Page 17 of Hearts Bound By Time

“It is I,” Richard responded, grinning like a fool.

“Good, because I don’t make it a habit of hugging strangers here in my waiting room.” He slapped Richard on the back before turning to Angelina and Lady Catherine who were smiling broadly at the scene. “And who have we here?”

“This is my wife, Angelina, and my son, Henry.”

“I’m so pleased to make yer acquaintance and I’m pleased that our Richard has found love with such a beauty. And Henry. A classic name that suits him well.” Dr. Ferguson turned to Lady Catherine with a look of appreciation. “And who is this lovely creature?”

“This is my mother, Lady Catherine.”

She curtsied as if she were meeting the king and the good doctor was more than charmed. Richard exchanged a grin with his wife, noting that he wasn’t the only one who noticed their instant connection.

“It’s good to see you again, Dr. Ferguson,” Richard said.

“Please call me Arthur, Richard. We’re old friends, arenae we?”

“Yes. You’re right. It’s just been a long time since I’ve seen you. You look good.”

“I have to. Being the doctor here in Glendaloch, if I didn’t always look the picture of health, my patients might get worried.” He chuckled and turned to Catherine. “Please come sit.” He took her hand and led her to one of the chairs. “These arenae verra comfortable, I know, but I wasnae prepared for company. My apartments are upstairs over my office and I’m afraid I’m not the tidiest man. Richard can attest to that.”

“I don’t recall. I was only ever happy to have a friend here in this time.”

“Yer a good man, Richard and ye were a good guest.”

“Thank you for believing in me. It means more than you can know.”

“So yer a father and husband now. Good for ye.”

“Arthur, can I impose upon you to have a look at my son? He’s been healthy so far, but I know in this time your medicine is far ahead of that which we live with in my time.”

“I’d be happy to. I’ll do a general exam on all of ye, if ye don’t mind.”

“Thank you, Dr. Ferguson,” Angelina said.

Lady Catherine was mesmerized, it seemed, by the good doctor. She hadn’t so much as looked at another man since his father had passed all those years ago. “Yes. Thank you,” she managed to mutter.

Chapter 8

Ashley, Cailin, Jenna & Cormac

“The four musketeers,” Jenna laughed as she, Ashley and their husbands headed down the street arm in arm. Emma was in a pouch, snuggled up to Cailin’s chest. Edna had surprised them with it after their arrival and Ashley was so happy she had. Cailin loved it. He could have both hands free and yet still enjoy his baby cuddled close.

“I realize we can’t bring this back with us, but mayhap we could make something similar?” Cailin glanced down at Ashley and she smiled sweetly back at him.

“Of course we can. Give me some fabric and a needle and thread and I can make something that will work just as well.” Her mood was much lighter this morning. Her apprehension about Emma having a fever had waned when everyone had reassured her that she was just fine and now she was heading off to see Dr. Ferguson who would surely agree with her that it was better to raise Emma in the twenty-first century. As much as she loved Breaghacraig and all its residents, she couldn’t risk losing her baby to some childhood illness that was no longer in existence in this time.

As they approached Dr. Ferguson’s office, they noticed Richard, Angelina and Lady Catherine exiting with Henry.

“Good morning, again.” Richard smiled warmly at them. “Dr. Ferguson is expecting your visit.”

“How’d everything go?” Jenna asked.

“Fine. We’re all in the best of health, including little Henry.”

“Don’t you worry about him getting sick back at home?” Ashley directed her question to Angelina. She assumed she must be feeling the same level of anxiety that she was.

“No. Not really. Henry’s been surprisingly healthy so far. Besides, I’d be willing to bet that if we needed to, Edna would help us get back here to see Dr. Ferguson, so I’m not worried at all.”

Ashley didn’t respond. She wished she could let this go. It would make things so much easier for her and for Cailin. She didn’t want to force him to stay in Glendaloch. She only hoped Dr. Ferguson would be her ally in this.