Page 91 of A Thistle Beyond Time
Irene and Robert rushed to their rescue. “Everyone, we’d like to present the Lady Jenna,” Robert said with a flourish. All those in the room turned to face them, bowed, and curtsied as they walked past. Jenna appeared to be very nervous, which was unusual as far as Cormac was aware. She had seemed very much in control at her gala in San Francisco. He understood though, this was different. She didn’t really know quite what was expected of her here in his world. He wouldnae leave her side this night. He whispered in her ear, “I’m here, all is well.” She leaned into him for support, he imagined. If he had said that to her in her own time, she would have been angry with him. She always let him know that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. He knew that to be true, but he also knew her standoffish demeanor was a ruse. It was a show she created, to keep people where she wanted them – just far enough away, so she could escape if need be.
* * *
Jenna had a firm grip on Cormac’s arm and was not going to let go. They reached the head table where they sat facing the other guests. Platters of food made their way from the kitchen to each table and Jenna was impressed with the selection. She was completely unfamiliar with most of the food, but had no trouble trying new things. They had eaten very well since she’d been at Breaghacraig, but tonight Irene had gone above and beyond for their guests. Jenna forced herself to relax; after all, she had attended many dinners in her own time and some she had attended where she’d been the guest of honor. This was no different she kept telling herself.
Cormac was very attentive, which she appreciated. He knew she was out of her element and he let her know he was there to provide support for her. Ashley was on her other side and was in the midst of an animated conversation with Cailin. Jenna loved and admired her friend so much. She had been brave enough to make a place for herself in an unfamiliar land and time. Not only that, but she was making it work. She was married and very much in love with her husband and she was expecting their first baby. Jenna suffered a bout of overwhelming sadness, knowing she couldn’t have the same thing. Once she got back home, she knew it would take time, but she’d get over Cormac – at least enough to carry on with her life.
Who was she kidding?She didn’t honestly believe she’d ever get over Cormac. How could she? He was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Tears formed in her eyes and she fought to control them. She surreptitiously wiped away any hint of them with her napkin.
Across the room, she kept a careful eye on Jonathan and Sophia. Latharn appeared to be very upset. He apparently didn’t appreciate Sophia spending the evening beside Jonathan, but to his credit, he didn’t interfere. Instead, he sent Jonathan a death glare from his corner perch. Cormac was laughing with Dougall, who had stopped in front of the table to speak with him. She hadn’t been paying attention and missed the joke.
“Lady Jenna, I hope you are enjoying your evening,” Dougall said.
“Very much so, Dougall. You seem to be enjoying yourself, as well,” Jenna smiled.
Dougall dipped his head in agreement. “You must excuse me, Helene will be waiting.” He wandered off into the crowd of people who, having finished their meal, were milling around the outer edges of the room. The servants appeared and began clearing the tables and before long, Jenna understood why. The Great Hall was being transformed from a dining room to a dance floor. Musicians entered and set themselves up in a nook by the door. The music began and it took only seconds for the floor to be filled with happy faces, as couples began twirling and dancing around the room. Jenna was amazed to see almost everyone out on the dance floor. Those on the sidelines had mugs of ale and whiskey in their hands.
“Would ye care to dance with me, love?” Cormac looked so handsome standing there in front of her that she could hardly refuse.
“I’m not sure I know what to do,” Jenna said, glancing around the room warily.
“Dinnae fash, love, I will show ye, much as ye showed me what to do at yer gala in San Francisco.”
“Yeah, but that wasn’t a very complicated dance. This seems much more complicated.”
“Just follow me. Ye cannae go wrong and if ye do, not a soul would notice or care.”
Jenna took his hand and followed him out to the dance floor. She glanced around and saw Ashley having a serious discussion with Cailin. Ashley obviously wanted to dance and Cailin was apparently doing his best to keep her from it. Jenna laughed as she watched the two of them. She knew who would win and it certainly wasn’t going to be Cailin.
“Cailin should just give up and let Ashley dance,” Jenna observed.
“He will,” Cormac stated. “Yer doing verra well, Jenna.
“Thank you, I’m not sure I’m doing it right though.” She was enjoying herself and realized that it didn’t matter to anyone but her how she danced. Cormac whirled her around the dance floor, her feet flying beneath her. She had no fear of falling as Cormac held her in place with strong arms and a strong hand on the small of her back, guiding her left and right and around and around. “This is so much fun, Cormac. Thank you for this,” she said with heartfelt sentiment.
The dancing continued and she switched partners, dancing with Cailin and then Robert. She met Robert’s brother Ewan, for the first time. He and his wife Lena had been seated at the far end of the table and she hadn’t had a chance to speak with them until now.
“I’m verra happy to meet ye, lass,” Ewan said. He was a handsome one. He looked very much like his brother and had the sweetest dimples when he smiled.
“And I you,” Jenna replied.
“I’m sure Ashley has told ye that me wife, Lena, is also from yder time,” Ewan said.
“No. She didn’t tell me. Is she, really?” Jenna was amazed to find that there was someone else living here from the twenty first century.
“Aye. She is.”
“Is she from San Francisco, as well?” Jenna was curious to know more.
“Nay. She is from Glendaloch. Her mother is Edna, the witch,” Ewan explained.
Jenna didn’t say anything for a minute. She needed time to digest this information.
“I imagine Ashley forgot to tell ye. It is normal for us, you understand,” Ewan continued.
“I’d be very interested to speak to Lena,” Jenna said. “It’s not normal for me, so I have lots of questions.”
“Of course, I’m sure she’d love to meet ye.” Ewan surveyed the room. “There she is, dancing with Robert. Let us make our way over to them.” He guided Jenna through the crowded dance floor, never once breaking step with the music, until they were right next to Lena and Robert.
