Chapter 16

He looked out the oval window as the 737 banked on its approach run to Inverness Airport, contrasting the different scenery of Hampshire to the rugged landscape below.

He collected the keys from the hire car desk and handed them to Terry as the attendant led the way to a blue Ford Mondeo.

Terry had insisted on the flight up that she drive to her parent’s home, claiming that they would be passing some of the most beautiful scenery in the Highlands and that he could sit back and enjoy it.

Robert had in fact flown through the Great Glen following the course of the Lochs many times whist training, but travelling at 450mph in a GR4 Tornado, at low altitude didn’t allow you time to admire the scenery.

They passed over the long bridge that spanned the river, from which Inverness took its name. Shortly they joined the A82 the main artery road that led through the Great Glen. Twenty-five minutes later they rounded a bend, and there before them was Loch Ness, the largest inland body of water in the United Kingdom, stretching away to the horizon.

“I wonder if we’ll see Nessie.” Robert murmured.

Terry smiled to herself, it’s the same question every tourist asks when they first see Loch Ness, she thought.

The road followed the curve of Urquhart Bay, the Castle standing on its rocky promontory. Terry gave a running commentary, explaining some of its 800-year history.

He looked at her noticing she wasn’t wearing her engagement ring, of course, he realised that’s what we are here for.

They stopped at Fort Augustus, after crossing the swing bridge, and had tea and a sandwich. The weather so far had been kind in that it was dry and bright although there was a distinct chill to the air. There were few tourists about this early in March. They were eating when he had a sudden thought. “Terry what if your father says no when I ask him?”

She frowned considering the question for a moment, “Well darling I would hate to go against my father’s wishes, we will have to cross that bridge if we come to it.”

Robert had an inner feeling of panic beginning to build in his chest as he considered her answer.

Later they walked beside the five Locks, which raised the Caledonian Canal up on its journey over the spine of Scotland before dropping it down through eight Locks near Fort William connecting the East and West coasts.

As they drove on Robert was beginning to appreciate the raw rugged beauty of this country, and was glad that Terry had insisted that she drive. They were running along the side of Loch Lochy when Terry said, “Nearly there now.”

They came to the turn off at Spean Bridge, where the monument to The Commando had been erected in memory of the men who had trained there during the Second World War, and took a B road. Twenty minutes later they pulled off the road onto a gravel drive where a sign announced The Loch Hotel. The drive slopped down to a large flat area on which a big three-story house was built, manicured lawns leading down to the Loch behind it.

As they pulled up by the imposing front door, it opened and three figures came out, two women and a man.

Terry gave a squeal and leapt out of the car to embrace the elder of the women, then the man, before hugging the younger woman.

Robert slowly got out of the car allowing Terry to greet what he could only assume to be her parents and her sister Marge.

Terry had an arm around the woman and the man. “Mum, Dad I’d like you to meet Robert Barlow,” she paused before continuing, “Squadron Leader Robert Barlow VC.” Said with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Bobby, this is my mother Barbara.”

She looked to be in her mid-fifties, Robert judged, slim like Terry but a few inches shorter with an intelligent face. Her brown hair had flecks of grey in it and the glasses she wore complemented her face.

“I’m pleased to meet you Squadron Leader Barlow”, said in a voice like Terry’s almost devoid of a Scottish accent.

“Please, it’s just Robert Mrs Kerr.” He replied with a smile, shaking her hand.

“And this is my father Angus Kerr” Terry announced.

Angus Kerr was tall, nearly as tall as himself Robert realised, with broad shoulders that indicated a muscular frame. He had bright ginger hair mixed with the grey and the ruddy complexion of a man used to the outdoor life. His face was broad with light green eyes above a nose that looked as if it had been broken in his past life.

“Pleased to meet you Robert” he said giving Robert a firm handshake.

“And this is my elder sister Marge.” Terry said.

Marge resembled her mother in her hair colouring and height but with brown eyes, and a fuller figure.

“Hello Robert”, she said “I did see you in London but was never introduced.” She had a mischievous smile.

Robert realised that she knew why he was here.

Angus carried Robert’s case into a small but comfortable bedroom with a single bed. “The bathroom is there,” he said, indicating a door, “our bedroom is just across the hall should you need anything.” Leaving Robert in no doubt that there would be no shenanigans under Angus Kerr’s roof. Terry’s room apparently was on the third floor with Marge’s.

After a light lunch with the family, Terry took Robert outside to show him around. Once out of ear shot Robert asked, “Does Marge know why I’m here?”

“Yes and Mum” Terry replied, continuing “I’ve never brought a boy home before and Mum and Marge knew it had to be something special for me to do so.”

“Oh but not your Dad?”

“No Darling that’s your job.”

She began to tell him about her parents. How they had met when Angus was serving in the Black Watch stationed at Edinburgh Castle, and Barbara had been at University there. After gaining her degree she began teaching, they corresponded with each other when Angus was posted elsewhere. After three years they decided to take the plunge. By then Barbara was teaching at a girl’s private school near Fort William, and Angus was a Staff Sergeant when he retired from the Army.