Page 33 of The Dawn

I said, “I just spoke with Magnus, nothing yet, but there are still a few hours left in the day.”

Archie sat down beside me, “Can I check in?”

“Of course.” I pressed the button.

Archie said, “Hi Da, it’s me, Archie.”

“Aye, son, how ye holdin’ up?”

In the dim room, lit by a small battery-powered lantern and the hearth, I could see Archie’s face, full of responsibility, as he concentrated on his Da’s voice. “I was hanging out in Ben’sroom, but now we’re in Mammy’s room, do you see Uncle Lochie yet?”

Magnus’s voice: “Nae, not yet. We are in the field, ye ken the one we rode across yesterday?”

Archie hit the button to say: “Aye.”

Magnus’s voice emitted, “We hae a clear view of the sky from our place in the field and so we will see the storm right away. And ye ken what else I was thinkin’? This is a good Scottish night. There is a breeze and the trees are crackin’ whenever the wind hits the upper branches. Tis verra comfortin’. When Uncle Lochie arrives he will be welcomed by a familiar Scottish night, his favorite.”

Archie nodded. “I’m kind of worried about Uncle Lochie because he really likes cookies, and he isn’t that good at Scottish nights anymore. I think his favorites are Florida beach nights.”

“Aye, that is probably true, and he inna alone, we all love the Florida beach and look forward tae goin’ home. But the next best thing is havin’ us all taegether. In two days Colonel Quentin, Madame Beaty, and Noah will arrive, possibly even Master Cook, Sophie, and wee Junior.”

Isla said, “Push the button, Archie.”

He pushed the button and Isla said, “I think Junior will be scared to jump, Da, I hope he won’t be scared.”

I heard the voice of my husband say to his children, “When he comes I will keep him safe, Isla, daena worry.”

Isla said into the radio, “Good, then we know he will be alright.”

Magnus said, “Keep the radio on, we will call as soon as the storm hits.”

CHAPTER 14 - ASH

BALLOCH CASTLE - MAY 27, 1710

The nursery door opened and Lochinvar entered. “Tis all well, the disruption was merely a messenger bringin’ word from Edinburgh, the Earl is ill.”

Lizbeth said, “We went on alert for a messenger? Tis an unusual reaction!”

“Aye, Liam grew cautious as there was somethin’ off about their behavior. They seemed tae be scoutin’ the castle.”

Lizbeth said, “Och nae, why would they?”

Lochinvar said, “We daena ken, but they hae been sent from the Earl’s lands, Liam winna allow them tae rest here and I kept m’self hidden from view.”

“That does seem wise.”

Beaty asked, “Twill be safe when Quenny and James return?”

“Liam is sendin’ guards tae wait for them, tae make certain of their safety. I will join them as soon as I can, but in the meantime, ye are all well tae leave the nursery.”

Lizbeth said, “I think I will send yer meals tae yer rooms, as it has been harrowing, we winna want tae eat in the crowded Great Hall tonight. Would ye like yer dinner brought tae ye, Lochinvar?”

With a glance at me, he said, “Aye, thank you, Lizbeth.”

He led me down the hall, up stone steps to the next floor, and along a cold dark passage to our room. He let us in. It was chilly. He went to the hearth and added a log to build up the fire, then brushed off his hands. “If we plan to eat here, we will need warmth.”

Then he strode over to me and put his arms around me. “Now where were we when we?—?”

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