Page 3 of Hearts Bound By Time

“This is going to be so much fun,” Angelina gushed. “I can hardly wait to exchange baby stories with you, Ashley.”

Edna noticed that Jenna, who had seemed excited to see everyone only moments before, didn’t participate in this conversation at all and instead turned her horse to face away from the others and towards the bridge. Edna wasn’t sure what the problem was, but she’d find out soon enough.

Once everyone enough time to get their greetings out of the way, she called upon the fog to descend on the bridge. Those who were waiting stopped talking to silently watch the fog as it swirled at the edge of the bridge. Cailin took the lead, having made this journey before. He was followed by Cormac and the others. Two by two they made their way into the fog, where colorful lights popped and sparked, following them until they had safely crossed the bridge where Edna waited beaming with joy.

“Welcome!” Edna shouted.

“Edna!” The others cried on seeing her. Behind them the fog stopped swirling and gradually dissipated.

Edna found herself surrounded by her guests as they dismounted and each hugged and kissed her in turn. “I’m so excited to see ye all.” Edna wiped the happy tears, which had formed, from her eyes. “Follow me. Angus and Teddy are waiting for us at the inn.”

Ranald and Rowan each took one of her hands as she led the way along the path that led to the main street of Glendaloch. The group following her were a mix of amazed at what they were seeing and happy to be back.

“Thank ye so much for inviting us,” Robert said as he rode up beside Edna and the children. They were all following her as if she were the Pied Piper.

“’Tis my pleasure to have ye all here with me,” Edna answered. “Are ye excited to be here, Robert?”

“Aye. We all are. Irene and the children havenae ceased speaking of it since we received yer invitation. ’Tis the journey of a lifetime fer me family.”

Reaching the roadway, they rounded the corner and paraded down the center of the street. The people of Glendaloch waved happily at the group as they passed. Over the years, they had seen many things which had become commonplace to them, not the least of which was the costumed Highlanders Edna brought to town every so often.

The street was decorated with garland and ribbons and later when the sun set, colorful fairy lights would turn the small town into a magical wonderland. As they approached the inn, Angus and Teddy stood waiting with huge grins on their faces.

“This is it,” Edna said. “The Thistle and Hive Inn. Angus will lead the men down to the stables, where there are warm stalls and feed for the horses.”

The women dismounted and Cailin handed Emma down to Ashley who cradled her protectively in her arms.

“I must get a peek at this wee one.” Edna placed an arm around Ashley as she cooed to Emma and touched her cheek. “Arenae ye a wee beauty? Ye look just like yer mother.” Emma took Edna’s finger in her tiny hand and held tightly. “And with the strength of yer father.”

“Thank you, Edna. Without your meddling, there wouldn’t be a little Emma,” Ashley teased.

“I’m a meddler, yer right, but always with good reason.” Edna’s face lit up as Emma cooed and her tiny rosebud lips broke into a big smile. “Oh. I dinnae think I can stand it another moment. May I?” She put her arms out to hold Emma.

“Of course,” Ashley handed Emma over to her and the baby gazed at Edna in fascination.

The others were all chatting excitedly, ogling and pointing at every unusual thing in their line of vision.

“Shall we take the horses, then?” Angus asked. He climbed atop Ashley’s horse and Teddy took the reins of Lady Catherine’s mount. The men all ponied their wives horses and headed off up the street to the stable at the far end of town. “We’ll be back shortly,” Angus said to the women. Wee Robert took charge of his own mount and after his sisters dismounted, ponied the horse that had held his siblings.

“Shall we go in?” Edna asked. “Let’s get ye all warm by the fire and then I’ll show ye to yer rooms.”

As the doors to the inn opened, the smiling faces of Maggie and Dylan, accompanied by a wriggling Chester, greeted them.

“Welcome! Come in!” Maggie made a welcoming gesture with her arm and Dylan did the same, guiding the travelers into the cozy lobby of the inn.

Edna, still holding Emma, led the way into the dining room where there were plates of freshly baked scones and mugs of warm cider for the adults, and cupcakes and hot chocolate for the children.

“Dylan, I’m so excited to see you. I’ve missed you so much,” Jenna said through happy tears as she made her way into her cousin’s embrace.

“I’ve missed you, too.” He gently kissed the top of her head and then held her away from himself, as if he needed to be sure it was really Jenna.

***

The children made a beeline for the treats and Maggie helped them with plates and napkins. She got them all seated while their parents chatted with Edna and Dylan. Chester wandered from person to person, greeting each before moving on. He finally settled on the floor by the children, obviously hoping they’d share their cupcakes with him.

“What do ye think?” Maggie asked. “Do ye like the cupcakes?”

“Aye. They be verra good. What is this drink?” Fiona asked as she took another sip.