Page 68 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“You didn’t believe him, when he told you about me and Cailin?” Ashley asked.
“He never told me about you.” Jenna’s relaxed posture began to stiffen. “He lied to me. There are so many things I just can’t get past, right now.”
Ashley took Jenna’s hand in her own. “Jenna, you have to believe me when I tell you Cormac is a great guy. If he didn’t tell you about me, it was because he had a good reason. You need to ask him about it. He’ll tell you the truth.”
“That’s what he always says. He always tells me that if I ask him something, he’ll always tell me the truth.”
“He’s a man of his word, Jenna. So are Cailin and Robert. You’ll see. Just give them a chance.”
Jenna rolled her eyes in frustration. “I don’t seem to have much choice in the matter, Ashley. I’m stuck here.”
“Jenna, you know I wish you’d stay here with us, but I understand if you want to leave. We’ll help you contact Edna… I promise. In the meantime, just enjoy the experience. You might be surprised at how much you like it.”
“I doubt it, but I’ll do my best,” Jenna smiled warmly at her dear friend.
“And don’t be so hard on Cormac. I don’t want to see either one of you get hurt.”
That might be unavoidable.Jenna pulled Ashley into a hug, dreading the time she’d have to say goodbye to both her and Cormac.
Jenna avoided contact with Cormac for the rest of the evening. She needed time to process everything that had happened and letting him get close would just muddy her thinking. Exhaustion was creeping up on her and she really needed to get some sleep. The others in the hall were laughing and talking together and she felt very out of place. She couldn’t think of a thing to say to any one of them. She could feel Irene’s eyes boring a hole through her. Irene didn’t trust her, Jenna could tell and she looked angry. Jenna didn’t think she had much of a chance of winning her over. Strangely, Ashley seemed to fit right in. She was tucked up under her husband’s arm and they seemed like two people who were completely in love. Jenna suffered a pang of jealousy, but she also felt a great sense of happiness for her good friend. Ashley had been pretty down the last time Jenna saw her, but now here she was, practically glowing with joy. Jenna hated to disturb them, but she really wanted to go to bed.
“Ashley, I’m really tired. I’m going to go upstairs,” Jenna said. “Good night, Cailin. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“Good night, lass. I’m so happy yer here. My Ashley has missed ye a great deal.” Cailin’s smile brought to mind the smile of another handsome man. A man she didn’t want to think about, right now.
“I’ll get Helene to help you with your gown,” Ashley said, and hurriedly continued when she saw Jenna was about to protest. “Don’t say no, you’re going to need help.” Ashley turned from her and waved to Helene, who hurried in their direction.
“Helene, this is my best friend, Jenna. She came back with Cormac.”
“Pleased to meet you, Lady Jenna,” Helene said.
“Lady Jenna? What…” Jenna was baffled by the greeting.
“Just call her Jenna, Helene. No need for formality, you know that,” Ashley said.
“Of course, come with me… Jenna.” Helene led her away towards the stairs.
“Thank you, Helene, I appreciate the help,” Jenna said.
“’Tis my job. I help Ashley and Lady Irene every day.”
“I’m just adding to your work load,” Jenna protested. “I can probably get out of this dress on my own, really.” Jenna didn’t want to be a burden. She was very capable of taking care of herself and didn’t want to cause a fuss.
“Please, Jenna, let me help ye. ’Tis no trouble. ’Twill take but a moment.”
They reached the door to Jenna’s room and Helene opened it and went inside. Jenna stepped through the doorway and shivered. “Ooh… it’s chilly in here.”
“Dinnae fash. I’ll get a fire started right away,” Helene offered.
“Can you show me how to make a fire, Helene? You know, in case you’re not around and I’m cold.”
Helene nodded and Jenna watched as she expertly started the fire in the hearth. “Do ye think ye can do it on yer own?” she asked when the fire was burning brightly.
“I’ll just do what you did, I’m sure I can manage.”
Jenna caught a look of skepticism on Helene’s face but the young woman got to her feet and reached for Jenna’s shoulder, gently turning her around. “Let me help ye get yer gown off. Lady Irene has left ye a nightdress.”
A quick glance towards the bed revealed a pretty muslin gown, adorned with pink ribbons and embroidered flowers had been left on the bed for her. Helene undid the laces of the lavender gown with nimble fingers and helped Jenna step out of it. “I’m not used to getting undressed in front of strangers,” Jenna admitted uncomfortably.
