Chapter 5
Elle slept better than she thought she might.
She was normally a bit of an insomniac, waking in the middle of the night, her brain working overtime on all the things she had to do.
It sometimes took her hours to fall back to sleep.
So, when she woke and saw that it was light outside, she was surprised and pleased.
There was a knock at her door.
“Come in,” she called.
“’Tis only me,” Helene answered as she swept into the room carrying a tray with food and drink, which she set on a small table next to the bed.
“Good morning,” Elle said as she stretched and yawned.
“How did ye sleep?”
“Surprisingly well.”
Helene stirred the embers in the hearth bringing the fire back to life.
“Enjoy yer meal. I’ll be back soon to help ye dress.”
“Okay. I’ll be here,” Elle teased.
“I ken ye will,” Helene giggled as she went out the door, closing it behind her.
Elle sat up and glanced around. She shook her head at the absurdity of her situation. “Well, you’re stuck here for the time being, lady. Get your butt out of bed and take advantage of being here.”
Breakfast was more than she wanted. What she really needed was a cup of coffee, but since that wasn’t happening, she’d settle for some hot tea. She nibbled on the bread and fruit, had a spoonful of what she assumed was oatmeal and that was it for her.
As long as she had to wait for Helene, she might as well see what was happening outside.
She caught a glimpse of Hamish again as he headed to the stable.
She wondered why he’d left last night without saying anything.
She made up her mind to find him today and ask him why he didn’t like her song.
Not that it mattered, but it did. For some strange reason, she wanted him to like it and the fact that he obviously didn’t bothered her.
“I’m back,” Helene knocked and peeked in. “I see yer up. Are ye ready to get dressed?”
“I am.”
Helene poured some water from a pitcher into a basin for her to wash up.
“It’s cold,” she said, shivering from the briskness of the water.
“Would ye like a warm bath later today?” Helene asked.
“I’d love that.”
“I’ll see to it then.”
“You’re a wonder, Helene.”
“So I’ve been told,” she smiled.
“Do you live here at the castle?” Elle asked.
“Nae. I live with me husband, Dougall. He built me a beautiful home not far from here.”
“You’re here early in the morning and late at night.”
“I enjoy helping the lasses. Once my bairn arrives I won’t be here as often.”
“You’re pregnant?”
“Aye.”
“You and Sara,” Elle mused.
“We’re both newly with child. ’Twill be a while before the bairns arrive.” Helene finished fussing with Elle’s dress and stood back to admire her work. “Ye look lovely. What will ye do today?”
“I think I’ll explore a bit. Maybe go visit Sara.” Try to find Hamish. “Can you point me in the right direction.”
“Of course. Follow me.” Helene led the way downstairs and out into the courtyard.
***
Hamish was being haunted by the sound of Elle’s voice.
It had been all he could think of and kept him awake most of the night.
He was exhausted, but there was work to do.
First stop would be the stables to see to his horse.
Next he would break his fast and then he’d meet with his men for practice.
He hoped to have some time to himself after that.
“Hamish!” Donal ran up behind him. “Good morn to ye.”
“Good morn,” Hamish replied as he continued walking.
“Where are ye off to?” Donal kept pace, despite Hamish’s increasing speed.
“The stables” Hamish grumbled.
“Yer in a fine mood this morn,” Donal noted.
“Why is that any of yer concern?” Hamish barked.
“’Tis nae me concern. Me curiosity has gotten the better of me.”
“Ye and yer curiosity can …”
“Now, now, Hamish,” Donal interrupted. “I’m yer friend. Do ye remember?”
“Aye. Me apologies. I didnae sleep well last night.”
“Ah. The strange lass has gotten under yer skin.”
“She has. I dinnae ken why.”
“I dinnae believe we have a choice where love is concerned.”
“I’m nae in love, Donal.” Hamish was becoming exasperated by this conversation. “I hardly ken the lass.”
They were at the stables now and Hamish felt himself relax.
The quiet sounds of the horses munching their hay always worked its magic on him, calming his frayed nerves.
Each man went immediately to their steed, running their hands across their backs and down their legs, checking their feet.
Hamish groomed Aylwen and all his worries were gone.
His horse was his constant companion and he cherished his quiet countenance.
Each man felt the same way about their horse.
They were valued war horses, but also silent friends and most valued possessions.
“Are ye done?” Donal asked. “I’m hungry.”
“Aye. Let’s break our fast.”
As they exited the stable, Hamish saw Elle go out through the courtyard gate with Helene by her side. He wondered where they were off to. He’d only just managed to get her our of his head and now there she was back again.
“Where do ye think they’re going?” Donal asked.
Hamish shrugged his broad shoulders and turned his attention back towards the kitchen. He’d gotten in the habit of eating there. Mary, the cook, was kind enough to allow it and he never took it for granted.
“Good morn to ye, Sophia,” Hamish said.
“Good morn,” she answered.
She was another time traveler from the future and Latharn’s woman.
“Good morn, Mary,” Hamish said.
“I see ye brought Donal with ye,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “I imagine I can feed ye as well.”
“Thank ye, Mary. Yer looking quite lovely this morn.” Donal knew flattery was a quick way to Mary’s heart.
“Ah, ye are a rogue, sir.”
“Mary, I only speak the truth.”
She set a warm loaf of bread on the table between them. Sophia brought cheese, fruit, butter and honey.
The men sat at the large wooden table that Mary used to prepare food for the MacKenzies.
“Hamish, I hear ye brought a lass back to the castle.” Mary’s mischievous expression caused Hamish to smile in return.
“Aye. The witch sent her.”
“So she’s from the future?” Sophia asked.
Hamish nodded, his mouth full of delicious, warm bread which he slathered with butter and honey.
“From San Francisco?” she asked.
He wiped his mouth with the cloth Mary had given him. “I believe so,” he replied.
“I’ll have to meet her.”
“She sang last night after the evening meal,” Donal said. “’Twas lovely.”
“The lasses all know her,” Hamish offered. He wondered if Sophia did as well.
“What’s her name?”
“Elle,” he replied.
“Hmmm …” He could see Sophia was searching her memory for a connection. “Her name’s Elle and she sings.” She began filling their cups with warm cider, but stopped mid-pour. “It wouldn’t be Elle Carrera, would it?”
“I believe it is,” Hamish said, a note of surprise in his voice. “How do ye ken her?”
“I love her. In my time, she’s a pop singer. Very well known around the world.”
Hamish was taken aback by this. “Are ye sure?”
“It’s true. Ask her yourself. I have to meet her,” Sophia exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
“Ye’ve work to do here, lass. Mayhap ye can meet her later.”
“Of course, Mary. I wouldn’t think of leaving you to do all this cooking on your own.” She smiled warmly at Mary.
Hamish finished his breakfast, as did Donal. “Are ye ready for me to pummel ye on the field?” He slapped Donal on the back.
“We’ll see about that,” he replied.
“Thank ye for the food, Mary … Sophia.” He wrapped Donal in a headlock as they left the kitchen.
***
Elle couldn’t believe how excited Sara was to invite her into her home. Despite the small space, it was neat and organized.
“Come in, come in,” Sara said, ushering her into the main living area of the home. “Logan,” she called into the next room. “Elle Carrera is here to visit me.”
“Helene helped me find my way.”
Sara ducked her head out the door. “Why didn’t she come in with you?”
“She said she had things to do.”
Sara pulled out a chair at the table just as Logan entered the room. His broad shoulders filling the doorway. He was, in a word, hot. “I enjoyed yer singing verra much,” he said.
“Thank you,” Elle shyly replied.
“Sara, I’m off on patrol. ’Tis a short route today, love, but I won’t be back until late. Ye should eat with the others at the castle. I’ll meet ye there.”
“Okay, sweetie.” She stood on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around his neck to kiss him. “I love you.”
“And I love ye,” Logan answered, kissing the tip of her nose. Turning to leave, he smiled at Elle and was on his way.
“How did you meet Logan?” Elle asked.
“He came to our time with Dougall, that’s Helene’s husband. After he left, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. One thing led to another and here I am.”
“Wait. One thing led to another. Really?” Elle wrinkled her brow and scrunched up her nose.
“Okay. More than one thing may have been involved.”
“And this witch, Edna Campbell, made it happen.
“She did.” She motioned to the chair she’d pulled out. “Sit. I’ll get us some tea.”
“Thanks. I’d like that.”
“I was the one who initiated everything. Like I said, I couldn’t stop thinking about Logan, so I went to The Thistle & Hive Inn to see Edna. She didn’t want to help me, so I had to convince her to let me come back. Would you like something to eat?”
“No. I’m good. Tell me more about your story.”
“It was pretty complicated when I arrived and it didn’t get much better for a while, but eventually everything worked out exactly the way I wanted and I got my man.
My brother Zeke, came looking for me and he met his wife, Brenna while he was here.
Zeke didn’t want to stay here and that was just as well.
That Laird Munro would never have left them alone. ”
Elle perked up at that, “Laird Munro? I met him on the road. He was asking about Brenna and asked if I knew the Laird of San Francisco. Do you know what he meant?”