Tuesday Tales: From the Word SWALLOW

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. Our word is SWALLOW. I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones.

The woman shook her head. “The electrical is working just fine at my place and even in the little but and ben we fixed up for our granddaughter.”

Marina cocked her head. “But and ben? What on earth is that?”

The woman grinned. “I forgot you’ll not be aware of the meaning of many of our terms. My granddaughter has come to learn the trade, but she wanted some privacy. The laird let us renovate one of the outbuildings we no longer use. It’s just two rooms and a bathroom, but it suits her well. She’s decorated it to suit her personality. She found an old one and converted it into a sofa bed.”

“I see. Are there many of these but and bens on the estate?”

“Nay, but there’s a croft that sits empthy and has for almost thirty years. “Twas where you lived wiith your parents before…” She sopped speaking as if afraid she’d said too much. “And you say the electricity is out? Have you checked the power box? Brian was replacing lightbulbs yesterday, but most of those are in the guest wing. Let me check the power box—”

“Wait!” Marina interrupted the woman. “Who are you?”

The woman laughed and smacked herself in the forehead. “Ach! What an idiot I am. I’m Maeve MacIsaac. I’m the housekeeper here. My husband, Donald, is your estate manager. My daughter Anya works with me while her husband Brian Lennox is your handyman.” The woman stopped speaking and stared at her. “I knew your mother and considered her a friend. Your resemblance to Alice, your grandmother is startling. Your eyes are so like hers … and your father’s, of course. I was just a wee thing when she passed, but the whole estate mourned her loss. It tore the heart out of your grandfather and his brother who blamed the man for her death.”

Marina swallowed her shock. “I don’t understand. Why would Great-uncle Angus do that?”

“That’s right. You probably don’t know about the sorrows. Sadly, we’ve had more than our fair share. Let me check the power box and once I have that fixed, I’ll make us a nice cup of tea.”

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.