The Cottage by Michael Phillips

Author:Michael Phillips
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian fiction;FIC042030;FIC042000;FIC026000
ISBN: 9781441230584
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2016-08-22T04:00:00+00:00

42

The Mill

As they continued the drive back to Whales Reef, gradually it became quiet. With the signing of her name, they were both aware that everything had changed. The speculation and uncertainty, for the moment, had been put to rest. How everything would work out in practice over time remained as uncertain as ever. But the papers had been signed. The deed was done.

Waiting for the ferry, David at last broke the silence. “What would you think of us driving to the factory right now and telling the people that the mill will shortly be on firm footing again?”

“I would like that very much,” replied Loni.

They drove onto the ferry. She got out of the car and walked to the bow. She was still standing there ten minutes later as the ferry approached the dock. She could hardly believe how timid and afraid she had been when she first crossed these waters, with Dickie Sinclair quietly praying for her.

Now here she was, if Jason MacNaughton was right, though she could hardly bring herself to think it . . . a millionaire, a laird, owner of an entire island. Behind her in the car sat her third cousin, or half-third cousin, the chief of the small clan.

How could she possibly explain all this to Maddy . . . or Hugh? How could she convey the range of emotions, the ups and downs, the tears and the laughter, everything she had been through this week? Would they understand? Could they understand?

She returned to the car as the ferry bumped against the landing on the Whales Reef side.

“We may not have the luxury of waiting and hoping for the best with Hardy,” said Loni as they drove toward the mill. “If we make a public announcement, he’s bound to find out and cause a fuss.”

“We won’t divulge anything that he should find threatening.”

“The mere fact of your being with me when we tell the ladies will probably annoy him.”

“I’m sure it will,” said David. “Why don’t you go to the mill alone, then?”

“That isn’t what I meant. I want you with me. I’m still . . . you know, nervous about what people think.”

“I understand. I’m happy to stand with you. We will worry about Hardy when the time comes. Just remember what I said. You call me the instant he tries to talk to you about anything, whether on the phone or in person. And it would appear we have arrived,” he said, pulling up in front of the former hotel. “This should be fun!”

The moment they walked inside together, all work ceased. Every eye turned toward them, faces expressionless.

A twinkle in his eye, David cast Loni a wink, then stared back into the large room with no more expression on his face than those twenty or so greeting him. He allowed the silence to go on almost uncomfortably long.

“Hey, ladies!” he exclaimed at last, breaking into his characteristic smile. “Why so glum? Your new laird brings news. Where is Mr. MacBean?”

“I’m here, David,” replied Murdoc.

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