Chapter 12 #3
“The inn’s over there,” he said. “I’ll take yer horse when we get there.”
Donal’s body tensed as he glanced around at the strange buildings and other oddities.
“Don’t worry. I’m here with you. It’ll be alright,” Tina said.
“I’m nae worried,” he protested. He didn’t wish Tina to think him afraid of the things he was seeing.
They arrived at the inn and he dismounted before taking Elena from Tina’s arms. It seemed she didn’t need his help as she dismounted with ease. “We have horses on our ranch at home,” she explained.
Donal handed the reins to Teddy, who walked off down the street as Tina opened the door to the brightly lit inn.
“What candles are these?” he asked, examining a nearby lamp.
“Those aren’t candles,” Tina said. “They’re light bulbs.”
“Donal, Tina. Yer here,” An older woman with blue hair greeted them and he held Elena a bit tighter. He hadn’t known what to expect from a witch, but she had gotten them here and for that he was grateful. “Come in.”
“I’m Maggie.” A younger woman approached and held out her hand. She didn’t have blue hair so perhaps she was not another witch. He took her hand and shook it gently. “Dr. Ferguson will be here soon to see to little Elena.”
“I thought Dr. Ferguson was …”
“It’s his nephew. Long story, I’ll explain it later.”
“Come, sit in my office,” Edna said.
They passed through the doors and were greeted by a kilted man. “Donal McCabe. I be Angus Campbell.”
Donal took in the Highlander, there was something familiar about him. “Angus Campbell? Do I ken ye?”
“Ye may. I’m from yer time and I’ve been to Breaghacraig. Mayhap ye saw me there. I hope I can help make yer stay here a bit easier. If ye have any questions, I’m the one to ask.”
Donal kept his face neutral as he took in his surroundings. He was a Highlander after all. He would never allow anyone to see anything less than a strong, confident warrior. He suspected that Angus might be the only one who knew what he was truly feeling.
“I’ve got rooms set up for ye upstairs. Tina ye’ve been here before. Ye’ll have the same room. Donal will be right next door. We’ve put a crib in there but we can move it where ever ye like.”
“Thank you, Edna,” Tina said.
“So what did ye think of yer adventure?”
“It was amazing,” Tina replied, glancing at Donal.
“And now yer the one having an adventure,” Edna directed her comment to him.
“Aye. Is this where Hamish is?” He hadn’t thought he would ever see his friend again, but perhaps he could come meet Elena.
“He’s in California with my sister,” Tina answered.
“Where is that?”
“’Tis far from here, lad,” Angus said.
“Will I be able to see him before I return?”
“Nae, but ye can speak with him.”
How could he speak with him if he wasnae here? They made no sense. Perhaps it was more of the witch’s magic.
“Don’t worry about it right now. We’ll see to it.”
A bell rang, “That must be Dr. Ferguson. I’ll go see.”
Donal could hear voices coming from the entrance as Edna spoke with a man. Their voices got closer before they appeared. “Donal, this is Dr. Ferguson.”
“I’m pleased to meet ye, Donal,” the man said.
“Can ye help wee Elena?” Donal asked, all the anxiety he’d been feeling bubbling to the surface.
“I believe I can. Let me have a look at her.”
“Angus, why don’t we go wait in the dining room. Give the doctor more room. Do ye need more light?” Edna asked.
“No. This is fine.”
“I cleared my desk and put a blanket there to place her on.”
“Perfect.”
“We’ll be close by if ye need us.” She closed the door behind them so it was just the four of them in the room.
“Now, let’s see what we can do for the little one,” Dr. Ferguson said, taking Elena from Donal’s arms and laying her on the cleared desk.
He placed a black bag next to her and removed some things Donal was unfamiliar with.
Unwrapping the plaid, he put things in his ears and another thing on Elena’s chest.
“He’s listening to her heartbeat,” Tina explained. “And now he’s checking her ears.”
Donal was fascinated.
The doctor then looked inside her mouth.
“It seems she has the measles, the Koplik’s spot confirms it,” Dr. Ferguson said.
“It’s good that ye brought her back to this time.
The treatment will require plenty of fluids, a fever reducer and time.
She should rest as much as possible. We will need to watch for complications.
It is rare, but if her fever runs verra high or she develops pneumonia she will need to be hospitalized.
What about ye? Have ye both had the measles? ”
“I’ve had the vaccine,” Tina said.
Dr. Ferguson looked at Donal, “And ye?”
“I cannae say. I dinnae remember ever having anything like this.”
“Don’t be surprised if ye get it then. It’s highly contagious, but if ye do get it, the same treatment applies.” Dr. Ferguson packed his bag and headed for the door. “If ye find she’s getting worse or if ye need anything else, I’m just down the road.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Tina said.
“Aye. Thank ye,” Donal added. It had only taken a few minutes, but Donal felt the weight of the world leave his shoulders.