Page 54 of A Promise Through Time

“Wow! Thank you. I just might.”

“The only thing I ask is that you call it Ayla’s blend.”

“I can do that.”

“Good. I also made some other notes about things you could sell that are from this time. Don’t worry, it’s not my muffin recipe.”

“You’re quite the character, Sara. Here you are ready to give birth at any moment and you’re thinking about me and Ayla’s tea.”

“I have to keep myself busy so I won’t start to worry,” she said and then leaning in, whispered, “I’m a little scared.”

“Understandable,” Tina replied. “I think I would be too. I hear there’s a doctor coming to help you and Helene.”

“Dr. Ferguson. He’s delivered babies for Ashley and Jenna. Not Ashley’s first. She did that all by herself with the help of one of the women here.”

“I have a newfound respect for her,” Tina said. “I can’t even imagine what that would be like.”

Tina helped Sara get settled in a chair near the fire. Despite the sunny sky, the weather was cooler than she was used to.

“Logan says we’re expecting some rain,” Sara said.

“Really? It was so sunny outside.”

“He’s always right. He could be a weatherman in our time,” Sara said. “Can you imagine that? He’d be the hottie on the evening news.” She couldn’t contain her laughter and Tina joined her.

As they sat and continued their conversation, Tina’s mind kept wandering up the stairs and into Donal’s room.

***

“She feels quite warm again,” Donal said, pressing his lips to Elena’s forehead as he’d seen Tina do. “Will ye tell Tina before ye leave?”

“Aye. I’ll go now,” Doreen said.

Donal dipped a cloth in cool water and swabbed Elena’s face and body with it. It seemed as if Tina would never arrive, but then the door opened and she hurried in.

“Her fever’s back?” she asked

Elena coughed and Tina’s face immediately showed concern. “How long has she been coughing?”

“Since I’ve been back. Is that bad?”

“I don’t know. Could be.” Tina examined Elena from head to toe. “She’s got a rash. I don’t like that.”

“When will Dr. Ferguson arrive?” He tried to keep the worry from his voice, but it was a futile effort.

“The only thing I know is that he’s on the way.”

“Ye said that Ashley can contact the witch. Will she help Elena?”

“Yes. I’m sure she will. Go find Ashley. I’ll stay here with Elena.”

Donal strode from the room, purpose clear on his face. He didn’t have to go far to find Ashley. She was in the passageway leaving her chamber.

“Ashley,” Donal said before she began descending the stairs. “Elena’s fever is back. She has a cough and a rash. Tina thought we should contact Edna.”

Ashley immediately turned back towards her room. “Come with me,” she beckoned him.

He followed her into the chamber she shared with Cailin. From a chest in a corner of the room she removed an odd globe which she held up in front of her face.