Flux

13. The Swan Pond

Hugh took us down by Pipers Brae and Silver Avenue down to the Swan Pond at the edge of the estate.

I hadn't come down here yet in this time but I remember it from the future. My mum and I would go to the ice cream shop just across the grass from the water and we would sit on the bench to watch the kids feeding the ducks and swans.

It hadn't change much, apart from the stone wall that hadn't been built yet  on the south side and it was still quite shrubby in most parts.

On our walk down, we had stayed quiet most of the way down. He spotted out different areas of the woods where we past and described how he would play there as a boy.

Once we got there he sat down on the small dyke and patted the area next to him.

"All this here" he pointed across the field and over to the pond. "I'm going to get it all cleared up and allow visitors into see this hidden beauty. My grandfather had huge plans for Culzean. And I want to see those plans through in honour of him"

"He sounds like a great man" I said looking out at the water. 

"I arrived back to Culzean just shortly after my fourteenth birthday" he said. "He and my father did not get along. My father was caught with a bloody knife over a body on the beach near the Gas House. He couldn't explain himself, so my father, mother, me and my brothers were sent packing. We moved to Ireland to live my mothers parents for a while"

I didn't know why he was telling me all of this. But I didn't interrupt him and just listened.

"I always kept in touch with my grandfather by letter. And he always wrote back of how proud he was. But, he would tell me that I must grow up and become a man as I was to take over once he died. He was not giving the Lordship to my father, or my aunt who had married in secret and ran away. My grandfathers seen something in me that I didn't. He taught me everything he knew about running this place and how to invest in good business"

"You must miss him a lot?" I questioned him hoping not to offend.

"I do. But we were expecting him to pass for months. Years ones could say. But his mind and his spirit were strong willed and he helped me with my education and taught me how to be a man. It wasn't a surprise when he died November last"

That was only a two months ago. He must be hurting so much. Plus with Mary. I had completely got him wrong. He was dealing with a lot of pressure and responsibility on his shoulders.

"Mary was my grandfathers personal maid and she cared for him until his final moments. I am so humbled that you were there for Mary at the end. She deserved so much better. Too young....." He looked up at me and held my hand in his.

"Thank you. So much. Mary adored you, and she was lucky to have met you before she died. I seen what you did for her, and trust me, even some men couldn't have done what you did"

I didn't know what to say. My heart felt heavy for him as I could see he felt responsible for her. He let go and left a warm sensation on my hand that lingered for longer than it should have.

He sighed.

"The baby's father is Margaret's brother, Andrew. I've been trying to get them to take responsibility for the child but they are denying the child is really his because they were never married. She was just another fling to him. His family are one of the wealthiest among these parts, so unfortunately I have to put on a face and keep them happy. Although it hurts me to do it"

He spoke for what seemed like hours and I was happy just listening to him. He seemed at ease, sitting by the pond telling me stories of his grandfather, growing up in Ireland and his business ventures around Ayrshire.

He was an active investor in Franks work at the church. He helped Frank quite a bit after his father died. He was taking over the family business and by this point, Hugh's grandfather had taught him quite a lot. 

I got so lost in his stories, I forgot it was even Christmas Day. I was starting to get a chill and the sun was starting to set.

"Alice will have our heads if we don't get back soon" he yawned standing up placing his arm out for me.

As we were walking back up to the Castle, he held onto my arm tightly. He could feel me shivering from the cold. At least I had a blanket covering my shoulders. He only had a shirt on!

Just before we entered the castle by the fountain he turned me around.

"Miss Ingram, I know I told you a lot today. And I'm sorry for putting that on you. You just seem to put me at ease a little. Especially since you were there for Mary in the end and I wasn't. And I thank you again for that, so much"

"It's okay, my Lord. It was my honour to do it" I said wearily. Unconsciously I yawned, and quickly covered my mouth with my hand. "Sorry, I'm still tired from last night. I didn't get much sleep"

"If your not so tired after your meal with Alice and the others later, you should come along to the party. I'm not really in the mood so a friendly face will help get through it" He laughed and pushed a hand through his hair.

Did he just invite me to the party tonight? Staff don't usually go to the actual events without working at them. I don't have anything to wear for a party anyway. I don't want to show myself up if front of all those fancy girls.

"And just so you know, if your ever need to tell me anything or vent about something, anything. Don't ever hesitate. I'll always be here to listen. Always." he took my hand and placed a small kiss on top and looked up at me. "And stop calling me Lord. Everyone calls me Hugh."

"I'll remember that" I smiled at him. A genuine smile. I feel slightly guilty for smiling for all that has recently happened, but in this moment I am happy.

He walked back up to the main entrance, while I went round the back to the kitchens to meet up with Alice.