by Jennae Vale
“You know, you’re beginning to sound like you live here,” Ashley teased.
“Well, you know me. I’m pretty good at making myself at home, wherever I am.”
As they left Ashley’s room, Jenna noticed Irene coming down the passageway towards them.
“What are ye two ladies about?” Irene asked.
“We were just picking out a gown for Jenna to wear tomorrow night.”
“Is that the one ye’ve chosen? Let me see,” Irene said. Jenna held it up and Irene nodded her approval. “Ye’ll look lovely in that color,” she said. “It suits ye.”
Jenna was stupefied. Irene had not said much to her since the talk they’d had the other day. Jenna was surprised that Irene was actually trying to be nice to her. “Thank you. We’re going to go downstairs to have some tea. Please come with us,” Jenna offered.
“I think I will. I’m going to check on the children and then I’ll be down,” Irene said and she headed down the passageway to the nursery.
Jenna was puzzled and it must have shown on her face because Ashley patted her arm. “She’s one of the most giving and loving women you’ll ever meet. Give her a chance and you’ll see,” Ashley explained.
“I’m trying. That’s why I suggested she join us for tea. It might be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other better. You can be the referee,” Jenna giggled at her own joke.
They continued on their way to Jenna’s chambers to deposit the gown, eventually making it downstairs, where they found tea and sweet cakes waiting for them. Irene had beaten them by a few minutes and got everything prepared and set out by the fire. They all sat down and Jenna took a sip of her tea.
“I’m excited about tomorrow night, Irene. What are you celebrating?” Jenna asked.
“Well, it is customary when we have a guest to invite the members of the Clan and some of our neighbors to join us. We couldn’t do it any sooner, because we had no prior notice of your arrival and it took us a few days to get the word out to those who live further away, ye see.”
“You’re doing this for me?” Jenna was shocked and surprised; she’d thought Ashley had been joking earlier.
“Of course, we are happy to have ye here as our guest and it is the perfect opportunity to have a celebration of sorts. I hope ye will enjoy yourself.”
“I’m sure I will. It’s just so unexpected. Pleasantly so,” Jenna explained. Imagine that, they were having a party for her. “Does Cormac know?” she wondered.
“No. We’ve kept it a surprise until now. He’ll find out soon enough.”
The three women continued drinking their tea, eating the delicious sweet cakes and chatting. Jenna would never have imagined that Irene would be so warm and accepting of her. She had seemed so angry with her when she first arrived. She assumed Cormac and Ashley must have spoken to Irene and assured her that Jenna would never intentionally hurt Cormac and that she was not going to steal him away to the twenty first century.
***
Cormac arrived to the sounds of the women laughing and talking. He walked in to find Irene, Ashley, and Jenna all chatting like old friends. He was relieved that his sister had softened her stance on Jenna and was trying to make amends.
“Ladies, you all seem to be enjoying yerself. Are there any extra sweet cakes?”
“You can have the rest of mine, Cormac,” Jenna offered.
“There are more in the kitchen, brother. We were just discussing tomorrow evening’s festivities. I’m sure Cailin has told ye of the celebration we are having in honor of Jenna.”
Cormac’s mouth dropped open and he tried to hide his surprise by quickly snapping it shut. “No, he hadnae mentioned it to me.” He quickly sought out Jenna’s gaze and was happy to see she was smiling brightly at Irene. It didn’t seem false at all. “That was verra thoughtful of ye, Irene.”
“Ashley is letting me borrow one of her dresses,” Jenna beamed. “It’s very pretty.”
“Jenna, ye can make the plainest dress beautiful just by virtue of wearing it.” He meant every word of it. He had never seen her look anything but beautiful. He rested a hand on her shoulder and she covered it with her own. Her eyes, shining with happiness, focused on him.
“Why don’t you join us, Cormac,” Jenna suggested.
“Yes, please do,” Ashley added.
His eyes searched out his sister’s approval and when she nodded, he knew it was all right for him to stay. “Only for a short while. I have duties to attend to before the day is done.” He sat next to Jenna and she reached a hand over to place it on his arm. He loved the feel of it, the heat emanating through his sleeve. Despite the fact that the ladies had asked him to join them, the conversation had come to a standstill. He didn’t want to be the reason for the silence. “So, sister, who have ye invited to this celebration?”
“All of the usual guests, brother. I have sent word to all the Clan, including Lena and Ewan and some of our neighbors. I hope they will be able to attend on such short notice.” Irene took another sip of her tea. “Cormac, would ye care for some tea? Some cakes?”
“Nay, Irene. I can only stay for a moment longer. I must speak with Cailin and Robert about the festivities tomorrow evening. As a matter of fact, I should be on my way now,” Cormac rose and bid the ladies goodbye. He leaned in to kiss Jenna’s cheek. “I will see you when I return, Jenna.”
***
Cormac sought out his brother. He knew he needn’t worry about the festivities, but he wanted to be sure that everything was in place to protect his family and Jenna.
“Cailin, ye didnae tell me about tomorrow evening’s celebration.”
“Aye. I forgot to mention it. I apologize,” Cailin said, looking contrite.
“I’m concerned about Jenna’s safety. A celebration is an opportunity for our unwanted guests to cause trouble.”
“Dinnae fash, brother. We are prepared. Latharn has his eyes on Sophia at all times and Jonathan is being watched by Donal and Fergus. So far, they have not done anything to raise suspicions.”
“Latharn seems quite taken with the lass,” Cormac observed.
“Aye. That he does and she with him.”
“She is nae the one I’m worried about. ‘Tis Jonathan. I dinnae trust him.”
“I ken ye dinnae, brother. He is only one man and we are many.”
“Yer right,” Cormac admitted. “And we’ve nae had any sign of Sir Richard since they’ve been here?”
“Nay. We’ve sent riders in search of him and from all accounts, Sophia and Jonathan were telling the truth. He seems to have returned to England.”
“Good. We have enough to worry about without him causing us more problems.”
“Cormac, tomorrow night is a celebration for Jenna. You can relax and enjoy yerself. Let the rest of us handle any difficulties that may arise.”
“As you wish, Cailin,” Cormac replied, clapping his brother on the back and then extending an arm around his shoulder. “Irene tells me there are sweet cakes for the taking.” Cailin cocked an eyebrow at that and the two headed off in the direction of the kitchen.
TWENTY-NINE
“What do you suppose those two are up to?” Jenna asked Ashley. She was about to go upstairs to get dressed for the party, when she noticed Sophia and Jonathan huddled together in one corner. She and Ashley had gone for a brief ride and they had just handed their horses to the stable boys, when Jenna spotted Sophia and Jonathan in close conversation near the postern gate. Looking around she could see Latharn, looking none too pleased at the exchange, but he, along with Donal and Fergus were giving them their privacy. For a brief moment, she thought she noticed Jonathan handing something to Sophia, but she was too far away to see clearly and assumed she might be just imagining things.
“Forget about it, Jenna. They’ve got plenty of people keeping an eye on them. We need to go in and get cleaned up and into our gowns for the party,” Ashley said, pulling Jenna along with her.
“Okay. Okay. I don’t trust Jonath
an though. He’s up to something. I can feel it,” Jenna realized that if she’d been paying more attention, she might have noticed he wasn’t to be trusted long before she married him. As they approached the stairs, Jenna was beginning to feel a bit like Cailin. “Ashley, slow down. There’s no need to run up the stairs. You’re pregnant, remember?”
Ashley rolled her eyes at Jenna. “Don’t you start, too.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m starting to understand Cailin’s concern. We’ve got plenty of time to get ready and Helene will help us, I’m sure.”
“I know she will. I’m just so excited to have you here for this celebration. It’ll be like when we went to the prom. You remember? We fixed each other’s hair and makeup.”
“There’s not really any makeup here, Ashley,” Jenna pointed out.
“That’s where you’re wrong. I have some in my room. Edna sent it to me in my magick backpack.”
“Your what?”
“My magick backpack. I’ve had it with me since I got here and I’m always finding things in there that weren’t there before. Edna has a bit of a guilt trip going on about almost getting me killed.”
“Wait a minute. What are you talking about? How did she almost get you killed?” Jenna couldn’t believe her ears.
“Well, it’s a long story, but the condensed version is that she tricked me into going over the bridge, where I met Cailin. By the way, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Then later, after I was kidnapped by Thomas and Sir Richard, I was almost raped and killed. I got sliced up by a sword and broke my arm. I don’t hold it against her though. She didn’t know it was going to happen.”
Jenna’s head was swimming. “She tricked you, you were kidnapped, almost raped, and sliced by a sword, and you don’t hold any of that against her?”
“Everything worked out in the most unbelievably magical way. I’m alive, the man who tried to rape me is dead, and I survived my wounds.”
“I have to admit, I’ve never seen you happier,” Jenna conceded.
“That’s because I’ve never been happier. Someday I’ll tell you the whole story, but for now, let’s get dressed.”
Jenna couldn’t help but be swept up in Ashley’s excitement. “Okay, you win. Let’s get ready.”
***
Cormac scanned the room as he waited for Jenna to make her entrance. Everything seemed to be in order. Cailin had men stationed around the room and at all the entrances and exits. He could relax and concentrate on Jenna, who was taking a good deal of time to join him. He went and stood by the stairs and was greeted by every single person who entered the Great Hall. Irene and Robert were already inside and the room was buzzing with activity. Cailin joined him to wait for Ashley.
“What is taking so long?” Cormac wondered.
Cailin chuckled. “Ashley is almost always the last person down the stairs, and now she has a friend to help delay her even further.”
At that precise moment, the two men looked up to see their lovely ladies heading towards them. Ashley was first and greeted Cailin with a deep kiss. She took his arm and they entered the Great Hall.
Jenna was next and she took Cormac’s breath away. “Jenna, ye are so beautiful.” It was all he could manage to get out.
“Thank you, Cormac,” Jenna said, as she placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Shall we?”
They made their entrance and the room seemed to stand still as everyone stopped what they were doing to look at them. Or more precisely, to look at Jenna. They were all curious about this newcomer and it made for an uncomfortable moment or two of silence.
Irene and Robert rushed to their rescue. “Everyone, we’d like to present the Lady Jenna,” Robert said with a flourish. All those in the room turned to face them, bowed, and curtsied as they walked past. Jenna appeared to be very nervous, which was unusual as far as Cormac was aware. She had seemed very much in control at her gala in San Francisco. He understood though, this was different. She didn’t really know quite what was expected of her here in his world. He wouldnae leave her side this night. He whispered in her ear, “I’m here, all is well.” She leaned into him for support, he imagined. If he had said that to her in her own time, she would have been angry with him. She always let him know that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. He knew that to be true, but he also knew her standoffish demeanor was a ruse. It was a show she created, to keep people where she wanted them - just far enough away, so she could escape if need be.
***
Jenna had a firm grip on Cormac’s arm and was not going to let go. They reached the head table where they sat facing the other guests. Platters of food made their way from the kitchen to each table and Jenna was impressed with the selection. She was completely unfamiliar with most of the food, but had no trouble trying new things. They had eaten very well since she’d been at Breaghacraig, but tonight Irene had gone above and beyond for their guests. Jenna forced herself to relax; after all, she had attended many dinners in her own time and some she had attended where she’d been the guest of honor. This was no different she kept telling herself.
Cormac was very attentive, which she appreciated. He knew she was out of her element and he let her know he was there to provide support for her. Ashley was on her other side and was in the midst of an animated conversation with Cailin. Jenna loved and admired her friend so much. She had been brave enough to make a place for herself in an unfamiliar land and time. Not only that, but she was making it work. She was married and very much in love with her husband and she was expecting their first baby. Jenna suffered a bout of overwhelming sadness, knowing she couldn’t have the same thing. Once she got back home, she knew it would take time, but she’d get over Cormac - at least enough to carry on with her life.
Who was she kidding? She didn’t honestly believe she’d ever get over Cormac. How could she? He was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Tears formed in her eyes and she fought to control them. She surreptitiously wiped away any hint of them with her napkin.
Across the room, she kept a careful eye on Jonathan and Sophia. Latharn appeared to be very upset. He apparently didn’t appreciate Sophia spending the evening beside Jonathan, but to his credit, he didn’t interfere. Instead, he sent Jonathan a death glare from his corner perch. Cormac was laughing with Dougall, who had stopped in front of the table to speak with him. She hadn’t been paying attention and missed the joke.
“Lady Jenna, I hope you are enjoying your evening,” Dougall said.
“Very much so, Dougall. You seem to be enjoying yourself, as well,” Jenna smiled.
Dougall dipped his head in agreement. “You must excuse me, Helene will be waiting.” He wandered off into the crowd of people who, having finished their meal, were milling around the outer edges of the room. The servants appeared and began clearing the tables and before long, Jenna understood why. The Great Hall was being transformed from a dining room to a dance floor. Musicians entered and set themselves up in a nook by the door. The music began and it took only seconds for the floor to be filled with happy faces, as couples began twirling and dancing around the room. Jenna was amazed to see almost everyone out on the dance floor. Those on the sidelines had mugs of ale and whiskey in their hands.
“Would ye care to dance with me, love?” Cormac looked so handsome standing there in front of her that she could hardly refuse.
“I’m not sure I know what to do,” Jenna said, glancing around the room warily.
“Dinnae fash, love, I will show ye, much as ye showed me what to do at yer gala in San Francisco.”
“Yeah, but that wasn’t a very complicated dance. This seems much more complicated.”
“Just follow me. Ye cannae go wrong and if ye do, not a soul would notice or care.”
Jenna took his hand and followed him out to the dance floor. She glanced around and saw Ashley having a serious discussion with Cailin. Ashley obviously wanted to dance and Cailin was apparently doing his best to keep her from it. Jenna laughed
as she watched the two of them. She knew who would win and it certainly wasn’t going to be Cailin.
“Cailin should just give up and let Ashley dance,” Jenna observed.
“He will,” Cormac stated. “Yer doing verra well, Jenna.
“Thank you, I’m not sure I’m doing it right though.” She was enjoying herself and realized that it didn’t matter to anyone but her how she danced. Cormac whirled her around the dance floor, her feet flying beneath her. She had no fear of falling as Cormac held her in place with strong arms and a strong hand on the small of her back, guiding her left and right and around and around. “This is so much fun, Cormac. Thank you for this,” she said with heartfelt sentiment.
The dancing continued and she switched partners, dancing with Cailin and then Robert. She met Robert’s brother Ewan, for the first time. He and his wife Lena had been seated at the far end of the table and she hadn’t had a chance to speak with them until now.
“I’m verra happy to meet ye, lass,” Ewan said. He was a handsome one. He looked very much like his brother and had the sweetest dimples when he smiled.
“And I you,” Jenna replied.
“I’m sure Ashley has told ye that me wife, Lena, is also from yder time,” Ewan said.
“No. She didn’t tell me. Is she, really?” Jenna was amazed to find that there was someone else living here from the twenty first century.
“Aye. She is.”
“Is she from San Francisco, as well?” Jenna was curious to know more.
“Nay. She is from Glendaloch. Her mother is Edna, the witch,” Ewan explained.
Jenna didn’t say anything for a minute. She needed time to digest this information.
“I imagine Ashley forgot to tell ye. It is normal for us, you understand,” Ewan continued.
“I’d be very interested to speak to Lena,” Jenna said. “It’s not normal for me, so I have lots of questions.”
“Of course, I’m sure she’d love to meet ye.” Ewan surveyed the room. “There she is, dancing with Robert. Let us make our way over to them.” He guided Jenna through the crowded dance floor, never once breaking step with the music, until they were right next to Lena and Robert.
