Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(66)

“Next year I want to watch the sun rise at Stonehenge,” Lily said.

“Whatever you wish, my love,” Daniel replied.

Thomas rolled his eyes at Rose, and then said, “God, man, she has you wrapped around her little finger.”

Daniel laughed.

“Do shut up, Thomas,” Lily said. Then, “I suppose we shall miss the bonfires tonight as well, since we’ll be going to the theatre.”

“I didn’t know you wanted to see the bonfires, Lily,” Daniel said. “Most of them were last night, on the eve, but there will likely be a few tonight.”

“No, I’d much rather go to the theatre,” Lily said. “I love Shakespeare.”

“There will be another festival in a few days for the Feast of St. John,” Daniel said. “This one today is the true pagan celebration. We’ll likely see the spiral dance, fortune tellers, candle boats, maybe even a dragon or two.” He smiled.

“What’s a candle boat?” Rose asked.

“Wait and see.” Daniel smiled.

They arrived amidst children and adults dressed in peasant finery, jeweled in flower garlands and crowns.

“Much like the May Day festival,” Lily remarked.

“Yes, a lot of the traditions are similar,” Daniel said.

“Why, there’s a May Pole.” Rose pointed.

“It’s called the Midsummer Tree,” Daniel explained. “Although it is the same dance.”

Dozens of women walked about veiled in white, their hair flowing freely, scattering flower petals.

“Who are they, Daniel?” Lily asked.

“Druids.”

“Druids still exist?” Lily asked incredulously.

“Yes, especially here in Wiltshire. You’d be amazed how many haven’t embraced Christianity.”

“What would Papa say?” Lily said to Rose and Thomas.

“We’d best not tell him,” Thomas replied, chuckling. “He may significantly lower his opinion of your husband if he learns of the heathen practices that he has subjected us all to today.”

As they walked toward a rolling stream, Daniel said, “There are your candle boats, Rose.”

They watched as people folded pieces of paper into boats, filled them with flowers, set them on fire, and sailed them down the rolling waters.

“How lovely.” Rose watched intently. “What are they for?”

“The tradition comes from Austria,” Daniel said. “It’s not commonly practiced in England, so I’m not sure how it made its way here to Wiltshire. The boats are said to carry prayers to the deities.”

“May we sail one?” Lily asked.

“Of course.”

Daniel led them forward. He gave several coins to a young maiden and returned with two matches and two pieces of paper. “Here you are.” He showed them how to fold the paper into a boat. “Now gather the flowers and petals from the ground and put them in your boat.”

When the boats were full, Daniel led them to the edge of the stream. “Think of your wish before we light them,” he said. “You must pray to the Goddess as the boat hits the water.”

“The Goddess?” Rose asked. Her father would not approve.

“To the Christian God, if you wish,” Daniel said. “Whatever deity works for you.”

“I’m ready, Daniel,” Lily said.

Daniel lit Lily’s boat on fire and she quickly placed it in the rolling water. It burned as it sped downstream.

“What did you wish for Lily?” Rose asked.

“She can’t tell you,” Daniel said. “It’s private, between her and the Goddess.”

“I see. I guess I’m ready then.”

Daniel lit Rose’s boat, and as she placed it in the water, she closed her eyes and prayed as hard as she could. Dear God. And G-Goddess, please bring Cameron back to me and our babe. When she opened her eyes, her boat was gone.

“What a fun little custom,” Lily said.

“I’m famished, Lybrook,” Thomas said. “Where are the eats around here?”

“Look around. They’re everywhere.” Daniel pointed. “My favorite is beef on a stick. They sell it at that little kiosk. Come on. My treat.”

While the others relished their snack, Rose choked hers down, fighting the ever-present nausea. Daniel brought two tankards of ale for himself and Thomas and watered down wine for Lily and Rose. What Rose really wanted was some fresh water, but she drank her beverage, not complaining.

“Look, there’s a dragon!” Lily pointed to a parade of musicians being led by a large dragon head. Behind the musicians, several gypsies dragged a large wooden man.

“I told you, love,” Daniel said. “See that giant coming behind the dragon? He’s made of wicker. He’ll be burned tonight in one of the bonfires as a sacrifice to the Goddess.”

“Fascinating,” Lily said. “Are the rest of you finished? I’m dying to walk around a bit more. I feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface of what there is to see here.”

Rose handed her unfinished meat to Thomas. “I can’t possibly eat another bite.”

“Are you feeling well, Rose?” Thomas asked.

Lily gave Rose a sideways glance.