In Time For Edna: Book Ten of The Thistle & Hive Series

By Jennae Vale

Edna Campbell is missing. She’s been kidnapped and is being held prisoner by an enemy she didn’t know she had. One who is determined to undo Edna’s most cherished work. For years Edna has taken pride in matching couples from present-day San Francisco with those from the sixteenth-century Scottish Highlands. The couples don’t know it, but they will soon find themselves being separated and sent back to their own times. There is no guarantee they will be reunited. It’s up to Angus and Maggie to find Edna and reverse the magic that has imprisoned her and forced the couples apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennae Vale
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005903992

Jennae Vale

Jennae Vale is a best selling author of romance with a touch of magic. As a history buff from an early age, Jennae often found herself day-dreaming in history class - wondering what it would be like to live in the places and time periods she was learning about. Writing time travel romance has given her an opportunity to take those daydreams and turn them into stories to share with readers everywhere.Originally from the Boston area, Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where some of her characters also reside. When Jennae isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, and daydreaming, of course.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Startled awake from a sound sleep, Angus Campbell sat bolt upright in his bed, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. His breathing was heavy and his pulse raced. He calmed himself with a deep intake of breath and remembered where he was. What had awakened him? He glanced to his right to see if he’d disturbed his wife Edna, but was shocked to find that she wasn’t there. Angus was a light sleeper and if Edna stirred in the least, he was always there to wrap a protective arm around her and pull her close. So it was odd that he was unaware she’d arisen.

Edna? he softly called into the darkness, but there was no answer. She must have gone downstairs for something. She’d be back shortly. He lay back down, adjusting the pillow under his neck. He listened intently for the sound of Edna’s feet on the stairs, but the inn was dead quiet. The feeling that something wasn’t right kept assailing him and he scrambled from the bed.

Angus threw on his kilt and padded from the room in his bare feet. Where could she be? Perhaps she’d awoken and gone to the kitchen. He headed down the stairs. When he reached the landing he called for her once again. Edna! Nothing but silence. Surely if she were in the kitchen she would have heard him.

Why did she no’wake me? he asked himself.

Passing through the dining room he glanced out the windows at the darkened street. A quick look at the clock told him it was three a.m. Nothing good ever happened at three a.m. Something’s not right. A sense of foreboding came over him as he rushed through the door into the kitchen where he flipped on the lights. Edna wasn’t there. He moved to the back door and gazed over the colorful garden Edna so carefully tended. Even though it was the end of summer the flowers bloomed in a riot of color, lighting the path to the small cottage where Maggie and Dylan lived.

Edna! he called, this time with a sense of urgency that caused an uncomfortable feeling to arise in the pit of his stomach. Edna!

The lights went on in the cottage. Perhaps she was there. It made no sense to him, but that must be where she’d gone. Running towards the door, it opened before he could reach it and a sleepy Dylan Sinclair peeked his head out.

What’s wrong, Angus? he asked, rubbing his eyes.

I can no’ find Edna. His head swiveled back and forth as he searched the familiar garden for any sign of her.

She’s not in your room? Dylan asked. He appeared to suddenly realize how incredibly ridiculous his question was. Sorry, of course she isn’t.

She’s no’ anywhere inside or out here. Where could she be? He could hear the anxiety in his voice as adrenaline began coursing through his veins.

What’s wrong? Maggie appeared in the doorway, tying her robe around her waist. Uncle Angus? She was at his side before he could speak. Is it Auntie?

I canno’ find her, he said. His emotions laid heavily upon his shoulders. Something was very wrong.

Maggie immediately took charge of the situation. Let’s go inside. She grasped Angus by the arm and they headed back to the inn. Doona worry. We’ll find her.

Angus patted Maggie’s hand where it circled his arm. She was a dear lass. Edna was so proud of her and he was too. She’d been honing her skills as a witch under the tutelage of Edna, but more than that she was a kind, caring young woman who was always there to help no matter what was needed. He had no doubt she’d be a big help to him now.

They entered the dining room and sat by the fireplace. Do ye think she’d have gone to one of the neighbors? Maggie asked.

Angus shrugged his shoulders as he thought about who she might have gone to see.

I mean someone might have needed her help. She probably did no’ want to wake ye, so she was quiet when she left.

Mayhap, Angus conceded. It was possible and the thought made him feel a wee bit better, but there was a nagging feeling in his gut that something was out of the ordinary.

So it could be Dr. Nichols. He’s back in town for a short while. Or Mrs. MacDougall at the stable. Or Teddy? Doona ye think?

I’ll call them, Dylan said.

Nay, Angus said. I’m going to go look for her.

We’ll come with ye, Maggie said.

We can split up. I’ll check the stables and that end of town, Dylan said.

I’ll go down to Dr. Nichols’s and see if he kens anything. Then I’ll stop by Teddy’s.

Angus stood. He knew where he needed to go. I’ll go to the bridge.

Maggie stared at the fireplace.

I canno’ believe she would have gone off without telling me. The only thing that could possibly cause her to run off would be that damn bridge. Angus had always had mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it had brought Edna into his life and in doing so had given him a life he could have never imagined possible. But it also kept Edna tethered to it, unable to ever be very far away in case she was needed.

Maggie’s brow furrowed as she stood. I’ve been trying to contact her this whole time, but she’s no’ answering me. I did no’ want to upset ye, but I believe yer right. Whatever caused her to leave so suddenly must have involved the bridge.

The sun will be coming up in about an hour or so, Dylan observed as he eyed the clock on the wall.

I doona wish to wait. I’m going now. Angus headed for the door. We’ve nae time to waste.

Uncle, yer boots, Maggie said as he reached for the doorknob. Looking down, he realized he wasn’t quite ready to leave the house. He could wait a moment or two longer while Maggie found his boots. And we’re coming with ye. Dylan grab flashlights.

Thank ye, lass.

He steadied his breathing and went into warrior mode. He knew Edna needed him. He was ready to fight any foe to keep her safe, but he worried that he might possibly be too late.

Edna moved as though in a dream. She tried using her arms and legs to move towards the ground, but they were heavy and useless, unable to help her. Instead she floated towards the bridge unable to break free from whatever spell had been cast on her. And it had to be a spell. But who was at the bottom of it and why?

There’s nae point in fighting, she thought. When the time comes and ye ken what it is that’s grabbed ye, then ye’ll fight like hell if need be. Edna saw the bridge up ahead as she swiftly approached it. She reached the center and began to spin. Slowly at first and then faster and faster until everything around her became a complete blur. Closing her eyes helped her avoid feeling sick from the dizziness. Faint laughter swirled around her as she continued to revolve at an incredible pace. Whoever had her in their spell was enjoying this. The spinning began to slow and little by little she was able to open her eyes. When she finally stopped, her feet gently landed on the ground. She reached for the side of the bridge to steady herself and to get her bearings. Glancing back over her shoulder Edna noticed that the path from the inn to the bridge looked very different. Turning to the opposite side of the bridge she was surprised to see a quaint two-story brick house covered in ivy. It had never been there before. At least not in the time of the Mackenzies or in her own time.

When the dizziness had passed, Edna took a few tentative steps towards the house, though she wasn’t sure why. Stopping to try to tune in to what was happening, nothing would come to her. It seemed her powers were of nae use to her here. Someone was controlling her every move and her abilities. Edna didn’t frighten easily. It would take a lot more than this to put fear into her heart. Determined to find out who was responsible for this, she marched up to the front door of the house and lifted the brass door knocker, banging it several times.

As she waited, Edna noted that the birds were chirping happily in the trees around the house and insects buzzed through the beautiful gardens on either side of the front door. She was about to knock again when the door opened. Before her stood a beautiful young woman. She was about Edna’s height, had a slight, yet curvy build and long raven locks that reached down past her waist.

Before Edna could speak, the woman said, I’ve been waiting for ye. Will ye no’ join me? She held the door open as she moved aside to let Edna pass.

Who are ye? Edna asked, doing her best to keep the anger she was feeling from her voice.

Me name is Evanore, the woman replied, closing the door behind them. This way.

Edna followed her into a small room just off the entry way. It was beautifully furnished with silks and brocades. It had a very old world feel to it.

Please sit. Evanore motioned towards the settee under a window that looked out on the bridge. Would ye care for some tea?

If ye wished me to join ye fer tea, ye could have just invited me. I would’ve come. Edna was feeling more and more perturbed. Why have ye dragged me from me bed in the middle of the night?

‘Twas the witching hour. Three a.m. when the veil between worlds thins and makes it easier to communicate.

Are ye dead? Edna asked, examining her for signs that she might be.

Evanore snickered at this. Of course no’. Do I look dead?

Nay. Ye dinnae. The dead are the ones who come in the middle of the night ’tis all.

I understand yer confusion. A small bell appeared out of nowhere and Evanore rang it. Immediately a tall, thin young man appeared in the doorway.

Yes, mistress, he said as he stood awaiting her request.

Tea for our guest and be quick with it. She shushed him a way with a wave of her hand. Now, where were we?

’Tis a verra good question and I’d like to ken the answer, Edna said.

Ye’ve crossed the bridge. Surely ye ken where ye are. Evanore tipped her head, narrowing her eyes as she waited for Edna’s answer.

I’ve never seen this house before. Where did it come from? Edna took in her surroundings. Perhaps she was in a totally different time, one that was unlike the normal sixteenth century period she sent her travelers to.

I needed a place to stay for yer visit and so I conjured it up. Evanore smiled slyly, her eyes darting side-to-side as if she was making sure no one could hear her. We two are the only ones who can see it.

The young man returned and with shaking hands placed the tea service on a small table in front of Edna. He poured a cup and handed it to her. Then did the same for Evanore.

Thank ye, Evanore said, taking the cup and saucer from him.

He bowed towards her and silently left the room.

Edna eyed the tea suspiciously.

Evanore motioned towards the teacup in front of Edna. I’m no’ trying to poison ye. Ye can drink it without worry.

Edna brought the cup up towards her lips, sniffed the contents and then took a small sip. Nothing smelled or tasted off.

Ye see. I’ve told ye. I shall no’ harm ye. Evanore lifted her own cup to her lips.

Then why am I here? Edna asked, trying to hide her impatience and remembering that old adage that being sweet would garner her more answers than being snippy.

’Tis a long story, but suffice to say that yer here so I can undo much that ye’ve done. Evanore held her hand out to admire her fingernails, which were painted a shiny black to match her hair.

Edna’s eyebrows collided as she wondered just what on earth this puzzling woman was talking about.

I see ye eyeing me with question. Doona fear ’twill all become clear to ye verra soon. She sipped her tea and seemed to be examining Edna from head to toe as she turned her head this way and that.

Me husband will be wondering where I am, Edna asserted. Angus wouldn’t be happy she hadn’t told him where she was going.

I’ve nae doubt. Evanore let out a small chuckle. I’ve never had a husband. I’m no’ interested in answering to anyone, ye ken.

Edna thought the woman looked pretty pleased with herself. Being a good judge of character and able to read people with ease, Edna knew Evanore’s conversational tone and confident demeanor contradicted her intent and it wasn’t to share a cup of tea.

As I said, me husband will come for me, Edna repeated.

He’ll be back on this side of the bridge where he belongs verra soon. Shall we see where he is? Evanore asked.

Edna’s forehead wrinkled as she tried to understand what was happening here. Try as she might, she couldn’t seem to tap into her powers even for something as simple as that. She understood that it wasn’t good, but was unable to penetrate Evanore’s defenses to read her thoughts.

I ken ye like to use fire to see with or a snow globe, as ye call it, but I prefer a different method, one where ye can see but no’ communicate. Evanore slashed her hands through the air and a large orb appeared in front of Edna. It was a murky, smoke-filled ball that floated easily at eye level. Evanore plopped down beside Edna on the settee. I think I’ll join ye for the show. She rubbed her hands together in apparent anticipation.

Edna remained silent, unsure of Evanore’s motives. She might be having trouble reading her, but her gut was telling her to beware.

Are ye ready? Evanore asked.

Aye, Edna responded.

Waving her hand in front of the ball, a smug smile spread across Evanore’s lips as the ball clarified and Angus, Maggie and Dylan all appeared in front of Edna. She felt as though she could reach out and touch them.

They cannae see ye nor hear ye. The strange woman moved closer to Edna so that their shoulders touched. Edna pulled away.

"I dinnae ken why yer so