Page 46 of A Bridge Through Time
Ashley smiled and shook her head. “Not very well, I’m afraid. He’s all I can think about.”
“Sounds like you’re in love, Ashley dear.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Ashley rubbed her hands over her face. “I guess I am. I’ve only known him a short time, though. I shouldn’t be able to fall in love so quickly,” she protested.
Lena chuckled. “Ashley, I fell in love with Ewan the moment I laid eyes on him. I tried to fight it, but it did me no good. I thought I wanted to go home, but I don’t think I ever really wanted it badly enough, and that’s why the fog didn’t appear for me. I was meant to be here and maybe you are, too. Talk to Cailin. Stop avoiding him. Tell him how you feel. You might be surprised at what you discover and it could clear up your confusion.”
“Thank you, Lena. I’ll take your advice to heart.” Ashley and Lena hugged warmly, with a new understanding of each other.
“Now, I’m going to leave you and take my treasures with me. The twins are likely to be tearing up the castle by now. I’d better go see what they’ve been up to, which is no doubt, no good. I’ll talk with you later.” Kissing Ashley’s cheeks, Lena gave her an encouraging smile and departed.
After watching Lena leave, Ashley decided she needed to get outside for a breath of fresh air. She grabbed a cape from her chambers and she was glad of it as she left the keep and a cool breeze blew in her face. Ashley wandered through the courtyard, exchanging greetings with those she passed, wondering what her life would be like, if she decided to stay in Breaghacraig. Approaching the stables, Ashley decided to check on Destiny. The horse had been sequestered in a stall since his injury and Ashley thought he must be getting fed up with no exercise or companionship. She’d taken an apple from the bowl in her room on the way out, with the intentions of eating it herself, but perhaps she’d share it with her new friend. She opened the stable doors and entered to the peaceful sound of horses lazily munching on hay.
As a young teen, she’d always loved the sweet smell of hay and horses and had found herself drawn to the peace to be found with these noble creatures. Things hadn’t changed in the ensuing years and she inhaled deeply, enjoying the experience again.
“Good day to ye, Lady Ashley.” Alan, one of the stable boys glanced up from cleaning a stall when she passed.
“Hello, Alan. I thought I’d visit Destiny and bring him an apple. How is his sore foot today?”
“’Tis much better, m’lady. I took him out for a wee walk this morn, and he was hardly lame at all. He should be good enoughto ride in a day or so. We’ll ride him for ye first. I don’t doubt he’ll be high spirited after bein’ in a stall these past days.”
“Thank you.” She scanned the area around them. “Do you have any brushes I could borrow? I’d like to groom him.”
“Aye. I’ll get it,” the young lad said eagerly. Ashley watched as Alan left the stall he was cleaning and opened a closet at the far end of the barn. He grabbed a brush and brought it back to her. “I’m right here if ye need me help.” Ashley smiled and nodded her thanks, before walking to Destiny’s stall. He saw her coming and nickered softly.
“Hello, my friend. I’ve brought you something.” Ashley produced the apple from her pocket and offered it to Destiny. He gladly accepted it and had the whole thing in his mouth in the blink of an eye. Ashley giggled as she watched him enjoying the juicy treat.
While she brushed him, Ashley cleared her mind of all worry and concentrated on enjoying the company of her horse and some quiet time.
***
Having finished up grooming Destiny, Ashley was handing the brush back to Alan, when a troop of children came through the door.
“Lady Ashley,” William said excitedly. “Have ye come to visit the puppies?”
“I haven’t seen them, William. Where are they?”
“This way, Lady.” He led Ashley, along with his brothers and sisters, into a stall near the door.
“Here they be.” He proudly extended his arm in the direction of the puppies.
The children plunked down in the straw and the puppies were all over them in a matter of seconds. Peals of laughter echoedthrough the barn, as the puppies knocked the children over, licking them and nipping them playfully. Ashley couldn’t control herself and burst into laughter. It was amazing how something as simple as puppies and children could make all seem right in the world.
“Look at this one, Lady.” Mary had picked up a small grey and white pup and handed it to Ashley.
“Oh, Mary, she’s lovely.” Ashley cuddled the little pup beneath her chin, and was rewarded with a wet lick. “And Mama Dog is being so good. She doesn’t seem to mind that we’re touching her pups.”
“She be a good dog, Lady Ashley.” William had found a little brown pup to cuddle and the tiny bundle of brown fluff snuggled against his chest.
“Yes, I can see that.”
Ashley and the children were surprised by the sound of Cailin’s voice. “May I join ye?”
The sound of his voice brought familiar butterflies to Ashley’s stomach.
“Cailin!” the children all called at once.
As he opened the stall door, Mary latched on to his leg.
