Alex Dunnegin had finally twisted the truth out of Bertilda after her unusual behavior in the kitchen. She admitted that she wished to seek another position. He had nearly dropped his coffee cup at the confession.
“Come to my office, away from the others.” Alex led the way.
The conversation started out with Bertilda’s defensive declaration. “Mr. Dunnegin...”
“Alex, Bertilda. We are alone, call me Alex.”
His soft words must have touched a nerve, because for the second time since he was a boy, Alex saw her cry. She’d turned her back and he saw her back shaking. Whatever could be so wrong in his house that she should be so unhappy? It seemed unhappiness reigned in this castle. First his brother, the eldest son and one who had been groomed for this position had died. But once Alex had lost his wife, things seemed to only get worse. Now the legal problems with his daughter. Paige had been his only salvation. Paige and Bertilda.
When Bertilda turned back and faced him he knew she was determined. “Alex, I cannot work for ya any longer. I must find another position.” The woman had actually crossed her arms over her chest.
He calmed himself, “Now suppose you sit down here and talk about it.”
“I cannot sit. I’ve troubled myself enough over the deci- sion. You must let me go.”
“Where, Bertilda. Where do you need to go? Have you another offer?”
“I have no other offer. It’s as though... .though...” She could not finish.
Alex took a seat in a large overstuffed chair next to the fireplace and motioned for her to sit in the other.
She sat, but Alex dreaded her explanation.
“What would I do without you Bertie?”
"Bertie? Since when have ya ever called me that?” She caught his eye. It was Edwina that called her that. He had heard her several times. She had a way with Bertie.
“Suppose you tell me what’s bothering you.”
He ignored her question.
“You wouldna understand.”
“Try me.”
“It’s as though I’ve changed somehow, Laird Dunnegin.”
She sounded distressed and addressed him in the old way.
“How?” Where in the world was this going?
“I can’t tell you in words. All I know is that I cannot sit by idly and see Paige be taken from you. I can’t. If it comes to that, I don’t know what I’ll do.” She got up and walked to the window.
Alex pulled in a breath. This he could deal with. He let a few seconds pass as he formed an answer. He knew women well enough that if he said the wrong thing at the wrong time, he’d have double the trouble trying to fix it.
“Bertie, do you trust me?”
“Of course I do, you’re like a son to me Alex Dunnegin.” She pronounced as she turned. “You know that.”
“Then trust me. I’m doing everything I can to see that Paige is not taken away.”
“She has no mother.” Bertie’s voice raised. “The Gillespie’s are good people, but they’re like grandparents. The lass needs a mother. And I don’t mean like the last one you brought home.” Her hands were on her hips now.
“And you see that I did not marry Ilana.”
“Had you wed her, Alex Dunnegin, I would’a packed my bag and walked out that door.” She pointed behind her.
“As well you should.” He agreed. “I was a fool.”
“What is it? You are all the things a young woman wants. You’re kind. You’ve got money.” She swung her arms hither and yon. “And you’re a good-looking lad.” She added with such seriousness Alex thought he could not keep the smile off his face.
“My governess would think such a thing. Not every woman I meet loves me as well as you do, Bertie.”
She ignored his humor.
“Why is it then you haven’t found a wife... a mother for Paige. It would help your case.”
“Yes, it would. But I cannot marry for those reasons. And well you know it.” Alex reprimanded her, buying some time to decide whether he should speak further.
Bertie gave him her back again.
“I asked Miss Blair to stay on as my secretary.” He stared at the small fire burning in the grate. “I thought maybe if she met Paige, they would get on.”
“Ya did? Truly?” She turned to face him.
“Aye.”
“Well, that was the first sensible thing I’ve heard this day.”
“You agree with my decision, then?”
“Aye, I do. The young lass is sensible, kind, good to the heart. She would get on well with Paige. And did she refuse ya then?”
Bertie’s temper was rising.
“She did.”
“Ack... I thought the woman smarter than that.”
“She’s afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“She never wanted to come to Scotland. Her sister was supposed to be traveling. But Miss Blair took her place. I don’t think she is accustomed to being away from home.”
“She seemed to like our Scottish hills well enough.” Bertie harrumphed.
“Aye, she did. I saw her walk upon them meself.”
“Ah... so you were watching the lass, too?” Alex stared at the fire, choosing not to answer.
“Well, be that as it may, are ye going to ask the lass again? Tell her about Paige?”
“That would be up to me, now wouldn’t it?” Bertie didn’t say a word.
“Will luncheon be ready in a while? I’m famished.” He smiled and caught her eye.
“Aye. I’ll be back to my work. But take note that ye’ll be needin’ to find someone who can make your oat cakes for ya while I’m gone.”
“Gone?” Alex looked up.
“Aye... I’d be aboot a bit of a holiday meself.” She said smartly.
“So you don’t wish to find another position. Only take a holiday?” Alex was careful with his words.
“Aye. A good long holiday...” she warned.
“You deserve one. When will you leave?” Alex knew she had worked tirelessly for years.
“I’ll let ya know, lad.” She sputtered, back to her old self.
“Perhaps things will be better by then.” His voice trailed off
“Rest yourself. I’ll see your bags are packed.”
“Thanks. It’s going to be a difficult trip, this time.”
“Aye, I’ll be saying a little prayer for ya, too.”
“Thanks Bertilda.”
Alex lay his head back and wondered when he would have time to find a wife. Not for himself but for his daughter’s benefit.