Page 15 of All In Good Time
Helene smiled and led the way to the kitchen, where she placed a pot of water over the fire. She set out a mug for each of them and then retrieved a jar which Sara noted contained many fragrant herbs.
“This is my first American friend,” Helene said as she placed an arm around Ashley’s shoulders, giving her a little squeeze. “I love her as if she were my verra own sister. I feel much the same way about ye, Sara.”
“You’ll find you have four sisters here, Sara. Me, Jenna, Helene and Irene. We’re a pretty tight knit group of women and we’ll happily make room for you.”
“I’d like that,” Sara answered. She had been at Breaghacraig for just a couple of hours and already she had an instant family surrounding her. This had to be a sign that everything was going to work out exactly as she hoped.
“Now, let’s talk about Logan,” Ashley said. “He doesn’t know you’re here. He’ll be happy to see you, of course. Don’t you think, Helene?”
“Aye. He has been moonin’ over ye since he’s been back. He’s speaks of ye often, but of late I feel he’s been doing his best to forget. He thought there was nae hope of ever seeing ye again.”
“He hasn’t found someone else, has he?” Sara was panicked at the thought. It hadn’t even entered her mind, but of course he would think there was no point in waiting for her.
“Not that I ken. Even if he had, she wouldnae stand a chance where yer concerned,” Helene assured her and then she must have realized Sara would dwell on that thought, so she changed the subject. “’Tis a verra beautiful dress and cape yer wearing.”
“Oh, this? I just picked it up at the annual Ren Faire. Edna gave me the cape. Do you really like it?” Sara stood and twirled around so Helene could get a good look.
“’Tis beautiful, like the lass wearing it,” Helene assured her.
“Thanks. It’s all I’ve got though.”
“I seem to remember a certain lass letting me borrow some of her clothes and I’ll happily return the favor.”
“I brought some jewelry that I thought I could barter with to maybe buy some things.”
“We could help you with that,” Ashley said. “You probably don’t want to bring your jewelry to the vendors on market day yourself. They’d be suspicious of it. The MacKenzies can probably trade it for some coin or we’ll have it melted down.”
“When is market day?”
“Next week. It’s held once a month in the village,” Helene said.
“Sounds like fun. I can’t wait.”
“It’s a little bit like a Ren Faire,” Ashley said. Helene grabbed a ladle and headed to the pot of boiling water, which she used to make the tea. She uncovered a basket of sweet rolls and set them on the table in front of Sara.
“Mmmm… Those look delicious. Did you make them, Helene?” Sara helped herself to a roll and took a big bite.
“Do ye like it? I used Mary’s recipe.” Helene turned to Sara and added, “She’s the cook at Breaghacraig.”
“I don’t imagine you need to make as many as Mary,” Ashley said.
“Heavens no. I’m only cooking for two.”
A knock at the door sent Helene to see who it was. “Cailin! Come in! I see ye’ve brought wee Emma with ye. Would ye be looking for Ashley?”
“Aye. We would. Jenna told me she was here visiting with ye and a lass who’s come from the future.”
Cailin followed Helene into the kitchen and Sara did a little double take. Cailin looked so much like his brother that for a second she thought it was Cormac.
Emma clung to her father’s neck and hid her face in his shirt.
“Dinnae be shy, my love,” he said gently. “We’ve come to visit Helene and her new friend.” He lifted Emma’s chin with a gentle finger.
“Hello,” Sara said to both Cailin and Emma. “I’m Sara.”
“I’m pleased to meet ye,” Cailin replied.
Emma stuck a tiny finger in her mouth and turned away, but curiosity must have finally gotten the best of her as she turned and examined Sara.