Page 56 of A Matter of Time
They made their way about a quarter of a mile down the bank, and just as Edward said, there was a safe spot to cross in a sparsely wooded area, which led into dense forest behind them. Nick went first, letting his horse pick his way across safely. Angelina followed, taking the same route and they both reached the opposite bank safely.
“Edward, ’tis good to see ye.” Nick said, reaching out to grasp Edward’s hand.
“It’s good to see you, as well. Where are you coming from? And who is this lovely lady you’ve brought with you?”
“This is Angelina Lawson. Angelina, this is Edward Jefford, Richard’s brother. We’ve travelled from MacKenzie lands to the north.”
“I am very pleased to meet you, m’lady.” Edward reached out to Angelina and when she took his hand, he brought hers to his lips for a brief kiss, all the while examining her with his soft green eyes.
Angelina smiled, although she thought Edward looked nothing like Richard. He was blonde, fair and had a lightness to his personality, where Richard was dark and brooding. The thought that she might see Richard soon set a rush of butterflies free in her belly and a blush spread across her cheeks.
“We’re here to see Richard,” Nick said.
Edward reined in his horse and they headed through the castle gates together. Once in the courtyard they dismounted, leaving their horses in the hands of a young stable boy.
“Richard isn’t here, but I know Mother will be happy to see you, Nick. You were always one of her favorites.”
Angelina was in awe. Unlike Breaghacraig and Castle Fionn, this castle seemed much more like a home. As they entered the castle, she noticed beautifully woven rugs strewn across the floors and brilliantly colored tapestries covering the walls. Light poured in through large windows on the lower portion of the walls and smaller, circular windows higher up. Cathedral ceilings gave the room a sense of grandness, but everything else about it was cozy and warm. The large hearth was set into an interior wall, and the fire blazed, warming the room to a comfortable temperature. “This is beautiful,” Angelina whispered.
“I’m sorry. What was that? I didn’t quite hear you.” Edward came closer and took Angelina’s arm, guiding her further into the room.
“I said that this room is beautiful.”
“Mother has a talent for decorating. She has made this cold, utilitarian castle into a home. Speaking of Mother, I’ll go and see if I can find her. Please, make yourselves at home.” Edward exited the room and Angelina turned to Nick, who was observing her with a huge grin plastered across his handsome face.
“What?” she asked.
“I can read ye like a book, lass. Ye love it, dinnae ye?”
Angelina shrugged. “What’s not to love? It’s just like every fairytale castle I ever dreamt of as a little girl.” Angelina would never tell anyone, but this really was her dream come true, right down to every little detail she had envisioned as a ten-year-old. “I can’t believe it.” She wandered the room, imagining Richard growing up here. What must it have been like for him? She couldn’t imagine it being anything but wonderful.
The sound of a woman’s voice approaching caught their attention. Both Nick and Angelina turned towards the sound as a tall, blonde haired woman entered.
“Nicholas! I am so pleased to see you again!” The woman glided across the room and placed her hand in his. Nick offered her a short, formal bow.
“Lady Catherine, it’s been many years since I’ve seen you and you haven’t changed a bit.”
“You can’t fool me with your charm, Sir, but I thank you.” Lady Catherine turned to Angelina, lifting one delicately arched eyebrow. “Who have you brought with you, Nicholas?” she asked, smiling warmly at Angelina.
“This is Angelina Lawson, Lady Catherine. A friend of Richard’s.”
“Quite a lovely friend, I would say. Where have you both been?” She examined their clothing, and Angelina suddenly felt extremely underdressed, as she was still wearing her competition clothing. The people at Breaghacraig hadn’t mentioned the way she was dressed and Angelina assumed it was because they knew she wasn’t from their time, but here she stood in front of Richard’s mother, in a pair of dusty, dirty leather breeches, knee high boots, and a once-clean white tunic and leather belt. While she’d bathed at Irene’s castle, she had yet to find an opportunity to locate some new clothes. What must Lady Catherine think? “Are you good with a sword, Angelina?”
“I am.” Angelina had forgotten she had her sword sheathed and strapped across her back. “Please excuse the way I’m dressed, Lady Catherine. We’ve ridden for the past two days to get here.”
Lady Catherine looked from Angelina, to Nick and back again. “Have you? But why?”
“We’re searching for Richard,” Nick interjected.
“He’s not here. He left several weeks ago to head to the MacKenzies and we’ve not seen him since. Is everything alright?” Lady Catherine sounded distressed.
“He was with us, up until a couple of days ago. He was well, but he left Breaghacraig and I thought he would be returning home.”
“Perhaps he has stopped somewhere along the way and is enroute now. You must stay and wait for him.”
Nick exchanged a worried frown with Angelina.
“Please, at least join me for the evening meal and stay the night. I would enjoy the company.”
