The Newcomers

by Donna and Abs

It was dark by the time the Dochas made its way up river to the dock located outside of Edan. The moon was almost full, and it was a beautiful night, so they had no problem navigating the now very familiar channel. As they moored the ship, Connor looked down the trail, wondering where everyone was. Usually there was someone there, keeping an eye out on the goods that were being stored there for his next trip. 

"Odd," he mumbled, cocking his head. He thought he heard something. "Quiet," Connor shouted, and silence instantly fell over the crew. The wind shifted slightly and the sound became clearer. It was the sound of bagpipes off in the distance.  

The very Scottish young women stood on the deck and wondered how they could possibly be hearing this little slice of home? 

Even McBain was choked at the sound. 

Connor grinned broadly. "Let’s get the horses and the other animals off loaded! I don't want to leave them on board. There is enough of us to lead them into town. It's a wee stretch of the legs, so leave your baggage here. I'll have the wagon come back for your things."  

Although they were all tired, the pipes lifted their spirits, and they got their second wind as they marched off to the sound of its music. It got louder the closer they got to town. "Sounds like a party," Samurai Duncan chuckled as he led one of the fractious stallions. Connor had the other one, which left the eight mares for the girls and McBain to lead. The rest of the crew had stayed behind, to finish unloading the cattle and sheep into the pens located near the dock. As they came within sight of the town, it was obvious that some sort of celebration was well underway.  

"Look how they welcome us," said Prudence proudly.  "Like they knew we were comin'!"  McBain gave her a scathing look for her prideful words. 

A shout went through those assembled at the party, and the next thing the girls knew, they were surrounded by a crowd of excited people.  Strong hands reached out to take the horses from the girls and lead them to the stables, and then the newcomers were ushered to the tables filled with all sorts of food. 

"Connor!" squealed a woman, and a moment later, the Captain's arms were filled with a very excited blonde woman. "You’re home! I'm so glad!"  

A few men pushed through, and the startled young women  - and the even more startled minister - were flabbergasted to see that they all looked like McBain, sans his beard.  They were all so taken aback that some of them did not understand what these men wanted with them, at first; Temperance found herself huddling closer to McBain, who stiffened when she did so. 

"My God," said one, taking Prudence's arm, "you look like you've been out in the weather for weeks!  We must get you some clean clothing, food . . . Lupe!  Some refreshments!  And no beer - coffee.  Strong coffee." 

The pretty but petite dark haired woman looked at him resentfully, but she seemed to agree with him in the end.  "Yes, Dr. Helm," she said, taking the arm of the young lady closest to her. 

Drinks were pressed into their hands, and plates of food given to them. Several women, including the little blonde who had greeted the Captain so enthusiastically, introduced themselves, making them feel welcome and at home. The outpouring of concern and genuine pleasure at having the newcomers there was almost overwhelming. Even the town’s priests were there, and after the women had all been taken care of, they introduced themselves to Reverend McBain.  

This personage was still a little overwhelmed.  And when the two Priests introduced themselves, he was far from comforted.  "Do you mean there are only Catholics here?" he asked worriedly. 

"No, not at all," Father Alec assured him. "In fact, we have been trying to keep things as non-denominational as possible so that all may have their spiritual needs served."

This made McBain frown sourly.  "Oh," he said, and they exchanged glances.  It was clear this reverend was not of the belief that all beliefs were interchangeable. 

Off to the side, Faith watched the interchange. The Captain had warned her one of the priest looked like him, but she hadn't been expecting for there to be that much of a resemblance! 

"The MacDonalds are Catholic at any rate," McBain was saying, trying to make the best of it.  He would continue to minister for his own flock, and could deliver those three to their own spiritual advisers.  "Would you like to meet them?" 

"Of course," Father Alec agreed. McBain led him and Father Ralph over to the three sisters, who were sitting nearby. Hope's cheeks were flushed. A party! Perhaps this backwoods place had some hope for it after all. It wouldn't be the same as the social scene in London, but it was better than nothing.  "These are Faith, Hope and . . ." 

"Charity?" Father Alec put in. 

McBain eyed him evenly.  "No.  Grace."  Introductions were made all around, while the two Catholic Priests were both thinking that McBain did not have much of a sense of humor.