“Well, aren’t you an encyclopedia of medieval knowledge.”
“’Tis what I’ve been told.” He avoided her searching eyes. “Ah... It looks as if some of the men are anxious to win tomorrow.” He lifted a hand, pointed to the men who were already in the arena practicing for the upcoming games.
Tara looked at the men on horseback with nervous anticipation.
“You are competing, right?”
Duncan’s hand rested on the small of her back as they moved closer to get a better look at the men as they practiced. “Nay, Tara. I will not be competing.”
She turned to him in shock. “But I thought... I mean since we’ve been...”
His face softened in a boyish, playful smile.
“You’re joking,” she said in relief.
“I’ll not be competing. I will be winning,” he declared with absolute conviction.
Her sigh came out in a rush, which was followed with her delicate hand hitting his chest. “Don’t scare me like that.”
“Are you worried I wouldn’t fight for your hand?”
“You’re the only guy here I’ve kissed! You damn well better fight for my hand!”
“I do enjoy your kisses.”
“I’ll give you another if you win,” she promised.
He moved closer looking as if he would take another kiss right then. Bruno grunted behind them, ruining the moment.
Damn, she thought, wishing they were alone.
They were finishing their evening meal when Madame Gwen made her appearance in the dining hall. Tara noticed the look the brothers exchanged, but the plastic smile on Gwen’s face made her forget what she was thinking and left her feeling chilled. Polite greetings were made, and Fin started asking questions as soon as Madame Gwen walked up. “What’s next on tonight’s festivities?” he asked.
Instead of answering, Gwen looked over at Tara.
“Miss McAllister, you will be asked to dance with every man competing tomorrow. I hope you don’t object.”
“Well...” Tara straightened up to attention.
“We wouldn’t want the men to think you’ve already picked the winner and there’s no reason to play the games.” Grainna directed her look at Duncan. “I’m sure your friend won’t mind.”
Tara noticed a slight twitch in Duncan’s jaw.
She hoped he would object.
Instead he smiled and said, “Of course not.”
“Good.” Gwen clapped her hands together, her bracelets jingled. Instantly, the music stopped and gave her the audience she demanded.
“Lords and Ladies,” her voice rang out. “On the eve of the solstice, and the tournament commemorating the occasion, I want to thank you all for joining us tonight. As promised, tomorrow’s games will fill the day and end with the joust.”
Shouts went up from the crowd as drunken men raised their glasses.
“The winner will have the honor of partnering with Lady Tara in a handfasting ceremony.”
Whistles could be heard over the crowd. At least one man shouted something about a wedding night. “The celebration which will follow will rival any period wedding of the time of the Renaissance. One I hope you will enjoy.”
Clenching the goblet, Tara took a giant swig from her wine. Duncan’s hand found the other resting in her lap under the table. His gentle squeeze reassured and calmed her.
“Those competing for Lady Tara’s hand have the opportunity to meet with her tonight and are given one dance each.” Gwen signaled the musicians and sound filled the air. “Enjoy your evening.”
Gwen tilted her head and left the platform.
Men lined up, adding to Tara’s distress. The music was soft and resembled a waltz. Her knees trembled when the first man approached.
Tara smiled at Duncan and then glared at Cassy. She moved forward and let her first partner lead her to the dance floor.
He was short. His name was Jimmy or Timmy, Tara couldn’t remember. He counted while they danced which kept him from talking. It was awkward dancing with a stranger, but Jimmy or Timmy seemed as uncomfortable as her.
Outside of a sore toe, Tara was less scared than she thought she’d be when the next man came forward.
After the third dance partner, Tara’s earlier jitters started to subside. The men asked the same questions. ‘Are you having a good time?’ ‘How is it, being in the limelight?’ Harmless men, most of them married, or so they said.
Her fourth partner was familiar and handsome for a blond. It took her a few minutes of meticulous dancing to realize who the man was. He embodied the part of English knight, from accent to dress. He didn’t have to count to dance, which afforded him the opportunity to talk.
“You look ravishing, Lady Tara.” His voice was smooth.
Her cheeks grew warm. “Thank you, Mr. Steel.”
“Please, call me Michael. You wound me with your propriety.”
“I’m more worried about wounding your feet.”
Almost on cue, her feet skipped a step, forcing her partner to hold her closer.
“Be careful, we wouldn’t want you to injure yourself before tomorrow.” He gazed down at her.
“Unless you want out of the spotlight.”
She chuckled. “Going to the dentist would be more fun for me.”
Michael laughed, putting her at ease.
The other man’s laughter grated on Duncan’s nerves. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the muscle in his jaw twitched. The man’s hands rested far too comfortably around Tara’s waist, and to his dismay, she was smiling at him. “Easy brother,” Fin warned, “’Tis only a dance, one she is obligated to have.”
Duncan’s eyes followed them around the room.
When the dance ended the man reach for her hand, his lips touched the back of it. He felt some satisfaction when she pulled away quickly after he released it.
“My turn.” Fin jumped to his feet.
Fin cut off a clumsy, overweight man and whisked her around in a very large circle before pulling her into his arms, keeping a comfortable distance from his frame.
“How are you holding up?” Fin asked, with a loud enough voice for Duncan to hear.
“You don’t happen to have a flask of whisky on you?” Tara teased.
She relaxed, and Fin swept her out of earshot.
Duncan’s eyes narrowed, wondering what secrets his brother whispered in his lady’s ear.
“Tara tells me you’re both leaving for home after this is over.” Cassy moved to a seat closer to Duncan so he could hear her.