Zeke felt at peace for the first time since he’d arrived here in the sixteenth century. It seemed this was his destiny, so he should just accept it and let it happen.
***
Alone in the kitchen, Brenna wondered what it might be like to live in Zeke’s world. Would she fit in? Would she be afraid or feel lonely? She knew the answer to the last question. No. She couldn’t ever feel lonelier than she had these last months since her Da had been married to Greer. She didn’t wish to be a burden to Dougall either. She loved her brother and Helene, but the honest truth was that she’d hardly spent any time with him since he’d been here at Breaghacraig and she was just starting to get to know Helene. Yes, they were famliy, but couldn’t Zeke be her family, too? Wouldn’t life with him be exactly what she wanted? So many questions, but she didn’t know if he even wanted her. His kisses said he did, but maybe that was all he wanted from her. First, she had to know if he still loved Helene. If he did, all her questions would be answered and she would then have no choice but to make Breaghacraig her home.
Chapter 17
The stormy weather continued well into the next day. A true sign that winter was on its way, even though it was still a few months off. Brenna visited the castle early in the morning in hopes that she might speak with Ashley and Jenna. Neither of them were up yet, so she wandered around the castle searching for the one other person she knew came from the future to live here at Breaghacraig. She found her in the kitchen helping Mary, the cook.
“Good day to ye, lass,” Mary said. “Ye be out and about early this morn.” The counter was lined with loaves of bread that would be placed in the bread oven for the day’s meals.
The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted her way as Sophia removed several loaves from the oven and placed them on the wooden table. Once they were safely set down, Sophia smiled and waved at Brenna.
“Good day to ye,” Brenna answered.
“Are ye Brenna? Dougall’s wee sister?” Mary asked.
Sophia dusted her hands off on her apron and glanced up at Brenna, curiosity in her eyes.
“Aye. The bread smells delicious.” She hadn’t eaten breakfast this morning and her tummy was revolting at the lack of food.
“Come, sit, me dear. Sophia, get the butter and some honey for our guest.”
“Oh, thank ye, Mary.” She sat at the table. Mary poured them all some tea and then sliced one of the loaves fresh from the oven.
Sophia hadn’t said a word, but she placed the butter and honey within easy reach of them all before sitting next to Brenna.
“Ye must be Sophia,” Brenna said.
“That’s me,” Sophia replied as she slathered butter onto her thick slice of bread, before passing everything to Brenna.
Brenna couldn’t wait another moment. In her mind there was nothing better than fresh, warm bread and a cup of tea. She followed Sophia’s lead and buttered her bread before drizzling it with honey. She took a bite and closed her eyes to relish the flavors. A bit of honey dribbled onto her chin.
“Here ye go, lass,” Mary handed her a damp cloth to wipe her face.
“’Tis quiet here this morn,” Brenna said.
“’Twas a busy day yesterday. The two new mums are still abed, as are their husbands. I haven’t seen anyone yet this morn. They’ll call to us when they’re ready to break their fast,” Mary explained.
“Ethan is a beautiful bairn,” Brenna said.
“I havenae seen him yet. Mayhap in a day or two. Did ye see the bairn, Sophia?” Mary tried to bring Sophia into the conversation.
“I haven’t. Latharn says he’s quite a handsome bairn. I hope to see him soon.”
“Latharn’s her man,” Mary explained.
Mary was a lively woman. Her hair was wrapped in a kerchief, but sprigs of soft brown curls escaped here and there around her head.
“Ye’ve been the cook here for many years, Dougall tells me,” Brenna said.
“Aye. Far too many to count,” Mary laughed.
“And, Sophia, ye are Mary’s helper?”
“I’m not sure how helpful I am,” Sophia said with a soft chuckle. She popped the last of the bread into her mouth, wiping her face and hands.
“Sophia, ye ken I love ye like yer were me own. I dinnae ken what I’d do without ye,” Mary said.
