Page 47 of Loched in Love

Shit.

I nod quickly, not daring to look him directly in the eyes, while praying we can find somewhere with a bed.

“Come, I think I saw a faint light just over the side of this hill. Don’t get upset, we’ll get your things back to you, not to worry,” Lachlan urges, and gently walks us both through the short field.

Bless him, he thinks it’s my kit causing my erratic breathing.

Up ahead, the dark silhouette of a wooden house finally materializes against a bare grassland. The amber glow of a porchlight a guidelight to sanctuary.

But before we can even shake the lake damp from our clothes, an older couple steps out onto the porch. The man wears a thick green wool cardigan, and the woman holds onto a shawl wrapped around her shoulders.

“Oh brilliant, you managed to make it across the wood. What an odd storm. I’ve not seen storm squalls that high since I was a girl,” the woman chirps, her British accent warm and inviting.

“Well, move out of the way, woman, and let them get inside.” A churlish male voice says.

“Ugh, fine, budge up a bit.” The older woman shuffles closer to her husband, allowing Lachlan to carry me over the threshold.

He moves to set me on my feet as we step into the roomy cottage.

“I’m Beatrice, and this is my husband, Arthur. We saw a light coming from the lake and figured someone might be arriving shortly.” The little old lady says, and I’d swear on everything she’d be an exact match for Julie Andrew’s voice.

“Welcome travelers,” Arthur adds with a nod. “Terrible business, this wind tonight. We’ve got the kettle on and fresh scones in the kitchen, and there’s a vacant cabin at the end of the hill if you’re keen.”

Panic sets in again when I remember, we don’t have our luggage which means we don’t have any money to pay for a stay.

“Oh Arthur, they’ve not yet said they mean to stay, you numpty,” Beatrice gripes.

I smile and roll my lips, fairly sure I’ve never heard Julie Andrews call anyone a numpty before.

“We’d love a cabin, wouldn’t we, Elena?” Lachlan responds, sending them both tittering happily.

“Oh it looks as if you’ve lost your baggage, you poor dears,” the proprietress says, before I can even open my mouth to mention payment.

“Aye, we seem to have lost our luggage. But I’ve a card here to pay for the stay,” Lachlan says smoothly.

Relief floods me as I remember he keeps Frank Stein’s card shoved in his pocket that we used first for the train ride to London, and the fare to get us here to the lake.

The elder gentleman shakes his head. “No trouble at all, we can sort it out and square up in the morning. I’ve got a small card terminal around here somewhere.”

Lachlan grins and hugs me to his side. “Aye, that’ll do then. We’re a bit weary from our journey and just need to get situated and warm up.”

“Stupendous! The cabin is straight down the hill behind the big house, you can’t miss it, it’s the only building for miles,” Arthur says kindly, walking us to the back door, Beatrice following up the rear. “Would you like us to walk you down?”

Beatrice pushes a key at Lachlan, who takes it in his grip before bending to scoop me back up into his big arms.

“No thanks, mate, I’m sure we’ll manage. Thank you,” Lachlan says with a nod of his head before bringing us both back out in the elements.

Vivian’s storm rages on, but the cabin is only a short walk from Beatrice and Arthur’s house.

The cabin is much smaller, and once we step inside, opens to a quaint living space that branches off into the kitchen, along with a bathroom, and single bedroom.

Lachlan guides me into the bedroom, which is small but incredibly cozy. An empty brick fireplace, plush velvet armchair and a massive old fourposter bed piled with blankets make up the room.

Once the heavy bedroom door shuts, Lachlan turns to face me. He takes my hands and finds them burning hot despite the cool night air.

“Elena, you’re burning up, and you’ve been breathing like you ran a marathon. This is more than just your baggage and phone, isn’t it? Talk to me,” he says.

Maybe it’s the magical things that have happened to me in the last day.