Page 41 of A Promise Through Time

“Bethia, answer the lass,” Mary scolded and then to Tina, “She’s a wee bit shy.”

“I havenae,” she said then turned back to her work.

“Sorry we couldn’t be more help,” Mary gave her a sad smile then turned back to the stove.

So much for getting any info on Donal. Why couldn’t she simply forget about him? It was obvious he wasn’t the one for her. She finished her tea and bread, thanked Mary and headed back to her room.

Just as she was about to head upstairs, Ashley appeared. “How was your date?” she asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.

“Is that what it was?” Tina asked. She had to laugh at Ashley’s eagerness.

“You know it was. Tell me all about it.” She grabbed Tina’s arm and yanked her into the great hall where they sat across from each other at one of the dining tables.

“Nothing exciting happened. They’re both nice. Marcas doesn’t seem interested in leaving Breaghacraig, so I think that rules him out. Jock is cute, but I don’t know. I didn’t feel any spark.”

“And Tam?”

“Oh, I don’t feel like I really had a chance to talk to him with all the commotion last night.”

“I know! I can’t believe Donal did that. Have you seen him today?”

“No. I was wondering if you had.”

“He’s probably embarrassed.” Then she shook her head, “No. What am I saying? He’s never embarrassed by any of the crazy things he does around here.”

“You really don’t care for him, do you? Why?”

Ashley became thoughtful at that, “I do like him, but I just don’t think he’s right for you.” She paused, obviously weighing her words. “Living here is a bit like living in a small town. Everyone knows each other’s business. Or they think they know, but in actual fact it’s all just stuff that you hear. So, I’ve heard things about Donal being irresponsible and thoughtless. Not mean or cruel, just not the kind of guy I would have been friends with back home.”

“Unfortunately, he feels that. He thinks no one around here likes him. Not you, or Jenna or anyone else for that matter.”

“Really? The men like him, I think.” Ashley’s brow furrowed as she thought. “I mean, I’ve asked Cailin about him, but the guys never gossip about each other. It’s not good for morale. They have to depend on each other when they’re in the heat of battle, so they’d never say anything. They are very loyal to each other.”

“I feel bad for him,” Tina said.

“I wouldn’t worry about Donal. He’s a big boy. He can fend for himself.”

“I’m not worried, but he’s got a huge responsibility now that Elena’s here.”

“Responsibility has never been his strong suit, from what I’ve heard, but who knows maybe she’s just what he needs to find it.”

“I hope so.”

“Let’s not talk about him anymore. I think we should set up a date for you and Tam. What do you think?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I think I’m done. Maybe this was a bad idea.”

“Don’t say that. Edna wouldn’t have sent you if she didn’t have something in mind. It’ll happen, you’ll see.”

***

Tina sat in front of the hearth in her room wondering why she couldn’t get Donal off her mind. Ashley was right. He wasn’t the one for her, but none of the other men were either. She stared into the flames and tried to clear her mind of anything to do with meeting her match.

“Tina?” Edna’s voice came from the fire, just as Wallace said it did.

Tina sat bolt upright, not saying a word. The room felt different, like it was filled with static electricity.

“I know yer there, lass. I can see ye.”