A Bridge Through Time: Book 1 of The Thistle & Hive Series (11 page)

“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.

“Cailin, you shouldn’t have done that, you’ll tear your stitches!”

“I didnae tear anything, lass. ‘Tis my other arm that’s a bother,” Cailin insisted calmly.

There was no way Ashley was going to ride sidesaddle, and with some difficulty, she threw her leg over the horse so she could sit astride. After a good amount of wiggling and squirming, she managed to adjust her gown enough to sit comfortably.

When she was settled agreeably, she glanced across to find Cailin was doing his best to stifle his laughter. Ashley reddened. “Whose idea was it for women to ride in gowns anyway? Whoever it was, they should be shot.”

“Aye, I agree. It does appear uncomfortable.” He coughed, trying in vain to disguise his laughter.

“In my time, we wear riding breeches or jeans. It doesn’t make any sense to ride in a gown.”

“Shall we?” Cailin motioned for her to join him and they headed out through the gates and rode across the valley.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining brightly and the sky was bluer than she’d ever seen it before.
No pollution to muck it up
, she thought wryly. There was a little bit of a chill in the air and Cailin thoughtfully pulled his plaid from his saddle pack, for Ashley to wrap herself in.

“Cailin are you okay with what I told you last night? About me being from the future?” Ashley suddenly announced.

His look alone told her all she needed to know, but what he said next almost made her do a happy dance in the saddle.

“Ashley, I care not where yer from, or when, I’m just happy yer here now.”

She smiled shyly at him as they approached the first stop on their tour of the northern-most MacKenzie land holdings.

The little thatched cottage, modest though it appeared, was home to a man and woman with five small children who all came outside to greet them.

“Cailin,” the man called as they approached.

“Finn,” Cailin called back. He dismounted and clapped the man on the back.

Cailin lifted Ashley down from the saddle and turned to the family to introduce her. “Ashley Moore, this be Finn and Heather and their wee ones. They have a small farm here and take care of Robert’s sheep.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Ashley said shyly.

“Ashley is here from America,” Cailin said, an explanation Finn and Heather accepted without question, even though Ashley knew they had no idea where America was.

The children surrounded Cailin, all talking at once. He crouched down to their level and they took turns in receiving a hug. Cailin hoisted the smallest child up with his good arm and she squealed with glee. She placed her tiny hands on either side of his face and tipped her head to the side, examining him thoroughly.

“Mary, what be ye looking at?” Cailin asked with a grin.

“Ye,” Mary said.

Cailin gave the child an affectionate squeeze and kissed the top of her head. “Shall we see what I’ve got in me bag, Mary?”

Mary nodded eagerly and clapped her hands. Cailin produced some sweet cakes, which Ashley assumed he had procured from the kitchen before they left. He handed one to each child and watched as they happily settled on the ground and enjoyed their surprise treats.

While the children ate, Finn and Heather approached Cailin with a request. “Cailin we be needin’ more room and wondered if we could extend the cottage to do so. Do ye think Laird Robert would allow it?”

Cailin pursed his lips as he thought. “Aye, I think he would. Ye have a growin’ family and I can see ye be needin’ more space.”

Little Mary, finished with her cake, skipped up to Ashley and took her hand, pulling her towards the side of the cottage. “Lady, come see, come see,” the little girl chanted.

Ashley caught Cailin’s eye and he nodded his agreement, still deep in discussions with Finn. Ashley followed Mary around to the side of the small home, where the little girl excitedly pointed to a small fenced-in area, which housed a mama dog and six newly born puppies.

“Oh, they’re beautiful, Mary,” Ashley gushed, admiring the little bundles of fur. Ashley didn’t recognize the breed of dog, but assumed they were some kind of shepherd.

Mary’s little chest puffed out proudly. “My puppies,” she announced importantly.

“Do you have names for them yet?” Ashley asked.

“Nae. Da says to wait ‘til they grow and then we’ll know what to call them,” the tallest boy announced. He appeared from around the corner, with the rest of the children.

“What are your names? I’ve only met Mary properly,” Ashley teased.

“I be William,” the boy said. “And that be Maggie, Henry and wee Craig.” He pointed out the other children as he introduced them.

“It’s very nice to meet you all,” Ashley said.

“Cailin says yer from America. Where that be?” William asked curiously.

“It’s very, very far away,” Ashley replied.

“Did it take ye long to get here?” Maggie asked.

“It did. It took a very long time.”

“Will ye be marryin’ Cailin, then?” William asked.

Ashley blushed. Children always seemed to get right to the point.

Fortunately, Heather walked around the corner at that very moment, saving Ashley who was a bit uncomfortable with the line of questioning.

“Children, leave Lady Ashley be!” Heather scolded.

“It’s alright,” Ashley protested. “They’ve been lovely.”

“Thank ye for yer kind words, m’lady, but I know they’ll have been askin’ ye all kinds of questions that be none of their business.”

“Curiosity,” Ashley responded mildly. “It’s good for them, and I really didn’t mind.”

Heather gave the children a mock stern look and they all laughed, skipping back towards the front of the cottage.

“You have a wonderful home, Heather. It’s so peaceful here.”

“Och, I dinnae think I’d be callin’ it peaceful,” Heather said, watching the last of the children go out front, “but I’m verra happy here. I have a good husband and five beautiful bairns. Laird Robert has been good to us. He’s given us a place to live and he watches over us. Finn tends Laird Robert’s sheep and I dye and spin their wool into yarn. We have a good life.”

Ashley scanned the horizon and wondered how she’d possibly fit into a place like this. She was about to speak, when she heard Cailin calling her name.

Ashley rounded the corner with Heather at her side and found Cailin and Finn waiting for them. Finn put an arm around Heather’s shoulders as they said their goodbyes.

“I’ll send some of the younger lads from the castle to help ye with the expansion of the cottage, Finn.”

“I’d be verra grateful, Cailin.”

Cailin helped Ashley back up onto her horse and they waved to Finn and Heather where they stood outside their tiny home, as they headed off to complete their task.

EIGHTEEN

Cailin and Ashley stopped in to visit with three more families during their tour of Laird Robert’s northern lands. Each family had a job they performed in service to the MacKenzie Clan and they each had requests, which Cailin handled to everyone’s satisfaction. It didn’t take long for Ashley to realize that they all depended on one another for their daily survival. Robert was the source of their homes and protection, and each of them played a part in supplying the needs of the castle and its occupants. It was a mutually beneficial relationship to all parties involved.

On the return journey towards Breaghacraig, Cailin had a mischievous look about him. He kept glancing at Ashley, and more than once, she caught a wicked twinkle in his eye. Drawing Cadeyrn to a halt, he graced Ashley with a gorgeous smile and nodded to the open expanse in front of them.

“How would ye feel about racing our horses to the tree line over there?”

Ashley cocked an eyebrow. “What are we wagering?”

“If I win, ye’ll owe me a favor and if ye win, ‘twill be me who owes you.” There was a disarming sparkle in his eye.

“That sounds a little vague, Mr. MacBayne. What kind of favor are we talking about?”

He grinned devilishly. “Whatever favor ye choose, lass.”

“Well, it sounds as if I’d better win.”

“Do ye need a head start, then?” Cailin said with mock seriousness.

Ashley feigned insult. “Absolutely not! Shall we?”

On Cailin’s nod, Ashley dug her heels into the horse’s flanks and crouching low over his back, gave him his head. She flew across the field at breakneck speed, with Cailin fast on her heels. Ashley snuck a peek over her shoulder and found Cailin was gaining on her. Before she knew it, he was right beside her. It was apparent Cailin wasn’t going to let her win, and Ashley’s competitive nature came out. She
wanted
to win. As they approached the trees, Ashley’s horse suddenly slowed, coming up lame and Cailin flew past them. Ashley brought the horse to a complete stop and slid down to the ground. Cailin seemed quite pleased with himself as he turned back to Ashley.