Chapter 1. Is This A Dream?
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Beth found herself aimlessly walking through the trees that were closest to the unfinished Fraser home. She had been welcomed into the fold and had met the entire family. In fact, there were preparations being made for the wedding between Brianna and Roger. Brianna was the daughter of Claire and Jamie, but Beth found herself wondering why her accent differed so much from either of her parents.
On her way back towards the house, and the preparations at hand, Beth found herself sidling up next to Claire and Marsali.
"I feel out of sorts," Beth began, chewing on her lower lip as she glanced between the two women. "Can I help with anything? You have opened your home to me, and I feel as though I haven't done much to show my gratitude." Beth told Claire softly, a small smile forming on her lips as she took the small bunch of babys' breath from Marsali, who had been keeping quiet and leaned over as Claire spoke up. "Beth, you are a guest. Thank you for the offer, why don't you help Marsali with the bouquets?"
Claire set the flowers she was holding down onto the wooden table between them. "I should go find Jamie and see if we have everything ready to go for tomorrow." Claire smiled, letting her hand rest on Beth's shoulder as she looked down at her with a nod.
Again, Beth began to feel that uneasy feeling deep in the pit of her stomach. What was that? She wasn't sure if she should be scared or comfortable?
Marsali stayed quiet for a moment before she spoke up, questioning Beth about where she was from and about her family. Beth felt nervous. Her throat felt dry and as if it was tightening up, not allowing words to pass her lips.
"I grew up far north," She began, weaving stems of flowers in together, making what seemed like a rope of garland. "I was actually raised by a man and woman who are not my real parents." Beth glanced up to look into the blonde's eyes, a smile forming on her lips. "I never knew my real parents and the older I get, the more ok I am with that." She cleared her throat and moved to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. She would have to practice doing her hair because she had a feeling there was no hair spray – not to mention that everyone would probably make her an outcast if she tried teasing her hair they way they did it back home.
Marsali nodded. "Aye, I ken what you mean. Jamie is my Da...but not really my Da." She told Beth with a smile. "He married me Ma when my real father died. It's a long story and I don't want to get into Da and Claire's business." Marsali let out a small laugh as she raised her delicate hand to wave over a taller male with black hair that met his shoulders. "I don't think you've met my husband yet."
Fergus approached, a small child bouncing in his arms as he moved to kiss his wife's lips softly. "How are you doing my dear?" Fergus asked with a broad grin.
"I'm doing well, ye ken that already Fergus Fraser." Marsali smacked his arm gently with a laugh. "This here is Beth Montgomery. She is from up north." Marsali motioned to Beth who smiled and waved to Fergus, leaning over to tickle at the little boy in his arms. "This is my husband, Fergus Fraser and our son, Germain."
"Pleasure to meet you." Beth responded, "Your son is beautiful." She looked to Marsali with a smile.
"Thank ye kindly." Marsali moved to take the boy from his father.
Now that Fergus' arms were no longer full, she noticed the bronze prosthetic hand. She made no comment and turned back to the flowers. That would have to be a story for another day. After all, she just met these people. She wasn't sure if she would be here too long. She had to find a way back to the stones.
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The wedding of Brianna and Roger was beautiful. Beth had never attended a wedding before so certainly a wedding in 1770 was something out of a fairytale. The ceremony itself was breathtaking and emotional. Beth found herself sitting in the very back row besides Fiona and William. She had been gifted a nicer dress from Claire that Beth so graciously accepted. She was hoping she wouldn't have to worry about more clothing. Beth was not used to being so covered up. Though she will say that the dresses did wonders for her chest.
Nightfall soon stole the daylight. That was when the dancing began. Beth had mingled around, often staying close to Fiona and William because that was when she felt most comfortable. After walking off to relieve herself, Beth took her time walking back towards the roaring fires and crowds of dancing men and women.
"Mistress Montgomery!"
Turning on her heel, Beth found herself making eye contact with Jamie. "How are you fairing this evening? I hope you are able to enjoy the festivities." Jamie smiled, taking a quick sip of the ale in his mug. "Oh, yes, Mr. Fraser. Everything has been wonderful. A very beautiful wedding. I cannot thank you and your family enough for allowing me to stay and participate." Beth said with a little bow, chewing on her lower lip. She found herself wanting to speak as proper as possible. She needed to blend in – not stick out like she assumed she was doing. She had held enough stares throughout the night. Men. Women. Women angry at their men for staring. It was all starting to be overwhelming.
"Please, call me Jamie." The redhead grinned, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Everyone is welcome here at Fraser's Ridge. Now, if you excuse me," He glanced over to a slightly shorter male who had his brown hair tied back at the base of his skull. Beth glanced over and took in his appearance. He was dressed in wealth. Beth wondered if he was anyone of major historical importance. "I've got to greet an old friend." He walked off and called out to the man he was focused on, "Lord John!"
Beth continued watching the interaction for a moment before she turned around and started walking again. She wasn't sure what to do with herself but after finding her way to Marsali and Fergus – she had a few more drinks and had joined in on the dancing for the rest of the night. At the back of her mind, the thought of whether or not her friends were looking for her continued to repeat itself.
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Most of the guests had started packing up and moving out the morning after. Beth, with the help of Fiona and William, had been able to stay in her own secluded tent. She quickly dressed herself in the dress Fiona had initially provided her when she arrived and walked out fixing her hair.
"Good Morning." She nodded to a few different people as she passed them, heading towards the house.
She assisted Claire, Marsali and Brianna with putting together a spread of food for everyone to indulge in so that they could break their fasts. As everyone indulged in the fruits, cheeses and breads, Beth found herself standing on the porch besides Claire. "Fiona and William are heading back to their cabin shortly," Claire began, glancing over at Beth for a moment before looking out on the open land before them.
"Yes, Fiona spoke with me this morning about it. She... She offered for me to come with them." Beth let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "But I'm not sure if that's the right move for me."
"What do you mean? I know you said you have family up north. Will you go back home to them?" Claire questioned.
Beth shook her head. "My father is dead, and my mother is a horrible woman." She cleared her throat and picked up her skirts as she sat on the top step. Claire followed and sat beside Beth, a warm hand resting on her back. "I also don't know how to get back home from here." She admitted, looking down at her hands before looking back to Claire with a sheepish smile.
Claire was silent, only offering a small smile in return. "I'm sure Fiona and William can take you as far as they can, you only need to ask."
Beth wasn't sure what came over her. Her eyes were welling up with tears and she quickly looked away from the older woman. "I don't think that's going to work."
Claire was now the one chewing on her lower lip. "Here, come inside." She said, pushing herself up to stand before taking hold on Beth's hand and helping her up from the step.
Claire walked into the house and glanced back at Beth to ensure she was following her. Before they walked into the room off to the left-hand side of the house, Claire closed the door and let out a long breath.
"What year?"
"I'm sorry?"
"What year are you from?"
Beth stared up at Claire in astonishment. Now...Now she had the answer to why her stomach had been tied in knots when she first met Claire and her husband. "H-How do you know?" Beth stammered, one hand resting on her stomach as if to help herself catch her breath. The other hand leaned against the back of the closest piece of furniture for support.
"Because I am just like you." Claire said softly, helping Beth to sit down before clasping the girl's hands in hers.
"1982." Beth whispered, blinking away the tears as she squeezed Claire's hands back, looking up at her. "Is this really...happening? I'm not dreaming, am I?" The weight of everything from the past few days finally washing over the young girl, her shoulders sagged, and her head hung low as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Yes. It's real, Beth. It's very real. But it's ok." Claire whispered soothingly, holding the girl to her side. "Can I tell you about my journey? Will that help?"
Beth took a few moments to respond. She was working to regulate her breathing before looking up at Claire with a nod. "Yes. I-If that's ok. Maybe it will help me come back down to earth." She let out a soft laugh, now reaching up to wipe her cheeks free from the tears her eyes had so quickly expelled.
"Well, it all started when I was on my honeymoon in Scotland..."
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