The Mystery Of Macgregor’s Cove – Episode 45
The Mystery Of Macgregor's Cove by June Davies
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- 1. The Mystery Of Macgregor’s Cove – Episode 45
Ethel and Sandy stood on the quayside beyond the Bell, waving off the packet.
“You’re wearing your new gansey,” Ethel remarked. “I’ve not seen it since I gave it to you at Christmas.”
“It didn’t seem right putting it on,” he mumbled, fidgeting with the ribbing on the sleeve. “It’s a grand gansey. Best I’ve seen.”
“Aunt Mathilda found the pattern for me. It’s been in your family for generations. Came down from Scotland with the Macgregors.”
They fell silent.
“I’m sorry I never told you about Marietta,” Sandy blurted out, stumbling over his words. “When I heard they were dead, I came home. I didn’t tell anybody what had happened. Not even Iain. I couldn’t.
“Nobody ever knew.” He shook his head, avoiding her gaze. “Years went by, and when you and me started walking out, it was easier not looking back.”
“I can understand,” she acknowledged soberly. “And we have been blessed with a good life.”
“I don’t want to lose you,” he muttered. “Are we all right, Ethel?”
“Aye. We’re all right, Sandy.” She nodded, her features softening into a smile.
With the packet fading from sight on the swell of the tide, they turned from the quayside and started up towards the inn-house.
* * * *
“Penny suggested it and I’ve given the notion considerable thought.” Kit paused, waiting while Elias made his move on the chessboard between them.
“A permanent light would assist safer navigation through the approaches and on into Liverpool.”
“I’ve approached several shipping companies in Liverpool, but none were forthcoming with support for constructing a lighthouse.”
“But you are staying in Lancashire?”
“There’s no doubt about that.” Kit raised his face. “What position is Penny to have at Whitlock’s?”
Elias glanced up, perplexed.
“How do you mean?”
“Penny’s been running the pottery,” Kit replied. “When Adam returns, what is she to do?”
“Come home, of course. And before you start arguing her corner,” Elias put in hastily, raising a hand as Kit drew breath to dissent. “Penny does a grand job and if I had no son, things would be different.”
“Despite Penny’s abilities and hard work, she’s to be excluded from her family’s firm?” Kit interrupted. “You must understand how much the pottery means to her.”
“Of course I do. It’ll be hard on the lass,” Elias conceded. “But once she’s wed, she’ll have other things to think on.
“Whitlock’s is Adam’s birthright, Kit,” Elias finished impatiently. “There’s nowt more to be said on the matter.”
