Page 100 of A Thistle Beyond Time
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.
Chapter 32
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 day after tomorrow.”
“Can you call her,” Jenna asked anxiously. “It’s extremely important that I speak with her.”
