Page 57 of All In Good Time
“They’re here somewhere. Come inside.” Ashley led the way into Breaghacraig, where one by one the rest of the group joined them. Edna explained their presence without giving away the details about Aisla and Rory, but it seems they all were well aware of what had happened.
“I’d like to see Aisla if possible. I’ll want her to join us when we go to Dunaill.”
“I’ll send word for her to come to the castle,” Robert MacKenzie said. As laird of the Mackenzie Clan, a summons from him would be viewed as being very important.
“Good. In the meantime, tell me how ye’ve all been.” Edna made herself comfortable by the fire and the others joined her to share stories of life at Breaghacraig since they’d last seen her. The most obvious being that Jenna was pregnant. She’d been so worried it would never happen and yet here she was looking the picture of health.
“I’m happy to see that yer wish came true,” Edna said, placing a gentle hand on her belly. “Oh! The babe moved.”
“He’s been verra active,” Cormac said.
“She,” Jenna corrected.
Cormac chuckled as he propped himself up alongside the hearth. “What do ye think, Edna? Lad or lass?”
“I’m not in the business of predicting that sort of thing,” she said. “And I dinnae wish to be on anyone’s bad side.”
Dr. Ferguson asked Ashley and Jenna many questions about their pregnancies and seemed happy with the answers he received. “Since ye both be healthy, happy mothers-to-be, I am quite sure ye’ll be having happy, healthy bairns. I’m to travel with Edna, but when we come back I’ll be staying until the babes are born. I hope that somewhere in that time period I’ll be able to visit with the Jeffords.”
“We’ll see to it that ye do,” Robert said. “Mayhap we’ll invite them to Breaghacraig and then ye’ll nae have to travel so far.”
“That would be perfect,” Edna said. “So, is everything else well here? I’ve nae heard from ye since Dougall and Helene returned.”
“All is well.” Dougall entered the hall and immediately went to Edna. “Thank ye ever so much, Edna. We’re verra happy and ’tis all yer doing.”
“Dougall, I’m delighted to see ye.” Edna was never one to stand on ceremony, so she hugged him. Dougall hesitated at first, but then he returned the hug, picking her up from the floor in the process.
“Oh, my!” Edna’s feet touched the ground again. “I may have enjoyed that a wee bit too much.” She peeked around the room. “Where’s Helene?”
“I’ve sent fer her,” Irene said. “She’ll be happy to see ye.”
“Ye are a lovely couple,” she said to Dougall. “Ye deserve a lifetime of happiness.”
“They surely do,” Ashley said.
“We’ll have a fine feast this night, to celebrate yer arrival,” Irene said. “If ye’ll excuse me, I’ll go inform cook of our plans.”
Helene joined them and greeted Edna with a big hug and thank you. “How long will ye be with us?”
“We’re leaving tomorrow for Dunaill. We’re to see Rory Mackall. He’s quite ill.”
“Sara and Logan are there,” Helene added.
“Aye. I’m aware of what’s been going on. We’re hoping to help Rory and by doing so, help them both.” The group continued their conversation and were joined once again by Irene, along with a servant who brought whisky for everyone.
Robert raised his glass, “To our guests. Sláinte!” They all drank to Edna and Dr. Ferguson. When they were done, one of the servants returned. “Laird Robert, Aisla and her Da, Alpin, have arrived.”
“Show them in please,” Robert said.
A very nervous Aisla entered the room guided by her father.
“Welcome, we’ve visitors who wished to speak with ye, Aisla. This is Edna Campbell and Dr. Arthur Ferguson. They’ve traveled quite far to visit with us.”
“We’re pleased to make yer acquaintance,” Alpin said.
“Aisla, come here, dear. I’ve some news fer ye, that may be difficult to hear, but hopefully upon hearing it, ye’ll understand some things that have come to pass. The good doctor and I are here to do our best to set things to right.” Edna guided Aisla to a chair, “Please, sit.” Aisla appeared quite worried about what was to come next.
“Aisla, I ken ye’ve wondered what may have happened to Rory Mackall. Ye’ve wondered if he’d deserted ye and whether he loved ye at all. I’m here to tell ye that ye were nae deserted. He does love ye, but he had a bad accident and he’s nae well at all.”