Long before that ill-fated trip, a relative of Mary’s had sent that tea set to congratulate them on the arrival of little Keira. Ruaridh remembered vividly just how happy she had been to hear from that maternal cousin of hers. She had treasured the tea set so much, but did not really use it. How could she? She lived in the Highlands, and they weren’t the most delicate of guests to use such fine china.
Ruaridh had always hoped to buy the tea set for her, but he had not had the chance to before she died trying to visit that cousin she loved so much.
In the years that followed, he bought tea blends whenever he had the chance, dried chamomile and the like, and stashed them in his rooms. Logan often teased him that he acquired different types of tea as if he were planning to open a tea house.
A tea house in the Highlands was a laughable idea, but acquiring all those blends seemed to ease his guilt about his wife’s death in a twisted way.
And the ladies seemed to have broken into his secret stash to prepare their tea party without his consent.
“What do ye think ye are doing?” he asked when he stopped at the edge of their makeshift picnic, his voice laced with irritation.
“Why?” Violet asked, squinting up at him from beneath the brim of her hat.
She looked lovely today, almost too lovely to make him forget what he was angry about.
“We are having a tea party,” she added, eyeing him like he was a little slow for not knowing what a tea party was.
“Aye, I can see that,” he grunted. “What I daenae understand is why ye’re having a tea party here in the Highlands?”
“Don’t be so obtuse. One can have a tea party anywhere. Besides, Keira wanted to experience it.”
Keira nodded enthusiastically, watching him calmly.
“And ye thought it wise to take me tea set without me permission?” he gritted out.
“It is yours?” Violet asked, genuine surprise crossing her features. “Keira offered to bring out her mother’s old tea set. I thought she had inherited it from her. I did not know you considered it yours. Well, come join us. You have earned your place among us ladies simply because you so graciously gave us your tea set.”
Her words were said with a smile, challenging him. He knew that she expected him to refuse, but he did not want to prove himself predictable. So he smiled in return.
“Thank ye, ladies,” he said with a bow, folding himself to take a seat on the blanket, enjoying the swiftness with which her confident smile vanished.
“Hurray!” Keira exclaimed with a clap of excitement. “What tea do ye want, Da?
“Chamomile, I think,” Violet murmured irritably. “He would need it to calm himself.”
Keira found that response funny and burst into laughter, and soon Violet and Grannie Ava joined in, sharing in her joy.
Watching them, Ruaridh realized that Violet had brought joy back into his family. It was just unfortunate that he could not make her as happy as she was in this moment that she shared with his daughter and grandmother.
But he was willing to try, however he could.
14
“There are so many stalls ye have to see, Violet,” Keira said gleefully. “Ye willnae have seen the likes in England. Mr. McMurray always has the best toys to look at, and there’s a puppeteer who puts on plays at noon. If we hurry, we will meet him.”
“I believe you, dear girl, and I look forward to it.” Violet gave her a smile. “Indeed, we are leaving now.”
She had been looking forward to exploring the village since Grannie Ava had suggested it, and now that the opportunity had presented itself, it was too good to miss.
Preparations for the feast were underway, and Ruaridh had asked Grannie Ava to see to the making of a few dresses for Violet, for which she was grateful. The old woman had all too happily suggested that she choose the fabrics herself.
Learning that she was going to the market, Violet had added a few other items to her list, including decorations and seasonal fruits, and the excitement of it all had kept her awake the previous night.
Keira had readily appointed herself as a guide, since Violet was new and wasn’t familiar with the village, though they had all seen it as a ruse for her to ditch her lessons for the day. Still, none of them had the heart to stop her.
They had met in the morning room to receive the final list from Grannie Ava and slowly made their way to the front doors, with Keira making commentary as they went. But when the doors came into view, Violet spotted Ruaridh’s giant frame filling the frame. Her heart rate quickened when his gaze found them.
“Da!” Keira squealed, running forward to meet him.
