7
The Cottage
‘It’s a short walk up this way,’ Ellie said, taking Maggie’s bag and refusing any attempt by Maggie to take it back, even though she was at least half Ellie’s age. ‘It’s not much of a hill, but it can be a little slippery, especially in the mornings.’
‘I was surprised at all the snow,’ Maggie said.
‘Oh, we’re tucked away in a little hollow here,’ Ellie said, giving Maggie a mysterious look. ‘We have our own microclimate. Same for the trees. Only natural pine forest in Scotland.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Well, I’m not sure, but it sounds about right, doesn’t it.’
Maggie wasn’t sure what to say. She was still unsure whether Hollydell was a dream or just an elaborate theme park. ‘I couldn’t find it on Google Maps,’ she said.
‘No road in, that’s why. Just the railway. Ah, here we a
