Page 53 of A Bridge Through Time
“I could eat.” Ashley felt a bit awkward and to top it off, she could hear Robert yelling at Cailin, although she couldn’t understand a word of what was being said. She smiled to herself when she thought of Cailin. Aside from the worry about being the talk of the castle, Ashley was quite content and gloriously happy. Happier than she’d been in years.
Helene appeared out of nowhere, carrying a tray of bannocks, a pot of honey, and a mug of warm cider.
“Thank you, Helene. I’m sorry about the scene earlier in my room,” Ashley apologized.
“’Tis my own fault and it is I who should be apologizin’. I shouldnae have barged in to yer chambers uninvited. I thought ye were alone and I was burstin’ to tell ye me news,” Helene said, her cheeks flushed.
Lena was watching them both, with an expression which was equal parts amusement and curiousity.
“Well, Helene, out with it then,” Lena urged. “Ye’ve piqued my curiosity.”
“Oh, I couldnae, Lady Lena,” Helene protested. “’Twould nae be proper.”
“Helene, we’ve known each other for a long time now. Ye need not be proper around me. This married woman would love tohear yer news, unless ye’d rather not tell me. I’d be disappointed, but I’d certainly understand.”
Helene worried at her lip and after a quick glance around the hall to ensure they were alone, nodded her head.
“Sit, Helene,” Ashley said, motioning to the empty chair beside her.
“Verra well then.” Helene settled on the edge of the seat, her bright eyes dancing with joy. “I wanted to tell ye, Lady Ashley, that our plan worked and Dougall kissed me in the stables. And he asked if he could court me!” she confessed.
“It seems love was in the air last night,” Lena teased.
Ashley and Helene both turned varying shades of red.
“Just one kiss, Helene?” Ashley asked.
“Nay…many kisses.” Helene’s blush deepened until she was the color of a ripe tomato.
“I’m so happy for you, Helene. That’s so exciting! I knew he liked you, I could tell,” Ashley smiled warmly, thrilled for Helene’s happiness.
“Aye and I’m happy for ye as well,” Helene said with one suggestively raised eyebrow.
Ashley giggled and Lena joined in with an amused chuckle before she spoke to both women. “Well, I’m happy for ye both. There’s nothing like a new love. The best part, my girls, is that it only gets better with time. I still get butterflies when Ewan looks in my eyes as if I’m the only woman on earth. Our bond has only deepened more with the passing years.”
“I only hope that I’ll be that lucky, but if the way I feel this morning is any indication, I have to believe it’s possible.”
“I know you will be,” Lena reassured her. “I’ve seen the way Cailin looks at ye; how his eyes follow your every move. And you, my dear Helene, Dougall will be a very lucky man to have ye by his side.”
Helene had been nodding agreement as Lena spoke about Cailin. When Dougall was mentioned, she shook her head. “’Tis I who be the lucky one.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Ashley disagreed, wrapping Helene in a warm hug.
***
The yelling from out by the stairway had ceased and the three women were enjoying their conversation, when they were joined by a certain handsome man, who only had eyes for Helene.
“Good day, m’ladies,” Dougall nodded politely as he addressed Lena and Ashley. “Pardon my interruption. Helene, might I speak with ye please?”
Helene looked towards her friends and then back to Dougall. “Of course.” She rose to go to him and Ashley watched curiously, trying not to eavesdrop but unable to help herself.
“What do ye need, Dougall?” Helene asked when she drew nearer to the highlander.
Dougall led her a bit further away from Ashley and Lena and Ashley saw him place his hands on Helene’s waist, caught him looking longingly into her eyes. “Ye be all I need, Helene. Will ye walk with me?”
“Aye, Dougall. I will.” Helene slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. As he led her away, Helene glanced back over her shoulder and waved goodbye to her friends.
“Wow. That was very romantic,” Ashley sighed heavily, charmed by the romance of Dougall’s words to Helene. “Who knew Dougall had it in him?”
