Page 84 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Aye. That we are,” Heather responded. “’Tis good to see ye.” Heather came forward to embrace Ashley.
“Heather, Finn, this is my good friend Jenna. She’s just arrived from America.”
“Ye must have had a long journey, Lady Jenna.”
“It wasn’t too bad,” Jenna responded. She didn’t get the whole Lady Jenna thing, but Ashley had told her to go along with it.
“Are ye from the same place in America as Lady Ashley?” Heather questioned.
“Yes. We grew up together.”
“Will ye be staying for a while then?” Finn asked.
“Unfortunately, no. I have to return home soon.”
“Please, come inside. I’ll make us some tea,” Heather offered.
They entered the tiny cottage, which despite its lack of space was tidily kept and there seemed to be room enough for everyone. They sat at a table near the rear window and Heather poured them all some tea. Finn excused himself, saying that he had some sheep to check on. Jenna could hear him calling to the dog as he walked out the door.
The children were all hunkered down on the floor, sifting through the contents of the basket Ashley and Jenna had brought with them.
“And what is all of this?” Heather asked.
“Some treats from San Francisco,” Jenna answered. “I hope you don’t mind that we gave them to the children, without asking you first.”
“Nay. Of course not. They get precious few treats, so ‘tis nothing for ye to worry over,” Heather assured her.
“Heather, I have some news I wanted to share with you,” Ashley said.
“What is that, Lady Ashley?”
“I’m expecting my first bairn, in about six months,” Ashley proudly stated.
“Is that true? Oh, my! I am so happy to hear it. Cailin must be over the moon,” Heather beamed with delight.
“I believe he is,” Ashley giggled. “I’m so excited.”
“I’m feeling privileged that ye wanted to share yer good news with me,” Heather looked genuinely surprised by this revelation.
“Of course. Your family is very special to me. I love your children and seeing them made me realize how much I wanted bairns of my own.”
“Thank ye, Lady Ashley. Ye are too kind,” Heather looked a bit embarrassed. “Let me get ye some of the fresh batch of bannocks that I’ve made.” She retrieved a platter of bannocks, some butter, and honey and brought them back to the table. “Can I get ye any more tea?” she asked, before sitting down again.
“No, this is wonderful,” Jenna said. “They look very delicious.”
“Well, try one then,” Ashley said. “I think you’ll find they taste delicious, too.”
Ashley and Heather chuckled and Heather offered Jenna a bannock. “This is really good,” Jenna said, swallowing her first bite. “The best I’ve had since I’ve been here.” Bannocks seemed to be a staple at every meal. Cormac had even made them for her when they were on their way to Breaghacraig, but these were truly the best she’d had.
“Thank ye, Lady Jenna. ’Tis me secret recipe,” Heather smiled proudly.
Ashley and Jenna spent another hour at the little cottage, enjoying tea, bannocks, and conversation. The children loved their treats and Jenna was happy to see they’d emptied the basket for the return trip. As they got up to leave, the children lined up for hugs, but not just from Ashley. They wanted to hug Jenna as well. She couldn’t resist. They really were very sweet children and the little one, Mary, was the sweetest of all. The way she nestled into Jenna’s arms and then touched her face and hair, was very precious and had Jenna melting.
“’Twas so good to see ye both,” Heather said. “I wish ye all the best with the bairn, Lady Ashley. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know, won’t ye?”
“You know I will, Heather. You have a lot more experience than I do. I was told that you might be able to help me with the birthing. Is that true?”
Heather looked a little embarrassed by the praise, but said, “Aye, I have helped many of the women of Clan MacKenzie with their births. I’d be happy to do the same for ye.”
