The girl clapped excitedly.
There was an excited buzz as guests milled about, saying their final goodbyes, but there was also a tinge of sadness. Violet spotted a few wiping at their eyes, especially ladies in newfound romances.
When would they gather again to celebrate?
Already, a few had given her and Ruaridh their apologies, as they wouldn’t be able to attend the wedding, and she could understand. They needed to ensure the safety and smooth running of their clans. It wouldn’t do to travel so often.
Nonetheless, she would miss the hum that had settled over the castle. The transition back to a much less chaotic din would no doubt have them struggling for a few days.
Especially her.
She had never felt comfortable at parties back in London, as her station had made the ton look down at her from upturned noses. Here, no one had mocked her station, and they hadn’t even cared about social status. Lairds and ladies and clan members mingled freely with such ease that she had found herself abandoning propriety on more than one occasion, especially during dancing.
Tears pooled in her eyes again, but she blinked them back, not wanting to darken the happy conversation around her with her emotions. When she was in her chambers, she could mourn the absence of her newfound friends.
“Me Laird,” one of Callum’s men called. “We are ready to depart.”
A lump formed in Violet’s throat, and as if Sienna felt the same, they threw themselves into each other’s arms.
Their laughter was both happy and somber, and Violet felt Sienna’s tears wet her shoulders and knew hers were doing the same.
“I will miss ye terribly, Sienna,” she sniffled.
They broke apart, but their hands remained joined.
“And I as well.”
She sniffed and laughed softly. “It is weird to have formed such a bond so quickly.”
“I have always wanted a sister, so I understand how ye feel,” Sienna agreed with a smile.
“Daenae worry, Violet,” Callum interjected. “We will do everything we can to ensure ye and Keira visit as soon as possible.”
“I will hold ye to yer promise, Callum,” Violet warned playfully.
She watched him help his sister into the carriage and turned away to wipe at her eyes. She noted Ruaridh’s eyes on her and tried to put on a smile.
“It is all right to miss them,” he said softly.
“I know,” she mumbled. “It just feels hard.”
He nodded and held out his arm to her.
“Come, let us say farewell to the rest of the guests.”
She took his arm and let him lead her, pushing her grief down until she was alone, and she could mourn in solitude.
The rest of the goodbyes were said quickly, and as the horses and carriages crested the hill, a black cloud came over her like nothing she had ever felt.
It was a loss more profound than the one she had felt when she realized just how much her life would change with leaving London the way she had.
Even as they turned to go back into the castle, she couldn’t shake the feeling.
“Da, will Violet be all right?” Keira asked softly, coming to take his hand.
Ruaridh eyed his bride as she walked ahead of him, her shoulders slumped and her mood dark. He had watched her cry as she and Sienna hugged, and hadn’t known whether or not to comfort her, but now he was even more at a loss as to what to do.
He had been happy that she had found a friend in Sienna, but he hadn’t realized how much it would hurt her when their time together came to an abrupt end.
