A Bridge Through Time: Book 1 of The Thistle & Hive Series (2 page)

“I have to do this, Jenna. I have to try to find this guy who’s haunting me; my gut and his kilt are telling me Scotland is where I need to be. I’ll be fine and if I need anything I’ll call you. I promise.”

Ashley could see the skepticism and worry written all over Jenna’s face, but once Ashley made up her mind to do something, it was close to impossible to stop her.

Jonathan, on the other hand, was ecstatic to see her go. He didn’t like her and it was obvious, perhaps because she was on to him. The spark for Ashley’s anger was the fact that he was so openly taking advantage of Jenna and she was quick to remind him of her suspicions. The two fought a verbal war on a daily basis, but never in front of Jenna. When she was present, they had an unspoken truce in order to spare Jenna from having to choose sides, each afraid of the outcome.

“It’s no wonder Dax cheated on you,” Jonathan bated her. “Look at you. You’re nothing much to look at and rumor has it you weren’t so good in the sack.”

“Get a job, Jonathan. I can’t believe that you’re sponging off of Jenna like this,” Ashley accused, trying to deflect the hurtful words that had been hurled at her.

“Yeah, well at least I’ve got a home and a woman who loves me. All you’ve got is a whole lot of crazy going on up there.” Jonathan pointed at her head. “Good luck finding your dream lover,” he laughed.

Ashley couldn’t believe Jenna had told Jonathan about Grey Eyes, but then why wouldn’t she. Jonathan was her husband. She shared everything with him. Ashley fought for control. She was not the violent type by nature, but she wanted so badly to punch him. Ashley and Jenna had known each other since pre-school and she wasn’t about to jeopardize all those years of friendship for one moment of pleasure, no matter how great it would feel.

She had plenty of time to think about it all now, after arriving in Scotland. Ashley drove through the countryside on a narrow two-lane road into the highlands, white knuckling it through village after village. She didn’t have any regrets about her decision to make this trip and she’d prove to Jenna that Grey Eyes really did exist. If she couldn’t find him, she’d surely look crazier than she sometimes felt, but somehow she knew she would, why else would she have been so compelled to travel half way around the world on her search. This was the right thing to do and there was no turning back.

Her trip was being done totally on instinct alone and while she was frightened to be doing it all by herself, it was also exhilarating and liberating. She had a newfound confidence in herself. It felt good to be in charge of her own destiny for once in her life.

FOUR

Ashley took her time, stopping in several small villages along the way. There was excitement and anticipation in the pit of her stomach, and nothing she had experienced so far in her life had felt quite so right. It was as if the car was on autopilot and she had no control over where she was headed. Driving on she found herself in Western Ross, also known as the Celtic Fringe. She passed through Applecross, Torridon and more small hamlets dotting the countryside, which was breathtakingly beautiful. History was pouring forth from all directions, but Ashley was on a mission. Finally in need of sustenance she came to yet another small village, where she decided to take a break for tea. She was shown to an empty table, when she walked into a quaint little teashop situated on the main road. Ashley hadn’t realized how hungry she was, until she sat down. When a girl of about eighteen came to take her order, Ashley opted for a pot of Darjeeling, her favorite tea, and an assortment of scones. As she waited, she pulled out the maps and tour guides and laid them on the table. Pinpointing her location, she decided that there was still time left in the day to go a bit further, before finding a place to stay for the night. She was getting close to her destination; she could feel it.

The girl came back with Ashley’s order and carefully set the tea and scones on the table, avoiding the maps and books. Nodding in the direction of the maps she asked, “Are you on holiday then, Miss?”

“Yes, yes, I am.”

“You must be American, I can tell by your accent. My name’s Maggie. This is my family’s tea shop.”

“Nice to meet you, Maggie. I’m Ashley and you got the accent right, I am American.”

“Ashley… that’s a nice name. Are you staying in town for the night, or will you be travelling on?”

“I thought I’d drive for a little longer and then find a place to stay. I’m looking for something off the beaten path. Any suggestions?”

“Everything’s off the beaten path in these parts,” Maggie joked. “Let me think on it for a moment. I’ll be right back.”

Ashley watched as Maggie went back behind the counter and spoke with an older woman, who was washing glasses. She then went to the phone and made a call. Ashley continued perusing her maps and books as she enjoyed her tea.

“You should go to Glendaloch.” Maggie returned a few minutes later and sat down opposite Ashley at her table. She had a twinkle in her eye as she said, “It’s a magical wee place. There’s not much in the town itself… a few shops, a small inn and restaurant, but the countryside is beautiful. Me mam’s family lives there, and she’s always told me stories about the place since I was a wee one. She says that if the timing’s just right and you wish hard enough, your dreams can come true there. You might meet some fairies, or even a handsome Highlander.”

Ashley experienced a strange, tingly sensation when she heard the name Glendaloch. “Sounds like my kind of place,” she laughed. “Thanks, Maggie; I’m going to make that my next stop.”

“I’m happy to hear it, you’re going to love it! It’s unlike any place you’ve ever been,” Maggie said with pride and then pointed out the directions on the map. “There is a great hiking trail in Glendaloch that you should try. It’s a most enjoyable way to pass the day.”

“I’m not much of a hiker back home, but I could make an exception while I’m here. As a matter of fact,” Ashley said with authority, “I think I will.”

“I wish you luck then.” Maggie winked as she rose from her chair and headed back behind the counter. “The Campbell’s are fine folks and they’ll take good care of you. They own the inn in Glendaloch, and me Mam is Edna Campbell’s sister.”

Ashley thoroughly savored her scones, slathering each bite with a bit of clotted cream and her favorite, lemon curd. She took a last sip of tea, packed up her maps and books and paid the check.

“Thanks again, Maggie. It was a pleasure chatting with you.”

“You too, Ashley,” Maggie said, and then she added with a mischievous grin, “If ye come across any handsome Highlanders save one for me would ye?”

Ashley smiled and waved goodbye. As she got back into the car, she laughed. “Fairies and handsome Highlanders… now wouldn’t that be something?”

FIVE

Ashley parked her rental car in front of an inn called ‘The Thistle and Hive’, in the little town of Glendaloch. She felt the same odd buzzing and tingling sensation throughout her body as she had at the teashop and knew instinctively her heart had been leading her to this place. Grabbing her bags, she practically ran through the front door and up to the front desk. The lobby was beautifully decorated, with wingback chairs that faced a blazing fireplace. A large carpet, designed with an intricate Celtic knot pattern lay on the dark hard wood floors, which looked like they had been in place for a very long time. The walls were white plaster. Dark wood that matched the floors, also framed the walls, and artwork was tastefully displayed throughout. Wooden beams and a large rustic chandelier decorated the ceiling. A wide staircase, off to the left, led upstairs and there was a dining room and bar on the right.

As Ashley approached the front desk, she was greeted by a smiling blue-haired woman, with sparkling emerald green eyes. The hair took her by surprise. She had seen plenty of teenage girls and young women with their hair dyed pink, blue or even purple, but never an older woman, certainly not that she could recall. Despite the hair, Ashley was looking at a woman in her middle years. “Hello, I’m Mrs. Campbell. Welcome to The Thistle. You must be Ashley.”

Ashley was shocked into silence.
How on earth does she know my name
, she wondered.

Apparently reading her mind, or at the very least, Ashley’s perplexed facial expression, Mrs. Campbell explained. “Maggie called from the teashop, to let us know we’d be having a guest from America.”

Ashley let out a relieved breath and laughed at how silly she felt. “Maggie said Glendaloch is magical, but I’m happy to know you don’t actually have any special powers.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised, dear.” Before Ashley could ask what she meant, Mrs. Campbell went to work, getting Ashley registered and handed her a key to her room.

“I gave you a room with a view of our lovely countryside.” Mrs. Campbell beamed. “Once you get settled in, please come down and join us for a bite to eat.”

“Thank you. I’ll definitely do that.”

“Do you need help with your bags, dear? Angus will be along shortly and he can bring them up for you.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay. I’ve got them,” Ashley reassured her.

“All right then. We’ll see you in a bit.” Mrs. Campbell hurried off into the dining room, leaving Ashley to head upstairs in search of her room.

The inn was small and quaint. There didn’t appear to be more than six rooms on the second floor, and unless there were some hidden on the first floor, that was it. Ashley’s room was at the end of the hall and as Mrs. Campbell had promised, the view was spectacular. She looked around the room and was pleased with what she found. A big four-poster bed took up much of the room. There was a large, comfortable chair by the window and a charming fireplace on the opposite wall. The room was tastefully decorated in hues of peach and sage green. She was relieved to see she had her own bathroom, and looked forward to a quick shower before dinner.

The warm water felt good on her body. Ashley hadn’t realized how stiff and sore she was, due to the stress of driving in a foreign country. It had taken her a while to get used to driving on the other side of the road. She’d been in constant fear of forgetting the rule, and ending up in a head-on collision, so she’d white-knuckled it all the way to Glendaloch.

Ashley stepped from the shower and grabbed the fluffy white bath sheet from the towel rack. She quickly dried herself off and put on the bathrobe provided by the inn. She made her way to the bed and flopped back into its downy softness.
A short nap might do me some good
, she thought. Ashley closed her eyes and before long, she fell asleep.

She slept dreamlessly and when she woke, she had the feeling that Grey Eyes was nearby. It was already dark outside and the fireplace was ablaze. Ashley couldn’t remember whether it had been lit when she came into the room, but if it wasn’t, how is it that it was now. Her eyes travelled around the room and there he was, lit by the golden glow of the fire. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. “You’re here,” her voice was barely audible and her hands shook. He smiled a soft, sweet smile and then slowly disappeared from view. She was usually disappointed when he left, but this time she felt a certain sense of satisfaction. She was getting close. She could feel it.

Finally able to take a deep breath, she got up, hurriedly dressed, and checked in the mirror to be sure she looked okay. She hoped she hadn’t missed dinner, because her stomach was grumbling for food.

When Ashley entered the dining room, Edna Campbell came rushing across to greet her. “We were worried we wouldn’t be seeing you this evening. Come, sit with us and I’ll get you your dinner.

Ashley apologized for her late arrival. “I guess I was just exhausted from all the driving I did today. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

“Don’t give it a second thought, dear. Are you cold?” Mrs. Campbell didn’t wait for a reply. “Come sit here by the fire, it gets quite chilly at night in these parts. Angus, entertain our guest while I get the food.”

The man seated across from her had risen, and was extending his hand. “Angus Campbell, Edna’s husband. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss.”

“Oh, please, call me Ashley.”

Angus nodded and waited for Ashley to sit down, before taking his own seat. He was quite handsome. He stood about a foot taller than his wife did, and he wore his salt and pepper hair cropped short. He was solidly built with broad shoulders, in excellent shape for a man in what looked to be his mid-fifties. He smiled at Ashley and his hazel eyes, flecked with gold, crinkled at the corners. When he wasn’t smiling, Angus Campbell appeared a little stern, but Ashley thought, from the warmth in his eyes, he was likely to be a teddy bear in disguise. Right now, he looked as if he was searching for something to say. Apparently, Angus Campbell was a man of few words and his wife was the exact opposite.
A busy bee
, Ashley mused. Very suitable for The Thistle and Hive.

Edna came bustling out from the kitchen, carrying a huge tray. “I’ve got some lovely beef stew here, and some freshly baked bread as well.”

“It smells delicious. Thank you.”

As she ate, Ashley studied the dining room. She was surrounded by beautifully decorated tables. Fresh flowers within glass vases were positioned here and there throughout the room, and on each table, there was a hurricane lamp and a glowing candle. It was a warm, cozy room and under the right circumstances, even romantic. Ashley was the only guest, but as her eyes travelled around the room, she noticed someone sitting in a dark corner, near the windows. It was a man who obviously wanted to go unnoticed, and as Ashley’s eyes met his, she was disturbed by the glare he was directing her way. She quickly looked away, and was about to mention it to the Campbell’s when Edna spoke.

“That’s Teddy,” she explained in a quiet voice. “He lives here in town and comes in every night for a bite. During the week, he’s usually our only guest.”

Ashley glanced in Teddy’s direction once more and noticed he hadn’t taken his eyes off her. A chill ran down her spine.