The others apparently were, too, as everyone muttered assent. Morag looked at Rory expectantly, but he gestured for her to go on. “I need a word with Juliana.”
The girl’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she must have remembered her father was there, for she turned on her heel, lifted her chin, and marched out.
He waited until everyone had cleared the room, which gave Juliana a moment of trepidation. He certainly didn’t look as though what he had to say would be pleasant. Her breath caught. Was he going to tell her he’d decided to send her off with an escort while he remained here?
“I spoke with one of the MacDonnells last night—Keneth. His brother Tate has a house in Dalwhinnie near Drumochter Pass…” He paused.
Juliana stared at him. Was he going to say that was as far as he was taking her? She steeled herself for his next words. Whatever they were, she was not going to show her feelings. “Yes?”
“He offered us his brother’s hospitality.”
Rory had saidus. That meant he was going to take her himself, didn’t it? She didn’t quite dare to breathe a sigh of relief. “And?”
He took a deep breath himself. “I wanted to ken what arrangements ye want made.”
She furrowed her brows. “Arrangements?”
“I ken ye will want your own room.” A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I can say we are avoiding another attempt by Cameron to abduct ye because one of my brothers is paying ye court.”
“One of yourbrothers?”
“Aye. That way there will be nae question why I am escorting ye and nae questions about having your own room.”
“I…” She swallowed. “I see.”
And she did. Rory could not have made it more clear that he was through with any silly notions about actually being handfasted to her. Not that she’d ever intended to hold him to such, but… She sighed. But nothing. There had beennothingbetween them. She lifted her chin.
“Perhaps that would be best.”
The rest of Christmas Day passed in a blur for Juliana. It hadn’t taken her much time to pack the few pieces of clothing she’d purchased in Fort William, and the new woolen cloak and breeches she’d wear tomorrow morning were on the chair for when they left. She’d spent most of the afternoon in the solar with Greer and Aileen, partly because they’d become friends over the days she’d been at Invergarry, but it was also a good way to avoid Rory. They’d soon be forced to keep company on the road. She wasn’t looking forward to being properly formal for the entire time it took to get home, but Rory had already demonstrated that he was going to do just that. Who knew she’d missarguingwith him?
He hadn’t been at dinner, nor had Calum. Sima said they’d ridden out to check for any possibility that Camerons were lurking in the woods. Juliana supposed she should be grateful that Rory was taking such precautions.
Now, as the sun set and what they called the gloaming was quickly turning into darkness, there was just one more Yule festivity for them to get through. People were already gathering in the bailey for the big bonfire that would soon be lit. She saw Rory coming across the bailey from the stables and wondered if he’d just returned. Then she saw Morag run to him. Juliana turned away.
“I think I remember reading something once about pagan religions using bonfires in their ceremonies,” she said to Aileen as they watched the laird lead eleven other men to the stack of wood, “but I thought it was done in the spring to ensure good crops and healthy livestock.”
Aileen nodded. “’Twas the practice of Beltane, I think, but this custom dates back to our Viking roots. Our Norse ancestors were used to the sun completely disappearing where they came from, and it would not appear again until the twelfth night.” She gestured to the twelve men who were now lighting the fire at intervals. “So, even though we all ken why the sun disappears on the winter solstice, ’tis symbolic of bringing back the light.”
“And of the next year being better than the past,” Greer added.
Juliana wondered if her new year would be better. Her sister Emily was happily married and more than glad to remain at Strae Castle. Her other sister, Lorelei, was planning to return to London for the Season under the chaperonage of the Countess of Bute, whose husband, the former prime minister, had been instrumental in ending the proscription of the MacGregors.
Should she go back to London with her sister? Juliana had no interest in going through the Season, since its primary goal was for young ladies to acquire husbands. Besides, she’d always scoffed at what Society referred to as the “marriage mart” when it really was more like a horse sale at Tattersalls—the best bloodlines sold to the highest bidder. The last thing she wanted was to become chattel to a stranger. She wasn’t sure she could tolerate what marriage demanded… She tried not to flinch, thinking of how she’d reacted to Rory—and shelikedhim and, to be truthful, she was attracted to him. She also trusted him. But someone else? No. Better—safer—to become a spinster.
“Do ye want to join in the dancing?” Greer asked.
Juliana snapped out of her reverie and noticed that people were gathering around the fire, linking arms. “I have never been much of a dancer.”
“’Tis easy,” Greer said. “All we do is skip in a circle to the right, then skip in a circle to the left.”
Would Rory be joining in? She scanned the crowd that was now beginning to move. Then she caught sight of him walking toward the castle. She glanced around for Morag but didn’t see her. Perhaps this would be a good time to catch him and try to explain that she hadn’t meant to wound his pride. She didn’t think she’d get much sleep tonight if she didn’t at least attempt to make amends.
“I think I will just go in. We have an early start planned for tomorrow.”
Aileen gave her a sharp glance, then nodded. “Ye have a good night, then.”
“I will.” At least, she hoped she would. It would depend on if she could find Rory and how amenable he would be.
