Page 84 of The Lyon and the Unicorn
“Lady McCallum!” he said. “And young Shona, ye’re looking more beautiful each time I see ye. Why are ye hiding in the corner with”—he cast a glance at Clara—“withher?”
Would he ever be able to refer to her as his daughter-in-law?
But then,herwas better thanthat slut.
“Come, lass,” he said, offering Shona his arm. “The dancing is about to begin, and a true Scotswoman doesn’t hide in the corner. Lady McCallum, my son is eager to dance a reel with ye.” He threw Clara a look of contempt. “The principal guests dance the first reel.” Then he steered Shona toward the center of the hall, Lady McCallum following, and Clara resisted the temptation to poke out her tongue at his retreating back.
A fiddler played an air as the dancers lined up. Clara saw a man bow over Lady McCallum’s hand, but it wasn’t James. Her heart sank as she recognized her husband.
Would he rather spend the evening with anyone but me?
“Does Master Murdo not know what ye’ve been doing, lass?”
Clara turned to see the ghillie, his usual crumpled clothes replaced by a plaid and jacket.
“WhatI’vebeen doing?” she asked.
“Aye,” he said, a broad grin on his face. “I know yer secret. Ye’ve kept it well hidden.” He offered his hand. “Would ye like to test yer new skills on the dance floor and partner me in a reel? Or I could ask yer husband to cast Lady McCallum aside in yer favor.”
“I-I don’t think that’s wise,” Clara said.
“Quite right, lass.”
“Why, because Lady McCallum is a better partner?”
“Och, no, lass. It’s because Master Murdo can admire ye better from a distance, while that flat-footed matriarch stamps on his toes.” He winked, then lowered his voice. “Elspeth tells me ye’re the best pupil she’s ever had, and she doesn’t give praise lightly.”
“She told you?”
“Aye. Now, lass, shall we dance?”
“The laird told me it was for the principal guests only,” Clara said.
“As Master Murdo’s wife, ye’ve as much right to dance as anyone. Ye also have a right to show yer husband what he’s missing.”
“Very well.” Clara took Duncan’s hand, and he steered her toward the line.
As they drew near, Murdo raised his eyebrows in question, while his father’s eyes darkened in anger.
“Duncan, what are ye—”
“He’s partneringme, father-in-law,” Clara said. “I wish to dance a reel, and my husband isn’t available.”
“Clara—” Murdo began, but Lady McCallum interrupted.
“Come now, Murdo,” she said. “We should commend her efforts. I shan’t be offended if she doesn’t know the steps. She must learn somehow.”
“I’m most grateful for your condescension, Lady McCallum,” Clara said, giving her a cold smile.
The dancing began, and Clara’s apprehension lessened as she recognized the tune Elspeth had taught her. She followed the steps, twirling in time to the music with Duncan, who proved an adept partner. When it came to Clara’s turn to lead, Duncan smiled encouragement and clapped in time to the music as she danced the steps she’d memorized. Then she glanced up to see Murdo staring at her, open-mouthed in astonishment. Their eyes met, and her heart soared with joy as the astonishment turned to admiration.
The rest of the party joined in the clapping, and the noise of merriment filled the hall. Duncan spun her around as the music increased to a crescendo, then ended with a flourish, to the sound of cheering.
As Clara caught her breath, her heart pounding from the exercise, her husband released Lady McCallum, then, his emerald eyes glittering with desire, strode toward her, hands outstretched. She took them, and he laced his fingers through hers and pulled her to him. She clung to his jacket, panting.
“A reel’s a strenuous dance for those unused to it, lass,” he said, his voice reverberating against her body. “I didn’t know ye could dance like that.”
“I-I couldn’t until a week ago.”
