Page 31 of Hearts Bound By Time

“Ye have much more faith in our boys than I do.” Lena entered the room and headed straight for the kitchen, but before she could get there, the door opened and out marched the boys and their cousins. Each was carrying a tray of goodies, followed by Edna who had cups and a large urn, perched precariously on another, larger tray. Ewan jumped to her aid.

“Let me take that from ye, Mother.”

***

Edna didn’t hesitate to turn her burden over to him. He set it on the sideboard near the fireplace. She loved that he called her mother. She couldn’t have wished for anyone better for her only daughter.

“Children. Set yer trays down around the urn, please. Let’s make them look as neat and pretty as possible.” Edna supervised their efforts and was pleased to see Wee Robert and Fiona rearranging the decorations to create a festive setting. “Perfect.”

“Robbie. Fiona. Go and wake yer ma and da. Tell them to hurry down, we’re waiting for them.”

The two ran up the stairs and could be heard knocking loudly on their parent’s door.

“What is it?” Irene’s startled voice carried down the stairs.

“Auntie Edna says ’tis time to get up.”

“Tell her we’ll be right there.”

The children ran back downstairs with the message and it was only moments later when Irene and Robert made their entrance much to the delight of the waiting children’s.

“Shall we go get Uncle Cailin and Uncle Cormac?” Fiona asked.

“No need. I believe they’ll be here any moment.” Edna smiled as the door opened and they all walked in “See? I told ye.”

Richard, and his family were next to appear, followed by Maggie, Dylan and Chester.

The adults went for the food and the children headed straight to the tree. Edna and Angus began handing out gifts to each of them, as the adults nibbled on pastry and watched the glee with which the children opened their gifts. Each present had been chosen to suit the time and place it would be returning to with the children and based on their reactions, the children were quite pleased with their treasures. They each also received a Christmas stocking filled with fruits and chocolate and some smaller keepsakes.

The sound of sleigh bells could be heard approaching the inn and a few moments later, the door opened. Arthur Ferguson held the door for Frances and Marissa to enter.

“Merry Christmas,” Dr. Ferguson said as he closed the door. He had a large basket covered with a red towel, which Frances took from him and handed to Edna.

“Marissa and I did some baking last night. It’s our gift to ye.”

“Thank ye, Frances. How thoughtful.”

“Yer the thoughtful one, inviting us all here to enjoy Christmas day with ye and yer guests.”

Edna put the basket down and pulled Frances in for a hug. “We’ve been friends for many years. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to invite ye to join us.”

“Nae worries, my dear. Before this I always had me husband and children to spend the day with.”

Edna noted a slight change in her eyes. Frances was not one to wear her heart on her sleeve, preferring to always show a happy face, so as not to have others feeling badly for her. Her husband had passed away only last year and her children were off on their own adventures. Edna had no doubt they’d be back some day, but until then Frances spent more time with the animals she cared for than with the people of Glendaloch. That was going to have to change and Edna would make it her mission to see to it.

As for Marissa, she’d come prepared with a notebook today and had already begun asking questions of the MacKenzies. She busily jotted down the information she was receiving, while at the same time scanning the room.

“He’ll be here shortly. He’s helping out by picking up some last minute gifts.” Edna assumed she was searching for Teddy and she was right.

“Oh. I was wondering where Teddy was. I didn’t know if he had somewhere else to be today.”

“Only here with us, dear. He’ll be happy to see ye’ve joined us.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I do. Come sit with me for a moment. I’ll be happy to answer any questions ye may have about time travel, or being a witch.”

***