Page 27 of Hearts Bound By Time

“Neither did I. It just sort of found me and I’m happy it did.”

Bottles of wine were opened and everyone happily dug into their food. Hot homemade bread was passed, along with butter. The aroma was causing mouths to water.

Edna returned with a huge smile on her face. “We’ll have some extra company with us tomorrow night.” She glanced Teddy’s way before continuing. “Frances and Marissa will be joining us.” She was thrilled with Teddy’s reaction, subtle though it was, she could see how happy it made him. “I also invited Dr. Ferguson.” Lady Catherine’s face lit up at this, although she too tried to hide her excitement.

“It’s going to be a great celebration,” Ashley said. Edna was happy she was more relaxed since seeing Dr. Ferguson.

“Edna ye and Angus have been a most gracious host and hostess. Thank ye so much for inviting us all.” Robert raised his glass of wine. “I’d like to make a toast.”

The others all picked up their glasses and waited to hear what Robert would say. “To old friends and new. To family. To love. Sláinte!”

The others all replied in kind and then drank from their glasses.

Maggie leaned in to whisper to Dylan. “I think they like the food. It’s so quiet.” And since it was so quiet, everyone heard her and they all laughed and complimented Dylan on the delicious dinner.

Chapter 13

Christmas Eve

“Granny, can we open our presents tonight?” Rowan pleaded. He’d been eyeing the pile of gifts under the tree ever since he’d arrived downstairs with his brother.

“Ye’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning,” Edna responded.

“Why Granny? Just one.” He placed his hands palms together in a praying motion in front of his chest.

“Rowan, leave yer Granny alone.” Ewan was inspecting all the packages set under the tree himself.

“Ma, perhaps we can do what we did when I was a little girl.” Lena put a hand on each of her sons.

“Ye were a little girl, Ma?” Ranald asked.

“Yes, I was. What do ye think, Ma?” She looked to Edna, awaiting her answer.

“I think we can do that. Alright boys, if ye are good wee ones and ye eat all yer dinner, ye can open one gift tonight. Only one though, ye ken?”

“Us, too?” Wee Robert chimed in.

“Yes, all of ye.”

The children jumped up and down their little faces filled with excitement.

“I believe ye’ve made them all verra, verra happy,” Angus said.

“Aye. I’m a powerful one, I am.” Edna laughed and then turning away from the tree addressed the adults. “Ye will have to wait until tomorrow morning, and I’ll nay hear another word about it. Ewan, I’m talking to ye.” Edna winked at Lena.

The door to the inn opened and Marissa and Frances walked in. Edna noted that Teddy sat up a little straighter in his seat when he saw them.

“Hi! Merry Christmas!” Marissa waved at everyone. “Hi, Teddy.”

He waved back and gazed awkwardly in her direction. He was quite a shy one, but Edna thought if anyone could change that, it might be this adorable American lass.

The door opened again and this time Dr. Ferguson came in, followed by the Calhouns. “I’m so sorry I’m late. I got wrapped up in some paperwork and completely lost track of time.”

“Yer not late, Arthur. Welcome Daniel and David. We were just about to sit down to eat. Come everyone, take yer seats.”

Angus had put several of the dining room tables together to make one very long one. Maggie had decorated the table with festive greenery and ribbons. The Christmas themed dinnerware added to the holiday feeling, with red and green plaid napkins in the shape of Christmas trees, placed on each setting. Candles were lit all along the center of the table and plates of delicious food were set within easy reach of the guests.

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