Page 66 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Well, he did. He showed up on the Marina Green and told me Edna sent him to get me. That I was supposed to be his wife. I thought he was crazy, but Dylan really liked him and insisted that we let him stay with us. Long story short, I guess he had to be back at the Marina exactly seven days after he arrived and poof, here I am.”
“So he forced you to go to the Marina with him?” Ashley asked.
“No, of course not. He tricked me. He stood there, looking all lost and upset, and I went to him, thinking he was losing it and that he wasn’t going anywhere. I no sooner put my hand on his arm than the fog came in and started swirling around us. He grabbed me and held on to me so I couldn’t get away – and next thing I knew I was here.”
“Jenna, I think Edna had a little something to do with that. I can’t imagine Cormac would want you to come with him against your will. He’s not like that.” Ashley defended her brother-in-law. “I am confused about one thing though. How are you supposed to marry Cormac? You’re already married to Jonathan.”
“A lot has happened since you’ve been gone, Ashley,” Jenna spat out bitterly. “You and everyone else were right about Jonathan. He was only interested in me for my money. I had the marriage annulled.”
Ashley gasped and took Jenna’s hand in her own. “I’m so sorry, Jenna. That’s not something I wanted to be proven right about. I know how much you loved him.”
“IthoughtI loved him, but when it came right down to it, I realized it had never been right between us, not from the very beginning. He swept me off my feet, but somewhere deep down inside I think I knew he was pulling the wool over my eyes and I’m angry with myself that I let it happen.”
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 believeyou’rehere.”
“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.
