Chapter 8 #2
Eventually the band started tuning up in the ballroom and people began to drift through for the dancing.
There were banquettes around the large room, with small drinks tables and odd chairs here and there along both sides.
As soon as the dancing began, Ciaran claimed her for his partner and Donald drew Jenny to her feet.
Although Ciaran was tall and broad-shouldered, he was surprisingly light on his feet. Roxie enjoyed dancing and she remarked on his expertise.
‘Don and I were members of the Scottish country dancing team for a couple of years in our early teens,’ he said with a grin. ‘Do you know any Scottish reels?’
‘No, I don’t. I shall enjoy sitting down to watch you all in your kilts demonstrating the various moves.’
‘Don’t you believe it.’ He laughed. ‘You will not get the chance to sit out, but don’t worry — there are plenty of fellows only too eager to show you the moves, and don’t be surprised if one or two tuck you under their arm and lift you sometimes if the moves are complicated.’
‘I doubt if any of them would manage that. I’m neither small nor skinny.’
‘You wait and see.’ Ciaran grinned. ‘Do you know how to do the Gay Gordons?’
‘I don’t think so, although I have heard of it.’
‘Save that for me. I will teach you the steps. One of my favourites is the Pride of Erin Waltz so if you hear it being announced, say you’re booked for that and I shall find you wherever you are.’
‘If Jenny wants to rest a bit between dances, I think I should keep her company. After all, it is due to Jenny that I’m here at all.’
‘We’ll see. She usually enjoys the dancing, but I suppose she might tire a bit now.’
The evening seemed to speed by and Roxie never lacked for partners.
She was astonished to find herself tucked under someone’s arm more than once though, in line with Ciaran’s prediction.
He was as good as his word and made sure he claimed her for both the dances he had mentioned and one or two besides.
‘I see Ciaran is keeping his eye on you,’ one of her partners said with a chuckle. ‘How about saving the last dance for me instead?’
‘I can’t do that.’ Roxie smiled. ‘I pr—’
‘Promised Ciaran! I should have known. Well, I can’t grudge him having the prettiest girl in the room.
He has not had the easiest of times in recent years between his father being ill and then dying when they thought he was on the mend.
Then his mother had a nasty accident and Ciaran has always cared deeply for his parents. ’
‘That is a quality I admire in anyone,’ Roxie said quietly.
‘Yes, I guess you’re right, but it’s more of a responsibility being an only one. Now me, I have a twin brother and three sisters. Sometimes I could see them all far enough.’ He grinned.
‘Ah, I thought I had seen another blond-haired man very like you. Are you identical twins?’
‘We are, and I can see my shadow coming this way now, determined to claim you for the next dance.’ He gave a theatrical sigh. ‘Some things I would rather not need to share.’
All too soon the evening was coming to an end and people were getting their last drinks ready to welcome in the New Year.
Roxie looked across to the table that Jenny and Donald had more or less claimed as theirs for the evening.
Ciaran was moving in that direction, too, and he held up a glass for her with a smile and a nod.
She nodded and made her way to join him the moment the dance ended.
‘It is only tonic water — is that all right?’ Ciaran asked anxiously, handing her the glass.
She grinned happily and took the glass as midnight chimed.
There were cheers and laughter, hugs and kisses, and Roxie knew she had never expected to feel so happy after the shock and grief of her father’s death.
Ciaran wrapped his arms around her and tilted her face to his.
Their eyes locked. She could see his intention.
She smiled and nodded happily. It was no fleeting kiss.
He held her tenderly as his mouth claimed hers in a lingering exploration.
Roxie found herself responding in a way she had never done with any other man.
She was sorry when someone she had danced with earlier interrupted them.
‘Give another man a chance, Ciaran, old boy.’ Ciaran grimaced at the man, but he had no option but to release her. Then Donald came and rescued her with a hug, and a kiss on the cheek.
‘It’s been a wonderful evening, Roxie. Jenny and I are both so pleased you agreed to come with us.’
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you both for making it possible.’
‘We’re going to get away now if we can. Jenny is feeling tired, but we shall see you all tomorrow for dinner mid-afternoon?’
‘That’s right. Happy New Year, Jenny!’ She gave her new friend a warm hug and kissed her cheek.
‘Thanks for everything,’ she said softly.
Jenny smiled and nodded. Ciaran had not moved far from Roxie’s side and he asked if she was ready to leave as well.
His words were very slightly slurred and Roxie smiled.
She had heard a lot of his friends pressing drinks on him, although he had declined several.
She wondered if he would remember the way he had kissed her by tomorrow.
She suspected he would have no recollection, but she knew she would not forget.
It concerned her a bit that she had never felt like responding to any man as she had to Ciaran tonight.
Perhaps it was the atmosphere and the season of goodwill, but in her heart she knew it was more than that.