A Thistle Beyond Time: Book 2 of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  Ashley didn’t respond. Jenna knew her friend wanted to try to make her feel better, but Ashley also knew Jenna well enough to know that she wouldn’t accept sympathy. Instead, they continued talking and Jenna poured her heart out to Ashley, who had many questions for her. She filled her in on everything that had happened since she’d been gone and then had just as many questions of her own for Ashley, but she’d have to wait to ask them because Irene arrived with a lovely dress for her to wear.

  “Let’s get you out of those wet things and into something dry,” Irene suggested. Irene motioned with her hand for Jenna to turn around and Jenna just stared at her. “You’ll need help getting out of your gown. If you prefer, Ashley can help you.”

  “Oh, yes, I’d prefer to have Ashley help me. I’m uncomfortable undressing in front of someone I’ve just met.”

  Irene didn’t look very happy with Jenna, but she turned her attention to Ashley and smiled warmly. “Ashley do you mind helping your friend and then we’ll see ye back downstairs when yer done.”

  Ashley smiled brightly at Irene and nodded in agreement.

  “That woman doesn’t like me,” Jenna observed after Irene slipped out through the door and closed it quietly behind her.

  “Don’t be silly. She just doesn’t know you yet. She’s very protective of her brothers.” Ashley said.

  Jenna shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe I’m here. I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Come on; turn around for me so I can undo your gown. Who helped you into it?” Ashley wondered aloud.

  “That would be Edna. Somehow, when I arrived I was already dressed like this. Oh, but she did let me keep my own boots.”

  Ashley just giggled at that announcement. “Oh, that Edna! She must have something in mind for you. She probably really believes you and Cormac belong together.” She continued unlacing Jenna’s gown and when she was done, Ashley helped Jenna step out of it and into the silky lavender one Irene had delivered.

  Jenna couldn’t help but admire the workmanship. “This is beautiful, Ashley.”

  “Irene made it. She’s an amazing seamstress. She’s made, or helped me make practically every gown I have.”

  “She’s very talented.”

  Ashley picked up a pair of matching slippers and handed them to Jenna. “You can wear these, or keep your boots on if you like.”

  “Cormac would probably prefer if I kept the boots on, but I’m going for comfort. I’ll take the slippers.”

  Ashley studied her friend with curiosity. “So what’s going on here, Jenna? You like him, don’t you?”

  Jenna didn’t want to look up, for fear she’d give herself away, but when she eventually did, she saw Ashley was examining her as if she was a specimen under a microscope. “Yeah. I can’t lie to you. I do like him. A lot. But I can’t forgive him for taking me out of my own time. I told him I couldn’t go with him and he didn’t want to stay in San Francisco. He should have just accepted my decision and not forced me.”

  “You have to know, deep down in your heart, that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, Jenna.”

  “I do know. But I don’t want to be here,” Jenna cried.

  Ashley appeared hurt by that comment. “I’m sorry, Jenna. We’ll find a way for you to return home. Don’t worry.” She turned and headed for the door. “Let’s join the others. You must be starving.”

  ***

  Cormac was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs.

  “I haven’t properly welcomed you back, Cormac,” Ashley said, hugging Cormac and planting a kiss on his cheek. “I missed you. Shame on you, for not telling us where you were really going.”

  “I was really going to go to Edinburgh to search for a wife, but Edna called to me and told me she knew the perfect lass for me.” He looked lovingly at Jenna, who deliberately turned away. He sighed heavily. “So, I made a detour and went where Edna directed me. She sent me to San Francisco and when I arrived, Jenna was the first person I saw.”

  “You’ll have to tell me all about it at dinner,” Ashley smiled. “I want to know what you did, where you went… everything.”

  “I will share it all with ye. I promise.” He offered Jenna his arm, but she walked right past him and into the massive dining room. Cormac rolled his eyes skyward, seeking divine intervention, but when none was forthcoming, he offered his arm to Ashley instead, and she walked with him towards the table.

  “Where’s Cailin?” Ashley asked.

  “He’ll be here shortly. He’s still upstairs.” Cormac guided Ashley to her seat and pulled out a chair for Jenna. He sat sandwiched between the two women. He was initially going to let Jenna sit next to Ashley, but he suspected he’d have a better chance of speaking with her if he didn’t. Watching her now, he wasn’t so sure his seating arrangement was going to work to his advantage because Jenna was deliberately avoiding looking in his direction.

  Cailin joined them and sat on the opposite side of Ashley. He kissed her gently on the cheek as he sat down and held her hand as they waited for the food to arrive.

  Cormac leaned in towards Jenna. “I’ll explain everything to you, don’t worry.”

  “I know how to eat, Cormac. I really don’t think there’s anything you need to talk to me about,” she replied curtly.

  For about the millionth time since he’d met this woman, Cormac questioned Edna’s choice and his own sanity. He wasn’t sure he wanted to spend his life with such an ill-tempered woman. He tried to remember those moments when she had been the total opposite. When she had been sweet and caring, but he had to question where that woman had gone. He caught a glimpse of Jenna out of the corner of his eye and realized that she must be feeling completely lost. He felt much the same way when he’d been in San Francisco. He knew he needed to be more understanding of her predicament. He would continue to try to contact Edna and when he did, he would take Jenna back to the bridge so she could return home. He didn’t want her to stay in Breaghacraig unless it was her own choice and at this stage that didn’t seem a likely outcome.

  Food was placed on the table in front of them. It was really quite a feast. Cormac was starved and he was sure Jenna probably was, as well. They hadn’t had a decent meal since they left San Francisco. Everyone helped themselves, but Jenna sat stiffly, watching everyone else and eyeing the food suspiciously.

  “Jenna, please, allow me to help ye,” Cormac said quietly. She didn’t respond and he took that as his answer. He picked up a platter of food and started placing various items on her plate. When he was done, he filled his own plate.

  “Jenna, don’t worry, it’s not going to bite you,” Ashley laughed. “Just pretend you’re at some new restaurant in the city. Everyone’s been raving about it and you can’t wait to try it.”

  Jenna glanced her way and made a face that had Ashley giggling. Cormac watched as Jenna took her first bite and then another. She’ll be fine, he thought to himself.

  “Cormac, would you mind if we switched seats?” Ashley asked. “I’d like to speak with Jenna. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

  “Of course,” Cormac was actually relieved to trade places. The icy way in which Jenna was ignoring him had left him looking for any excuse to get away from her. He moved Ashley’s plate and helped her into her new seat, before taking his own.

  “So, brother, tell me all about yer adventure,” Cailin sounded excited to hear Cormac’s tale.

  “‘Twas amazing,” Cormac answered. “Everything about it was beyond belief. It is a world filled with magick.” Cormac had the attention of everyone at the table, with the exception of Ashley and Jenna. “Cailin, you’ve been there. You understand what I mean.”

  “Aye. I do, brother. Did ye enjoy the food? What did ye eat?”

  “The food was so different. Many fruits and vegetables that we do not have here. I had coffee, pizza, pasta and many other things I’d never heard of. Cailin was nodding his head and smiling at this announcement, obviously recalling his own
adventure.

  He settled in to telling his family all about the journey. They were full of questions and he answered every single one. Glancing towards Jenna, he noticed that she and Ashley were deep in conversation and he was happy to see Jenna looking more relaxed. He remembered what Dylan had told him and he hoped he was right. Mayhap by the morning, she would no longer be angry with him.

  TWENTY-TWO

  The hall was a very lively place. Everyone was talking, eating, and generally having a good time. Jenna had been grateful to Cormac for switching seats with Ashley. She and her friend had a lot to catch up on and talking to Ashley was making her feel better. She could hear Cailin and Cormac trying to one up each other on the things they’d seen and done in the twenty-first century.

  “So, does everyone here know about time travel?” Jenna wondered aloud.

  “Not everyone, but the immediate family and a few others. We try to keep it to ourselves. It might cause problems if the wrong people knew,” Ashley explained quietly.

  “Who are the few others? I don’t want to make any mistakes while I’m here. You know, say the wrong thing to the wrong person.”

  “Sure. Well, Helene, she’s my ladies’ maid and her man, Dougall, they both know. You don’t have to worry about saying anything in front of them. That’s Helene and Dougall over there. Helene is the pretty blonde and Dougall is the handsome highlander sitting beside her.” She pointed in their direction and when Jenna looked across the room, she saw Helene waving and smiling at them. “Some of the men know, but not all of them. Those who do have been sworn to secrecy, but to be on the safe side you should just avoid speaking about it with anyone other than the family, or Helene and Dougall.”

  “And they’re really okay with it? I just can’t imagine. I was a total nonbeliever when Cormac told me. I thought he was nuts.”

  “I can imagine. What did Dylan think?”

  “He believed Cormac right from the start, but then Dylan is a bit of a sci-fi geek and it was like a dream come true for him. I wasn’t on board until I found myself on my way to Breaghacraig.”

  “You didn’t believe him, when he told you about me and Cailin?” Ashley asked.

  “He never told me about you.” Jenna’s relaxed posture began to stiffen. “He lied to me. There are so many things I just can’t get past, right now.”

  Ashley took Jenna’s hand in her own. “Jenna, you have to believe me when I tell you Cormac is a great guy. If he didn’t tell you about me, it was because he had a good reason. You need to ask him about it. He’ll tell you the truth.”

  “That’s what he always says. He always tells me that if I ask him something, he’ll always tell me the truth.”

  “He’s a man of his word, Jenna. So are Cailin and Robert. You’ll see. Just give them a chance.”

  Jenna rolled her eyes in frustration. “I don’t seem to have much choice in the matter, Ashley. I’m stuck here.”

  “Jenna, you know I wish you’d stay here with us, but I understand if you want to leave. We’ll help you contact Edna… I promise. In the meantime, just enjoy the experience. You might be surprised at how much you like it.”

  “I doubt it, but I’ll do my best,” Jenna smiled warmly at her dear friend.

  “And don’t be so hard on Cormac. I don’t want to see either one of you get hurt.”

  That might be unavoidable. Jenna pulled Ashley into a hug, dreading the time she’d have to say goodbye to both her and Cormac.

  Jenna avoided contact with Cormac for the rest of the evening. She needed time to process everything that had happened and letting him get close would just muddy her thinking. Exhaustion was creeping up on her and she really needed to get some sleep. The others in the hall were laughing and talking together and she felt very out of place. She couldn’t think of a thing to say to any one of them. She could feel Irene’s eyes boring a hole through her. Irene didn’t trust her, Jenna could tell and she looked angry. Jenna didn’t think she had much of a chance of winning her over. Strangely, Ashley seemed to fit right in. She was tucked up under her husband’s arm and they seemed like two people who were completely in love. Jenna suffered a pang of jealousy, but she also felt a great sense of happiness for her good friend. Ashley had been pretty down the last time Jenna saw her, but now here she was, practically glowing with joy. Jenna hated to disturb them, but she really wanted to go to bed.

  “Ashley, I’m really tired. I’m going to go upstairs,” Jenna said. “Good night, Cailin. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

  “Good night, lass. I’m so happy yer here. My Ashley has missed ye a great deal.” Cailin’s smile brought to mind the smile of another handsome man. A man she didn’t want to think about, right now.

  “I’ll get Helene to help you with your gown,” Ashley said, and hurriedly continued when she saw Jenna was about to protest. “Don’t say no, you’re going to need help.” Ashley turned from her and waved to Helene, who hurried in their direction.

  “Helene, this is my best friend, Jenna. She came back with Cormac.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Lady Jenna,” Helene said.

  “Lady Jenna? What…” Jenna was baffled by the greeting.

  “Just call her Jenna, Helene. No need for formality, you know that,” Ashley said.

  “Of course, come with me… Jenna.” Helene led her away towards the stairs.

  “Thank you, Helene, I appreciate the help,” Jenna said.

  “‘Tis my job. I help Ashley and Lady Irene every day.”

  “I’m just adding to your work load,” Jenna protested. “I can probably get out of this dress on my own, really.” Jenna didn’t want to be a burden. She was very capable of taking care of herself and didn’t want to cause a fuss.

  “Please, Jenna, let me help ye. ‘Tis no trouble. ‘Twill take but a moment.”

  They reached the door to Jenna’s room and Helene opened it and went inside. Jenna stepped through the doorway and shivered. “Ooh… it’s chilly in here.”

  “Dinnae fash. I’ll get a fire started right away,” Helene offered.

  “Can you show me how to make a fire, Helene? You know, in case you’re not around and I’m cold.”

  Helene nodded and Jenna watched as she expertly started the fire in the hearth. “Do ye think ye can do it on yer own?” she asked when the fire was burning brightly.

  “I’ll just do what you did, I’m sure I can manage.”

  Jenna caught a look of skepticism on Helene’s face but the young woman got to her feet and reached for Jenna’s shoulder, gently turning her around. “Let me help ye get yer gown off. Lady Irene has left ye a nightdress.”

  A quick glance towards the bed revealed a pretty muslin gown, adorned with pink ribbons and embroidered flowers had been left on the bed for her. Helene undid the laces of the lavender gown with nimble fingers and helped Jenna step out of it. “I’m not used to getting undressed in front of strangers,” Jenna admitted uncomfortably.

  “‘Tis naught for ye to be concerned with. I’ve seen many a lady in this castle as naked as the day they were born.” Helene giggled as she assisted Jenna into the nightdress. “There, ye’ll be nice and warm now that the fire is blazing and ye have many beautiful furs to cover ye while ye sleep.”

  “Thank you, Helene. It was very kind of you to help me.”

  “As I said, ‘tis what I do. Good night.” Helene headed out through the door, closing it behind her.

  Before climbing into bed, Jenna stood in front of the fire for a few minutes, enjoying the warmth and the flickering and crackling of the flames. She felt completely and totally alone. Jenna stretched and yawned as she got under the covers. This was a luxury she didn’t have at home. The furs were incredibly soft and would definitely keep her warm during the night. Lying in bed, she thought about Cormac. She wished she hadn’t been such a prickly thistle, as he liked to call her. She’d have to sleep alone because of her moodiness, and having his warmth and comfort would have made it easier to fall asleep, but she had been h
er own worst enemy once again and completely shut him out. One of these days, Jenna, you’re going to figure it out. Ashley’s mother used to tell Jenna regularly that ‘You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.’ Jenna had been nothing but vinegar today and Cormac had been nothing but a gentleman. You are such an idiot, she thought to herself. One of these times, he’s not going to forgive you. She snuggled down deeper into the furs and yawned again. She was exhausted. Maybe things would seem better tomorrow.

  “Jenna…” a voice called out to her in the darkness.

  “Who’s there?” Jenna searched the dark corners of the room, trying to locate the source of the voice.

  “Jenna, it’s me… Edna.”

  Jenna sat up in bed. “Edna? Where are you? I can’t see you.”

  “No. You cannae see me, because I’m not there in Breaghacraig.”

  “What do you want?” Jenna asked suspiciously.

  “I want ye to know that I’m aware it was not yer choice to go to Breaghacraig. But ye have to understand, it was nae Cormac who brought ye. He was prepared to leave without ye, but I couldn’t let that happen. I knew ye’d eventually go to him and when ye did… well, that’s when the magick happened.”

  “But, he held onto me! He wouldn’t let me go.”

  “And it’s a good thing he did. Ye might have ended up even further back in time and all alone. Ye should be grateful to him, for saving ye from that fate.”

  Jenna crossed her arms furiously. “How dare you! You knew I didn’t want to go with him and yet you forced me to! Edna, you should be really happy that you’re not standing in front of me right now.”

  “I’m aware of that, my dear. Now, let’s get down to business, shall we?”

  Jenna nodded, but wasn’t certain Edna could see her, so she spoke instead. “Okay, I guess. How do I get back home?”

  “Well, for starters, ye are going to have to spend some time at Breaghacraig. Ye’ll get to know Cormac better, ye can visit with my dear sweet, Ashley, and ye can learn a little about life in sixteenth century Scotland. Cormac stayed in San Francisco for seven days and you will stay at Breaghacraig for seven days. I’ll contact ye again when it’s time to leave and Cormac will take ye to the bridge. From there, ye can go home, if that’s what ye decide.”