Of Mist and Memory

By Jennae Vale

Sydney Richmond has a plan. She always has a plan. After a decade of working in the tech world and saving every penny, she’s going to pursue her dream of buying a Scottish island. The only problem is the one she’s chosen, Oorlich Isle, is haunted by a Highlander who appears and disappears without warning. He may have frightened off all the previous owners, but Sydney doesn’t scare quite as easily. She’s spent her life’s savings on her dream and no one is going to get in her way, not even ghostly Graham Munro.

Graham is angry. His murder back in the year 1650 has left his island a sorry sight and the thriving little community he’d once overseen has long since disappeared. He wants Oorlich returned to its former glory and if Sydney plans on staying, she must fix it. The castle is in ruins and the run-down cottages all need her attention, but so does the ghost of Graham Munro who feels a deep connection with the lass although he has no idea why.

A violent storm transports Sydney back to a time just prior to Graham’s murder. He’s no longer a ghost but is now a man who touches her heart. She doesn’t have much time to change the path of history. She’ll have to work fast if she’s to solve the mystery of Graham’s death and save the man she’s come to love before it’s too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennae Vale
• Release date: Aug 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215898307

Jennae Vale

Jennae Vale is a best selling author of romance with a touch of magic. As a history buff from an early age, Jennae often found herself day-dreaming in history class - wondering what it would be like to live in the places and time periods she was learning about. Writing time travel romance has given her an opportunity to take those daydreams and turn them into stories to share with readers everywhere.Originally from the Boston area, Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where some of her characters also reside. When Jennae isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, and daydreaming, of course.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Aspray of angry seawater slapped Sydney Richmond across the face, driving her back away from the rail of the small fishing vessel that propelled her towards the island she now owned. She shivered and clutched her puffy down jacket, burrowing into its soft warmth. Rosie, her Labrador retriever mix, stood close by her side seeming to enjoy the wind and water as the dog held her nose in the air with her eyes closed. Sydney held tight to the dog’s leash not wanting a wayward wave to wash her overboard. Rosie seemed unconcerned.

Sydney swayed back and forth, almost losing her footing a time or two. The water was rougher than any she’d ever sailed on. The bow of the boat hopped up and down with each swell that it met. She glanced back at the man approaching her. He did this frequently, not just for her island, but for other islands in the area that needed supplies and transportation to and from the mainland. Sydney had no idea how, much less why he would want to. 

Leaving her job as a Chief Operations Officer was definitely the right thing to do. She was burnt out from all the long hours and difficult people she was surrounded by. Buying a Scottish island had seemed just the thing to help her break free from a life of graphs, charts, meetings and endless emails. Sydney understood that those closest to her thought she would regret her decision and looking at it now, she could see why. At the time, she knew she was following a dream, but now was having second thoughts. The closer the boat got to the desolate, rocky isle, the more Sydney wondered if she was doing the right thing. 

It was definitely too late now to change her mind and even if she could, it was doubtful she could find a buyer to take it off her hands. The realtor had explained that most people weren’t interested in it because of all the work that needed to be done. That had been precisely why Sydney had wanted it. She’d spent any free time she had buying small properties around San Francisco and flipping them. Her little side business had been quite successful and had led her to believe she could take on an island that had seen better days and return it to its former glory. Once it was completed, she would travel back and forth between her home in the States and her dream island.

Is that it? Her finger pointed toward a dark grey form in the distance.

’Tis, Miss. Roddy Johnson, captain of the boat nodded his head as he stood beside her. The two of them watched silently as the gloomy land mass began to emerge from the mist. Ye say ye bought this isle? His voice seemed to echo the disbelief she was feeling.

I did, she whispered, flush with embarrassment What must he think of her? Sydney shook her head. What did she care what he thought or what anyone thought for that matter? She was a capable woman who had made a decision, no matter how wild it seemed and she would prove to herself and everyone who doubted her that she could do this.

Why? he asked. It didn’t seem he was trying to be rude. It was an honest question and one she didn’t feel could be answered adequately.

She lifted one corner of her mouth into a half-smile and shrugged her shoulders.

Shaking his head, the fisherman sauntered away on sea legs much stronger than hers.

Sydney stood transfixed as a ray of sunshine peeked through the dark clouds and shone on Oorlich Isle. Her island. It was glorious as the light filtered through and illuminating the blue-grey cliffs. Cormorants could be seen diving into the waters just offshore in search of food, some emerging with a fish in their beaks and then carrying it ashore.

In that moment, all doubt left her mind. Excitement mounted the closer they got to her island and when the boat was finally docked at the landing, Sydney could hardly wait to disembark.

Roddy gave her a hand and made sure she had her land legs before returning to the boat for her things, which he placed beside her. This was it. She’d packed all of her belongings into two large suitcases, a carry-on bag and her backpack. She’d made it and there was no going back.

Thank you, Roddy. She handed him what she hoped he’d see as a tip conveying her gratitude. Instead, he tucked it back into Sydney’s hand.

Thank ye, miss. He gazed up the hill that led from the dock. Does Sam ken yer coming? 

Absolutely. He should be here any minute. Or at least she hoped he would.

Roddy stood beside her for a moment gawking at the cliff walls above them before shaking his head once again and leaving her.

As the boat backed away from the dock, Sydney wondered where Sam Barr, the island caretaker, was. She’d sent an email to the address the realtor had given her and told him she’d be arriving today and would need help with her things. That had started a chain of emails back and forth between them. He definitely knew she was coming, but now second guessing herself, Sydney wondered if she’d given him the correct date. Scanning as far as she could from her vantage point at sea level, she saw nothing but the grey stone cliff face in front of her and no friendly face to greet her. Not a soul was in sight, only the path away from the dock leading up, and up, and up.

A chill wind gusted in off the water, blowing her dark brown locks across her face and over her eyes. As she fought to brush them back, another of those angry waves crashed against the dock, drenching her from the waist down. If she hadn’t been cold before, she was freezing now. Rosie, once again, seemed unfazed. Thankfully she’d just purchased new hard shell bags especially for this trip, so they stayed dry despite the crashing waves. Glancing up one more time in search of Sam, Sydney still didn’t see him. The only thing to be done was to move her luggage to a safe spot and begin the long climb up to her new home. Anticipation, anxiety and a tiny bit of dread settled in her belly.

With the bags securely tucked in behind a large boulder, Sydney began the trek to the top with Rosie leading the way. This was going to take quite some getting used to. She wasn’t out of shape and was used to walking miles every week with her dog along the Marina and in Golden Gate Park, but that was mostly on the flat. San Francisco had plenty of hills, but Sydney hadn’t made a habit of walking them. This steep, uphill stuff was more than she’d bargained for.

Halfway to the top she turned to stare in amazement at the view. The sun was still peeking through the clouds, and she could see Roddy’s boat as it traveled back to the mainland. From her vantage point, Sydney could see for miles up and down the coast. Small fishing vessels were bobbing up and down in the choppy waters and onshore, the main road along the coast seemed quiet, with only an occasional car or truck motoring along.

There were no roads or trucks on her island. The path she followed was wide and well-groomed, but not made for heavy machinery. She wondered what that would mean for the restoration efforts. She shook the negative thoughts away. Every problem had a solution, it would just take time and creativity to find it. She was more than up for the task.  

Out of breath and after what seemed hours, but was actually only about twenty minutes, she made it to the top and as she did she glanced back the way she’d come only to see the angry face of a kilt clad man coming up the hill behind her. Rosie growled and barked at the man, which was unusual for her. Normally she liked everyone and greeted them accordingly. Where had he come from? Sydney hadn’t seen or heard anyone as she huffed and puffed her way to the top. As for his grouchy appearance, she had no idea why he was irritated. She was the one left to her own devices after a long and grueling trip from the mainland.

Hi, I’m Sydney Richmond. Reaching for a handshake, she was surprised that he ignored her hand completely. The man seemed rather gruff. Based on their emails, she wouldn’t have thought that to be the case, but hoped once Sam got to know her he’d warm up a bit. I left my luggage down by the dock. He must not have seen her things because Sydney couldn’t believe he’d walked all this way and hadn’t thought to bring at least one of her bags.

Luggage? His voice was masculine, deep and smoky. It matched the look of him quite well. If she wasn’t so exhausted and confused by the man, his rugged appearance and handsome face would have been just the welcome she needed. Although she’d thought Sam Barr would be an older man, or at least that was the impression she’d gotten from her correspondence with him.

Yes. I left my things down by the dock. Could you get them for me please?

I’m afraid not, lass. He approached, looking her over with a bit too much familiarity and chuckling at the shocked expression she knew she wore in response to this forward behavior.

Maybe a fresh start would help. I didn’t see you when the boat docked. Didn’t you get my email?

His eyes roved over her from head to toe, before he passed right by her and walked away, now smiling and whistling a cheery tune.

Mr. Barr! Where are you going? Sydney turned to follow him. What was wrong with him? Why was he being so rude? Didn’t he want her here?

He never even turned around. Instead he headed straight for the castle.

The castle! She’d been so flustered by her encounter with Mr. Barr that it wasn’t until she turned to follow him that she saw it. Oh, wow! It was quite the sight.

The photos she’d seen didn’t do it justice. Of course, it needed work, but the exterior seemed in fairly good shape. The stonework was amazing, as was the actual size of it. Turrets reached up from large towers in each corner of the five-story building. Sydney could hardly wait to get a look inside.

Mr. Barr! Mr. Barr! Her mind was buzzing with questions as she hurried to catch up with him.

Miss Richmond? A voice called from behind her. I’m here.

Sydney stopped and turned to see an older gentleman in a golf cart heading her way. He stopped right beside her.

Ye got here earlier than I’d expected. He exited the cart and extended a hand.

Who are you? Sydney shook his hand. She hadn’t meant to sound so rude but was feeling bewildered and at a loss for words.

I’m Sam Barr. Ye were just calling to me. His tone was uncertain as he gazed at Sydney as though the new owner might not be as sharp as he’d thought.

Oh. No, I was calling the man who headed toward the castle. I thought he was you. She laughed a little self-consciously, noting that the other man was now nowhere to be seen.

I see. Well, I’m here now and please call me Sam, he reached out to scratch Rosie’s ears as she wagged her tail happily in greeting. No need for formality around here.

And please call me Sydney.

He glanced around the area and then back to Sydney. Where are yer things?

Down at the dock. I hid them behind a large boulder so the waves wouldn’t get them.

I’d better hurry then, Sam said. The waves have a mind of their own and it tells them to do as much damage as they can.

Oh, no. Do you want me to come with you? She tried not to sound too panicky, but the thought of losing everything she’d brought made it difficult.

No need, miss. I’ll get the bags and be back up in no time. Yer home is there. Just to the other side of the castle. If ye’d like to head that way, I’ll be with ye shortly.

Thank you, Sam. She was about to ask him who that rude man was, but he was already zipping down the hill.

Exploring the castle and everything else would have to wait until she’d put on some dry clothes and settled in. Walking toward her new home, a short way from the top of the path, she glanced around at the rocky fields that seemed to make up most of the island or at least what she could see of it. A tall lighthouse stood just beyond her home and she wondered if it was still in use. It’s possible that her little cottage had once been the lighthouse keeper’s residence. She’d ask Sam about that when he returned. She wondered where Sam lived. She didn’t see another house anywhere in sight, but then the island was well over two hundred acres and, as she’d found on her trek from the dock, not all flat land.

Her new cottage was exactly what she’d hoped. She’d seen photos of course, but in person it was as adorable as could be. It was one-story, white with a grey slate roof. An entry door stood in the middle of two six-paned windows. Her heart did a little pitter-pat of joy.  It was the home she’d always wanted in the place she’d always wanted to live. Back in the States, it would have been almost impossible to find anything like it. She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face as she took in every bit of its cottagey splendor.

Sam’s golf cart hummed to a stop by the front door interrupting her reverie.

Shall we, miss? He opened the door for her, allowing her to pass. I’ve got a fire going for ye. Figured ye’d be cold and it looks like yer a bit damp as well.

Thank you. It feels wonderful. She took in the small living room and kitchen. All part of the same room. This place was open concept before it was a thing.

Pardon, miss? Sam held a hand to his ear.

I love it. Thinking Sam must be hard of hearing, she spoke in a louder voice.

His eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. Yer bedroom is through that door. I’ll get yer bags.

Sam hurried outside while Sydney peeked through the door of her new bedroom. She’d need to put her own touch on the place, but for now it was perfect. A bed, a nightstand, an armoire and a small bathroom.

Bringing her bags into the room, Sam placed them near the armoire. Is there anything else I can do for ye?

No, thank you, Sam, she shouted.

No need to shout. Me hearing’s quite good on most days.

Thank you, Sam. Sorry about the yelling. A sheepish grin appeared on her face.

Sam mirrored her with a brilliant smile of his own, deepening the wrinkles that were now accentuated around his eyes. It appeared the sun, the sea and the wind had all contributed to his craggy appearance. It was hard to say how old he was, and it would be rude to ask.

There’s a kettle on the stove for tea and ye’ll find some food in the refrigerator and cabinets. Sam led the way back out to the kitchen.

You’ve thought of everything, Sydney said.

It’s been a while since anyone has lived here and I wanted to make sure ye felt welcomed. He clapped his hands in front of him and glanced around the room as though he wished to make sure nothing was out of place.

I do. Sydney walked with him back outside. Rosie was busy sniffing everything in sight. This was a real treat for her. She could roam freely here on the island without worrying Sydney.

Once ye’ve rested and are feeling up to, I’ll be happy to give ye a tour of yer island. Today or tomorrow is fine.

As Sam headed for the golf cart, Sydney realized that she’d forgotten to ask about the rude guy she’d run into. Sam, who was that man that I saw when I arrived?

Sam seemed to be making a show of playing with Rosie as it was obvious he was avoiding Sydney’s gaze. ’Tis Graham Munro. Doona worry. He willnae harm ye. The castle was once his family home, ye ken. He believes it still is. He comes and goes as he wishes.

Does he know I bought the island? Sydney wondered, thinking how strange it would be to have someone wandering around here who thought she was the trespasser.

Sam brushed off the seat of the golf cart before starting it, still not meeting her eyes said, Nae. He wouldnae be aware of it. As I said, he’s harmless. Doona be frightened by him. With a quick nod of his head and wave of his hand he was gone.

I’m going to need one of those, Sydney said to Rosie, who was the best listener.

Whatever for? God gave ye two good legs. Use them. The distinct voice was one she recognized immediately.

She spun around to see Graham Munro standing by her doorway. He was quite tall and broad shouldered, but there was something that seemed off about his appearance. Sydney couldn’t put her finger on what it was.

You scared me, she said, taking in a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Sam had told her not to be frightened, but Graham Munro had appeared out of nowhere and this time Rosie hadn’t alerted her. She actually seemed happy to see him as her tail wagged to and fro. It appeared she’d had a change of heart with regard to this rugged stranger.

Did I? His chuckle turned into a full-throated laugh.

It’s not funny, Sydney said.

I believe ’tis. He began to walk away again.

Were you spying on me? Sydney called, but it did no good, he wasn’t listening. Shivering, she headed back to the front door, taking one final look for Graham Munro but he was already gone.