I've got your lunch and he smells the two sausages that I asked the chef for this morning,” replied Mary, causing Jock to laugh.

Jock stuck the big axe he was using into a log and picked up his shirt. “Goodness me,” Mary exclaimed. “Are you still wearing that shirt!”

“Best present ever,” he replied. “Every time I wash it, it comes out like new. Thanks again for coming out and for the packed lunch.”

Rambo sat in front of Mary, doing his meerkat impression and getting fed by her. They were not short of conversation and talked about the two trees, Rambo, last night's meal and Mary's conversation with the hotel manager. Anything but their previous relationship. It was if each of them wanted the other to bring up the subject.

It was ideal sitting there, basking in the warm sun, sheltered from the slight breeze and enjoying the view from the road. Even the coarse jute bags Mary was sitting on were comfortable. She got up and said that she was going to fetch her camera from the car. When she got back Jock was stretched out asleep, his chest rising and falling in a deep rhythm. Even Rambo was curled up asleep where Mary had been sitting. She laughed inwardly and took several photos of them, both in deep slumber.

Acting on impulse, Mary knelt down beside Jock and kissed him gently on the lips. His eyes opened and he immediately seized her in a passionate embrace, almost crushing her as her gentle kiss was returned with a burning passion which she wished would last forever.

“I have been wanting to do that since yesterday,” admitted Jock.

“Why didn't you then?” asked Mary, and she matched his passionate kiss with her own. Jock turned her over so that he was lying on top of her. Feeling his hands on her body, she moaned in long-forgotten pleasure.

When they had finished making love, Mary suddenly started sobbing uncontrollably, the teardrops falling on Jock's naked chest. He held her even closer, gently kissing her with great affection. When the tears of happiness, passion and regret finally stopped, Mary whispered, “Jock I am so sorry. I have missed you so much.”

“Not as much as I have,” was his reply. “I wish I could turn the clock back all those years.”

Mary snuggled up to him, “Can’t we do that? Is it too late now?” she asked.

“If I was not so broke I would ask you here and now to marry me, but we are poles apart. You are a very successful businesswoman destined for big promotions, and I am leading a simple life here in this glen.”

Mary was indignant and felt anger replacing contentment in her heart. “Listen to me Jock Stewart,” she began, “Isn’t that the very reason you gave years ago when we broke up? Money doesn’t come into it. If the last few years have shown anything, it’s that we both need one another. If you don't ask me again about getting married, I am going to ask you, and the sooner the better.” As she spoke Mary added weight to her proposal by jabbing her finger into Jock's chest.

“Okay Okay,” was Jock's response. “I am all for it but it will be hard moneywise, to begin with. At least my proposal was high on the mountain with a view over Scotland, not behind the trunk of a big, ugly spruce tree.”

Mary laughed and kissed him again and again. Jock, as practical as ever, said, “Now that the romance and marriage is settled, I had better finish this job or it will be nightfall.” Mary, to Jock's surprise, wanted to help so he told her to get a spare pair of work gloves from the pickup and load the split logs onto the trailer.

While they were working, they discussed plans for their wedding and decided that, if possible, they would like it to be held in the Duke of Gordon Hotel. They discussed who would be best man, matron of honour and bridesmaids. They talked about the guest list and decided that they would go to New Zealand for their honeymoon, to meet Jock’s mother and sister as they would not be able to come to Scotland for the wedding. Jock’s sister was pregnant and his mother wasn’t fit to travel. They also decided to go to Glasgow to buy a bedroom suite for Jock's bedroom and that Mary would help Jock at the Moy Games Show the following week.

It was early evening when they finished working. The trailer was loaded and the site tidied and the fire was just a heap of smouldering ash. They decided to give the load of logs to Nan Cameron. Mary would give Jock a hand to unload them, go back to the hotel and return with a carry-out meal. When she looked at her reflection in the car's mirror she could not believe how dirty her face was after the work she had been doing.

Arriving at Nan Cameron's house they were greeted with a big hug from Jean, while Nan complained of having a mild hangover from the previous night. As the four of them were unloading the trailer and stacking the firewood in a shed, Nan stood still and said, “You two are in fine fettle. Have you anything to tell me?”

Mary and Jock looked at each other and laughed. Jock indicated to Mary to speak up. “We are hoping to get married as soon as possible.”

“I thought as much. Congratulations! Are you going to stay in the glen?”

“More or less, to begin with and then we'll take it from there.”

Nan came over and gave them both a big hug. It was agreed that Nan and Jean would look after the croft and Rambo while Jock and Mary went down to Glasgow to buy furniture. When Mary gave Jean the large box of fancy soaps and lotions the hug of thanks she got made her gasp for air.

Driving back to the hotel, Mary's mind was in turmoil but she was so happy. Two hours later, after a quick shower, change of clothes and a Chinese takeaway purchased, she was driving back up the glen. She got a big welcome from Rambo when she arrived and saw that Jock was changed, shaved, showered and that the table was set.

Again, the conversation at the meal was all about their future plans and the solving of financial problems. They retired to the conservatory to play chess but never finished the game. Instead, they lay in each other's arms and talked about how they had both spent the years that they’d been apart. Mary told him more about Laura and Barry in Memus, the London Marathon, her visits to Hereford, to New Zealand, her exotic holidays and her adventures at the Kinlochleven Smelter.

Jock was impressed. He told her about his four years in the Winter Warfare school in Canada. He said that he’d spent all his time off exploring the wilderness there, which is how he’d saved a lot of money as he never touched his wages. He told her about the SAS in Ireland, the Falklands and all over the world. It was Mary's turn to be impressed.

Mary didn’t stay the night. If truth be known, she didn’t fancy Jock's bed made of pallets, so she arranged to meet him for breakfast at The Duke of Gordon Hotel the next morning. That night, back at the hotel, she again phoned Doug Campbell and told him and Beth that she was getting married to Jock soon and she would give them the date and venue once everything was arranged. Both were highly delighted with the news.

Next morning after breakfast, the Jock and Mary talked non-stop. They visited the registry office, met Jock's minister and returned to the hotel to arrange a date and time and accommodation. As it happened there was a vacancy for a Saturday, four weeks from their enquiry. It would be quite a rush to arrange everything but they decided to go for it. Jock left his pickup at Kingussie railway station and they drove in Mary’s car to Glasgow, staying the night at Mary's new flat. Most of their conversation was about their plans for the future and the wedding.

Next day being a Saturday, they went to a huge furniture warehouse and bought a complete bedroom suite, consisting of a bed, mattress, headboard, dressing table, bed linen and matching curtains. Mary did the choosing with Jock happily agreeing to her choices. He paid the bill with the contents of the tin box from his kitchen, claiming that he had enough left for his rail fare home. Their purchases were to be delivered mid-week to Achlean. Next day, Jock was dropped off at Buchanan Railway Station and he caught the train to Kingussie. Again, as they kissed goodbye the old saying ‘parting is sweet sorrow’ came to Mary's mind.

On Monday morning she reported in at the Glasgow office and met with Mr McLean. They had a long discussion about the takeover on his retirement. She sent a telex to Doug Campbell about the date of the wedding and every night she phoned Jock but in her heart she wished she could be with him.

On Friday afternoon, Mary was intending to drive straight from the office to Kingussie but Mr McLean told her that he had received a telephone message from Doug Campbell saying that he and his wife and two others were coming to Scotland, ten days prior to the wedding. They were asking if Mary could meet them at Inverness airport and show them around Scotland.

Mary was furious as all her plans and preparations would be in turmoil. Before she could protest, Mr McLean told her that his retirement would be further delayed as she was to be given six weeks paid leave to go on honeymoon.

Mary decided to wait until she met Doug Campbell and make her protest face to face with him. When she drove up to Achlean that evening, she was met by Rambo as soon as she got out of the Land Rover. She saw that the trailer was loaded with several bundles of cloth-covered items and securely roped. She could hear Jock working in the shed.

When she walked into the shed it was a scene of chaos. Wood shavings and sawdust were everywhere and Jock was covered in dust. He was just adding a leg to a large coffee table he had made. He smiled when he saw Mary and came over to give her a big kiss, leaving sawdust on her suit.

“Your arrival is timed to perfection as I have just finished,” he announced. He removed his boiler suit and the two of them walked hand in hand to the house, with Rambo trotting excitedly in front of them.

When Mary entered the house, the aroma of cooking and freshly baked bread made her hunger more acute. Seeing the table set for two she asked what was on offer.

“All in stew made in the slow cooker, freshly baked home-made bread, girdle scones made by Jean and heather honey.”

“Sounds good to me,” Mary replied. “But before we dine, can I see the bedroom?” Mary was pleased with what she saw. Obviously, Nan Cameron had had a hand in making it so inviting.

After they had dined, they told each other about what they had been doing and then retired early, as it promised to be a hard day at the Moy Game Show the following morning, with a five-thirty rise. Jock admitted that all his ready cash was gone and that he hoped to do well with his plaques and the coffee table. Mary showed him the business cards in his name that she had had printed in Glasgow.

No sooner had they started to unload the trailer and set up a stall at the show when a man bought the first coffee table while it was still on the trailer. So it continued during the day and by four o’clock they were completely sold out. They were both extremely tired with all the hustle and bustle of a busy sales day. Rambo sat in the cab of the pickup, watching all the people and many dogs pass by.

At the end of the day, Jock had made almost two and a half thousand pounds and was just delighted, not only with the money but with the number of enquiries which had been made for future orders.

For the next two weeks they were both extremely busy, Mary working in Glasgow and making all the wedding arrangements, and Jock working long hours to fulfil the flood of orders that were coming in, so much so that he was running out of wood.

Eventually, the day came that they both drove to Inverness airport in their respective vehicles to meet Mr and Mrs Campbell and their two guests. Mary suspected that the other two would be Amy and Max. She told Jock all about Max and that he had said that she would meet her ‘warrior’ boyfriend again. Mary had been so sceptical of his prediction at first but was now full of respect for his knowledge. Jock explained it as second sight in Gaelic culture. They both sat in the lounge and when the plane touched down, made their way to arrivals. Mary excused herself to go to the toilet and left Jock at the arrival gate.

One of the first couples to come through was a well-dressed woman and her husband whose features looked as though they were hewn out of granite. The man came forward to Jock and said, “You are the warrior. I am Max and this is Amy. Mr and Mrs Campbell have been held up in the luggage hall. They will be here shortly.”

Just then, Mary joined them and there were hugs and kisses all round. Eventually the Campbells arrived and the greetings were even more joyful. The ladies travelled with Mary and the men with Jock. The conversation in both vehicles was non-stop all the way to Kingussie. At the hotel, the American visitors checked in and decided to have a sleep to counter the jet lag. It was arranged that they would meet at three o’clock for a visit to Jock's croft at Achlean, after which they would all dine at the Duke of Gordon Hotel and make arrangements for the tour. Mary decided that would be the right time and place to make her protest about having to be a guide just prior to her wedding.

Mary collected the four guests at the allotted time and drove them to Achlean where they were met by Jock, Nan and Jean. After more introductions, they were served tea and coffee and home-made scones and shortbread. Jean was subdued, being in awe of the visitors, indeed she was almost shy. Mary and Nan showed the ladies round the house, while Jock showed the men his workshop and told them about his plans for the croft. When he showed them the river and the deep pool, memories of poaching were relived and laughed about.

It was almost six o’clock when they all got back together. Nan and Jean were invited to join them for an evening meal at the hotel, at which they were both delighted. Later after the meal, Doug Campbell revealed why he had come over early. Amy and Beth would help Mary with all the arrangements if Jock would act as tour guide for him and Max. Jock reluctantly agreed but Mary was just so excited that all would be well for the wedding.

Mary had a long discussion with Beth, Amy and Nan about the wedding plans, the house with its lack of furniture, the honeymoon, the lack of money and all of Mary's and Jock's efforts to see them through this cash flow problem. Jock refused to accept payment for his role as tour guide if Doug Campbell paid for accommodation, meals and fuel. This was reluctantly agreed to by the Americans. The box containing two sets of golf clubs and fishing gear arrived at the hotel. Its non-arrival had caused Doug and Max some anxious moments but now that it was here and awaiting use, they were both full of anticipation for the forthcoming sport.

Next day, the ladies headed off to Inverness with Nan and Jean to show them around. Conversation on the journey was all about the décor of the living room. Everyone had a different opinion until Jean spoke out loud. “Why don't you do it in tartan?” There was a pause in the conversation, then mutual agreement and plaudits to Jean for her contribution.

Meanwhile Jock took the men to Kingussie Golf Club in the morning, then up to Pitmain in the afternoon where they were taken by the gamekeeper in his Land Rover to photograph a stag. This was a long-drawn-out affair until the wind changed and the four of them were able to crawl undetected to about twenty yards from the magnificent stag and got several first-class photographs.

On the way home Max stated, “You cannot eat a photograph,” obviously thinking how many meals the stag would have provided. The conversation at the evening meal was all about how each carload had fared and what had been achieved.

The following day, Jock took Doug and Max to Grantown-on-Spey, to Castle Grant fishing and left them in the capable hands of the local gillie. When he picked them up at five o’clock that afternoon Max had a six-pound sea trout and Doug a seven-pound salmon. Both men had consumed a fair amount of alcohol and were in excellent spirits, laughing and joking all the way back to Kingussie.

For the rest of the week Jock took them to Culloden Moor, Clava Cairns and Kinlochleven Smelter, where they were applauded by the work force when they went into the canteen.

Next stop was Inverary to see the seat of the Clan Campbell. Doug was ecstatic. They fished the River Tay but with negative results. They played golf at Gleneagles, Carnoustie, Turnberry and St Andrew's. When they were at Turnberry, Jock took them to the Electric Brae in Ayrshire and the two Americans were baffled until Jock explained that it was an optical illusion.

Meanwhile Mary, Beth and Amy went down to Glasgow and stayed in the flat. They shopped constantly and by the time they returned to Kingussie, everything appeared to be ready for the wedding.

On the day prior to the wedding, Jock took Doug and Max on a whisky tasting tour of Speyside. On the return journey, both men fell asleep in the pickup having consumed a fair bit of the local produce. When they reached the hotel both of them disappeared to bed and were not seen again until the following morning.

All that week Jock and Mary seldom met. They were like ships that passed in the night.

The night before the wedding, several of the guests arrived at the hotel. Mary was delighted to greet Laura, Barry and her two godchildren. Then Dusty Miller and his wife arrived, followed by CSM Jim Harkness and his wife.

Doug Campbell got up the next morning with a bit of a hangover and was talking to the hotel porter who told him that he was taking the minibus to the station to collect six girls who were coming from London and were guests at the wedding. They were colleagues of the bride. They were coming by sleeper train and leaving again by sleeper train on Sunday. Doug decided to accompany him and meet the girls from their train as it arrived. It was obvious that they did not know who he was, taking him to be an employee of the hotel so, on the short journey back he asked them about their work and got some interesting comments for answers. At the hotel he helped them with their luggage and got a ten-pound tip which he gave to the driver. This little escapade appealed to his sense of humour.

Most of the forenoon, Mary spent with Laura and her godchildren who were to be matron of honour, bridesmaid and page boy. Jock came to the ceremony by taxi. As the ceremony was taking place in the ballroom, excitement began to build with Mary half-expecting things to go wrong. Mr and Mrs Black from Quarriers Homes arrived in a minibus, accompanied by several children from their cottage. The children looked very smart and were very well behaved.

At the appointed time, Mr Black collected Mary and her entourage and walked into the ballroom behind the piper who was playing Mhairi's Wedding. Mary could see the kilted figures of Jock and Jim Harkness standing erect in front of the minister as though they were on guard at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony went without a hitch and while the wedding photographs were being taken, the guests retired to the hotel bar. Later, when all the guests were seated in the dining room, the wedding party made a grand entrance headed by the piper, again playing Mhairi's Wedding.

After the meal Mr Black stood up and made a short speech about Mary's childhood at Quarrier's Homes. Then Jim Harkness made a speech about his and Jock's exploits in the army which caused gales of laughter to resound throughout the hotel. Jock's speech was short but sincere and most of all complimentary to Mary. Then Doug Campbell stood up and introduced himself, much to the embarrassment of the six young ladies. If Jim Harkness' stories had brought laughter, Doug's stories had the wedding party in rapture.

The arrangements for the wedding made by Mary, Beth and Amy all went to plan with no problems at all. As the entertainment started, shinty players and their partners started to arrive and the dance floor became a scene of loud enjoyment. Doug Campbell was up for every dance with a different partner each time. Mary and Jock were dancing with everyone, whilst Dusty Miller sat at a table, drinking a large amount of alcohol and telling army stories. Nan and Jean danced with all the shinty players.

Mary had arranged for all the presents to be taken to Nan's car which she would then deposit at Achlean later in the week. Jean was looking forward to keeping Rambo while Jock and Mary were away on honeymoon.

All too soon the festivities were over and, as the band played Auld Lang Syne there were signs of emotion from some of the senior guests. Mary and Jock left the hotel in Mary's car to the sounds of good-natured banter, clapping and cheering that could be heard all over Kingussie.

After goodbyes, hugs and kisses, the married couple set off, not to Glasgow as everyone thought but to Aviemore where, years previously, their romance had gone pear-shaped. Driving there, Mary revealed to Jock that because of his tour-guiding, Doug Campbell had upgraded their tourist tickets to New Zealand to business class. Their wedding present was the refurbishment of the living room at Achlean and Max and Amy had done the same with the bedroom. They would see the results when they came back home.

As they drove into Aviemore, Mary was in a pensive mood. Did she regret the last ten years that they had been apart? Until her next pay day and the arrival of Jock's army pension, all the money they had was in their pockets. Reckless? Yes. Impulsive? Yes. Would she change it? No.

She looked across at Jock as she stopped the car in the Four Seasons Hotel car park. What adventures lay ahead with this man? How many children would they be blessed with? In all ways, the future looked bright and it should be a happy ever after but she felt that only happened in films and books. Mary knew there would be hardships but equally, she knew that they would overcome them. She was prepared to do her utmost to keep this outstanding man, who was now her husband, happy and content.