Page 20 of Hearts Bound By Time

“I did, Angus. I feel relieved to have them here with me. It’s hard to explain, but knowing where they are and that they arenae in any danger means the world to me. ’Tis like they’re all my children.”

“I ken yer meaning and I’m happy that even if ’tis only for a short while, yer mind can rest easy.” His large hand rubbed her back. Warmth, comfort, and love were all transmitted in that small gesture. Edna smiled as she relaxed even more and took the first bite of her meal.

***

Angus would never tell Edna this, but he worried about her just about as much as she worried about their guests, if not more. He wanted her to be this happy and relaxed all the time. He hoped to convince her to take a much needed vacation after the holidays, perhaps to Spain or Italy. It would take some work, but now that Maggie and Dylan were with them, he hoped she could relinquish her duties for a week or two.

He finished his breakfast and watched as Edna daintily picked up a piece of toast and took a bite. His fingers were drawn to the blue streak in her hair, which had fallen into her face. He gently tucked it behind her ear, brushing her cheek with his knuckles as he did so. Edna rewarded him with a loving smile, which lit the emerald green eyes he cherished.

“It appears it may snow later today,” Edna said. “I’m going to take the lasses shopping for Christmas gifts. Maybe ye should do the same with the gents. We can meet for lunch at the pub.”

“Who will watch the wee ones?”

“Teddy can watch them.”

“Teddy? Do ye believe ’tis a good idea?”

“Aye. He’ll be fine. I ken they are a handful, but Teddy can handle it. They’ll be here at the inn. If he needs our help, he can call us on the cell phone. We’re only moments away.”

“I’d like to see ye convince young Ashley of that.”

“She’s a new mother and, yes, she’s a bit overprotective, but this will be a good time for her to place some trust in others.” Edna put down her fork and faced Angus. “They’re off to see Dr. Ferguson ye ken. I’m hoping he’ll put her mind at ease about Emma’s health. I’d like to find a way to help with that when she returns to Breaghacraig.”

“I’m sure ye’ll think of something,” Angus winked. His belief in Edna and her ability to make any situation right was evident. Occasionally the way she reached her goal was a little worrisome, but things always ended up exactly where she wanted them to be.

“Alright then. I’ll take the men shopping as ye wish, but if they’re anything like me, they’ll nae be verra excited about it.”

Edna’s joy at his pronouncement seemed to light up her face, which made Angus feel quite good about his decision. He’d do anything for Edna, even go shopping.

***

Edna was just finishing up her breakfast when the door opened and Richard, Angelina, Lady Catherine and Henry returned.

“Good morning,” Edna said. “Have ye eaten?”

“Aye. We ate before we went out.”

“How was yer visit with the doctor?”

“’Twas good. Everyone is healthy and we’ve nothing to worry over.”

“Once everyone is back, we’ll go do some Christmas shopping. How does that sound?”

“Like music to my ears,” Angelina said. “I’m going up to the room for a minute. Henry needs to be fed.”

“I’ll join you, love.” Richard followed Angelina upstairs, leaving Lady Catherine behind.

“Catherine, come sit with me.” Edna motioned to the chair next to her. “Angus is getting ready for our outing and I’ve some time to sit and relax. How are ye enjoying yer stay?”

“Edna, I cannot thank you enough for welcoming us into your home. It’s an adventure I wouldn’t miss.”

“How was yer visit with Dr. Ferguson?” Edna watched closely as Catherine’s face lit up at the mention of his name.

“Very nice. He is a good man, and a handsome one at that.” Catherine’s face turned two or three shades of pink with that pronouncement. “I’m thankful that he befriended Richard. I’m also aware that you had a lot to do with helping him realize the man he was truly meant to be.”

“I cannae help meself, Catherine. I’m a meddler at heart and Richard seemed as though he needed an opportunity to be redeemed. I sent him off on a journey of discovery, but he did all the hard work. I’m so happy for all of ye.” Edna sipped her tea and then grabbed another cup, which she filled for Catherine. “Now tell me all about Dr. Ferguson.”

“It’s been quite some time since my husband died and I’ve not been at all interested in finding a new man to fill his shoes. He was a difficult man and I didn’t wish to put myself in the position of dealing with that ever again. Dr. Ferguson is a kind and gentle man. Nothing at all like Richard’s father. If there were someone like him in my time, I’d be happy to be a married lady again.”