Yet, here he was, mired in past habits, wallowing in self-pity over things he’d already lost and couldnae bring back. ’Twastodayhe should be fashin’ over. This moment, and howhecould make the most of it.
No more waitin’!
The itch came again to his hands, and he kenned immediately what he wanted to do with the precious hours he had left, until morning. If Lauren’s destiny was to live in New York, at least he could send a wee memory of Scotland, with her.
Already, a shape began to form in his head. Hurrying to the shed, he pulled on the door, and froze. The squeak of the hinges sounded much louder in the quiet of night than they had earlier, today. He made a mental note to fix it, squeezed inside, and winced as the door creaked closed behind him.
He had to feel around for the light, but soon a soft glow permeated the space. For a few seconds, he closed his eyes and simply absorbed the pervading sense of peace. Here, was the tranquility he’d searched for in the sweet-grass and again in the shower, and couldnae find.
Visions of his da filled Reginald’s mind, as he slowly made his way down the wall of carving tools. Though Reginald hadnae known Crayton, he was sure his presence filled the space, as well. A man couldnae ask for better carving companions.
Aching to hold wood in his hands again and practice the skills his da had taught him, Reginald picked up a thin, dusty, rectangle, of wood from what appeared to be a pile of cast-offs. He hoped Phoebe wouldnae mind his boldness as he cleaned, sanded and smoothed the wood.
He studied it for a long time, turning it in his hands, visualizing the imagined shape emerging from the flat surface. Finally, he selected a small carving blade and made the first cut.
* * *
“I don’t knowwhere he is.” Lauren’s voice vibrated with anxiety.
“We can hold breakfast a few more minutes,” Phoebe consoled. “Stop worrying, dear. He wouldn’t have left without saying something. I’d bet my last dollar on it. He’s around here, somewhere. Probably just out exploring the old ruins, or something.”
“But, he promised not to go without me.”
Phoebe laughed. “Come inside, Lauren. He’ll come back. Have a little faith, in him.”
Their voices faded as they reentered the house and Reginald took stock of his surroundings. Sunlight beamed brightly through the dusty window. ’Twas long past sunrise! His stomach fell. He’d been here for hours!
Where had the time gone? He gazed down at the shape forming, in his hands. ’Twas far from done, but no longer merely an imagined image. He grabbed a rag from the work-table, wrapped the carving and tucked it away among the pile of wood pieces. Hopefully, he could return tonight, but for now, he reluctantly returned the borrowed carving tools to their designated spots.
Holding them, working with them, manipulating the wood, brought a peace to Reginald’s soul he hadnae felt since before leaving for Culloden. ’Twas like coming home, again. Da on one side, his imagined image of Crayton on the other, and Reginald, the apprentice, in the middle, listening to the soft, guiding whispers of each.
Right now, other than wi’ Lauren, ’twas no place he’d rather be, than right here. He scoffed as he brushed the dust and wee slivers of wood from his clothing, turned off the light and opened the door. Mayhap he’d gotten too used to the company of ghosts.
* * *
“Ah, there you are.”Phoebe’s face brightened as Reginald entered the kitchen. “Perfect timing. We’re just getting ready to sit down to breakfast.”
She set a platter of steaming eggs, and another of ham on a table already laden with coffee, juice, scones and a variety of jams. “I’d planned to treat the girls to a traditional Scottish breakfast, but practicality took precedence over indulgence, since we’ve so much packing to do.”
The enticing scents assailed him, reminding him he’d skipped supper. “It smells delicious.”
“Sit. Have some coffee while I gather up the troops. I’ve kept them busy emptying some storage closets for me, this morning.”
“ ’Tis later than I realized. I…dinna mean tae hold up yer breakfast.”
“Nonsense.” She poured his coffee and gave him a long sideways look. “Lauren tells me you fixed a section of broken fence yesterday.”
He paused with the coffee cup mid-way to his mouth. “Aye. I ken I overstepped. I shouldae asked ye fir—”
“Overstepped? Gracious, no!” She dropped onto a chair opposite him. “What I’m hoping to do, is to hire you for…however long you can stay. Or, until this place is sold. It doesn’t take a skilled eye to see it needs a bit of spit and polish.”
Phoebe leaned back in her chair but didn’t break eye contact. “I know you must have plans of your own, but if they’re not too pressing…” She plopped both palms on the table. “Well, I could sure use a strong set of shoulders, and a willing hand.”
His hand trembled, triggering a quake inside his coffee cup. Quickly setting it down before he had hot coffee all over Crayton’s clothes, he rubbed his palms on the legs of his jeans and took a slow, deep breath, not quite daring to hope. “Ye…ye want me tae stay in the glen?”
Phoebe nodded. “I can’t give you a specific time frame, but…yes. I’ll understand, of course, if you’re not interested. You’ll have your own plans. I know that. But I hope you’ll consider my request.”
Consider it?Soni dinnae still have her powers, but if she did, he’d think she had a hand in what felt like a miracle.
