Aprons For Gayle Ch. 19

Hamish stood tall and proud, smiling broadly. "This is Gayle Boyce, Alistair, Maureen. She's working for me the next few months keeping my home tidy, and she's been doing such a fabulous job I thought I'd give her a night off."

"Gayle," Maureen said, giving her a kiss on her cheek. "Wonderful to meet you."

Gayle was a little taken aback at Maureen's friendliness, considering she was just Hamish's maid. Just Hamish's maid? She was appalled at her own thoughts.

"Thank you," Gayle replied, trying to keep her anxious voice calm. "Your... home is beautiful." She felt a tinge stupidity, not used to calling someone's home a castle, or manor, even. "Lily told me the history of the estate. Most Americans can't even imagine having such an historical history to their home."

Jack and Hamish had been talking, which got Maureen's attention, so Gayle was left to look around. The front reception room to the right was all light pine wood - the walls, ceiling, floor, even the eight-foot long bay window frame and built-in bookshelves, but a delicate crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the room. It was octagonal with a huge fireplace, and the blue and tan carpet completed the comfortable, want-to-spend-all-day-in-here feeling. There were four tables set up along the walls with someone standing behind each, but there were people standing in front of the tables, so she couldn't see what was on them.

"Alright," Maureen said as she handed each of them a business card with a single number on it. "You use those numbers to bid on items in the front room so they are kept private. We'll announce the winners a bit later. Also, there are drinks available in there, and the buffet is ready in the formal reception room. There are tables there and in the adjoining room. Please, help yourselves."

"Thank you, Helen. We will," Jack replied cordially.

"Ah, there are Carter and Catherine. Excuse us. We're glad you're here," Alistair said.

They had just walked away when someone called out, "Hello, mate! Fancy finding you here at this shindig," the man said as he shook hands with Hamish. The woman with him gave him a quick peck on his cheek.

When Jack and Lily excused themselves to see friends, Hamish replied, "Thomas. You're still looking scrawny. You need to get to the gym more." Hamish then looked at the woman. "You look beautiful, Helen."

"Thanks you. Always the charmer. You've not changed one bit," she said as she chuckled.

"So I've been told," he said with a small chuckle.

After Hamish made the introductions, he said to Gayle, "Thomas was my flat mate at uni. His family owns Glamis Castle in Forfar, not even an hour from home."

"Glamis Castle?!" Gayle practically screamed then lowered her voice. "I'm sorry. I've seen that on the travel channel back home. It's amazing! And the Lord playing cards with the devil - fascinating!"

Hamish said, "Gayle has studied archeology and currently volunteering at St. Athernase Church."

"Oh! Good for you!" Thomas said. "Father insisted he be a part of fundraising, so he volunteered a weekend for the silent auction. Hamish, I hope you brought your checkbook for your lovely lady to fulfill her dreams."

"I did. Do you think I could outbid others with twenty quid?" Hamish asked seriously.

"It'd better not," Thomas laughed. "Ah! There's Robert. I've been looking for him since we got here. Enjoy your evening."

When Hamish and Gayle were alone, they found a quiet corner in the foyer, where Hamish told Gayle who was who, though she wouldn't remember a single name. What she would remember, and she was astonished to see, was there were quite a few men and women with either a prosthetic leg or arm, and a woman had horrible burn scars on the side of her face that extended down her neck to her arm. Regardless, the confidence and beauty she exuded was overwhelming.

The same woman suddenly looked in Gayle's direction, and a smile slowly came over her lips as her eyes skirted from Gayle to Hamish. Then Gayle noticed several other people taking long, scrutinizing glances at them, causing her to take hold of his jacket and try to hide behind him.

He leaned down, his lips just by her ear. "No, you don't," he chastised her, whispering so no one could hear them. "You will stand tall and proud, little one."

"Professor 'iggins, 're ya tryin' ter teach me ter be a proper lydy?" she asked, her voice also low, doing her best to sound like Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady.

"Aye, Elizeur Doolittle. 'n if theur dooant, ahl av ta pay Jack ten quid, 'n ah'm known for bein eur cheap clart noggin."

"Um, huh?"

He laughed. "I'll make a deal with you: You don't ever use our accent again, and I won't use the cockney accent."

"Deal!" she squeaked then laughed.

"Would you like a drink?" he asked, seeing her champagne was gone.

"Yes Sir. May I get some wine, similar to what you ordered for me at dinner last night?"

"Of course."

Putting his hand in the small of her back, he led her into the room she had checked out, but from the foyer she couldn't see the bar to the left. "Go ahead and see what is up for auction. I'll be right back."

Gayle said hello to the people at the tables and looked over the sheets of paper with the items available. There was a day spa of the full-service treatments; a round of golf at St. Andrews, including lunch; three days, two nights at the Waldorf Astoria in Edinburgh; and other various treats and amenities, along with the weekend at Glamis Castle.

"Here you are," Hamish said as he handed her a glass of wine.

"Thanks. I guess I can forget about bidding on the Glamis weekend. The opening bid is 5,000 pounds! And I thought I could get it for a measly hundred." She laughed.

Hamish didn't laugh. "Ms. Boyce, every bit goes to helping the soldiers. You just stop, right now."

She nodded. "Yes Sir. You're right. Where do I give my money to, by the way?"

"Oh, right this way."

Once they made their donation, Hamish proudly introduced Gayle to everyone he knew. Jack and Lily entered the room, and Gayle lost track of Hamish after Lily said, "I don't know about you two, but I'm starving. Care to get something to eat?"

Now that Gayle had gained her confidence, her appetite returned with it. She nodded as Hamish returned and led her back into the hallway to the other reception room, her nose seemingly guiding her. As they entered, she looked around at the dark oak-wood floor and wall paneling, the top half painted a dark amber; white-painted ceiling with intricate pattern; two huge dormer windows with fireplace; and three long wooden tables sitting eight diners each. There were two buffet tables set along one wall, and the smell made her mouth water. The two small sandwich squares back at Hamish's castle just wasn't enough.

After they filled their plates, Jack suggested they go into the adjoining room. Walking through the doorway, Gayle couldn't help but notice the two beautiful stained-glass double-doors. The top halves were of a dark yellow flower with a light yellow border, and the bottom were of women, one in a blue, flowing dress with a yellow sash and carrying a lit torch, the other in a yellow dress with a blue sash holding a lamb in her arms.

The room itself had white painted walls with criss-cross crown molding in squared patterns, and the ceiling, also white, had multiple star designs. There was plenty of seating with ten round tables and three tables for four were placed in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows with full-length white curtains, held back with sashes.

Luckily, one of those tables was vacant, and Lily said, "Jack, let's get a table by the window."

As they approached it, Jack set his plate on the table and pulled out a chair for his wife.

After she sat down, Jack tried to pull out another for Gayle, but Hamish set his plate down and pulled out the adjacent chair. "I shall be gallant to my own woman, mate!" he snapped, then looked at Gayle sheep-faced, his usually already ruddy cheeks brightening further.

Gayle stood frozen for a split second. Trying to lighten the mood, after she sat down, she said, "Thank you for your gallantness."

Clearing his throat, Hamish offered to get their drinks. Hurrying to the room with the auctioning items, he stepped to the table and cursed when he saw another bid of 6,500 pounds. Writing down a higher number, convinced no one would dare bid more, he got their drinks and returned to the table.

They ate to their heart's content, enjoying pleasant conversation and flowing drinks, the second round Jack insisted he get. The musicians had then come in from outside because a soft, beautiful tune wafted into the room, without the persistently loud bagpipe, which was good considering the enclosed space would have chiseled holes into everyone's ear drums.

After Jack told Gayle about Hamish's younger teenage girl-chasing, beer drinking, late night escapades, Gayle asked Lily, "How do you put up with these two?"

"Oh, I don't. I simply allow Jack to play as much golf as he wants to sow his wild roots," she replied.

Leaning over toward Gayle, Hamish whispered loud enough to be overheard, "We also go to gentleman's clubs, but do not tell Lily. She'll never let Jack out again."

"You're right, Hamish! And I already knew," Lily teased.

"Oh, shyte, Hammy boy! It's been nice knowing you," Jack joked.

"I think we all deserve another drink, don't you?" Hamish asked as he stood.

Gayle desperately wanted to tell him that she'd already had her limit, but she didn't want to embarrass him in front of his friends.

So, after they cleared their plates and had dessert, Alistair made an announcement that the buffet was closing and to finish up their meals then join him and Maureen outside. Hamish carefully pulled Gayle's chair out, and she slowly stood.

"Whoah," she mumbled then put her hand on his shoulder. Jack and Lily were still too close to tell Hamish she didn't want another drink, so again she didn't say anything.

Several minutes later, everyone was standing on the drive in the darkness chatting with one another when Jack left to get another round of drinks. Hamish quickly whispered something to Jack, but she couldn't hear what.

When Jack returned, Gayle took the glass that he'd handed her and saw that it was a different vintage wine by the color, and the face it was fizzy. When Jack and Lily had their backs to them, she told Hamish quietly, "Sir, this is my last glass, okay? One more and I'll be on the floor."

"I noticed. That's why Jack brought you sparkling water."

Gayle smiled appreciatively. "Thank you. So, do you know why we're out here?"

"No, but I think we've just been kicked out." He chuckled. "How did you like dinner?"

"Everything was delicious. And I loved the chocolate mousse."

"Hamish! Is that you?!" a woman practically screamed as she approached him. She threw his arms around his neck and hugged him longer than she should have - as far as Gayle was concerned. "I haven't seen you in ages."

When she pulled away, Hamish asked, "How are you, Maisy?"

Gayle watched with obvious envy, but detected coldness in his voice.

"I'm fine. You look fantastic," she said, keeping her arm around his back.

"As do you. Maisy, this is -" Hamish started, looking at Gayle.

"Yeah. Hi," Maisy said curtly then slipped her arm around his and tugged him away. There was only a little bit of hesitation on his part, but Gayle was growing furious. He should have objected. You rude bitch! He's my date, you ho.

Gayle looked around nervously, feeling like she'd just been bitch slapped. Luckily, Jack and Lily didn't catch the scene, so she sauntered back inside to the bar for another glass of wine.

Fuck it. If I'm going to survive the night, I think I deserve to get drunk.

Maureen had been checking out the rooms to make sure no one was left inside. When she asked Gayle if anything was wrong, she prayed the hostess didn't see the moisture built up in her eyes. She said she was fine, and asked where the restroom was.

Closing the bathroom door behind her, she stared at herself in front of the mirror, willing the tears back for fear the make-up would run and ruin her face. She didn't have anything to worry about, though, because she heard a laugh echo back at her. It was her own.

Get a hold of yourself, dumb ass! He's not yours. He never will be.

Taking several deep breaths and quickly emptying her wine glass, she opened the door and ran right into Hamish. "OH! I'm sorry, Sir!"

"Are you alright?" he asked concerned, then saw the empty glass in her hand. "Maureen said you had gotten another glass of wine and asked for the loo."

"Yes Sir. I'm fine. I just needed to potty."

His gaze went from one of her eyes to the other then back again. His eyebrows furrowed deeply. "Gayle? Is this about Maisy?"

She didn't answer.

Shaking his head, he cupped her face in his hands and ran his thumbs over her chin. "Ms. Boyce, what is it you told me on more than one occasion?"

She tilted her head slightly. "I don't understand, Sir."

He smiled. "I'm not going home with her. I'm going home with you, just as I want to."

If she hadn't cried before, she almost did then. "Yes Sir. I was out of line."

"No, you weren't," he said promptly. "She was. If you had stayed, I would have been back in two minutes. That's all it took for me to excuse myself and tell her I had to get back to my date."

She slowly smiled. "Oh."

He took his hands away and took her hand. "Right. Oh. Now put on that jovial smile of yours and make me look good."

As they walked through the foyer, she could see the bustle of movement in the larger reception room. Some tables were stacked in one corner, and several men were clearing the rest. Then she saw the podium at the far end of the room and understood why they all were sent outside.

"Is everything alright?" Lily asked, also concerned.

"Oh, yes," Gayle replied. "I just had to..."

Suddenly, there were loud explosions off in the distance high above them, and as Gayle turned, among the ooohs and ahhhs of the crowd, fireworks lit the sky. Her mood instantly lifted for the next fifteen minutes as the reds, greens and whites filled the sky, the boisterous booms and pops making her feel like a kid again.

By the time the finale arrived, Gayle wore a huge smile, and Hamish hadn't watched the pyrotechnics from the start. He was too busy watching Gayle's expressions.

"Wow!" she exclaimed when she finally looked at Hamish. He had never looked at her like that before, and something stirred deep within her. "That was awesome!"

Before he could reply, Alistair made another broadcast for everyone to go inside and get another drink if they so wished.

Several minutes later, all were gathered in the largest reception room facing the podium. Beside it were several chairs, where men and women were seated, all wearing the uniform from their branch of service.

Alistair and Maureen both made a brief speech thanking them for coming, then introduced the soldiers, who each told a sincere, incredibly heartfelt story of the tribulations of war or struggles they endured when they came home and the painful rehabilitation.

Gayle was so touched by their stories that again she had to stop herself from crying, and she only gained control of herself when Hamish grabbed her hand and gave it a tight, reassuring squeeze.

"Now," Maureen said as she approached the podium, placing a piece of paper on it. "Because of your generosity and kindness, the funds raised from this evening has exceeded our expectations with just over 126,000 pounds."

The room erupted in wild applause.

"Now, for the silent auction bids."

She called out the winners of the offered items by their numbers Maureen handed out when they first arrived, and they each collected an envelope with the details, Gayle assumed.

"For the last item, it seems there were two of you that fought valiantly to be the highest bidder for the weekend at Glamis Castle."

When she mentioned Glamis Castle, Hamish instantly tensed. What's up with that? Gayle wondered.

"With a bid of 9,250 pounds, the winning number is 33."

Hamish walked toward the podium, receiving several slaps on the back from others. When Hamish returned, he stood directly in front of Gayle and handed her the envelope. She didn't take it but simply stared at him.

"Love," he said quietly, "You seemed so interested in the castle, I thought... I've been bidding on this all night against some wanker, who I would love to take outside and take a chib at."

"Er, mate, that would be me," Jack volunteered.

"What? You've been bidding on this? Why the fuck..." He wasn't just angry, he was incensed.

"Well, Thomas and Helen were very taken with you, Gayle," Jack explained. "They have been all over the States, as were his parents. And I know what a cheap bastard you are, Hamish and knew you wouldn't bid on it. I had every intention of giving it to you and Gayle."

Hamish's face slowly eased, and he laughed. "Did it ever cross your mind to speak with me first?"

Gayle finally relaxed, afraid the boys would have a fist fight right then and there. Luckily, Lily intervened. "You two, it doesn't matter. The monies are going to help our soldiers, and Gayle gets to stay at a real haunted castle."

The four spent another hour getting caught up with their friends before Jack mentioned he and Lily had to get to bed somewhat early for his round of golf first thing in the morning.

"And once again you didn't invite me?" Hamish asked, though he was clearly teasing.

"Because I knew you would be suffering from Spondulietise, as you always do, and I just didn't want to hear it," Jack replied.

Gayle grew concerned and asked Hamish, "Oh, my god! Are you okay? You didn' tell me you have Spoondualitis!"

Everyone laughed, except for Gayle. "Oh, no, dear," Jack said to Gayle. "Spondulieitise just means talking shyte."

Only then did Gayle laugh. "I need to be sober when I'm around you two."

"No. You'd need at least three glasses of wine, two shots of whisky and brandy," Lily said then laughed.

On the drive back to Duncanstone, Hamish's ancestral home, they each had a nightcap in the limo, which propelled Gayle over the edge to drunkenness. Hamish had to keep propping her up as she leaned against him, embroiled in a fit of laughter.

Saying goodnight to each other, with promises of getting together more often, the limo carrying Jack and Lily drove off into the night. A light, chilly breeze washed over them, and Gayle, taking a deep breath, looked up at the sky, as if that would instantaneously make her sober.

The Super moon, huge and extremely bright, seemed as if it was only a stone's throw away from the castle. "OH!" Gayle yelled louder than she should have. "Look at tha' moooon! I didn' see it at Crackbrick."

"Hell, woman! It's Craigbrook. And I can assure you it was there, as well. I think you need to sober up a bit. Why don't I get Bessie, and we'll take a nice stroll down to the lake?" Hamish suggested.

At first her face brightened, but then she looked at her heels. "Ohhhh, Hamissshhh!" she slurred. "I don' wan'tah ruin these heels."

"I do believe I'll be carrying you anyway," he teased. "I remember seeing your trainers by the dryer. I'll get them. Think you can stand up straight 'til I get back?"

"Dowtet," she mumbled then giggled. "I'm pissst at'chu, by the way, Hamish."

Ignoring her comment, he scowled at her. "Ms. Boyce, do I have to remind you we are no longer in public?"

"No Sir. I can actuality hear a norm'l conversation without the wailing of them bagpiperers."

"You need more of a walk to sober up."

"Brillian' idear!" she screamed. "Can you bring a bottle of wine... er sumt'ing?"