A walk between worlds

Isabell's Journals Continued

Isabell’s Journals Continued

         Isbell’s Journals Continued

          Leigh POV

          These past two weeks have gone faster than I expected.  Shawn insisted on sending me home on a first-class flight so I was comfortable.  I hated saying good bye to Shawn, but as he stated, it’s only two weeks not ten years. 

          Since it was going to be a long flight back, I decided to read more of the journals.  I had not gotten an opportunity to talk to Shawn about my discovery yet, and I really wanted to, but part of me wanted to talk with my friend Diane first.  I didn’t even get a chance to see her before I left because everything was such a world wind.

          I settled in for the long flight back and pulled out the journal picking up where I left off.

          Isabell’s POV

          It had been a long night watching over my guests.  Murdoch had made it through the evening slipping in and out of sleep.  He had a slight fever but nothing that I couldn’t keep under control.

          The sun had been up about two hours and I had little sleep.  I decided to wash up in the small room next to my bedroom, and put on a clean dress. It was a favorite of mine, in a dark shade of green with bell sleeves and a modest scoop neckline.  I really showed off the color of my hair and green eyes.  I pulled my hair half up allowing the rest to flow down my back.  Once the fire was rekindled, I gently pulled the quilt over Murdoch, careful not to wake him. 

          Going downstairs, I first checked on Tavish and he was still sound asleep.  I peeked in at Jack and Peter and they were still asleep as well.  I started a fire to take off the chill for all of them and made my way into the kitchen.  There was fresh bread I made from the day before and decided to make more for the next few days so I set myself to work.  I gathered some eggs and cheese as well to feed my guests this morning. 

          Tavish was the first to stir and happily came into kitchen.  He eagerly sat down to the plate of food that I had prepared for him.  Once he was done, I enlisted him to wake Peter and to help Jack to the table as well. 

          Peter, “Aye lass I haven’t slept so good in years as I did last night.”

          I smiled and said, “That’s good to hear.  Peter can you and Tavish help Jack to the settee and get him comfortable and I will bring his food over to him.”

          I motioned for Tavish to take the food to Jack.  Peter sat at the table.  I hastily put together a tray of food for Murdoch.

          Peter asked, “How is he doing this morning?”

          “Well, he has made it through the night with only a slight fever.  I think some food will do him some good.  Once I change his dressings why don’t you come up and see him?”

          Peter smiled, “That I will do.”

          I walked over and took a look at Peter’s wound as well.  “Its looks good.  I want to clean it out again this morning and put clean dressing on it.  By tomorrow, I should be able to stitch it closed.”  Peter smiled and reached for my hand, “Isabell, you really are an angel.”

          I took a look at Jack’s leg, and it was still swollen but otherwise it was doing ok.  I would work on his leg a bit this afternoon.  I turned then went up the stairs to Murdoch.

          Putting the tray next to him on the table, I leaned over and whispered, “Murdoch, can you wake up for me.”

          His eyes opened slowly.  He stared at me in such a way that was hard to describe.  I hadn’t noticed last night but his eyes were the deepest shade of blue.  It reminded me of the ocean.  Oh, how I could get lost in those eyes.  I needed to get ahold of myself, he was a pirate and I needed to remember that. 

          “I brought you some breakfast.  You need to eat.”

          He tried to sit up and winced a bit in pain. So, I propped up some pillows and helped him ease back, sitting the tray on his lap.

          “Thank you, lass.  A man could get used this.”

          I smiled back at him.  “Peter would like to come up to see you after you eat and I redress your wounds.  Are you up for some company?”

          “I would indeed like that.  How is Jack and the rest of my crew?”

          I said, “Well, I had to reset Jack’s leg but it will heal ok as long as he listens to me.  Tavish has been with me all night as well, and Peter was fortunate the musket ball went clear through and didn’t hit anything vital.  Hobs told me that you three were the worst and that was my main focus.”

          Smiling sweetly, I said, “Can I ask you a favor Murdoch?” 

          “Name it lass, and it is yours.  I owe you a debt.”

          “I have many mouths to feed and was hoping you could spare some supplies so that I may feed your men and dress any of their wounds if they have them.”

          He looked at me in wonder, “Is that all?  No coin or jewels for payment?”

          I laughed, “Now what would I do with those?”

          He got very serious then reached out and took my hand in his and gently stroked his thumb across it.  “A lass as fine as you deserves to be covered in jewels and kept in such a manner as a queen.”

          I could feel myself blush.  What was wrong with me.  I was acting like I was 17 again. 

          Just then Peter was at the doorway, “Um, am I interrupting anything?  Just so you know Murdoch, she confessed her undying love to me, so she won’t be falling for your charms.”

          Murdoch suddenly gave him a death glare.

          I laughed and rolled my eyes, “Pirates.  Well Peter make yourself useful and help me with dressing his wound, I might as well do yours at the same time.”

          As I was working on Murdoch, I could feel him staring at me that almost made my skin hot.  I glanced once up at him and he just smiled at me.  I then redressed and packed Peter’s shoulder as well.

          Murdoch said, “Peter, Isabell will need help with some supplies.  Have Tavish tell Hobs to give her whatever she needs.”

          Peter and Murdoch started to talk about the events that had happened and I decided to give them privacy. 

          I was just coming down the stairs with the empty tray and heard someone knocking on the door.  I hastily opened the door thinking maybe it was Hobs, but to my surprise, standing in front of me was a woman with beautiful red hair.  She was dressed in men’s clothing, which actually enhanced her figure.  But when I looked at her, I got an uneasy feeling that came over me as a warning.  She all but ignored me completely and stormed past me saying, “Where is he!!  I demand to see Murdoch this instant!”

          Jack said, “Jayden, you know full well that he is even lucky to be alive because of the trouble you brought us.  Why would he want to see you!”

          She said, “I need to explain, I would never do anything to hurt Murdoch.”

          Upon hearing the commotion, Peter started to come down the stairs and said, “Yeah, we know, to hell with his crew, right? So long as he is alive.  If I did not know any better, I bet you planned to take us all out, but he saved us instead!!” 

          Jayden yelled back at Peter, “To hell with all of you!!  I demand to see him now!”

          I finally spoke up, “Jayden, I am sure you are upset as we all are, but he is not up to any visitors at least for another 24 hours, and then...”  But she interrupted me.  Turning around to face me with those angry green eyes of hers. “Who do you think you are to tell me what I can and cannot do?”  And then walking right up to me she hissed, “I could squash you like an ant if I wanted to.”

          I had about enough.  “Jayden, let me remind you this is my home, my rules.  You were allowed in here as a guest and I can just as quickly remove you.” Jayden reached her hand up to slap me and said, “Why you little b***h!!”

          Grabbing her wrist and yanking her closer to me I whispered, “Look here, no one calls me that in my home, no one.  Understand this, I know exactly who and what you are.  Make no mistake, I am much stronger than you and can incinerate you on the spot.  Now, be a dear and run along until you are asked for.”

          I could see fear come over her eyes as if she realized that I could do exactly what I just said, because the heat from my hand that was wrapped around her wrist had slightly burned her skin. 

          She then stepped back grabbing her wrist and said, “This isn’t over.  I will be back.”

          Peter yelled at her, “Get out, the captain doesn’t want to see you!.  And don’t you dare insult Isabell.  If not for her, he wouldn’t even be alive right now!”

          Jayden stomped to the doorway, and turned to glare at me then left.

          I really needed to calm myself down.  Peter gently put a hand on my shoulder, “Do not worry about her lass.”

          “Oh, it’s ok Peter.  I can handle myself, but thank you.”

          “Somehow I do not doubt that you can Isabell.”

          By late afternoon, Hobs and Tavish helped me set up outside to feed the men.  Since Jack could not walk, he gladly helped with peeling potatoes and chopping vegetables for me.  I made a large pot of potato leek soup, bread, and baked fish with root vegetables.  I did the best I could with what I had available.  Hobs brought up the men and with them came some ale to drink. 

          Peter took charge getting everyone situated around the table and laid out some ground rules on their behavior.  Tavish helped Jack to the table to eat with the men as well.

          Murdoch wanted to be with his men, even though I was not sure that was a good idea.  But alas, it was an argument I could not win.

          “If you insist on going down with your men, then you will be dressed warm as to not catch a chill.”  I pulled out clothes for him to wear and a coat jacket I had made my husband.  Running my hand over the jacket with the intricate detail in the collar done in gold thread and the soft feel of the fabric in the shade of blue.  I stared at it and remembered how he looked when I gave it to him for a wedding gift to wear.  We had so little time together.

          Tuning I handed it to Murdoch, “Here wear this, it will keep you warm.”

Murdoch took the jacket and ran his hand over it.  “Did you make this Isabell?”

          “Yes, I made it for my husband, Angus.  I would be pleased if you would wear it.”

          Murdoch looked surprised.  “Husband?  Where is he?”

          Looking down, “Aye, he died, shortly after we were wed.  It was an arranged marriage between Clan Macleod and Clan McNeil.  We were only married about 3 months and still getting to know each other, and then…he got sick.”

          Murdoch stepped closer to Isabell, “I am sorry lass.  If you would do the honors and help me, put it on then.”

          Standing back looking at him in the coat jacket that was once Angus’ I could not help but feel the coat was actually made for him.  Angus would not have minded at all. 

          Stretching out his hand Murdoch said, “Shall we go then?”

          When we came outside and Murdoch’s men saw him, they all yelled very loudly, “Aye, Captain, good to see you on your feet.  We were worried!!”

          Murdoch yelled back, “Aye lads, no British could keep Mad Murdoch away.  And I don’t know if I would be standing here if not for the grace of Ms. Isabell.  Know this, she is to be treated with respect and while we are here, she is under our protection!!”

          I blushed slightly just at that same moment Jayden ran and threw her arms around Murdoch.  I could see him stiffen slightly and then look at me.  She had her arms around his neck and then kissed him. Why did I wish that had been me he was kissing?  I wanted to throttle her.  Oh my God I actually jealous.

          Turning on my heel I said, “Tavish, Hobs, if you will help me bring out some of the food?” 

          A feast had been placed before the men and they joked and drank.  I looked over and saw Jayden next to Murdoch, but he looked uncomfortable.  I also noticed that his eyes seemed to be on me whenever I looked at him.

          Standing up and addressing the men before me I said, “If anyone needs any attention with their wounds, please see me after dinner.”   I then walked into the kitchen to gather a few things just in case I had visitors. 

          I had a few men come in one at a time for some minor cuts and scrapes.  Some had foot fungus or a rash that some of my lotions could take care of.  I offered the back cottage to them to clean up.  To my surprise, these “pirates” were very gracious and well behaved and I could see they respected Murdoch.

          They had built a large fire after dinner and they sat around telling tall tales and drinking.  Two of the men were playing a fiddle and the other a guitar.  Some of the men were even dancing.  Peter yelled to me, “Isabell, come here and dance with me lass!!”

          Jack said, “If I had my leg back together, I would sweep her off her feet!”

          I laughed then decided why not.  But Murdoch stepped between us, “The only one she will be dancing with is me.”  And he pulled me into his arms so quickly that he took my breath away.

          “Mind your stitches!!”  Murdoch whispered into my ear, “I have watched you all night Isabell, give me just this moment to wrap my arms around you.”  He held onto me tightly as we slowly swayed to the music.  Peter had a smile on his face, but unfortunately it was Jayden’s death glare that I felt the most.  I found myself feeling warm and comfortable in his arms.  Maybe too comfortable.  I needed to remember that once they were all well enough, he would be gone.  It had been almost three years since I was even slightly interested in a man. 

          Lord Richards had interest in me and had always been kind, but there was something dark about him and I could not put my finger on it.  I never pushed the issue because he allowed me to keep my lands and home after Angus passed way, plus, they considered my unique ability to heal a benefit to the people. 

          So, what was I feeling for this man I barely knew?

          “Isabell, where have you gone?  You look like you are so far away right now, come back to me.”  I smiled, “I’m ok, just feeling a bit exhausted.  I have not had much sleep these last few days.  You have all kept me so busy.” 

          I pulled away slightly, already regretting the cool air between us.  “I think I will turn in for the evening.”  Blushing slightly, I looked at Murdoch, “Thank you for the dance.”

          I walked into the house to the kitchen reaching for some warm milk.

          “You care about him, don’t you?”  Startled I turned seeing Jack on the settee in front of the fire.  He caught me so off guard.  I had not even know the men had brought him back to the house.

          “I see the way you look at him and him at you.”

          Walking over the fire I put some more wood on and then walked over pulling a blanket around Jack.   

          Finally, I said, “I don’t know what I feel Jack.  But in a short amount of time, you all have crept into my heart.  Where my house was empty, now its full.”

          He smiled.  “You are a good woman Isabell, and Murdoch really is a good man.  But you know at some point we will have to leave.  What will you do then?”

          “If you are worried that I will break his heart, I won’t, but I am sure he will break mine.”

          “Now let’s take a quick look at this leg.”  I began gently running my hands over his leg and working a lotion into his skin.  I looked up at Jack and he had leaned his head back and fell asleep.  Letting him be, I decided to go upstairs to bed.  I knew Peter and Tavish would help him into bed.

          Once I had the fire going in the hearth, I went and readied myself for bed.  I decided to sleep on settee in my room so Murdoch could get more rest this evening, when he decided to come to bed.  Pulling my mother’s quilt up around me, I closed my eyes thinking of what Jack said to me. What would I do when Murdoch had to leave and why did it matter so much to me?  Being in his arms made me feel comfortable and wanted.  I needed to stop thinking like this because there could be no happy ending here.  He would eventually be leaving and I need to keep remembering that.