Chapter 14 #2
“Dougall, I’m delighted to see ye.” Edna was never one to stand on ceremony, so she hugged him. Dougall hesitated at first, but then he returned the hug, picking her up from the floor in the process.
“Oh, my!” Edna’s feet touched the ground again. “I may have enjoyed that a wee bit too much.” She peeked around the room. “Where’s Helene?”
“I’ve sent fer her,” Irene said. “She’ll be happy to see ye.”
“Ye are a lovely couple,” she said to Dougall. “Ye deserve a lifetime of happiness.”
“They surely do,” Ashley said.
“We’ll have a fine feast this night, to celebrate yer arrival,” Irene said. “If ye’ll excuse me, I’ll go inform cook of our plans.”
Helene joined them and greeted Edna with a big hug and thank you. “How long will ye be with us?”
“We’re leaving tomorrow for Dunaill. We’re to see Rory Mackall. He’s quite ill.”
“Sara and Logan are there,” Helene added.
“Aye. I’m aware of what’s been going on. We’re hoping to help Rory and by doing so, help them both.” The group continued their conversation and were joined once again by Irene, along with a servant who brought whisky for everyone.
Robert raised his glass, “To our guests. Sláinte!” They all drank to Edna and Dr. Ferguson. When they were done, one of the servants returned. “Laird Robert, Aisla and her Da, Alpin, have arrived.”
“Show them in please,” Robert said.
A very nervous Aisla entered the room guided by her father.
“Welcome, we’ve visitors who wished to speak with ye, Aisla. This is Edna Campbell and Dr. Arthur Ferguson. They’ve traveled quite far to visit with us.”
“We’re pleased to make yer acquaintance,” Alpin said.
“Aisla, come here, dear. I’ve some news fer ye, that may be difficult to hear, but hopefully upon hearing it, ye’ll understand some things that have come to pass.
The good doctor and I are here to do our best to set things to right.
” Edna guided Aisla to a chair, “Please, sit.” Aisla appeared quite worried about what was to come next.
“Aisla, I ken ye’ve wondered what may have happened to Rory Mackall. Ye’ve wondered if he’d deserted ye and whether he loved ye at all. I’m here to tell ye that ye were nae deserted. He does love ye, but he had a bad accident and he’s nae well at all.”
“How do ye ken all this?” Aisla asked, her voice cracking with emotion.
“I have me ways and ye’ll understand more soon.
Dr. Ferguson and I are leaving tomorrow morning for Dunaill and we’d like ye to come with us.
I believe ye can help Rory. He needs a reason to live.
Ye see, he’s been fighting hard for his life and he’s tiring of that fight.
Seeing ye may be all he needs to continue battling. ”
Aisla gazed around the room at the others, who all stood silently focused on her. “Aye. I’ll go with ye. I’d do anything to save Rory.” She wiped a tear from her cheek and taking a shaky breath, looked to her father.
“I understand ye love the lad, Aisla. Ye have me permission to go.” He turned his attention to Edna and Dr. Ferguson. “Ye’ll take good care of me wee lass, will ye?”
“Aye. Ye have nothing to fear. She will be safe with us,” Dr. Ferguson assured him.
“I’ll have her here in the morning then. If ye dinnae need her fer anything else, we’ll take our leave now. She’ll need her rest before the journey.”
“We’ll see ye tomorrow then,” Edna said.
“Come, Aisla,” Alpin said. He helped her up from the chair and placing an arm around her shoulders, escorted her from the hall.
***
Bright and early the following morning Aisla and Alpin were at the doors of Breaghacraig, where they found Edna and Dr. Ferguson waiting for them.
“Good morn to ye,” Alpin said. “’Tis a fine day fer a journey.”
“Aye. Good morning to ye both. We’re waiting on our horses. Do you ride, Aisla?”
“Aye, ma’am.” Aisla answered.
“Please, call me Edna. No need fer formalities.”
“Edna, how long will it take us to get there?” Aisla asked.
“It’s about a three-day journey, from what I understand.”
“Will Rory still be alive when we arrive?” The worry in her voice touched Edna deeply.
“Aye. Dinnae fear.” Edna noted that Aisla was shaking. Either she was cold or afraid. “Bundle up. We dinnae wish ye to be cold.”
“I’m warm enough.”
“Och! So yer shaking from fear?”
“I dinnae ken I’d call it fear. I’m anxious to leave and anxious to see Rory.”
“Good, because as I told ye last evening, ye’ve nothing to fear. We’ll take good care of ye.”
The two men Robert tasked with leading them to Dunaill arrived with their horses, all loaded with food and supplies for the trip.
All three said their good-byes to their friends and mounted their horses.
Alpin stood by his daughter’s side appearing worried, like a good Da. “I’ll miss ye, sweetling.”
“I love ye, Da.” She leaned down and kissed Alpin who clasped her hand as if he wouldnae let go.
“It was lovely to meet ye, Alpin. We’ll be back before ye ken it.” Edna turned her horse towards the gates and the others followed. Alpin walked with them as far as he could before waving goodbye and heading home.