Page 18 of A Bridge Through Time
"I was just going to go check on him. I'll let you know when I return."
Irene left Ashley alone and staring at the tub in dismay. She never took baths at home, preferring a quick shower as it more suited her busy life.
"Well, I guess I'd better get in, before it cools off," Ashley muttered. She removed her clothes and eased into the heavenly warm water, laying back and resting her head just below the rim. The water eased her mind and soothed her sore muscles. She was bruised and sore from the scuffles with Teddy and Thomas, and her backside and legs ached after hours in the saddle.
Ashley wondered if she’d hit her head at the bridge and was unconscious or even hallucinating; but deep down she knew that wasn't the case and she’d somehow managed to transport herself back in time to the medieval period.
And what of Cailin, the man who had been haunting her for months now? It was him; she wasn't crazy. She'd recognize those eyes anywhere. Was he her destiny and if so, why couldn't she have met him in her time, rather than his? She certainly couldn't stay here. How could she? What would Jenna think, when she found out Ashley had disappeared?Ifshe found out. Ashley had told Jenna she might be incommunicado while she was travelling. Maybe it was better this way. She didn't wantJenna to be worrying about her. Inhaling sharply, Ashley shook her head in denial. Well, she didn’t plan to be here long enough for Jenna to know anything. As soon as she could, Ashley would find her way back to the 21st century and that was all there was to that.
Determined that all would work out in her favor, Ashley used the washcloth and soap Irene had given her. The soap smelled of roses, one of her favorite flowers. Her mother had always kept the garden full of them and Ashley had loved sticking her nose into the many varieties, enjoying their uniquely different scents. She washed her hair, submerging her head beneath the water, to rinse the soap out. After soaking for a while, the water had started to cool telling her it was time to get out.
Ashley gazed into the fireplace as she dried herself off, her thoughts still swirling over how she could possibly be in medieval Scotland. A knock at the door startled her, and she turned to see Irene enter the room.
"Are ye ready to get dressed, Ashley?"
"Yes. I was just drying off."
"Was the bath to yer liking?"
"It was wonderful. I was pretty sore from riding and from the fights with Teddy and Thomas."
"Thomas?" Irene looked thoughtful and bit her lip apprehensively. "Tall, thin, but strong, dirty brown hair, rotten teeth?" she questioned.
"Yes, that's him. Do you know him?"
"I'm afraid I do."
Ashley noticed her shiver as she spoke of him, but then Irene shook herself and smiled. "Let's get you dressed and fix yer hair."
Irene helped Ashley into the clothing she’d provided. First there was a simple linen shift and then the most beautiful green gown. The color was vibrant and the fabric soft and velvety.Thank goodness, Irene was there to help her because there was no way she could have laced up the back herself. Irene handed her some matching slippers, which actually fit very well.
"Let me fix yer hair."
Ashley started to protest, but Irene wouldn’t hear it. She skillfully braided Ashley's hair in the most intricate style Ashley had ever seen, weaving a matching green ribbon through the strands, and then securing it with another ribbon. When she was done, she stood back to admire her work.
"I don't doubt ye'll be turning heads tonight."
Ashley blushed at the compliment.
"How is Cailin?" His was the only head she was interested in turning.
"He is well. He needs a good night's rest and he should be out of bed tomorrow. He’s too stubborn to let an arrow keep him down for long. I ken what ye did for him and believe that’s why he is doing so well. He asked that ye stop in his chambers, before ye go down for the evening meal."
Cailin’s request pleased Ashley immensely. She couldn't wait to see him again. Being away from him, even just for this short time, made her realize she had developed feelings for him in the course of the last few days. She tried to convince herself it was only because they’d found themselves in a precarious situation and had needed to rely on each other to survive.
Irene led Ashley down the passageway to Cailin's room. Opening the door she said, "I'll be back for ye, when it's time to come downstairs for the evening meal." With that, she was gone.
Ashley hesitated in the doorway, suddenly self-conscious.Get it together, girl! You've just spent two days and a night with him. Now's not the time to be shy.
He was lying in bed, covered to his waist by a pile of furs. And he looked amazing. His muscular chest was bare and Ashley’s breath caught in her throat as she gazed at him. She wantednothing more than to lie beside him and rest her head on his massive chest.
"Ashley, are ye well, lass?"
"Mmm…" In his presence, she couldn't seem to find her voice.
"Is something wrong?" He raised an eyebrow in question.
"No. No, nothing's wrong. I'm fine."
