Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“Nice to meet you, Annie. I’m Olivia Stanton,” Olivia said, relieved the woman didn’t have a heavy Scottish brogue, so she was able to understand her. A few people she had met so far had been difficult to understand.
“An American,” Annie said with a generous smile. “On a holiday, Olivia?”
“No, work, though to me it’s a holiday being in the lovely Scottish countryside.”
“What work brings you to the Highlands, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I am here to interview Laird Tiernan of Clan MacMadadh concerning his wolf preserve,” Olivia said, deciding it was best not to mention the exact reason for the interview.
“Oh, the preserve is a wonderful place. It is my grandchildren’s’ favorite place to visit when they stay with me. They have learned so much about wolves and have gained much respect for them. The best part of the visit for me was seeing Laird Tiernan. He is one gorgeous man. Sometimes I think the women go there hoping to get a look at him.” Annie chuckled again. “He is so pleasant and intelligent. He’s a gem. I don’t know why he hasn’t married yet.”
Olivia listened. She had seen photos of Laird Tiernan, and she had to agree with Annie. He was a handsome man, but she was more interested in his work with wolves than his looks. While she had done research on him there was nothing like firsthand knowledge from someone who had the opportunity to meet him and who was familiar with the area. So, she was glad for the conversation with Annie.
“The locals were upset when Larid Tiernan’s great-grandfather started the wolf preserve, worried that the wolves would present a problem to the farmers’ livestock, but Laird Angus agreed to replace any livestock the wolves might touch. He was granted a six-month permit. If the wolves proved a problem, they were to be destroyed.”
Olivia cringed at the thought.
“Not to worry. There was only one incident and while Laird Angus was willing to pay the farmer for his loss, it was discovered that the animal died of natural causes, and the farmer had made it appear otherwise. He was trying to get money for the poor animal. All went well and his permit was extended until the preserve was finally granted permanent status. It is a stunning place. The original castle has been added to through the years and modernized. Laird Tiernan has a Christmas fundraising gala every year, held in early November so December snowfalls don’t interfere with it. On Christmas Eve he holds a private party for the locals and the children get gifts. The parents supply his staff with something a child is requesting for Christmas, and he makes certain they receive it.” Annie smiled. “If it snows, which it usually does, he sends sleighs to bring the people to the castle. The children love riding in the sleighs.”
“You live in the village,” Olivia asked.
“Nay, I live two towns before Dumford, though I wouldn’t mind living there. It is such a lovely little village with such interesting shops and lovely walking and biking trails. Fishing is good, too, from spring through fall unless it snows early. Once there is a good snowfall, the village isn’t easy to reach.” Annie nodded at the window. “It’s cold out there. A light snow is predicted, but the weather can surprise you here. I hope you brought warm clothes with you.”
“I did my research before coming here, so I packed for the cold and possible snow though I am only here for a week and winter—”
“Starts early in the Highlands, so while December first is still considered part of autumn, here in the Highlands snow can fall before then, which is why the preserve closes the first of November and doesn’t reopen until springtime.”
Olivia had learned that in her research and was glad Vera had booked the trip for December first. There would be no tourists to distract Laird Tiernan and his staff. She would have their full attention to learn about the workings of the preserve and where there might be a job opening.
“In your research, did you happen to come across tales of werewolves in this area?” Annie chuckled, shaking her head.
Olivia smiled, finding Annie’s penchant to chuckle pleasant and friendly, and while she had done extensive research on werewolves in the area for the article, she preferred to hear what a local thought about such unearthly creatures.
“Very little,” Olivia said.
“There is a werewolf story that dates to the 13th century. The laird of the Clan MacMadadh at that time killed a female wolf, he claimed was a werewolf, supposedly in retaliation for a wolf killing a village woman. It’s said that the female wolf’s mate, who led the pack, found his way into the castle and killed the laird. The wolf even left claw marks on the floorboards letting everyone know he had been there. Supposedly, the marks are still there. It was later learned that the laird had been the one who killed the woman and blamed it on a supposed werewolf. It is a tale often repeated in this area, though how true it is, I can’t say for sure. Laird Tiernan has amassed an extensive collection of books on wolves and werewolves, and I believe some of them have been written about his family since some believe Clan MacMadadh, MacMadadh meaning son of the wolf, is a clan of werewolves.” Annie chuckled. “A ridiculous notion.”