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‘And the lifeboat boys made it too. It would have been a shame if they’d missed it.’ She gave Amelia a knowing look. ‘Mind you, poor Fergus has been dragged off by Doris. He’s probably desperate for a beer and she’s got him teed up to demonstrate the Gay Gordons. I think it’s just an excuse to get up close and personal with him.’
Amelia burst out laughing. ‘Well, you can hardly blame her.’
The fiddle group had been playing all evening and they now heard Doris on the microphone.
‘Oh God. They’ll never get her off that thing. Once she starts that will be her for the duration. The band may as well call it a night. I swear she should have been a holiday rep or something. She does love a microphone.’
Amelia chuckled at the thought. Edie wassoright. Doris should have been leading a coach tour around the Highlands and islands.
‘Come on, dear.’ Edie’s tone was warm and soft. ‘Let’s go and dance.’
Anxiety nipped at Amelia’s stomach as she and Edie weaved their way back through the party and into the crowd. They stood together at the side, watching the demonstration for the Gay Gordons. Doris grabbed Fergus’s hand and set off determinedly.
Amelia watched in fascination as Doris issued instructions on how to do the dance in her usual abrupt manner. ‘Forward, two, three, four. Reverse, two, three, four. Forward, two, three, four. Reverse, two, three, four. Now, pivot, pivot and polka, polka. Again!’
Fergus was an obedient and obliging partner, though pulled a few faces, which sent ripples of laughter through the crowd. He caught Amelia’s eye again as he danced past with Doris, who was clearly enjoying being the centre of attention.
Amelia followed everyone else’s lead and clapped along, smiling and watching until Doris decided that she’d had enough. She clapped her hands briskly and dipped into a quick curtsy. ‘Okay everyone. Without further ado, take your partner for the Gay Gordons.’
‘Oh-oh,’ said Edie. ‘Watch out. I think someone wants to dance.’ Her voice was mischievous and she gave Amelia a reassuring smile.
A sense of panic started to close in as Fergus made his way towards her. ‘Fancy a dance?’ he said, his eyes twinkling in delight.
Her heart raced and her insides turned to liquid as she casually replied, ‘Sure.’ His hand was on her back and she trembled as she felt his touch through the silk, and every nerve ending tingled.
Chapter Seventy
Fergus took both her hands.
‘I’ve never done this before.’ She cringed. What on earth was she saying?
‘Well, I wouldn’t have necessarily expected you to.’ He smiled and winked. ‘Just follow my lead and I’ll keep you right.’ They joined hands over Amelia’s shoulder and Fergus put his arm behind her back. ‘Forward, two, three, four, reverse, two, three, four . . .’
‘Doris would be proud,’ she said, stifling a giggle.
‘Bravo, Amelia.’ Doris was now speeding past with Grant, whose expression spoke volumes.
‘Well, thank you.’ Amelia’s words were lost though, as she was now making her way back to the stage.
Then Thea and Cano danced past. Thea threw her a knowing look.
Amelia soon got the gist of it and as they danced together, her dress flowing behind, she couldn’t help but laugh.
‘Having fun?’ Fergus asked.
‘The best. I can’t remember the last time I danced . . .’ Then it dawned on her. Oops. The last time she’d danced was at her wedding. ‘Well, actually I can . . . but this is much more fun.’ She meant every word.
‘Just wait until we do Strip the Willow.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘That is quite boisterous. And the Eightsome Reel.’
‘Sounds great. I’m so glad I wore my trainers.’ The accordion player played the last bars of the tune and they pulled apart, breathless.
‘You look very beautiful, Amelia. And, yes, good move with the trainers.’
‘A present from Edie,’ she said. ‘Shall I grab some drinks?’
‘Oh, that’s a great idea. I’m desperate for a beer.’
They walked towards the bar, Fergus’s hand gentle on her back. ‘You were called out with the crew?’
