Page 24 of A Bridge Through Time
“I be fine, Robert. There’s nae need to wait. ‘Tis nae my sword arm that’s injured.”
“I ken that, but I may have mentioned to ye before, that if I let any harm come to ye, yer sister will have me head,” Robert announced sheepishly.
Cormac and Cailin both laughed. “Robert, how can ye let a wee woman like Irene frighten ye so?” Cailin teased.
“The same way she frightens ye both,” Robert retorted, winking conspiratorially at his two friends.
“Robert, there’s one more thing I’m thinkin’. Sir Richard has surely come to Scotland by boat, but where do ye think they may have hidden their vessels?”
“Aye. I’ve wondered that meself. They must be far enough down the coast to be hidden from our men, but close enough to avoid trouble with our neighbors. It’s also possible that if theyare only twenty men, they could skirt the borders of the clans and still make it to us unnoticed.”
The three men pondered that question for a moment, before continuing to strategize long into the night. When they finally left Cailin, they were confident about the coming battle with Sir Richard. The Englishman would be soundly defeated.
SEVENTEEN
"Okay, so I wasn't dreaming."
Ashley had blinked open her eyes, hoping to find herself back at The Thistle and Hive, but her gaze travelled from one end of the room to the other, taking in every aspect of her 16th century chamber instead. She was torn between the need to get back to her own time-period, and the shock of confirming this was still very much real. And mixed up in her confusion, was desire for the man who slept just down the hall.
"I guess I should make the most of the experience," Ashley muttered. She burrowed down deeper into the fur throws, which covered the bed. She wasn't certain what to do, now that she was awake. Should she try to get dressed on her own? Was it all right to consider going downstairs without an escort? A knock at the door resolved her questions.
"Yes, come in," Ashley called.
A pretty, blonde-haired girl peeked around the heavy wooden door. "Lady Irene asked that I attend ye," the girl announced.
"Thank you. You’re Helene, right?” At Helene’s shy nod, Ashley continued. “I was wondering how I'd manage to get into my gown without help." Ashley's wry laughter brought a smile and a giggle to Helene's lips.
Helene entered the room, carrying a bucket of hot water and a gown, which she presented to Ashley after closing the door. Helene poured some water into a basin, which sat on the table beside the bed, along with a bowl of dried herbs and rosemary ashes. Ashley remembered reading somewhere that in medieval times they were used for tooth brushing. After Ashley had washed and dried her face, Helene helped her dress. This dress was as beautifully made as the gown she'd worn the night before, but much more practical. The wool fabric was an amber color, which matched her eyes and it was adorned on the sleeves and hem with beautifully embroidered flowers in shades of gold, rust, and green. It was simply stunning.
Helene quickly went to work fixing her hair for the day ahead. Instead of braiding Ashley's hair, she brushed it to a lustrous shine and left it loose to cascade across her shoulders and down her back.
"How is Cailin this morning, Helene?" Ashley hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him.
"He be much better, Lady Ashley. He’s downstairs, waiting for ye."
Ashley's heart skipped a beat and the butterflies in her belly flapped their wings excitedly at this news. She slipped on the leather boots Helene handed to her and then the pretty blonde showed her where to place the Sgian Dubh in one of the boots. Ashley would have left the chambers without it. She’d never carried a knife anywhere on her person before this; it was something she’d have to get used to if she was stuck here for too long. When Helene was finished with her ministrations,she signaled Ashley to twirl for her and when she had, Helene nodded her head in approval.
"Ye'd best hurry. I believe Cailin has a surprise planned for ye this day."
Ashley didn't need to be told twice. Her feet fairly flew as she ran down the winding stone staircase. She slowed herself down as she approached the Great Hall. She didn't want to appear too keen.
Cailin stood up as Ashley entered the room and she offered him a brilliant smile. It was wonderful to see him again, even though they hadn’t been separated for very long. The possessive look on his face made Ashley feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. He strode to her side and placed his hand protectively on the small of her back, guiding her to the seat beside his. Irene was already seated at the long table, and she gave Ashley a warm smile and nod in greeting. “Robert and Cormac have already left to check on the southern holdings, so we three will break our fast together this morn,” Irene explained.
The servants appeared with bowls of steaming oats; something called ‘bannocks’, which appeared to be some type of flat bread, and chunks of cheese. Platters of fresh and dried fruits were placed within easy reach and they were served ceramic goblets of ale to drink.
"Did ye sleep well, lass?" Cailin asked, passing her the honey.
"I did. The bed was very warm and comfortable.” Ashley eyed Cailin’s shoulder, concealed by the plaid draped across it. “How are you feeling this morning?"
Cailin’s smug grin belied his pleasure at her obvious concern. "I’m well, all thanks to ye. Well enough to take ye with me today."
Irene joined the conversation. "Cailin is going to check on our northern holdings this morning, and I thought ye'd like to ride out with him and he’s agreed to takin’ ye along."
Ashley was a little disappointed to discover it hadn't been Cailin's idea for her to go along, but she was happy he’d agreed to her company.
When they’d finished eating, Irene walked with them to the entrance. The huge doors were pulled open and to Ashley's surprise, the horses were saddled and waiting. Irene offered them both a peck on the cheek and disappeared back inside. As they approached the horses, it occurred to Ashley that she had only ever ridden in pants and riding boots before now and she wasn't quite sure how to get on a horse in a gown, without looking totally uncoordinated.
Cailin caught her puzzled expression and apparently understood her problem. Without a word, he effortlessly placed his arm beneath her bottom and lifted her into the saddle. Ashley gripped on to him tightly.
