“You’re watching my father intensely,” she answered. “Is something wrong? Does it bother you to?—”
“Yer da can stay here for as long as he wants,” he interrupted. “ He is to be me faither-in-law, after all. He can stay and enjoy thegames. It would be great if he could attend our wedding at the end of the games.”
She was about to ask him what had brought about the change in his demeanor when he nodded and walked away.
For several minutes after he left, she stood there wondering what exactly had happened. If his coldness was a result of him rethinking his decision.
For the umpteen time, she wondered what exactly the problem was. She wondered what had happened to the lover who had spent the better part of the last month trying to seduce her into changing her mind so they could get married soon. This version was cold and severe and totally lacking that charm. It was as if he were rethinking his decision, and she did not like it one bit.
20
Violet had always hated big gatherings.
At first, she was usually excited to get introduced to many new people, but the novelty wore off as the events proceeded.
The spaces became suffocating, her head filling with the pressure of the noise, the air a toxic mix of perspiration and strong perfume that quite easily made her faint, and she always found herself sidling towards the balcony for a respite. But because of London’s ridiculous rules on propriety, she could not remain out there for long, lest a man go there for the same purpose and accidentally get caught in a scandal with her.
The ton only needed to see her alone on the balcony with a man to jump to conclusions. She did not want to imagine a future where she was forced to marry a man simply because she sought serenity away from an overcrowded ballroom. Eventually, this caused her to view social events with mixed feelings.
Here, she didn’t need to.
The Highlands games were set up outside the castle, which meant it was safe enough to accommodate all that would come with zero chance of suffocation, since it was an open-air setup. The men—lairds, farmers, and hunters alike—came in droves, obviously happy to participate in the games.
“That is Laird McGleann,” Keira said from beside her, jolting her out of her reverie. She motioned to a blonde giant who had on a black and blue tartan and was carrying a broadsword on his back.
He looked dangerous at first glance, but then he turned to them, waved, and Keira waved back enthusiastically.
“He is Brian’s da. Me friend from the neighboring clan. He won last year’s sparing. Da swears he will win this time.”
Ruaridh with a competitive streak? Violet would love to see that.
“Do ye think he will win?” she asked with a smile.
“I daenae ken. Da is very good at the caber toss. He has always won in the past years, but sparring… I am nae sure.”
Not a very confident vote of confidence.
She would make sure to tease him about it when she next saw him.
Ruaridh had been quite busy these last few days, helping her learn some skills for the games. While he had accepted the tug of war, he had insisted she attempt other games and had endeavored to teach her, and in his pragmatic way, he ensured that Keira and Sienna were always there as chaperones to save them from themselves.
That did not mean that the heat between them did not become almost uncontrollable. The tension between them seemed to have climbed to an all-time high since they had not had the chance to ease it in any other way. At this point, the briefest touch might set her off, so it was probably better that she avoided him entirely.
“I would have thought ye would be practicing with Ruaridh for the games,” Davinana called from behind her, causing her to turn around. Sienna was in tow and waved enthusiastically.
Violet waved back with a wide smile.
They looked beautiful as usual, and she was grateful she had taken more care with her appearance. Davina’s red hair caught the light of the morning sun, and her emerald-green dress set off her olive complexion, while Sienna looked elegant in her simple brown walking dress.
“You look beautiful, dear Davina,” Violet complimented. “And you as well, lovely Sienna.”
“I could say the same about ye,” Davina chuckled, patting her shoulder. “Where is Ruaridh?”
“And have ye seen me brother anywhere?”
“They went with Logan to cut more trees for the caber toss,” Violet answered. “They are rather excited if I may say.”
“I can never understand whoever came up with the idea of throwing small trees around,” Davina said glumly with a sigh.
