Chapter 11

It had been a week since shed pulled herself out of the lake when Ivy decided it was time to visit with baby Colin. She dressed herself in record time, her fingers moving with steadily more confidence across the various ties and fastenings of her gowns — Nancy had been right, she thought with a smile, she really did get the hang of it quickly. She took care to braid her hair neatly, fastening it into one of the rather old-fashioned updos shed always enjoyed… though here, she supposed, they werent exactly old-fashioned, were they? After one final look in the glass on the back of her door, she took a deep breath… and headed down to meet Edward for breakfast.

Her growing friendship with the quiet, well-spoken man whod saved her from the Kelpie that night had surprised her. She hadnt expected to see much of him after hed delivered her to the Keep, not after the other time-lost women had embraced her as a friend… somehow, shed just assumed that men and women kept to themselves here, mostly. But hed sought her out a few times over the week, often visiting her at mealtimes or when he saw her wandering the courtyard, enquiring after her health, and making sure she was settling in well.

A few days ago, hed been telling her about one of his recent excursions outside of the castle walls — still in search of the Fae that had purportedly kidnapped his cousins infant son. That had piqued her interest well and truly, and after a little more discussion, hed agreed to talk with the Chieftains wife about exactly what was going on with the baby.

He was waiting for her when she reached the entrance hall, handsome as ever in Clan tartan with his keen blue eyes and his neatly trimmed beard. She felt herself blushing a little at the smile that spread across his face. Why were all the men here so handsome? It was little wonder that every single one of her fellow time travelers had ended up falling in love with a Grant man. Edward was part Grant, part Gilroy, she remembered as the two of them found a place at a crowded table in the dining hall for breakfast. Being cousin to both Clans was why hed been drawn — unwillingly — into the ongoing dispute between the families.

Hows the search going? she asked as they ate.

Edward exhaled heavily. Oh, about as well as Id expected. Fae arent exactly famous for being easy to find, even when they want to be. He sighed. Brians still utterly convinced his son is a Changeling. Wont even hold the boy… not that the babe is much for being held, from what I learned.

Youve seen him? Ivy leaned forward, fiercely curious.

Edward nodded. Aye, I went to visit with Anna yesterday, and with Mary. Brians lady mother, he added at Ivys blank look. Shes been helping Anna — her first child, and all.

Ivy nodded. Good to have family support in troubled times. How is Colin doing?

Hes hale and hearty enough, Edward said with a shrug. Eating and growing well, from what Anna told me. But I see what they mean when they say somethings wrong.

He paused, and Ivy waited for him to elaborate, not wanting to ask leading questions. It was going to be difficult enough to assess this child as it was — she wanted the information she received to be as unfiltered as possible.

He wont look at you when you speak. He hears well enough — you see him move in response to noises, but his eyes stay where theyre fixed.

Did you hold him?

Aye, with Annas permission I picked him up. He went stiff as a board, the poor thing. Theres something going on with him, thats certain. Edward tilted his head at her, looking curious. Is there a reason youve taken an interest in this child, Ivy? Do you have one of your own, back home?

She was so busy trying to formulate her next question that she barely registered what Edward had asked. What? A baby?

Aye, he said, and was that a slight flush in his cheeks? A family? A husband?

Oh! Ivy laughed, covering her mouth with one hand. Sorry, Edward — no, no children, no husband. Married to the job.

Is that so? There was an odd look on his face — as though he was hiding some private pleasure, or relief. You work with children, isnt that right?

I do, she said, surprised. Had he been asking about her? The thought that he was interested in what she did sent a rather pleasant shiver down her spine. Im a therapist. I specialize in children who are… She hesitated. Shed talked about her work a little with people here, but most of them had been people from her own time. What would a sixteenth-century Scotsman make of her work as an autism specialist? Children who are a little different, I suppose.

Edward nodded. I had a cousin who was sickly as a child. He needed a lot of help — is that the kind of thing you do?

Something like that, she said, hesitating a little. Although… its mental health Im concerned with, not physical health. Theres a particular condition that Ive studied at length.

A sickness?

I wouldnt call it a sickness, no. Its something people are born with… a different way of seeing the world. Its natural, and not harmful… unless its misunderstood, of course. She was aware she was oversimplifying to the point of sounding ridiculous, but she was acutely aware of how much psychological research had progressed in the centuries that lay between her and Edward. For all that, she liked his company and was surprised by how well they got on, she couldnt forget that gulf between them. I think its possible that baby Colin has this condition, she said finally. Cards on the table, right? From what youve told me about him, and even what Ive heard from some of the other Clan members… it sounds very much like he could be showing early signs of autism.

Edward frowned, clearly skeptical about the prospect. She couldnt blame him. Still, to her relief, he didnt immediately reject the suggestion. I see, he said instead, his gaze clouded as he processed what shed told him. This condition… can it be treated? Cured?

She took a deep breath, fighting down the spark of unease that that question always set off in her. There are ways of managing it, she said, after a brief internal debate about whether it was appropriate to do a quick twenty-minute lecture about the dynamic disability model. Ways of ensuring that autistic people can live happy, healthy lives… all of which basically start from understanding what it is that makes them different. Not sick, not wrong… just different.

Edward nodded slowly; his expression thoughtful. This is a passion of yours, isnt it?

That made her laugh despite herself. Is it that obvious? Sorry.

Dont be, he said, catching her off-guard with the strength in his voice. Its admirable. Dedicating yourself to helping people with this… condition. And if you think it might explain whats happening with my baby cousin… well, Id welcome any help you could offer.

Ivy felt relief wash through her. This was exactly what shed been hoping for. Part of her had been worried that Edward would reject her questions completely, tell her to mind her own business… after all, the child was clearly a very sensitive subject in the Keep from what shed been hearing.

That being said, he continued, a rueful look on his face, its not me you need to convince. Anna and Brian are very protective of their son, as youd understand, and Mary especially doesnt like him having visitors. It was all I could do to convince them to let me come by for barely half an hour yesterday.

Thats okay, Ivy said, nodding. Believe it or not, the majority of my work is with the parents and families of autistic children, not with the children themselves. She smiled softly. Autistic kids tend to understand themselves pretty well. Its helping the rest of the world catch up thats the tricky part. She took a breath. But — consider me on board, Edward. Ill do whatever I can to help get to the bottom of whats happening with Colin. Even if that means hunting for faeries with you, she added, grinning. It was intended as a joke… but Edwards expression made her blink.

Thats a good idea, lass, he said thoughtfully. If youre not otherwise occupied today, perhaps you could accompany me to meet with a local expert on the Fae?

Her eyes widened, her mind flashing back to the horse that had tried to drag her into the freezing lake… and Edward reached across the table to touch her hand, the contact making her catch her breath.

It wont be anything like your second encounter with the Fae.

You promise? she said faintly, only half joking.

Edward smiled back at her, and she felt a warm flutter in her stomach. I promise. And if anything goes wrong, Ill be there to protect you.