Page 35 of A Keeper of Time

“And a savory scone, I think.”

“Aye, please.”

Mrs. May rose and went behind the counter where she ladled soup into a bowl and then placed a warm scone on a plate, which she carried back to Maggie.

“How are David, Maureen and wee Molly?” she asked as Mrs. May joined her again.

“They are all well. Maureen still comes in to help me on occasion. They’ve moved into a lovely little cottage with a small yard for Molly to play in. She’s getting so big ye wouldn’t recognize her.”

“I’m so happy for them. How old is Molly now?” Maggie asked.

“She’s four. Can ye believe it?” Mrs. May seemed astonished herself.

“Four! Time flies, doesn’t it?” Maggie could hardly believe it had been so long since she’d been here, sitting at this very table.

“Aye. What about ye and yer husband. Have ye any wee ones yet?” Mrs. May asked.

“No’ yet. We’re working on it though,” Maggie giggled. She’d discussed it with Dylan and they were hoping to be pregnant in a month or two if all went to plan.

Maggie took a sip of her soup. “This is delicious. I might have to get yer recipe to bring home to Dylan. I think this would be a great addition to the inn’s menu.”

“I’d be happy to share it with him,” Mrs. May said.

The bell above the door rang and a group of customers came in.

“Ye’ll have to excuse me.” Mrs. May hopped up and went behind the counter happily chatting with everyone.

Maggie finished her soup and scone. Mrs. May made her a box of goodies to take back to her hotel room. “I’ll be by for breakfast in the morning.” Maggie waved as she went out the door.

“See ye then,” Mrs. May called to her before returning to the line of customers that had arrived in a steady stream while Maggie ate.

It was nice to have someone to connect with when traveling alone. Maggie hadn’t stayed in a hotel room by herself ever. She had been a little apprehensive about it, but she was a big girl. She was more than capable of doing this. When she crawled into bed that night she lined the extra pillows up alongside the length of her body and pretended it was Dylan. It made it much easier to fall asleep without his warmth right next to her.

***

Edna’s crystal ball was back and hovering in front of her. “What will ye show me today?” she asked, seating herself on the bench at the foot of her bed.

Peering in she could see Angelina and Sophia sitting comfortably in Zeke and Brenna’s house and appearing stunned to be back in San Francisco.

“I don’t understand this,” Sophia said.

“It looks like someone wants us to be back where they think we belong.” Jenna said from the kitchen.

“What makes you say that?” Angelina asked.

“It’s kind of obvious. Everyone here is from this time. Brenna, Hamish and Donal were all taken back to the past where all of our husbands and children are now.”

“I’m trying really hard not to freak out about it,” Sara said. “I want Logan and my little Lily.” Her voice started to crack with emotion.

Edna wanted so badly to talk to them, to reassure them. But how could she? She had to find William because no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t get a fire started in the fireplace.

Barnes stood in the doorway. “How long have ye been there?” Edna demanded.

“I’m here to see if ye need anything, m’lady.”

“M’lady! Pffft! I need William. I doona suppose ye ken where he is?”

Barnes turned and started walking, Edna hurried to follow him to a room she hadn’t been in before. It was unfurnished, much to her surprise. Evanore must not have been planning to use it for anything. The corners of the room were dark. In fact they were inky black.