“I like the sound of that,” Honoria said. “It expresses independence.”
From the sofa, Hugh snorted.
“And a certain amount of passion,” Lash remarked, a smile accompanying the words.
“We MacCallans have loads of that,” Isla rejoined, her tone light.
Hugh made a gurgling sound at the back of his throat. “Kill me, I beg you.”
Honoria could have cheerfully obliged and strangled her brother.
“Do not tempt us,” Isla muttered.
“You don’t have to watch,” Honoria agreed. “Go pester someone else if you are bored, Hugh.”
“I would not miss this pleasantry for the world, little twin sister.”
“I’m two seconds older than you.”
“A complete fabrication meant to rile me.”
Honoria harrumphed and motioned for Lash to continue.
He shook his head, lips curved upward. “The skill is to commutate your innermost emotions to the musician or singer, as well as your audience. Being women, that shouldn’t be too hard.”
“There is an insult in that sentence, I think,” Isla murmured.
“Aye, I think he means to imply we are emotional creatures who wear our hearts on our sleeves.”
“We shall have to work on your concentration, ladies,” Lash drawled, emphasizing the last with a stamp of his foot. “Foot percussion is most important.”
“We shall be at our most diligent,” Honoria responded with a mock bow.
Isla followed suit, bowing with a small grin.
Lash shook his head, lips twitching. “Tap your toe to the floor, and then your heel. Tap your heel again and repeat toe and flat.” He demonstrated. “Raise and stamp.”
Honoria and Isla shared a look.Was that all?
“You try.” Lash motioned to them.
Honoria looked down at her feet and mimicked the actions. To her delight, both she and Isla got it right on their first try.
“Good, remember the sequence of toe – heel – heel – toe – flat. Practice that until you have perfected the flow. Once you are comfortable, add arm movements.”
He carried on demonstrating, creating a continuous flow of motion with his arms, snapping his fingers for effect, which pulled a chortle from Hugh.
“You look like a bloody rooster.”
They ignored him.
Honoria suddenly understood what Lash meant with most dances being tedious. This was much more fun. “What comes next?” she asked, eager to learn more.
“The best part,” Lash said, his grin infectious. “Spontaneity.”
“Such as?” Honoria asked, intrigued.
“Any form of expression that touches you in the moment. Sway your hips, bat your eyes, swivel your head, anything that portrays your emotion.”
