“Smile, Catriona. At least try to look like you are enjoying my company, MacConnery whispered. “People are staring at us. A woman betrothed is usually elated about her upcoming nuptials. Not looking like she has just eaten a bowl of sour fruit.”

His breath smelled of whisky, and judging by his flushed cheeks, the dark circles around his eyes, and slight slur when he spoke, he was well in his cups. She had no idea how long he and Lord Grant had been drinking before she arrived, but guessed it had been for a long time.

“Well?” His brow dipped and the tone of his voice deepened. “Are you going to smile or na?”

Despite a strong aversion to doing this man’s bidding, she forced a grin and spoke through pursed lips. “And what do women do if they are not happy about being promised to a man they don’t love?”

“Love?” Lord MacConnery glared at her. “What has that to do with marriage?” He reached beneath the table and clasped the hand she had resting on her lap. “A man like me marries for two reasons and a useless sentiment is na one of them.”

“Then why do you wish to marry me?”

He forcefully squeezed her hand until pain shot to her wrist and she let out a soft whimper. “I wasn’t aware I needed a reason. But if you must know, I admire and collect fine things. I find seeking out and acquiring items of great beauty, often objects I must work to obtain or that present a challenge to be quite exhilarating.”

“I’m a person, not an object,” she whispered.

“Women were put on this earth to please men and do their bidding, be it in bed or in public.” He leaned closer and nipped at her neck. “The other reason is purely business. I am a wealthy man, but to get there, I had to enter into arrangements with people that I might not normally associate with. Do some things people might deem unsavory. But it was all worth it in the end.”

His comments caused a shiver to run up her spine, and she could help wondering what arrangements he was referring to. Her suspicions about him being a ruthless, horrible man were true, as were the things recorded in Catriona’s journal.

“You and my father have been friends for years. And you are much richer than he. I am sure there are plenty of men with much larger estates and with daughters who are far more beautiful than I. Men that can offer you better business opportunities.” She tried to wrench free of his grasp, but he held her tighter.

“True, but our union makes the alliance between you father and me stronger. We both benefited, as did those I am associated with. I paid him a fair price for your hand, and in return, I get a bewitchingly beautiful, spirited woman to warm my bed and bear my heirs.”

“You think you can buy me like you would livestock?” Anger bubbled up from her belly and if he wasn’t holding on to her arm, she’d have likely slapped the bugger’s face. At no time did he refer to her as a wife or partner with whom he wished to share his life. Instead he spoke as if she were a prize brood mare to be tamed and used for breeding.

“I already have bought you, my dear. And if necessary, you will pretend you are happy about our betrothal,” he hissed and twisted her arm until she thought a bone might break. “Do you understand?”

She winced, tears springing to her eyes, but she refused to show weakness. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she glared back at him. “I do not wish to marry you and I am not happy.”

Furious, MacConnery’s face reddened and his eyes bore into hers with a deadly stare. “Insolent bitch. I told you to smile for the sake of appearances,” he ground out.

“Can I get you anything else to eat or drink, Lord MacConnery?” Lily asked as she approached the table, carrying a tray of cheese. “There is plenty to be had.”

When MacConnery released his grasp on her, Katherine wanted to kiss the lass for happening along when she did. “Thank you. We have plenty as you can see,” she said, then addressed MacConnery, smiling sweetly. “But I would like to hear some music. You did promise me a dance. Perhaps you would be so kind as to ask the minstrels when they intend to start, m’lord.”

All eyes were trained on MacConnery as he rose to his full height of around six feet and glared down at Katherine. “Of course. I will see to it immediately.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it before skirting around the end of the head table.

Her stomach turned when his lips touched her flesh. How could anyone be expected to marry a man who made their skin crawl with the simplest of gestures? Katherine released a heavy breath. “Maybe now I can get out of here,” she mumbled aloud. “I’m glad you came along when you did, Lily. I could not bear that man’s company another minute longer. I feared I might scream or vomit, whichever came first.”

“Och, Lady Catriona, you shouldna say such things,” Lily lowered her gaze, then softened her voice to a whisper. “My heart aches for you. Lord MacConnery is a horrible man, and I dinna blame you for being upset. Especially when you love Lord Ayden.”

“I do not plan to marry him, Lily.” Keeping her voice low, she stretched her neck, peering in the direction Ayden and Lord Grant had disappeared. “With luck, Ayden will be able to convince my father to change his mind and I willna be forced to marry that swine.”

“I certainly hope Lord Ayden can reason with his lordship, but what will you do if he is unable to sway him?” Lily shook her head and clucked her tongue. “It would be a sin if you and Lord Ayden canna marry.”

“If Ayden fails to reason with him, I’ll try speaking to him myself. If that doesn’t work, we may be forced to marry in secret and leave Glen Heather. But I willna marry that blowhard MacConnery, and Ayden and I will be together.”

“Och, do you think your da would listen to what you have to say?” Lily wrung her hands.

“I won’t know until I try. But I am not going to give in. No matter what the cost.”

 “Lily,” Cora shouted. “Fetch another platter of cheese and bannock for Laird Blake and his men.” She stood near the kitchen door, waving her arms.

“I must go, Lady Catriona. But promise me you willna do anything to anger your betrothed or that might put you in danger,” Lily whispered. “I will be praying that things work out for you.”

“As will I.” Katherine watched Lily scamper off, then cupped her face with her hands. Her brain was on overload searching for a way out of this betrothal and she wasn’t sure how much more of his madness she could take. She found herself wishing for a long engagement and prayed that by the time the wedding rolled around, she’ll have figured out how to go home to her own time.

“Ah, but you are home, Catriona,” a woman whispered.

Katherine’s head popped up and she quickly turned toward the sound of her voice. “Who are you and where did you come from?” Beside her sat an old woman, wearing a dark hooded cloak. She must be as ancient as time itself, she thought upon noticing the woman’s pale, weathered skin, sunken grey eyes, and gaunt cheeks, her stringy grey hair, and hunched posture.

“They call me Seonag.” The corners of her mouth twitched upward, revealing a toothless grin.

“The seer,” Katherine gasped.

“Among other things,” the old woman said and patted Katherine’s hand.

A jolt of energy surged from her long boney fingertips, and Katherine quickly withdrew her hand and stared at Seonag. “What just happened?”

The old woman shrugged, but did not answer the question asked of her. “You appear to have much on you mind, Catriona. But things are na as bleak as they may seem, lass.”

“What things?” Seonag had her curiosity piqued and Katherine certainly had a long list that seemed be growing rapidly. She didn’t know why, but something told her the seer might be able to shed some light on what was happening. Perhaps she knew of a way to stop her marriage to MacConnery and could explain how she ended up locked in this fourteenth century dream. “Are you a witch as well as a seer?” Katherine asked.

Seonag’s brow furrowed. “Some think I practice the dark arts, but they are usually people who are quick to judge and dinna take the time to truly look at all that is before them. Or, there are those who are afraid of what they dinna understand and find it easier to label it witchcraft.” She patted Katherine’s forearm. “But we are na here to discuss me or my abilities. You are troubled, lass, seeking answers.”

“You were right when you said I had a lot on my mind. Some pretty strange things have happened to me these last few days. I don’t even know where to start.” Katherine dragged a shaky hand across her brow. “I guess the first thing I should ask is am I dreaming or is this real?”

“Is what real?”

“This place.” Katherine motioned to her surroundings with a wide sweep of her arm.

“I’m na sure what you mean?” Seonag said.

“I’m Katherine MacDonald, not Catriona Grant. I was born in Boston and live and work in New York City. I graduated summa cum laude from Berkley University and I have a great job, a home in the country, and—”

“Slow down and breathe. The things you prattle on about are of no importance. What matters is here and now.” Seonag took Katherine’s hand and studied her palm. “You are correct when you say you are from another time and place.”

“Finally. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you,” Katherine interrupted, hoping she was getting through to Seonag.

Ignoring her, Seonag continued. “But this time and place is where you belong.”

“What you just said makes no sense. You’ve totally lost me.” Katherine’s mouth gaped open as she tried to make sense of what the woman had just said. “How could I belong and not belong at the same time?”

“You are no longer lost, Catriona. You’ve come home,” Seonag responded simply.

“I don’t think you heard me. I’m Katherine MacDonald and was born in 1992. In America, not Scotland.” She paused and released an exasperated breath. “When I woke up a couple of days ago, it was the year 2016 and now I find myself in 1304. Catriona Grant was a relative of mine who lived and died seven hundred years ago.”

“I know this is all confusing for you, Catriona. But given time, it will become clear.”

Katherine found it hard to hide her frustration. Seonag didn’t appear to be listening to what she was trying to tell her. “I am not Catriona Grant and I do not belong here.”

A wry grin tugged at Seonag’s lips. “I know exactly who you are, Catriona. While I may be old, my hearing is perfect.”

Katherine yanked free of the old woman’s grasp and threw her hands in the air. “You are talking in riddles, not answering my questions.”

“I’ll do my best to explain,” Seonag said. “You are Catriona Grant. Perhaps na in body, but in spirit and soul. Katherine MacDonald was na born here in this time or place, but it is where you belong Catriona. Soon, things will be as they are meant to be.”

“Whoa. Are you telling me I am stuck in the fourteenth century and am betrothed to a man I detest?”

“Destiny knows but one path.”

“That … that’s impossible. I need proof, something concrete, something I can make some sense out of,” Katherine said. Her heart hammered so loudly in her ears, she could hardly think straight.

“You have been given a great gift. A second chance at life and a love capable of transcending time. Dinna waste it.” Seonag rose, prepared to leave.

“You’re not leaving, are you?” Katherine clasped Seonag’s wrist, halting the woman’s retreat. “Please, there are so many things I need to know. Like how did I come here and why? Can I ever go home?”

“You are home, Catriona,” Seonag replied. “And the time is right.”

“The time is right for what? This may be Catriona’s home, but it’s not mine. What if I do not want to stay in the fourteenth century?” Panic squeezed her chest. She was babbling and she knew it, but Seonag could be her only link to what was happening, and her sanity. She couldn’t let her leave without answering her questions. All of them. “If this is real, why is it happening now?”

“The time was right and Litha is nigh.”

“Are you saying this has something to do with the feast of St. John?”

“It was known as Litha. Some still refer to it as a celebration of the Summer Solstice, others of staunch Christian beliefs — those who have renounced the old ways, yet still celebrate them under a new name — call it St. John’s festival, or St. John’s Eve. In honor of their saint, John the Baptist,” Seonag explained. “Call it what you wish, but over the centuries the root meaning behind the festival has remained the same.”

“I know the names of the Celtic festivals and how they have changed over the centuries,” Katherine said, “but I don’t know how or why what is happening to me is connected to the Summer Solstice.”

“There are things that can only happen at this time of year and at no other,” Seonag said. “Midsummer is the longest day of the year, the sun reaching its highest point in the sky and its strongest power. From that day on, the earth begins its descent into darkness, each day getting shorter as we head toward winter. During Litha, we give thanks for the sun’s warmth and light, but it is also a celebration of life and fertility of the land, animals, and man. It is a time to solidify the relationships of couples who have been together for a year and a day, making their marriage final. It is an excellent time to renew wedding vows and declare new love.”

“That is all fine and well, but I still don’t know what it has to do with me and why I was taken from my time and dropped here.”

“Scotland is a country steeped in legend and superstition. Being of Scottish ancestry, I would guess you are familiar with some of the old Celtic beliefs,” Seonag replied.

“My parents never spoke much about their ancestors or Scotland,” Katherine explained. “But my grandmother taught me to read and write Gaelic. She also told me a bit about some of the legends. The one who really shared with me was my great aunt Agnes. She paid us a visit when I was seven, and to this day, I remember her fabulous tales. She lived at Glen Heather until she recently passed away. That’s why I was there. She left me her estate. But if you truly are a seer, you know all that.”

“There are certain times of the year when the veil thins between this world and the next, a time when the souls of the dead, wraiths, and demons can cross the barriers of time. Samhain is when it tends to happen most often, but it has been known to happen during the Summer Solstice as well.”

“But I’m not dead.” She thumped her chest. “Or at least I wasn’t two days ago when I was in twenty-first century America and flew to Scotland,” Katherine said. “I’m not handfasted or was planning on getting married anytime soon. At least not anymore,” She lowered her gaze, Ethan coming to mind. “The reason I left my home was to get away from an awful man who wanted to marry me.”

“I know why you are here. All the reasons why.” Seonag closed her eyes, mumbled a prayer in Gaelic, then inclined her chin, catching Katherine’s gaze. “Things are na always what they seem or how we wish them to be.” She produced a bundle of dried plants wrapped in a white rag and handed it to Katherine. “Keep this with you at all times.”

“What is it?” Katherine narrowed her eyes and studied the plants.

“Rue, rowan, and basil. When tied together in a white or gold cloth, they have strong powers. It will bring you luck and protect you.” She closed Katherine’s fist around the gift she’d given her and again mumbled some strange Gaelic words.

“Protect me from what?” She stared at the small bundle of plants, then peered up at Seonag. “Please, I need to understand. Can’t you tell me more?” Her shoulders slumped and tears welled in her eyes.

Seonag stroked her hair. “Ah, lass, you know the answers. It is simply a matter of finding out for yourself what is important and what is na. If you follow the instructions you were given upon your arrival, the answers will reveal themselves. When you uncover the truth, all will be as it should be. I will leave you to ponder those thoughts.”

Upon hearing the same words she’d been trying to decipher since she arrived in Scotland, and met with MacBain and Murray, she sprang to her feet, hoping to get some answers before the seer left. “Please, tell me what the riddle means. I—” she began, but stopped when she realized Seonag was gone.

Frantically, Katherine searched the faces in the crowd, looking for the old woman, but like many of the things in Scotland, she appeared to have vanished into thin air.

More baffled than ever, Katherine took her seat and once again fixed her stare on the bundle of herbs that lay on the table in front of her.

“Is something amiss?” Lily asked upon her return to the table.

“Did you see where she went?” Springing to her feet, Katherine clasped Lily’s hand. “Seonag. She was here one minute and the next she was gone.”

“I saw no one, m’lady?” Lily lifted the goblet in front of her and sniffed at the contents. “Have you been sipping the mead? A lady must be careful na to over-indulge.”

“I’ve not partaken in any spirits, if that’s what you’re thinking. She was here, sitting beside me the entire time you were gone.”

“Beg pardon, m’lady, but I have been gone but a few minutes. I took the trencher of cheese from Cora and promptly delivered it to the men at yon table. Once I did so, I returned to you. There was no time for someone to come and leave.”

“No.” She slammed her fist on the table, then thrust the bouquet of herbs in Lily’s direction. “Seonag gave me this and said it would protect me.”

“A lovely gathering,” Lily said, smiling sweetly, almost sympathetically.

Katherine couldn’t help wondering if Lily pitied her or thought she’d taken leave of her senses.

“It is the tradition of those who follow the old ways to make these herbal charms during Litha,” Lily continued. “Many of the local ladies carry them throughout the year, then create a new one the next. The old ones are buried or tossed on the sacred fire as part of the purification ceremony on Midsummer Eve. Perhaps it was a gift from one of the clanswomen.”

It was clear Lily did not believe she’d spoke to Seonag, but she had and the bouquet proved it. Overwhelmed by the sudden need to leave the feast before MacConnery and her father returned, she rose and moved to the end of the dais, running smack into one of her betrothed’s men. A mountain of a man, with square features, a large nose, and angry dark eyes stood before her with his thick arms crossed over his broad chest, blocking her way. He wore the protective garments of a warrior or guard, and carried a sword at his side. This was a party and she couldn’t understand why any man here felt the need to tote a weapon.

“Lord MacConnery told me to watch over you, Lady Catriona, until he returned. Is there something you need? If na, might I ask you to please return to your seat?”

Straightening to her full height, she still peered up at the man. “You may not.” She crossed her arms over her chest, mimicking his stance, and thrust her chin skyward in defiance. “I am not Lord MacConnery’s prisoner, and we are not yet married. So if you don’t mind, please move,” she said.

“I have my orders.” He stood his ground and refused to budge.

“Well, I am not feeling well and need to go lay down,” she replied. “You may tell Lord MacConnery thus and bid him good night for me.”

“He will be back soon. I’d suggest you wait and tell him yourself,” the man said.

Ayden immediately came to mind. He had not returned and neither had her father. And while he’d said he would go speak to the minstrels, MacConnery had also disappeared from view. Struck by the overwhelming need to find Ayden, she planted both hands on the warrior’s chest and shoved, catching the man completely off guard and sending him toppling to the ground.

Wasting no time, she darted by the upended guard before he could rise and stop her. She had to find Ayden, consequences be damned.