The Highlander's Secret(19)
“That's unfortunate.”
“Did ye ken that when his da passed away a year ago, Conrad wanted to take his seat on the village council? Keenan refused to let him, and he’s been moping around and complaining about it ever since.”
“I’d heard that,” Alan sighed. “It’s a shame that he’s that way, but I’m glad Keenan sees through his false pretense. Maybe one day Conrad will realize the council’s purpose is to serve and not something to inflate his ego.”
Jain sighed. “Aye, but at least he’s behaving himself fer now. Heather seems to be enjoying his company at least.”
Alan grinned at her. Their conversation turned and led on into different topics, thoroughly enjoying one another’s company. Jain couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun. The hour drew on until the moon was high and the fire’s light grew dim. Families started heading back towards their cottages and Jain bid Alan farewell. She bit her lip and smiled in the moonlight. “Thank ye fer the dance,” Jain told him. “I had a lovely time.”
“Sweet Jain, the pleasure was all mine. I’ll come by yer farm tomorrow morning and finish with the thatching.”
“Aye. We cannae thank ye enough fer all ye’ve done fer us. I ken my parents are very pleased.” After clearing her throat, she added. “It will be strange to have ye go once the task is done.”
“Ye’re always welcome at the shop,” he responded with a grin. “Now I’m afraid I must bid thee goodnight.”
Jain nodded as Alan bowed his head when he turned off towards the smithy.
Aileen was laughing and having the time of her life when Jain found her, and they made it up to the high table.
Moira was slumped over in a chair thanks to the lateness of the hour and Eamon prattled on with his brother. Jain chuckled at the redness of his nose after drinking too much ale and she helped him back towards the wagon. “Da, is it alright if we go home? I’m getting tired.”
Eamon rose from his seat at the table. “Sorry, lass. I didn’t realize the time. We best be getting home then.”
“It was good to see ye, Eamon,” Gracie told him.
He nodded and carefully scooped Moira in his arms to carry her over to the wagon. With Jain and Aileen following close behind, they headed down the steps and over to where the horses were all tied. Eamon carried sleeping Moira over to the wagon and laid her on the blanket, so she wouldn’t be disturbed. Once she was situated, the three of them walked back down the path out of town and back towards the farm.
Even though she was exhausted, Jain could not stop smiling. It was the best night of her life and for once she behaved like the other girls. She danced like the other girls and laughed the way they did. She finally felt like she belonged. More importantly, she enjoyed it. She liked dancing with Alan and being a part of their community.
A place in her heart wondered if maybe she could be happy with a safe life after all.
Chapter Nine
Heather sighed, watching the other couples dancing around the fireside. Their shadows cast eerie patterns around the village green as the flames licked up the sides of the wooden pyre. Her black curls were clean and shiny, braided back into a crown around her head. For her outfit, Heather chose a deep red tunic that belted around her waist and a ruana shawl. She’d been looking forward to the festival for days and now that it was here Heather couldn’t find a single person to talk to. All of her friends were dancing, and both her parents disappeared to socialize with the other adults – she was alone.
With a sigh, Heather reached up to tug at the golden necklace around her neck. It was worth a small fortune and had been in their family for years. Heather’s grandmother had gifted it to her when she was born as part of a secret bond they shared, and she never took it off. It was times like this when she felt alone, that touching her necklace reminded her that she was loved.
Still, standing by herself was worrisome and she wished that one of the lads in town would ask her to dance as well. Any of them at all. Everyone looked so happy and wrapped up in the night’s festivities, Heather just wanted to be included.
She released the golden chain and walked back towards the food table. Heather reached out to get something to drink and a voice spoke up behind her.
“Heather Gordon? Dinnae ye look absolutely ravishing.”
The black-haired beauty turned at the sound of her name and found Conrad standing there, causing her to gasp.
“Conrad, I dinnae see ye there.”
Her heart beat fast at seeing him unaccompanied and felt her cheeks get hot. There were whispers in the village he had a temper and most of the women didn’t like him. Even though he was handsome, Conrad had a way of making them uncomfortable. Heather had never experienced any of this herself, she’d always thought him handsome and agreeable. He had broad, strong shoulders and raven black hair that any lass would find attractive. A smile crept across his face as he approached her in the fire light. “Sorry if I startled ye,” he apologized. “’Twas not my intention. How do ye fare this eve?”
Heather’s breath caught in her chest when his eyes finally met hers. Her stomach was tangled up in knots at finding herself the center of his attention. It was so unexpected and flattering to have the handsome warrior speak to her, she struggled to find the words that would not embarrass her. “Rather well, I suppose. I was just watching the couples dance.”