First Chapter of Shadows of Scartongarth

Chapter 1

 

Annie: Raumsey July 1939

 

Annie: Raumsey July 1939

 

Annie Reid set aside the letter she had received from her friend, Tess. 

‘How’s she doing?’ Annie’s mother slipped another bannock onto the iron griddle. 

‘She’s gone back to the nursing. They need nurses more than ever since it seems war’s inevitable.’

Isa paused and turned to look at her daughter. ‘You wish you were there, too, don’t you?’

‘I’ll admit I miss the city, but the islanders are in sore need of a district nurse and,’ she looked down at her sleeping baby, ‘DeeDee needs to be here, where it’s safe.’

‘I’m glad you’re being sensible,’ said Isa. ‘What else has Tess got to say?’

‘The British Union of Fascists are holding regular meetings at the entrance to Queen’s Park. They’re spreading nationalistic and racist views. It’s awful.’

‘Is Tess still involved with all that?’

‘She’s not giving too much away, but there seems to be a genuine fear that things will get bad. Glasgow is preparing for war, she says.’ 

Annie knew it wasn’t just in the cities. All across Britain, preparations were being made. Around nearby coastlines, lookout towers were being erected and, across the water, Scapa Flow had been of immense importance during the Great War and would be again. Daily, large warships sailed through the channel. 

‘You don’t mind me staying here, do you, Mam, when I now have a nice little nurse’s cottage?’ As the first state-paid district nurse on the island of Raumsey, she had been afforded accommodation and a bicycle to get around. Since her experience and skill were welcome, the islanders forgave her for the sin of returning home with a child and no husband.

‘How could you even ask? Donald and I love having you here. It’s a big manse, plenty of room. Furthermore, you do need us to watch Dee. It’s far more convenient.’ She lifted the bannock with a spatula and set it on a plate. ‘Butter a couple of slices, while I get the tea.’

Annie lifted a knob of butter and spread it over the bannock where it melted and glistened.

She had no sooner drunk her tea and eaten her bannock than David Donald, affectionately known as DeeDee or just Dee, woke, demanding attention. After feeding and changing him, she placed him back in the cot and lifted her jacket from the back of the chair. 

‘I’ve a couple of calls to make,’ she said, ‘but I shouldn’t be long.’

‘Take as long as you want, love. The wee man is no problem.’

 

Magnus Munro, Tess’s brother, caught up with her as she wheeled her bike along the road. His unruly hair, the colour of wet straw, fell over his deep blue eyes, fringed with the longest lashes she’d ever seen. He pushed his hair back with the heel of his hand, his smile as wide as the sea as he looked at her. Since he’d returned from the Great War, injured and broken, he’d gradually gained the strength and confidence to become the attractive man he once was. Despite having a limp and a twisted arm, he continued to work effectively as both a farmer and a fisherman. 

‘I was hoping to catch ye,’ he said. ‘Have ye thought any more about my proposal?’

‘I can’t answer right now,’ she said, uncomfortable. He had asked her to be his wife, and saying yes or no involved making a final decision. How could she explain that she cared for him, valued his friendship, would miss him if he left, that he would make a great husband and father, but she craved more? After experiencing a deep, heart-stopping love once, she didn’t know if she could ever settle for less.

‘Ach, come on, if it’s a definite no, I won’t mention it again, but ye’ve kept me waiting around for far too long.’

Annie didn’t want to lose him, but at the same time, she could not commit.

‘I’m sorry I can’t give you an answer. I do care about you, but I don’t think I’ll ever marry.’ 

‘If you change your mind…’ He gave her a longing look. ‘But don’t leave it too long.’ He turned away. Annie watched him walk along the road with his shoulders hunched and felt a moment of regret. If she accepted him, they would live amicably, she was sure, but would that ever be enough for her? 

She answered her own question. Her eyes turned to the far distance, to the road where the ghost of Alexander Garcia still lingered, and she knew Magnus would never be enough.