Page 3 of A Bridge Through Time
“Get a job, Jonathan. I can’t believe that you’re sponging off of Jenna like this,” Ashley accused, trying to deflect the hurtful words that had been hurled at her.
“Yeah, well at least I’ve got a home and a woman who loves me. All you’ve got is a whole lot of crazy going on up there.” Jonathan pointed at her head. “Good luck finding your dream lover,” he laughed.
Ashley couldn’t believe Jenna had told Jonathan about Grey Eyes, but then why wouldn’t she. Jonathan was her husband. She shared everything with him. Ashley fought for control. She was not the violent type by nature, but she wanted so badly to punch him. Ashley and Jenna had known each other since pre-school and she wasn’t about to jeopardize all those years offriendship for one moment of pleasure, no matter how great it would feel.
She had plenty of time to think about it all now, after arriving in Scotland. Ashley drove through the countryside on a narrow two-lane road into the highlands, white knuckling it through village after village. She didn’t have any regrets about her decision to make this trip and she’d prove to Jenna that Grey Eyes really did exist. If she couldn’t find him, she’d surely look crazier than she sometimes felt, but somehow she knew she would, why else would she have been so compelled to travel half way around the world on her search. This was the right thing to do and there was no turning back.
Her trip was being done totally on instinct alone and while she was frightened to be doing it all by herself, it was also exhilarating and liberating. She had a newfound confidence in herself. It felt good to be in charge of her own destiny for once in her life.
FOUR
Ashley took her time, stopping in several small villages along the way. There was excitement and anticipation in the pit of her stomach, and nothing she had experienced so far in her life had felt quite so right. It was as if the car was on autopilot and she had no control over where she was headed. Driving on she found herself in Western Ross, also known as the Celtic Fringe. She passed through Applecross, Torridon and more small hamlets dotting the countryside, which was breathtakingly beautiful. History was pouring forth from all directions, but Ashley was on a mission. Finally in need of sustenance she came to yet another small village, where she decided to take a break for tea. She was shown to an empty table, when she walked into a quaint little teashop situated on the main road. Ashley hadn't realized how hungry she was, until she sat down. When a girl of about eighteen came to take her order, Ashley opted for a pot of Darjeeling, her favorite tea, and an assortment of scones. As she waited, she pulled out the maps and tour guides and laid them on the table. Pinpointing her location, she decided thatthere was still time left in the day to go a bit further, before finding a place to stay for the night. She was getting close to her destination; she could feel it.
The girl came back with Ashley's order and carefully set the tea and scones on the table, avoiding the maps and books. Nodding in the direction of the maps she asked, "Are you on holiday then, Miss?"
"Yes, yes, I am."
"You must be American, I can tell by your accent. My name's Maggie. This is my family's tea shop."
"Nice to meet you, Maggie. I'm Ashley and you got the accent right, I am American."
"Ashley…that's a nice name. Are you staying in town for the night, or will you be travelling on?"
"I thought I'd drive for a little longer and then find a place to stay. I'm looking for something off the beaten path. Any suggestions?"
"Everything’s off the beaten path in these parts," Maggie joked. "Let me think on it for a moment. I’ll be right back."
Ashley watched as Maggie went back behind the counter and spoke with an older woman, who was washing glasses. She then went to the phone and made a call. Ashley continued perusing her maps and books as she enjoyed her tea.
"You should go to Glendaloch." Maggie returned a few minutes later and sat down opposite Ashley at her table. She had a twinkle in her eye as she said, "It’s a magical wee place. There’s not much in the town itself… a few shops, a small inn and restaurant, but the countryside is beautiful. Me mam’s family lives there, and she’s always told me stories about the place since I was a wee one. She says that if the timing's just right and you wish hard enough, your dreams can come true there. You might meet some fairies, or even a handsome Highlander."
Ashley experienced a strange, tingly sensation when she heard the name Glendaloch. "Sounds like my kind of place," she laughed. "Thanks, Maggie; I'm going to make that my next stop."
"I’m happy to hear it, you’re going to love it! It’s unlike any place you’ve ever been," Maggie said with pride and then pointed out the directions on the map. "There is a great hiking trail in Glendaloch that you should try. It’s a most enjoyable way to pass the day."
"I’m not much of a hiker back home, but I could make an exception while I’m here. As a matter of fact," Ashley said with authority, "I think I will."
"I wish you luck then." Maggie winked as she rose from her chair and headed back behind the counter. "The Campbell's are fine folks and they'll take good care of you. They own the inn in Glendaloch, and me Mam is Edna Campbell’s sister."
Ashley thoroughly savored her scones, slathering each bite with a bit of clotted cream and her favorite, lemon curd. She took a last sip of tea, packed up her maps and books and paid the check.
"Thanks again, Maggie. It was a pleasure chatting with you."
"You too, Ashley," Maggie said, and then she added with a mischievous grin, "If ye come across any handsome Highlanders save one for me would ye?"
Ashley smiled and waved goodbye. As she got back into the car, she laughed. "Fairies and handsome Highlanders…now wouldn't that be something?"
FIVE
Ashley parked her rental car in front of an inn called ‘The Thistle and Hive’, in the little town of Glendaloch. She felt the same odd buzzing and tingling sensation throughout her body as she had at the teashop and knew instinctively her heart had been leading her to this place. Grabbing her bags, she practically ran through the front door and up to the front desk. The lobby was beautifully decorated, with wingback chairs that faced a blazing fireplace. A large carpet, designed with an intricate Celtic knot pattern lay on the dark hard wood floors, which looked like they had been in place for a very long time. The walls were white plaster. Dark wood that matched the floors, also framed the walls, and artwork was tastefully displayed throughout. Wooden beams and a large rustic chandelier decorated the ceiling. A wide staircase, off to the left, led upstairs and there was a dining room and bar on the right.
As Ashley approached the front desk, she was greeted by a smiling blue-haired woman, with sparkling emerald green eyes. The hair took her by surprise. She had seen plenty of teenagegirls and young women with their hair dyed pink, blue or even purple, but never an older woman, certainly not that she could recall. Despite the hair, Ashley was looking at a woman in her middle years. "Hello, I'm Mrs. Campbell. Welcome to The Thistle. You must be Ashley."
Ashley was shocked into silence.How on earth does she know my name, she wondered.
Apparently reading her mind, or at the very least, Ashley’s perplexed facial expression, Mrs. Campbell explained. "Maggie called from the teashop, to let us know we'd be having a guest from America."
Ashley let out a relieved breath and laughed at how silly she felt. "Maggie said Glendaloch is magical, but I'm happy to know you don't actually have any special powers."
