Page 78 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Sir Richard pointed us in this direction, before he left to go back home. Where did he say he was from babe?”
Jonathan was obviously up to something, Cormac could tell from his demeanor. He had only had a few interactions with him, but he was behaving very oddly.
“I think he said he was going home to England?” Sophia seemed unsure.
“Cailin, I need to speak with ye for a moment. Please excuse us.” Cormac led Cailin far enough away so they would not be overheard. “I must warn Jenna that they are here. Will ye stay with them until I return? Jonathan isnae to be trusted. I don’t believe Sophia is one to be concerned over, but don’t let them out of yer sight.”
“Aye. I willnae. Go see to Jenna then.” Cailin walked back over to their guests and Cormac headed upstairs, hoping to find Jenna in her room.
Chapter 25
Sleep had not come easily to Jenna. She was physically and emotionally exhausted, but somehow, no matter how hard she tried to nap, she couldn’t seem to shut her mind off. Thoughts of a life without Cormac and without Ashley were leaving her with numerous questions. Could she stay here? Would she want to? What if Ashley needed her during her pregnancy? The questions kept coming and she didn’t seem to have any answers.
A quiet tap at the door let her know she had a visitor. “Come in,” she said.
The door opened and Cormac came in, closing the door behind him. Jenna’s heart began to race and her breathing became shallow at the sight of him. She hid her trembling hands beneath the furs.
“Jenna, I have news,” Cormac started.
“Oh, I know. Ashley already told me.”
“Ashley. How could she know?” he asked.
Jenna gave him a ‘have-you-lost-your-mind’ look. “She’s the one who’s pregnant. Of course she knows.”
Cormac looked confused, but continued. “I know Ashley’s with child, but that’s not what I’m speaking of.”
“Oh, well, what are you speaking of?” Jenna teased.
“Jonathan and Sophia are here at Breaghacraig. Cailin and I found them walking towards the castle while we were out riding.”
“What?” Jenna’s face paled. “How did they get here? Why?” She had a million questions floating through her head. It seems all that was in her brain – were questions, but no answers.
“I hope to find out the answers soon. I didnae want ye to come downstairs and stumble upon them.”
“Cormac, I’m getting a bad feeling about all of this,” Jenna said worriedly.
He came to her side, settling on the edge of the bed. “Dinnae fash, love. They are only two and we have many to protect ye.” Cormac stroked her cheek and did his best to calm her. “They are staying here as our guests at the moment, but we willnae leave them alone at any time. Do ye wish to come downstairs and see for yerself?”
Jenna wasted no time in getting to her feet. She slipped on the soft shoes Irene had given her and straightened her dress. The time to face her fears was now and she could ask for no better guardian than Cormac. She held her hand out to him and he stood, taking it and walking her to the door. “Are ye ready for this?” he asked softly.
“Let’s go. There’s no time like the present, right?” She smiled up at him and seeing the strength and determination in his beautiful eyes, all her fears vanished. They made their way downstairs and into the Great Hall.
“Jenna, I’m so happy to see you. I was worried about you,” Jonathan simpered, and it was obvious to Jenna he was lying.
“I’ll bet you were,” Jenna replied sarcastically.
“I was, babe. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.” From the expression on Jonathan’s face, there was no doubt that he wished for the exact opposite. “Look at you, already fitting in. Great dress.”
Jenna ignored him and turned to the young waitress. “Sophia, how did you get mixed up with him?”
“We met at the diner and he asked me if I wanted to go for a walk with him. I didn’t know it would involve time travelling.” She was speaking to Jenna, but staring at Cormac. Jenna thought Sophia would start drooling at any moment and the jealousy she had suffered at the diner came crashing back into her.
“I’ll bet you didn’t. Who would? You and Jonathan do make a cute couple,” Jenna said sarcastically. “I’m glad you found someone, Jonathan.” Jenna kept a close eye on both of them, to see if they would slip up.
“You know me, I don’t like to be alone for long,” Jonathan responded drily.
“I know. Sometimes you actually double up, so there’s not a minute in the day when you’re alone.” Jenna was referring to the woman Jonathan had been seeing, both before and during their marriage. She had no idea if the woman was still in the picture, but she knew Sophia was easy prey for a man like Jonathan.
