Page 89 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Well, it is customary when we have a guest to invite the members of the Clan and some of our neighbors to join us. We couldn’t do it any sooner, because we had no prior notice of your arrival and it took us a few days to get the word out to those who live further away, ye see.”
“You’re doing this for me?” Jenna was shocked and surprised; she’d thought Ashley had been joking earlier.
“Of course, we are happy to have ye here as our guest and it is the perfect opportunity to have a celebration of sorts. I hope ye will enjoy yourself.”
“I’m sure I will. It’s just so unexpected. Pleasantly so,” Jenna explained. Imagine that, theywerehaving a party for her. “Does Cormac know?” she wondered.
“No. We’ve kept it a surprise until now. He’ll find out soon enough.”
The three women continued drinking their tea, eating the delicious sweet cakes and chatting. Jenna would never have imagined that Irene would be so warm and accepting of her. She had seemed so angry with her when she first arrived. She assumed Cormac and Ashley must have spoken to Irene and assured her that Jenna would never intentionally hurt Cormac and that she was not going to steal him away to the twenty first century.
* * *
Cormac arrived to the sounds of the women laughing and talking. He walked in to find Irene, Ashley, and Jenna all chatting like old friends. He was relieved that his sister had softened her stance on Jenna and was trying to make amends.
“Ladies, you all seem to be enjoying yerself. Are there any extra sweet cakes?”
“You can have the rest of mine, Cormac,” Jenna offered.
“There are more in the kitchen, brother. We were just discussing tomorrow evening’s festivities. I’m sure Cailin has told ye of the celebration we are having in honor of Jenna.”
Cormac’s mouth dropped open and he tried to hide his surprise by quickly snapping it shut. “No, he hadnae mentioned it to me.” He quickly sought out Jenna’s gaze and was happy to see she was smiling brightly at Irene. It didn’t seem false at all. “That was verra thoughtful of ye, Irene.”
“Ashley is letting me borrow one of her dresses,” Jenna beamed. “It’s very pretty.”
“Jenna, ye can make the plainest dress beautiful just by virtue of wearing it.” He meant every word of it. He had never seen her look anything but beautiful. He rested a hand on her shoulder and she covered it with her own. Her eyes, shining with happiness, focused on him.
“Why don’t you join us, Cormac,” Jenna suggested.
“Yes, please do,” Ashley added.
His eyes searched out his sister’s approval and when she nodded, he knew it was all right for him to stay. “Only for a short while. I have duties to attend to before the day is done.” He sat next to Jenna and she reached a hand over to place it on his arm. He loved the feel of it, the heat emanating through his sleeve. Despite the fact that the ladies had asked him to join them, the conversation had come to a standstill. He didn’t want to be the reason for the silence. “So, sister, who have ye invited to this celebration?”
“All of the usual guests, brother. I have sent word to all the Clan, including Lena and Ewan and some of our neighbors. I hope they will be able to attend on such short notice.” Irene took another sip of her tea. “Cormac, would ye care for some tea? Some cakes?”
“Nay, Irene. I can only stay for a moment longer. I must speak with Cailin and Robert about the festivities tomorrow evening. As a matter of fact, I should be on my way now,” Cormac rose and bid the ladies goodbye. He leaned in to kiss Jenna’s cheek. “I will see you when I return, Jenna.”
* * *
Cormac sought out his brother. He knew he needn’t worry about the festivities, but he wanted to be sure that everything was in place to protect his family and Jenna.
“Cailin, ye didnae tell me about tomorrow evening’s celebration.”
“Aye. I forgot to mention it. I apologize,” Cailin said, looking contrite.
“I’m concerned about Jenna’s safety. A celebration is an opportunity for our unwanted guests to cause trouble.”
“Dinnae fash, brother. We are prepared. Latharn has his eyes on Sophia at all times and Jonathan is being watched by Donal and Fergus. So far, they have not done anything to raise suspicions.”
“Latharn seems quite taken with the lass,” Cormac observed.
“Aye. That he does and she with him.”
“She is nae the one I’m worried about. ’Tis Jonathan. I dinnae trust him.”
“I ken ye dinnae, brother. He is only one man and we are many.”
“Yer right,” Cormac admitted. “And we’ve nae had any sign of Sir Richard since they’ve been here?”
