Page 16 of Hearts Bound By Time

Richard was a very hands-on father, as Angelina called it. He had never felt terribly close with his own, but Henry would have a father who showed him how much he was loved. No pressure would be placed on his son to be someone other than the man he was meant to be. He went to the cradle, peeking in to see Henry staring up at him. He had his mother’s blue eyes, which pleased Richard to no end. “Hello, my son.”

Henry’s face softened at the sound of Richard’s voice. He smiled and Richard marveled at that small accomplishment. “He’s smiling at me. I think he loves me.”

“I think he does too. He has the best father in the whole wide world.” Angelina was up and standing behind him now. Her long black hair cascaded in a waterfall of darkness around her lovely face. She placed her hands on Richard’s waist and he moved slightly so she could peek around him to look adoringly on her son. “Do you think your mother would like to join us when we see Dr. Ferguson?”

“I’m sure she would. She’s fascinated by everything she’s seen so far. Undoubtedly she’d enjoy the opportunity to see a doctor’s office.”

“Dr. Ferguson will be happy to know he has so many more than willing patients who can’t wait to see him,” she said with a giggle.

Richard picked up Henry and handed him to Angelina for his feeding. “I’ll go get mother.” He slipped from the room and knocked on Lady Catherine’s door. There was no answer, so he opened it to see that she was already up and gone. He headed back downstairs where he found her helping herself to breakfast. Ashley, Cailin, Jenna and Cormac were also seated and eating. “Good morning,” he said.

“Good morning,” Ashley said as she glanced up from her food giving him a warm smile. “How are you? Did you sleep well?”

“I’m fine, thank you and I did sleep very well. Angelina is feeding Henry and then she’ll be down for her own breakfast.” He noted that Emma was cradled in her father’s arm, while he ate with the other. “Mother, we’re going to stop in and see my friend Dr. Ferguson today. Would you like to join us?”

Lady Catherine placed her plate on the table next to Jenna. “I would. How do you know this Dr. Ferguson?”

Richard didn’t wish to bring up a sore subject that might cause Ashley distress, but he hoped she’d be alright with what little he would say. “I stayed with him when I visited Glendaloch the last time.” He made a quick check of Ashley’s reaction, but she was busy eating and didn’t seem at all phased by what he’d just said. She had forgiven him and was willing to put those days in the past.

“When ye go, Richard, can ye tell him that we all would like to come in to see him as well?” Cailin said, motioning to include his wife as well as Jenna and Cormac.

“I would be happy to,” Richard replied. He made himself a plate of food from the buffet and sat next to his mother, who seemed to be enjoying Dylan’s breakfast creation. “As soon as we’ve all eaten, we’ll go,” he said to Lady Catherine.

***

After feeding Henry and getting herself dressed, Angelina bundled him up snuggly for their journey to Dr. Ferguson’s. “Come, my little man. Let’s go get your father and grandmother.”

She headed downstairs where she found everyone done with their breakfast. “Are you ready to go?” she asked Richard.

“We’ve just finished. Don’t you want something to eat?” Richard seemed concerned.

“I’m not really that hungry. I’ll just grab a scone and we can be on our way.” She handed the baby to Lady Catherine who was holding out her arms and then headed to the buffet where she grabbed a napkin and a scone. “Mmmm… this is really good,” she said after taking a bite. “Let’s go. We’ll see you all later.”

She was dressed in a comfortable pair of jeans and a sweater, provided by Edna. Everyone was dressed in twenty first century garb, with the exception of Lady Catherine. She had no interest in trying on or wearing anything other than her own clothing. Richard got his mother’s cloak and Angelina’s jacket from the coat rack and helped them each into them. He then put on the black leather jacket Edna gave him. Angelina whistled her appreciation. When she’d met him in San Francisco, she’d loved the way he looked in a very similar jacket. “Sexy,” she whispered into his ear as she planted a kiss on his cheek, causing Richard to pause in his progress towards the front door. His dark gaze sent chills of delight across her body. She couldn’t wait to be alone with him later in the day.

***

The walk to Dr. Ferguson’s office wasn’t so very far. Glendaloch proper consisted of one main street, with most residents living above their own shops or a little further afield like Mrs. MacDougall. Richard had to laugh as he recognized himself in his mother’s behavior.

“I want to remember every detail of this wonderful place.” She examined everything from the storefront windows to the goods behind them. The cars fascinated her, much as they had Richard. “What are those called again, Angelina?”

“Those are cars, or automobiles, Catherine.” Angelina and Lady Catherine had made fast friends when she’d arrived at his home and they spent much of their time together working on the vineyard that Angelina had decided to start. Richard had never considered doing any such thing. He’d always been happy to buy his wine while he was in London, but Angelina convinced him, and she was right, that if they made their own wine they would never have to drink spoiled wine again. Their vineyards were doing exceptionally well thanks to both of the women in his life. And they weren’t they only thing thriving. Lady Catherine had a new purpose in life. He could see the glow in her face and hear it in her excited words when she spoke of what they’d accomplished. She was also being transformed into a woman of business. Angelina had taught her well and she could negotiate a tough price with the best of them.

“Richard, on the way back, let’s stop in the bookstore we just passed.”

“I think that would be a great place to explore, especially for you, Mother.”

“I agree.” Richard noted that she seemed tense. “Will this Dr. Ferguson think it strange that I’m dressed this way?”

“Dr. Ferguson is aware of the bridge and the time travelers. He will not question it at all.”

“Good.” Her shoulders relaxed as did her gait.

Stopping in front of a building similar in construction to the inn, Richard opened the door for the women and followed them in. A wood paneled sitting room with a large red and blue oriental carpet on the floor was lined with empty wooden chairs. A clock atop the fireplace tick-tocked loudly in the silence.

“Dr. Ferguson?” Richard called into the room beyond them. “Dr. Ferguson?”

“Just a moment. I’ll be right there.” They could hear the clinking of glass in the background and before long, Dr. Ferguson emerged from the curtained doorway to greet them. “As I live and breathe. Is it really ye, Richard?” Not waiting for an answer, the man strode to Richard, throwing his arms around him in greeting.