by Jennae Vale
“Whatever you recommend,” Dylan answered. He watched Massimo disappear towards the bar before he leaned forward and spoke. “So, Jenna, if you find the name of the inn, what are you going to do? Are you going to call them?”
“Actually, I think I’ll just fly over there. I’d like to meet this Edna in person.”
“I’m coming with you,” Dylan stated determinedly.
“Don’t be silly, Dylan. You don’t have to come with me, I can do this on my own,” Jenna responded and then she realized she was doing it again. She was giving the impression that she didn’t need anyone else, and for a time that had been true, but she’d made a decision not to live like that anymore. If people wanted to help her, she was going to learn how to let them. “I’m sorry, Dylan. I’d love you to come with me, but what about Chester? Who’ll take care of him?”
“We’ll take him with us.” Dylan announced. He appeared relieved that Jenna had changed her mind.
Massimo brought two glasses and a bottle of his best Pinot Noir to their table.
“Perfect,” Jenna said, smiling. She was beginning to feel a bit more hopeful. Now, if she could just remember what she had done with the information Ashley had given her.
“We’ll have two specials,” Dylan suggested to Massimo, who nodded and went to put their order in.
“Dylan,” Jenna suddenly sounded very excited. “I think I know where it is!”
Dylan waited for her to continue and when she didn’t, he prodded. “Where? Is it at the house?”
“Yeah! I put it in my journal. I remember I was writing in my journal when Ashley called and I just jotted the information down on the first blank page I came to. It’s in the nightstand next to my bed. I don’t think I’ve written anything else in it, since that phone call.” Jenna took an appreciative sip of the wine. “Mmm… this really is good. Massimo has the best wine selection.” She was relaxing now, enough to enjoy the wine and her dinner. Everything was going to work out. It had to.
***
Ewan rode out to meet them before they arrived. “Cailin, Cormac… to what do we owe this honor?” Ewan asked, as he drew his horse to a halt.
“I need to speak with Lena,” Cormac said. “About Jenna.”
“Did ye not find her?” Ewan sounded concerned.
“We found her, but it was too late. Edna had already sent the fog to take her back home. By the time we arrived, there was naught we could do, but watch as she disappeared before our verra eyes.”
“I’m so sorry to hear it. Do ye wish Lena to contact her mother?” Ewan turned his horse and the three rode through the gates and into the courtyard.
“Aye. I must speak with Edna. She doesnae answer me, so I thought mayhap Lena could help,” Cormac explained.
“I’m not so sure she can. She hasnae really had much success in contacting Edna. For the most part, Edna comes to her in her dreams. But we will see. Perhaps she can try,” Ewan said doubtfully.
Dismounting, the three handed their horses over to the stable boys and headed inside. Lena was waiting for them as they came through the large wooden doors. This was the home Cormac and Cailin had grown up in and now it was home to Lena, Ewan and their sons, Ranald and Rowan. The two red-haired whirlwinds whizzed past as Lena greeted her guests.
“Cormac, Cailin…’tis good to see you. Is all well at Breaghacraig?” she asked, concern visible on her face.
“Aye. All is well,” Cailin assured her. “Cormac needs yer help.”
“Is that true, Cormac? What could you possibly need my help with?” Lena asked, turning to him.
Cormac explained how Edna had sent Jenna back to San Francisco a day earlier than had been agreed upon, but he was sure she had done it to save her from Jonathan, who planned to kill her. Cormac explained that Sophia had told him the whole story on the ride back to Breaghacraig. She had apologized repeatedly, but Cormac could not find it in his heart to blame her. She had been threatened by Jonathan and she too had tried to help Jenna escape. Cormac poured his heart out to Lena, who listened with sympathy in her eyes.
“Cormac, I am so sorry. I dinnae ken whether I’ll be much help. My mother always contacts me. I havenae had much experience in trying to reach her. I will do my best, though.”
“You will try?” Cormac was relieved.
“Yes, but dinnae get yer hopes up. It may not work,” Lena said cautiously.
“Cailin, mayhap ye’d like to come with me and see what we’ve done with the place ye once called home,” Ewan suggested.
“Aye. I’d like that,” Cailin answered.
Cormac and Lena sat in the Great Hall and conversed for quite a long time. Lena had many questions and wanted to know every detail, so that if she were able to speak with her mother, she’d be able to tell her what Cormac wished to accomplish. Cailin and Ewan returned and they all sat at the table for the evening meal. When they were done, Lena explained that she was going to retire to her room. “I’ll try to contact my mother. Don’t wait up for me. It may take me quite some time, if I’m successful at all. I’ll see you all in the morning.”
“Good night, then,” Cormac said. “And thank ye.”
Lena kissed her husband and laid a gentle hand on Cormac’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Ye’ll have yer answer in the morning, if there is one.” She left the men all seated around the fire, sipping whiskey and morosely staring into the flames.
THIRTY-TWO
In Jenna’s mind, the plane ride to Scotland took forever. She slept through a good portion of the flight and she dreamt Cormac was frantically searching for her along the wooded path that would eventually lead him to the bridge. She could see him riding Saidear and repeatedly calling her name.
“I’m right here, Cormac,” she shouted, but he couldn’t hear her. “I’m on my way. I’ll be with you soon.” She woke up feeling guilty, for causing Cormac such tremendous pain. What was done, was done. She couldn’t change it. The only thing she could do was try to get back to him as soon as she possibly could. That’s where Edna would need to work her magic. There was no doubt in Jenna’s mind that Edna would help her. She had to - there were no other options.
Dylan rented a car, and with Chester happily ensconced in the back seat, they made their way from Edinburgh to Glendaloch. Jenna’s first thought on seeing the little town was that it was lovely. They traveled down the main street and almost immediately came to The Thistle and Hive Inn. She couldn’t wait to get out of the car and inside.
“You go ahead, Jenna. I’ll get the bags and Chester,” Dylan said agreeably.
“Okay.” Jenna was already opening the front door of the inn and she searched the lobby, hoping to see Edna. Instead, she saw an attractive young woman standing behind the reception desk.
“Checking in, Miss?” the young woman asked.
“Yes. I mean, no. I don’t know,” Jenna conceded unhappily.
“We’re checking in,” Dylan came through the door with their bags and Chester. “Do you have two rooms?”
“Yes, we do. My name’s Maggie,” the young woman said, her eyes never leaving Dylan.
“Nice to meet you,” Dylan said. “I’m Dylan Sinclair and this is my cousin, Jenna. And this is Chester. I hope you allow dogs.” Jenna watched him putting on the charm for this lovely green-eyed redhead.
Maggie had come around the desk and was petting Chester. “Of course. He seems verra well behaved. My aunt willnae mind.”
“Who is your aunt?” Jenna asked eagerly.
“My aunt and uncle own The Thistle and Hive. They are Edna and Angus Campbell. Now, if you dinnae mind filling out the registration forms, I’ll have ye in yer rooms in short order,” she smiled, once again focusing all of her attention on Dylan. “How long will ye be staying with us?”
“Well, that depends on your aunt,” Dylan said. “We need to speak with her urgently.”
“I see. She’s not here today, nor is my uncle. They’ve headed off to Edinburgh for the weekend. They’ll return the d
ay after tomorrow.”
“Can you call her,” Jenna asked anxiously. “It’s extremely important that I speak with her.”
“My aunt doesnae carry a cell phone with her, but she may check in with me later. I’ll tell her ye wish to speak with her. She’s had a trying time of it lately and Uncle Angus thought she could use a break.”
“Thank you.” Jenna felt deflated. She had hoped to meet Edna and then be on her way back to Cormac immediately. Now she knew she was going to have to wait.
Dylan finished the paperwork and Maggie handed them the keys to their rooms. “They’ll be at the top of the stairs. Let me know if I can be of any help. Dinner is served in the dining room shortly, if ye’re interested in a meal.” Jenna noticed that Maggie was speaking to Dylan again, as though he were the only one in the room.
“Thank you,” Dylan said. “I’m sure we’ll be down once we get settled in. I’ll need to take Chester for a short walk. Is there a pet store here in Glendaloch?”
“Aye. It’s right up the street,” Maggie said. “I’d be happy to show ye where, when ye’re ready.”
“I’d like that,” Dylan answered warmly.
Jenna stood back and watched the exchange taking place and thought Dylan was seeming awfully interested in this girl. She took one of the keys from his hands and wearily made her way up the stairs to her room.
Once Jenna got herself settled in, she tapped on Dylan’s door to see if he was ready for dinner. No response. He must have taken Chester for a walk, she thought, as she headed downstairs. Maggie didn’t seem to be in the lobby anywhere and Jenna was just about to walk into the dining room when the door to the inn opened and a laughing Dylan and Maggie walked through.
“Hey, Jenna. Maggie just walked down to the pet store with me. I picked up some food for Chester.” Dylan held out the bag of dog food as proof.
“I was wondering where everyone was. I was going to go in to get something to eat. Are you hungry?” she asked Dylan.
“Yeah. I’ll take Chester upstairs and I’ll be right back down. Would you care to join us, Maggie?” To Jenna’s eyes, Dylan seemed very hopeful that Maggie would say yes.
“I’d like that,” Maggie answered. “Jenna, if ye’ll follow me, we’ll get ye seated and pour ye some wine.”
“Wine would be amazing,” Jenna agreed, as she followed Maggie into the dining room and the young woman led them to a cozy booth near the window.
“I’ll be right back, then,” Maggie said, making her way over to the bar. Jenna’s view was of the quaint little main street through the window. The streetlights glowed and reflected off the damp sidewalk. It had started to drizzle since their arrival, and the few people she saw had their collars turned up and umbrellas out. The dining room was only partially filled with guests. There were empty tables here and there, and only the slight murmur of voices, giving the room an almost churchlike atmosphere. Maggie headed back Jenna’s way and stopped to exchange a few words with some of the diners.
“Thank you,” Jenna said, accepting the glass of wine Maggie presented. “Have you worked here long?”
“Not really. I was working at my family’s teashop in the next town over, but Auntie needed me here. Ye see, she doesnae get much time off, what with all her responsibilities. So she asked me if I would come to work here and she’d teach me what I need to know in order to take over for her.”
Jenna wasn’t sure she should ask Maggie about Edna being a witch. Maybe Maggie didn’t know. She decided to keep that information to herself. Maggie’s face lit up and Jenna saw that Dylan had just entered the dining room. He lifted his hand and waved, making his way over to sit with them.
“Would ye care for some wine?” Maggie asked.
“I’d love some. This is a great little place. So unlike the places back home. Isn’t that right, Jenna?”
“Very different,” Jenna agreed.
Maggie retrieved two more glasses - one for herself and one for Dylan - along with a bottle of wine. “I decided to bring the whole bottle,” she winked and smiled.
“Good plan,” Dylan said, with a wink of his own.
What the heck is going on here? Jenna almost laughed aloud. She couldn’t recall ever seeing Dylan wink at anyone.
“I’ll go see what chef has going on in the kitchen and I’ll bring back his best dishes, if ye don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Jenna said, before Dylan could wink at Maggie again. He sat transfixed by the young woman. Jenna had to wave her hand in front of his face to get his attention.
“Hello… anyone home?” she teased.
“I’m sorry, did you say something,” Dylan managed to focus on Jenna for the first time since he’d sat down.
“No. Just wondering where you’d gone off to.”
Dylan chuckled at that. “Isn’t she something?” he asked.
“Yeah. She seems like a lovely girl,” Jenna agreed.
“You must be disappointed that Edna’s not here,” Dylan noted.
Jenna shrugged her shoulders. “Not much I can do about it. At least I know she’s coming back. So I’ll just have to wait.”
Maggie returned with a tray of food, which she placed on the table. “I thought we could all share and if there’s anything ye are particularly in love with, I’ll get more.” There was roast beef with gravy and vegetables, a pasta dish, and chicken with lemon and capers.
“It all looks delicious,” Jenna admitted, helping herself.
“Maggie. Tell me about your Aunt Edna,” Dylan suggested.
“There’s not much to tell. She’s been a fixture in this town forever. She was born here and she opened the inn with her husband, quite a long time ago.”
“She’s a witch, right?” Dylan said, in between bites.
“Dylan!” Jenna glanced apologetically to Maggie, who didn’t seem fazed by his question.
“She is,” Maggie agreed calmly.
“Do you know anything about this time travelling thing she does?” Dylan continued. Jenna kicked him under the table. “Ow! Jenna, what are you doing?”
“I’m so sorry, Maggie. You’ll have to forgive Dylan for being so blunt.”
Maggie shook her head. “No trouble. I’m just curious how ye came to know about it.”
“She sent Jenna back to the sixteenth century with my friend Cormac. Jenna would like to go back.”
Maggie smiled apologetically. “Aunt Edna has been teaching me lots of things, but we haven’t gotten that far yet. Ye’ll have to wait for her to come back. I’m sure she’ll help you.”
“So… you’re a witch, too?” Jenna said, wondering how on earth she’d gone through her whole life without ever meeting one - and now she knew two.
Maggie just nodded and sipped her wine. “It’s a family thing.”
“Wow!” Dylan exclaimed.
Maggie laughed at that and sent Dylan a sweet look.
The caliber of the food was right up there with any five-star restaurant Jenna had dined in, and as a result, they managed to eat everything Maggie had delivered to the table and polished off another bottle of wine. Jenna retired to her room early, leaving Dylan to get to know Maggie better, while they shared dessert. She hoped Dylan would behave himself and not do his usual love ‘em and leave ‘em thing. Somehow, she didn’t think he would. He had behaved very differently around Maggie. Maybe her cousin was finally growing up. Jenna settled in front of the fire in her room and thought wistfully of Cormac. “I’ll see you soon,” she said, and hoped she was right.
*****
Jenna awoke feeling more exhausted than when she’d fallen asleep, thanks to her dreams, which were a mishmash of Cormac, Edna, swirling fog and frustration. The last coming from her inability to be seen or heard by anyone in her dreams. She could see and hear the other people clearly, but no matter how hard she tried, or how loudly she spoke, no one looked her way. Cormac was at a different castle - not Breaghacraig. Cailin was with him and they were with Lena and Ewan. It had to be their home she was see
ing. Cormac appeared as frustrated as Jenna felt. Above it all was Edna, waving her arms frantically at Lena, who didn’t seem to notice her, either. Jenna wondered what it all meant when she heard a knock at her door. Thinking it must be Dylan, she threw on her robe and padded to the door. She opened it to find a blue haired woman with sparkling green eyes staring daggers at her.
“Edna?” Jenna questioned warily. “I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow.”
“I had no choice in the matter. My daughter, Cormac and Maggie have been pummeling me with messages since yesterday. So, I cut my weekend short, to find out exactly what was going on back here.”
Jenna chewed on her lip anxiously. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to return early. I was willing to wait until tomorrow.”
“Really, my dear?” Edna asked, with a hint of disbelief in her voice. Not waiting for an answer, she continued. “What are ye doing here? I sent ye home because that was what ye wanted!”
“I thought it was what I wanted, but when I saw Cormac arrive at the bridge, I knew I wanted to stay with him. I’m sorry I’ve caused you so much trouble. I realized a little too late that I was being a fool.”
“Aye. I ken that ye were,” Edna responded sarcastically.
Jenna was taken aback by Edna’s stern demeanor. “Would you like to come in?” Jenna opened the door wider and Edna came into the room. She immediately went to the fireplace and snapping her fingers, started a roaring fire.
“That’s better. I hate a chilly room,” Edna explained.
“Thank you. I was a little cold.” Jenna surveyed Edna for a minute and wasn’t certain her request to return to Cormac would be accepted by this woman. She didn’t know what to do except ask, but Edna beat her to it.
“I assume yer here because ye want to go back. I expect ye’ve learned yer lesson. I only hope I’ll be able to communicate with Lena or Cormac, to get him to return to the bridge. Ye see, ye can’t go back, unless there’s someone waiting for ye.”
