Helene had almost givenup when she heard Zeke’s voice telling her to wait. She had turned to see a very handsome man walking towards her. He was tall, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. His face looked like it was carved from stone, but yet his eyes had a softness to them. He wore unusual blue pants and a creamy colored shirt made of an unusual fabric. It had buttons that came half way down, but it was open, revealing a sprinkling of hair on his chest and a pendant on a leather thong hanging round his neck. She was fascinated by him. As he got closer, she almost collapsed, but he came to her aid and held her up. He smelled good too, but she couldn’t identify the scent. It seemed to be an unusual blend of aromas that were familiar but yet unfamiliar. More importantly she felt she was finally safe. When she’d asked for help at the bridge, this wasn’t what she’d expected.
He was speaking to her again. “Do you need me to carry you?”
“Nae. Yer arm is enough to hold me up. I’m hungry and tired from me journey.” Her head barely reached his shoulder and when she gazed up at him, she saw concern etched across his brow. She smiled up at him, hoping it would put his mind at ease. She didnae wish to be a burden to this kind stranger. She had no idea why Edna had sent her here, but mayhap this would be her new home. It saddened her to think she may never see the MacKenzies again. She thought of Dougall and a sob escaped her lips. She got it under control almost as soon as it happened.
“Are you okay?”
She understood the word okay. She’d heard it enough times from Ashley, Jenna and Sophia. They were all from this time and this city. She had listened to all their stories about home and now she was here. At the time it had all sounded so magical, now it just seemed all too real.
“I be fine. Thank ye.”
They passed many ornate buildings. It was hard to tell if they were all separate, or if they were all part of the same castle. Zeke stopped in front of a particularly colorful edifice and then guided her up the stairs to a door, which he unlocked with a strange looking key. He held it open, allowing her to enter first.
Her hands flew to her face. “Oh, my! This is Jenna’s home, isnae it?”
“How do you know Jenna?”
“She lives at Breaghacraig with Cormac.” Helene couldn’t believe she was here in her friend’s home.
“It’s her family’s home. Her aunt Angelina’s friend Nick lived here before they went back to your time with Richard. She gave me the key and asked me to take care of it for her.”
“I’d recognize it anywhere. She’s told me all about it.” She walked into the first room she came to and placed her hands on the chair in front of her. The fabric was soft and luxurious. “I wonder does her family nae wonder where she is? Jenna I mean.” Helene had often thought how odd it was that Jenna wasnae closer with her family.
“They know she’s in Scotland and they seem okay with that. Every now and again I hear from someone in their foundation. They check in to see if everything’s okay and if I need anything. They’ve been very kind to me.”
“Jenna told me that if the need ever arises, Edna will help her communicate with her family…” Helene was feeling a little dizzy and began to sway on her feet.
“Here. Sit down. You look like you might faint.” Zeke took her hand and led her to the front of the chair, where he helped her sit.
“Thank ye, Zeke. I dinnae ken how ’tis I’ll repay ye.”
“Don’t worry about it. You can stay here as long as you like.”
She didn’t know what to say to that offer. Of course, she’d be happy to work, just as she did at Breaghacraig.
“Stay where you are. I’ll get you something to eat and drink, then I’ll call my sister, Sara. She’ll get you some clothes to wear so you fit in better.”
“Where is yer wife, Zeke?” She couldn’t imagine he lived in this big house all alone.
“Oh, I’m not married,” he called from the kitchen.
She could hear the sounds of things opening and closing as he rushed around. She wanted to see the kitchen so badly. She had a limited view from her seat, but she could see it later, for now she’d stay where she was. She focused her energy on relaxing and breathing.
“When was the last time you ate?”
“I dinnae remember. I’ve been wandering fer days.”
“Well, hopefully this will help.” He handed her a dish made of paper, which she thought very odd. On it was something she’d never seen before.
Her confusion must have been obvious to Zeke, because he said, “It’s a sandwich. Grilled cheese.”
She was starving and needed the food he had given her more than he could possibly have known. He placed a cloth on her lap and placed a tall glass of water on the table next to her. Zeke then proceeded to stare at her, making her self-conscious. Helene picked up the sandwich and took a bite.
“I hope it’s okay. I’m all out of cold cuts. All I have left is cheese.”
“’Tis verra good,” she said, placing her hand in front of her mouth as she chewed. Truly, she’d had bread before and she’d had cheese before, but never quite like this.
Zeke smiled warmly in her direction. He really was quite handsome and there was something about him she felt herself drawn to. She smiled back and she could see that he was relieved. Perhaps he thought she’d be a burden. That wasn’t her intent.
