Page 42 of A Keeper of Time

“I do. I’ve done nothing wrong. There can be nothing wrong with love.”

He so wished he could hold her in his arms, but he realized he was dreaming and as was the case with many dreams he was unable to reach her.

“Edna, I want to be with ye. To hold ye and to love ye,” Angus said.

“Oh, Angus, I want that, too. To lay in yer arms again would be me greatest joy. Please doona lose hope. I need to ken that ye believe we’ll be together again verra soon.”

“I believe in ye, Edna. If ye tell me ’twill be so, then so ’twill.” He felt her fade away as he woke with the pain of missing her.

Angus walked back to the camp and to a group that appeared as downtrodden as he’d felt only a short while ago.

“Lads,” Angus said. “I’ve spoken with Edna.”

“How?” Cailin asked.

“She came to me in a dream.” Angus rubbed his hand across his face. It had seemed so real.

All their heads lifted when they heard this and not a one doubted him. They all knew that anything was possible when it came to Edna.

“And… “ Lena stood and went to her father. “What did she say?”

“She believes all will be well and that ye should no’ worry. All that has been undone will be set right.”

“How?” Cailin asked.

“When?” Cormac wondered.

“I doona have the answers to yer questions. I can only tell ye what she has told me. She does no’ wish ye to worry.”

At that moment the door to the house opened and Maggie emerged and approached the waiting group.

“Everyone is here now. The proceedings will start shortly,” she announced.

“I can no’ believe they would think me mother meant anyone harm,” Lena said. Angry tears formed in her eyes

“Evanore has her grievances and they will be heard, but I agree. I doona ken how anyone could disagree with what Edna has done in the name of love.” Angus rubbed Lena’s back, hoping to put her mind at ease.

“Where will the trial be held? Will we be able to attend?” Lena held onto her father’s arm as worry filled her voice.

“’Twill be held right here, outside of the house. And, aye. Ye will all attend. In fact, ye may be called as witnesses.”

Excited murmurs went through the group as they spoke with each other.

“Ye’ll have an opportunity to talk about how Edna’s actions have affected yer lives.”

“We’re all grateful to her,” Logan said. “Our lives are full now with the love of our wives and our families.”

“And our husbands,” Brenna added.

Angus noted that she’d been exceptionally quiet this whole time. She was seated next to her brother and Dougall was doing his best to comfort her, but it was clear she was anything but comfortable.

“Aye, of course,” Logan said. “I’m sorry, Brenna, I did no’ mean to leave ye out.”

“I’ve been asked to stay outside for now and I’ve been assured that they’ll be out shortly.”

Angus was anxious to see Edna and for the proceedings to begin. He was also more than ready for all of this to be over. There was nothing to do now but wait.

***