Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

W hen Mary had finally finished her transition the evening before, it had felt different. It was as though it didn't have as much power over her as it had before the coven had changed the spell. This transition was easier and less painful than the first time it happened. She had felt a great hunger after the transition, so she'd eaten most of the food she'd brought to the room and drank a good portion of the wine, before climbing into bed and falling into a very deep sleep. Even in goblin form she slept quite soundly.

At sun rise Mary woke with a frightened start. Her eyes opened and she was quick to remember about the transition. She looked at her hand and was pleased to see that she was in human form. The broken spell was continuing to hold. She was glad for it and wouldn't take it for granted.

Mary got out of bed and poured water into the wash basin. She splashed the cold fresh water on her face and took the time to wash her hair. It had been a while since she was able to do so. She wondered if she could ask Ivy to arrange a bath for her while she was in human form. She would have to remember to ask her when she saw her. There were many things she wanted to do that she had not been able to do since arriving. Simply walking around the castle and eating with everyone else for breakfast and lunch would be nice too, though she wouldn't be able to attend dinner since that took place after sunset.

Hamish had spent most of the night worrying over Mary and how she was doing. . A part of him was nervous that perhaps the whole thing had been a momentary deviation and the spell wouldn't remain broken. It was possible that Mary would remain in goblin form having only turned back for one day. The thought terrified him because he knew how devastating that would be for her.

As soon as he arrived back at the Keep, just after sunrise, he hurried into the castle. He had promised himself that he would go and see her as soon as he returned from patrol and he meant to do that before doing anything else. He hoped she'd be up to joining him for breakfast.

Hamish nodded at Shaw and knocked upon the door. “Mary, it’s Hamish, are you awake,” he said.

“One moment, Hamish, I'm just fixing my dress,” she said. "All right, I'm ready."

He recognized her voice instantly as the voice of the woman and not the goblin. He felt relieved. "Everything go well last night, Shaw?" he asked as Shaw put the key in the lock.

"Aye, she was quiet as a mouse all night."

Shaw opened the door and Hamish saw that he had been right. She was once again in her human form and she had a bright smile on her face for him.

“Good morning, Hamish,” she said and then looked behind him. "Good morning, Shaw. Thank you for protecting me last night."

"My pleasure, my lady. I'll be heading down to breakfast now." Shaw handed him the keys.

Hamish wait until he was gone. “I thought I would come to see if you would like to have a bit to eat with me.”

“Yes, I would like that very much.” she said grabbing the cloak he'd given her the day before and leaving the room with him.

He wasn't sure if she'd need it or not but didn't think it would hurt to have it with her. Perhaps he could entice her into another walk, maybe this time down to the Loch? For the moment he set the thought aside and just enjoyed walking with her down the dining hall. She asked questions along the way, pointing out various tapestries and asking about them. She seemed fascinated by every minute detail of the castle and it brought him pleasure to share his knowledge with her.

Not only that, but he also enjoyed hearing about the modern things from her world as well and he asked many questions about what she called technology as they ate eggs and bacon and bowls of porridge. "You mean you just push a few buttons on this device you call a phone and someone will deliver whatever you ordered?"

Mary giggled. "Yes. Depending on what you've ordered it could take as little as thirty minutes to a day or two. Food is generally thirty minutes. Other things like books might take a day to reach you. It all depends on how far away the item you've order is. I once ordered a special dress all the way from China and it only took four days to get to me."

"You ordered things from the Orient? How fascinating. I find myself quite intrigued by the things you speak of."

"Have you been to the Orient?" Mary asked as she lifted up a piece of bacon and took a bite.

Hamish watched her lips for a moment as she bit into the meat strip and suddenly wished he could kiss her again. He blinked as he recalled she'd asked him a question. "Oh, no. I've not traveled that far. Only through Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Ireland, and England."

"Only? That is more places than I've been. I've only ever been to a few states in the U.S." Mary shook her head. "It's strange to think it's not even a country yet."

"Why not, do you know?" Hamish asked, curious to know more about this country she called home.

"Oh, well let's see, the land has been discovered by now, but it's currently inhabited by primitive peoples and Europeans haven't gone to settle there yet, I don't think. I believe the entire land, which is pretty massive, is still in a very wild state. You won't really find any buildings there. The people who currently live there are mostly nomadic and live in mounds or teepees, which is like a huge piece of cloth wrapped around large poles that interlock. I suppose there might be some hunters or trappers there who have built some small cabins out of logs, but I can't be sure about that. It will still be sometime, another forty or fifty years or so before the first settlers move there."

"It is incredible to think of a land so wild and untamed by the civilized world. Does your modern world still have the nomadic people who were living there now?"

Mary looked down, her face clouding over. "Some. The people who will eventually go and settle there, well, they won't be very kind to the natives who currently live there. Many will be killed." She looked up with tears in her eyes. "I'm not saying that it's all the settlers fault. Some of the peoples who live there are very savage and do some horrendous things to other natives and will to some of the settlers when they arrive. There are many years of conflict in store for my country before it becomes the United States."

"Much is the way of many countries. We've all been conquered at one time or another by a stronger country's forces. We Scots often find ourselves at odds with the English. The politics of such things can bring much death and destruction."

Mary nodded as she looked at her plate. She hadn't eaten much and that worried him.

"Are you not hungry, lass?"

"No, I suppose I'm not as hungry as I thought."

"Don't worry, the staff will just use the scraps to feed the dogs, it won't go to waste."

"That's good to know." Mary smiled. "Do you think we might go for a walk? I know that you probably need to get some sleep, but I find myself wanting to spend more time with you and I would enjoy the sunshine while we have it."

"I was going to ask. I thought we might head down to the shore. We can walk down there and enjoy the breeze from the Loch."

"That sounds lovely. I'm glad I brought the cloak you gave me."

"Shall we?" Hamish stood and held a hand out for her. Her fingers were so delicate in his own, he almost felt as though he might crush them in his grip if he held too tightly. Still, he did enjoy the feeling of her hand in his.

They left the castle through the kitchens, into the gardens and then down to the shore of the Loch where they strolled past a few cottages.

"Who lives there?"

"Many of the fishermen and their families. Some of the younger girls and women work in the kitchen or as maids for the Keep. Everyone earns their way here by doing things that need to be done."

Mary's face fell. "What about me? Should I be working? I don't want to be a burden to the Laird."

Hamish paused their stroll and turned her into his chest. "You are not a burden, Mary Cahill. You've only just arrived and you've not been back in your human for but a day. No one expects you to take on any tasks right now. Eventually, you will find your place here, but you do not have to rush yourself. It is overwhelming I am sure to have traversed time, you do not need the additional worry of being a burden, because you are not one. You are a gift."

Mary felt her heart swell with gratefulness for his words. Hamish was a truly kind man and she counted herself extremely lucky that he was interested in her. Especially considering she was a goblin half the time. "Thank you," she murmured.

"I'd like to kiss you again, Mary, may I?"

Mary nodded, her stomach filling once more with butterflies as the anticipation of his kiss filled her. He drew her near and his lips crashed against hers in the most pleasant way. She loved the feel of his lips on hers, the way he held her so gently but also she knew she was secure in his arms. She wanted to wrap herself around him, breathe him in and hold him forever.

Too soon he broke the kiss and she whimpered at the loss. Hamish chuckled. "Have to agree, lass. Kissing you is like visiting heaven. I have every desire to do it again, but I can see more people are beginning to stir and I do not wish to draw too much attention to us."

Mary sighed and took a step back. "I suppose we should head back to the Keep? I bet you're pretty tired after all."

"Unfortunately, I am a wee bit knackered. I promise I will come and see you after I wake, that is, if you wish me to?" he said, his voice uncertain.

"I'd like that very much." Mary smiled.

Together they headed back into the castle and parted ways. Mary went in search of Ivy to speak to her. She found her in one of the sitting rooms with a few of the other ladies. They were each sewing various things and chatting. "So this is where you are," she said as she entered.

Ivy set her project down in her lap and smiled. "Good morning, Mary, did you sleep well?"

"About as well as can be expected, considering. I was wondering, would it be possible to have a bath? The basin and water are great, but I don't really feel like I'm getting a good wash, you know?"

"Oh, of course. I should have thought about that. I'll arrange it for you. When would you like it?"

"Perhaps after lunch?" Mary asked.

"I will make it happen. By the way, now that you are…" Ivy glanced up to see who was in the room and then continued, "feeling more like yourself, I have some more dresses for you. You'll need more than one, after all."

"Oh, I didn't even consider that. What can I do to pay for them?" she asked.

"No, they are gifts from all of us to you. You don't have to work for them." Ivy shook her head. "When you've had time to get acclimated to being here, I'm sure we can find some things that you would enjoy doing but for now, just get used to being here, okay?"

"Okay. Hamish said the same," Mary murmured.

"Awwww, did he?" Ivy grinned. "What else did Hamish say? Have you kissed him again yet?"

"Ivy!" Mary felt heat creep up her neck to her cheeks.

"Oh, don't worry about it. We've all been where you are. Falling for the man who rescued us."

"I wouldn't say he actually rescued me, more like took me captive," Mary said sassily, but she grinned.

"Po-tay-toe, po-ta-toe. Same thing." Ivy giggled. "You found your way here, didn't you?"

Mary rolled her eyes. "Yes."

"And Hamish was the first man you interacted with, right?"

"It's always the first." Anna glanced up from her own sewing.

"What do you mean?" Mary asked.

"We have a theory here."

Mary looked at her warily. "What kind of theory?"

"I'm not sure you're ready to hear it yet," Anna smiled, "I mean, I don't want to scare you off of Hamish, you know?"

Mary snorted. "Unless you tell me he's a serial killer or a… a… dark Fae in disguise, then I doubt you're going to scare me out of liking him as much as I do."

"Good to know you have standards," Ivy said with a giggle.

"Whatever, what's the theory?"

"The theory is that the Seelie Fae are bringing us here not only because we have a needed skill, but also because we are the perfect mate for one of the Grant men."

"That's absurd."

"Is it?" Ivy asked. "You're here, aren't you? Magic is real, isn't it? The Fae are real, you know this for a fact, right? So who's to say that the Seelie aren't specifically bringing us here and playing matchmaker?"

"But why?" Mary couldn't imagine some other species playing matchmaker for her, but if they were, well, they certainly hit the nail on the head with her attraction for Hamish.

"We don't know. That's why it's just a theory, but so far it's held true for over a dozen times," Nancy put in.

"Huh. Well, I am very much attracted to him." Mary considered the idea for real and found she didn't really mind. "So at least they got that right."

The ladies all giggled.

Mary looked around, and then asked, "So about that… what's the deal? I mean will I be thought a loose woman if we, you know?" She blushed hard as she was unable to put her thoughts fully into words.

Ivy giggled again. "Not unless you're doing it in full view of everyone!"

Mary knew her face was as red as a tomato. "That is never going to happen!"

"I don't know… you were getting pretty hot and heavy up on the roof yesterday..." Ivy laughed louder.

"Oh my God," Mary muttered, completely embarrassed. "You need to shut up."

"I'm only teasing, it wasn't as bad as all that. It was just some kissing. Not like you were half undressed or anything," Ivy replied, still giggling.

"Ivy, stop teasing her, your turning her into a tomato," Anna said, grinning.

"Don't worry, Mary, we've all been there," Nancy added, a twinkle in her eye.

Anna glanced at a small clock on the table. "They'll be serving lunch in a few minutes. We should put this away and head to the dining hall."

Mary was thankful the subject had changed from her love life to lunch as she stomach growled. She hadn't eaten much of breakfast, so now she was quite hungry. After lunch with the ladies from the future, Ivy had a bath brought up to her room. Mary thoroughly enjoyed bathing in the tub in front of a roaring fire so she wouldn't catch a chill.

After her bath she dressed in one of the new dresses that Ivy had given her and braided her hair with the matching ribbon. She wanted to look nice when Hamish came to see her. She decided to head down to the kitchen early and get her provisions for the night before he arrived.

She spent a few minutes watching the kitchen staff as Blair prepared a feast for her.

"Here you are, lass. I think this should do you well. I packed in several meat pies, some bread, and a bit of my special shortbread along with a flask of whisky. Can't imagine having to do what you're doing every night. I'm praying old Maggie will come through for you in removin' that spell," Blair said softly so none of the others would overhear.

"Thank you, Blair. I appreciate that." Mary smiled at her. She headed back up to her room with everything and got it all set up for later when she'd be hungry.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in?" Mary called out, turning around to face the door.

"Good evening, lass, you are looking bonnie." Hamish's face lit up upon seeing her.

Mary moved toward him, smiling as she slid her arms around him and hugged him. "I'm glad you were able to come visit me before you head off to your duties this evening."

Hamish grinned and leaned down to kiss her. "If I'm going to be greeted like this every time, I'll make sure to visit even more often."

Giggling, Mary stepped back. "Are you patrolling the same area as where you found me tonight?" she asked, curious about what he did.

"No, we'll be going to a different section this evening, well past the local village. We're on the lookout for Nellie Sharpfingers. We've got a few people in the village who have spoken of a strange woman out that direction. We thought we'd check it out."

"Do be careful, Hamish. I have a feeling she's very dangerous."

"I will, lass. Are you all set for tonight?"

Mary nodded. "Yes, I… well I thought I might try figuring out some of this power I've got. Do you think that's all right? I don't want to upset the Laird, I just want to be able to know what I'm dealing with, to understand it."

Hamish seemed to consider her idea and then nod. "I don't see how that could hurt anything as long as you are safely secured in this room and don't cause too much of a ruckus." He smiled.

"I'll try to keep it down to a dull roar," Mary giggled.

"Leith is going to be outside your room, I'll warn him not to worry if he hears any loud noises."

"Thank you, Hamish." She moved back into his arms and laid her head on his chest. She glanced up at him and sighed. "I suppose you must go?" She knew it was near time because she could feel the sun beginning to set.

"Aye. It's getting more difficult leaving your side, lass," he murmured so softly she almost didn't hear what he said.

"It's difficult to let you go as well," she replied.

He caressed her cheek as he gazed gently into her eyes and then kissed her tenderly. "I'll see you tomorrow. Be careful."

"You too." Mary stepped back and sighed as he left.

Once the transformation took over her, she sat down to eat and then spent a few hours working on discovering exactly what kind of things she could do.