A Thistle & Hive Christmas: Book 4.5 of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  He finished his breakfast and watched as Edna daintily picked up a piece of toast and took a bite. His fingers were drawn to the blue streak in her hair, which had fallen into her face. He gently tucked it behind her ear, brushing her cheek with his knuckles as he did so. Edna rewarded him with a loving smile, which lit the emerald green eyes he cherished.

  “It appears it may snow later today,” Edna said. “I’m going to take the lasses shopping for Christmas gifts. Maybe ye should do the same with the gents. We can meet for lunch at the pub.”

  “Who will watch the wee ones?”

  “Teddy can watch them.”

  “Teddy? Do ye believe ’tis a good idea?”

  “Aye. He’ll be fine. I ken they are a handful, but Teddy can handle it. They’ll be here at the inn. If he needs our help, he can call us on the cell phone. We’re only moments away.”

  “I’d like to see ye convince young Ashley of that.”

  “She’s a new mother and, yes, she’s a bit overprotective, but this will be a good time for her to place some trust in others.” Edna put down her fork and faced Angus. “They’re off to see Dr. Ferguson ye ken. I’m hoping he’ll put her mind at ease about Emma’s health. I’d like to find a way to help with that when she returns to Breaghacraig.”

  “I’m sure ye’ll think of something,” Angus winked. His belief in Edna and her ability to make any situation right was evident. Occasionally the way she reached her goal was a little worrisome, but things always ended up exactly where she wanted them to be.

  “Alright then. I’ll take the men shopping as ye wish, but if they’re anything like me, they’ll nae be verra excited about it.”

  Edna’s joy at his pronouncement seemed to light up her face, which made Angus feel quite good about his decision. He’d do anything for Edna, even go shopping.

  Edna was just finishing up her breakfast when the door opened and Richard, Angelina, Lady Catherine and Henry returned.

  “Good morning,” Edna said. “Have ye eaten?”

  “Aye. We ate before we went out.”

  “How was yer visit with the doctor?”

  “’Twas good. Everyone is healthy and we’ve nothing to worry over.”

  “Once everyone is back, we’ll go do some Christmas shopping. How does that sound?”

  “Like music to my ears,” Angelina said. “I’m going up to the room for a minute. Henry needs to be fed.”

  “I’ll join you, love.” Richard followed Angelina upstairs, leaving Lady Catherine behind.

  “Catherine, come sit with me.” Edna motioned to the chair next to her. “Angus is getting ready for our outing and I’ve some time to sit and relax. How are ye enjoying yer stay?”

  “Edna, I cannot thank you enough for welcoming us into your home. It’s an adventure I wouldn’t miss.”

  “How was yer visit with Dr. Ferguson?” Edna watched closely as Catherine’s face lit up at the mention of his name.

  “Very nice. He is a good man, and a handsome one at that.” Catherine’s face turned two or three shades of pink with that pronouncement. “I’m thankful that he befriended Richard. I’m also aware that you had a lot to do with helping him realize the man he was truly meant to be.”

  “I cannae help meself, Catherine. I’m a meddler at heart and Richard seemed as though he needed an opportunity to be redeemed. I sent him off on a journey of discovery, but he did all the hard work. I’m so happy for all of ye.” Edna sipped her tea and then grabbed another cup, which she filled for Catherine. “Now tell me all about Dr. Ferguson.”

  “It’s been quite some time since my husband died and I’ve not been at all interested in finding a new man to fill his shoes. He was a difficult man and I didn’t wish to put myself in the position of dealing with that ever again. Dr. Ferguson is a kind and gentle man. Nothing at all like Richard’s father. If there were someone like him in my time, I’d be happy to be a married lady again.”

  Meddlesome Edna was itching to do some matchmaking, but even she was unsure how she could make this work out. “One never knows, Catherine, the right man will find his way to ye.”

  “Do you see it, Edna. Richard told me that you have the sight.”

  “I don’t see it as much as know it.” How could she explain to Catherine that she would most likely be meddling in her life in the near future? “’Tis too difficult to explain, but in yer case I cannae see the future.” But I can help mold the future.

  Lady Catherine appeared disappointed. “I don’t know why I’m so interested in finding love after all this time, but perhaps it’s best to leave things as they are. I have a good life with Richard and Angelina. My grandson Henry is the love of my life now.”

  “Ye have another son, don’t ye?” Edna asked.

  “Yes. Edward. He’s Richard’s younger brother.” Catherine responded.

  “Is he married?”

  “No. He hasn’t fallen in love yet.”

  “So, ye dinnae believe in marrying for lands and title then.”

  “No. Not at all. I wish I had married for love, but then I wouldn’t have Richard and Edward, would I?”

  “Life can be a puzzle, Catherine. Don’t give up on love. It may find ye yet.”

  Edna and Angus stood surrounded by their guests as they got ready to go out. Ashley appeared quite anxious about leaving Emma with Teddy. Cailin practically had to pry the babe out of her arms.

  “Don’t worry, Ashley. We’re not going far. We are in Glendaloch after all. How far can we go?” Edna chuckled at this. “Teddy can manage the children just fine. He’ll call me if there’s any problem and we can be back here in minutes.”

  “But Angelina is taking little Henry,” she protested.

  “Only because he needs to be fed more frequently. If I could, I’d be happy to leave him with Teddy.” Edna nodded her thanks to Angelina for helping.

  Ashley glanced Teddy’s way and he gave her what amounted to a very shy smile. Edna could see Ashley gathering her courage. “Alright. Teddy I know you’ll take good care of Emma. Everything you need is right here in this bag.” She hurriedly handed the baby to him and turned away.

  Edna could see that she was trying really hard to be brave and that they needed to depart as quickly as possible before Ashley changed her mind. “Shall we?” she said as she motioned to the door.

  Cailin tucked Ashley into his side. “Come, love. ’Twill be good to get away. Remember what Dr. Ferguson told ye.”

  Ashley didn’t answer and Cailin led her through the door and onto the sidewalk.

  “Ladies, ye’ll be coming with me and lads, ye’ll go with Angus. This way ye can purchase gifts for each other without the other knowing what yer getting for them.” She turned and headed down the street, indicating with a nod of her head that Angus should go the other way. As she walked, she could hear Angus hemming and hawing over what he was telling the men.

  “Come on, lads. I dinnae ken how ye feel about this, but the Mrs. has spoken. She wants us to shop and shopping is what we’ll do.”

  Chapter 10

  Teddy & The Children

  Teddy sat in his usual corner at The Thistle & Hive Inn, keeping an eye on the children - all seven of them, including baby Emma who lay on the floor in the midst of her cousins and Chester. He was babysitting unbeknownst to the children. Wee Robert thought himself big enough to be in charge and so his elders humored him by letting him think he was the one protecting the children. Their parents were all out doing some last minute Christmas shopping for them and in order to keep their gifts a surprise, wanted to go on their own. Edna assured everyone that Teddy would keep an eagle eye on them and so they had nothing to worry about, but Teddy found himself getting sleepy. He’d been seated in the same spot for hours and the warmth from the fireplace was affecting his ability to stay awake. He’d nodded off and jerked awake more times than he could count. He couldn’t fight it another minute and closing his eyes, drifted off.

  Wee Robert had been watching Teddy out of the corne
r of his eye. Although his parents had left him in charge, he knew that it was really Teddy who was supposed to be in charge of them and he wasn’t very happy about it. He was just waiting for his chance and as luck would have it, he noticed Teddy was nodding off and decided at that very moment it would be a good idea for the children to go out for a walk to the stables.

  “Ma, wouldnae like it, Robbie. We’re to stay here until she returns.” Fiona wrung her hands and looked at her brother with large, worried eyes.

  “Da would expect me to see that me new horse was being cared for. We should all get our cloaks and walk to the stable. I ken the way, so there’s nae need to worry, Fiona.” Robert had given his son his very own pony a few weeks back and he had impressed upon him the importance of being responsible for his pony’s well-being. Wee Robert wanted more than anything to show his Da that he had listened to him and if that meant taking his siblings for a walk to the stables to see that Tonn had been fed and watered, then that was what he was going to do.

  “But ’tis cold outside, Robbie. What about baby Emma?” Fiona glanced the baby’s way. Wee Robert could see she was still not convinced.

  “We’ll wrap her up in her blankets and I’ll carry her. She’ll be fine. Dinnae ye wish to see the horses? We can bring them carrots and apples from the kitchen.” Robert waited for his sister’s answer. He knew that if she didn’t agree to go with him, that none of them would be going anywhere.”

  Fiona glanced across the room at Teddy. “Shoulnae we tell Teddy we’re going?”

  “Nae. He’s so verra tired. He needs his rest.” He was sure Teddy wouldn’t allow them to go anywhere and he had decided that he must see Tonn.

  “Can we take Chester with us then?” Fiona placed her wee hand on Chester’s back and he turned to face her, planting a huge lick on her face. Fiona giggled and scrunching her face, backed away.

  “Aye. Chester can come with us.”

  “Alright.”

  “We must be verra quiet though. We dinnae wish to awaken Teddy.” Wee Robert held a finger to his lips as he gathered the other children together. Rowan and Ranald were always ready for an adventure, so it was all he could do to keep them from shrieking with joy and running out the door.

  He carefully wrapped baby Emma in the blankets she was laying on and after they all had their cloaks secured, he picked her up and led the way through the doors to the kitchen. The staff at the inn were all at home with their own families, so no one was about. They took a basket from the counter and filled it with carrots and apples.

  “Fiona, ye carry it, I’ve got Emma.” Robert headed for the back door and the other children fell in line behind him. Fiona grabbed the basket and took up the rear. They quietly let themselves out and just as quietly closed the door behind them. “This way.” Wee Robert led the way through the garden and down a pathway that went behind the buildings on the main street. They hadn’t gone very far when they came across a red wagon. Robert placed Emma in the wagon, making sure she was safe. “Isobel, ye get in there with Emma. Yer too little to walk all the way.” He helped her in and got her situated so that Emma’s head was resting in her lap. He readjusted the blankets and then he grasped the handle of the wagon and pulled it behind himself as they trekked toward Mrs. MacDougall’s stable.

  It was only mid-day, but the sun was nowhere in sight. The sky was completely white with the promise of snow, which had Wee Robert walking a bit faster to get to the stables before it began. They were only about halfway there when the first flakes landed on them, at first softly, but soon the flakes became bigger and the snow fell faster.

  “Robbie, we should go back,” Fiona’s tiny voice spoke from behind him.

  “We’re almost there, Fiona. Dinnae fash.” He plodded along with purpose. He would see that they all arrived at the stable. It was only a short distance now. They had left the buildings of Glendaloch behind and they were now trudging along a path that was quickly being hidden by snow. He could barely see in front of his face, but he was sure they were headed in the right direction.

  Teddy awoke with a start. The room was silent and when he opened his eyes he had a moment of panic when he realized the children were gone. They must be in their rooms. He relaxed. He’d head up the stairs to check on them. Panic soon returned when he realized they weren’t there. Edna would be very angry with him. He’d been given the responsibility of babysitting the children while their parents were out and he’d failed miserably. He ran back downstairs and into the kitchen. No one was about. Where could they be? Taking a deep breath and trying his best to calm his frazzled nerves, Teddy took a moment to think. If they were not inside then obviously they had gone out, but where. A quick glance out the window and his stomach dropped. There was a full scale blizzard taking place outside. He had to find them as soon as possible and hopefully before anyone was aware they were missing.

  He grabbed his coat, a hat, put his boots on, and flew out the backdoor. He headed off through the garden and out the back gate. Left or right, which way should he turn. His eyes scanned both pathways. Fear gripped him as he thought he might not find them in time to save them from freezing to death. A small glimpse of orange was visible partially buried in the snow off to his left. Teddy hurried to the spot and bending to pick it up, he saw it was a carrot. Where were they going with a carrot? At least now he knew which direction they’d headed off in. Unfortunately, the snow, which was falling faster and faster had covered any tracks they may have left. Putting two and two together, Teddy surmised that they must be headed to Mrs. MacDougall’s stables, possibly to feed the horses. He set off in that direction hoping the children made it before the snow became so thick that they lost their way. Blinded by the snow blowing in his face, Teddy ducked his head and pulled his jacket closer to stay warm. The wind was howling now in great gusts. He had to find them and get them back to the inn before any harm befell them and before their parents knew they were missing.

  “How much farther do we have to go, Robbie?” Fiona’s teeth chattered as she spoke.

  “We’re almost there.” Wee Robert hoped he sounded convincing, because he wasn’t so sure they were even headed in the right direction now. He had created a small tent over the top of baby Emma with an extra plaid he’d grabbed on the way out the inn door. Good thing he had, because otherwise she’d be covered in snow by now.

  “Ye dinnae even know where we’re going,” Ranald shouted. “I’m going back to the inn.” He turned and began stomping away.

  “Ranald, wait. Ye’ll get lost.” Wee Robert was in charge. He was the oldest. The others had to listen to him. The others all stopped and watched as Ranald left.

  “I’m going with him,” Rowan said. “Ranald wait for me.” He ran to catch up with his brother.

  “Robbie, I’m cold. Can we go back too?” Fiona asked.

  “We’re almost there. It will take too long to walk back.” He continued walking and pulling the wagon.

  “But what of our cousins?” Fiona hesitated where she stood.

  “I cannae stop them if they wish to go back, but we must hurry. Baby Emma must be getting cold.” He hurried onward and his brother and sisters followed quietly behind. He gazed up to the heavens and said a silent prayer that they arrive at the stables safely, but he was beginning to have his doubts. They continued trudging through the snow, which was piling higher and higher by the minute. He checked back to see that everyone was still following along behind him and was relieved to see that other than the twins, his brother and sisters were still with him.

  Rounding the next bend, his prayers were answered. The stable was right in front of them, decorated with lights and a large wreath over the doors. The snow had slowed them down and made their journey much longer than it should have. The weight of responsibility lifted slightly from his shoulders as they reached the closed stable doors. “Fiona, help me get these doors open.” He lifted the cross bar that kept the doors secure and then as Fiona kicked at the pile of snow impeding their progress, Wee R
obert pulled with all his might and finally the doors opened. He rushed everyone inside and was greeted by light and warmth.

  “Who’s there?” came a female voice from the rear of the stable. She spoke with the same accent as his Aunt Ashley and Aunt Jenna.

  “’Tis I, Wee Robert and me brother and sisters. Oh, and me cousin baby Emma.” He strained his eyes to see who it might be who was speaking to him, but there was no one there and they said nothing in response. “Fiona, we must close the doors.”

  They grasped the handles and shut the doors as best they could, then they headed towards the rear of the stable where Tonn’s head peeked over the stable door. “Tonn, there ye be.” Robbie went to his pony and blew gently into his nostrils. Tonn nickered to him and he reached into the basket of goodies and brought out a carrot, which he held out to his friend. Tonn happily gobbled it up, chewing quickly and making an orange foamy mess all around his mouth. The children all giggled at this.

  Fiona looked under the blanket covering Emma, who had slept quite soundly while they walked. She now opened her eyes and taking one look at Fiona, began to cry loudly.

  “Bring the little one here,” came the voice from a stall further down the stable aisle way.

  “Where are ye? Who are ye?” Wee Robert was frightened, but he didnae wish his siblings to see him that way, so he stood tall and began walking towards the voice.

  Chapter 11

  The Stable

  Teddy was beginning to lose hope that he’d locate the children. After finding the carrot, he’d seen nothing to indicate that they were heading along the path to the stables, but his intuition told him to keep going. The wind was blowing right in his face, causing him to look down and to the side to avoid the stinging snow. He carefully continued on his way using only the knowledge he’d garnered from years of living in Glendaloch. He’d walked this path many times and though he wasn’t looking where he was going, he somehow knew the way. The tree stump he ran into, however, was not one he remembered ever seeing and much to his surprise, it spoke to him.