Chapter 13 #2
There was activity in every direction they looked.
Some people were making their own wreaths or toys out of wicker, while others were cooking.
Some men were simply drinking, while others were playing games of chance.
There was not a soul in the village who was not in attendance.
Emma spied David across the village, but for now, he seemed to be keeping his distance.
No doubt he was afraid to suffer another beating at the hands of Trevor, and Emma hoped this would remain the case for the rest of the evening.
As they moved around the village, Trevor stared at everything in wonder.
Emma was able to see the festival from his perspective, and it was as though she was witnessing it for the first time again.
She remembered how exciting it had been when she was a child, how new and thrilling everything had felt.
Even though Beltane was still a cause for celebration, her enjoyment of it had faded over the years because it was always the same.
But seeing Trevor’s reaction showed her that perhaps the Highlands did have things to offer over England, and she was sure that this would be something she would miss if she ended up leaving.
When the food was ready, they joined the queue before being given their share of succulent meat. It was seasoned with herbs and spices. The meat was tender and juicy, and Emma thought Trevor was going to faint after he tasted it.
“They save the best for Beltane Day,” Emma explained as she swallowed a chunk of meat, enjoying the savory taste.
They moved away, allowing other people to get their fill of food.
Emma looked across and saw her parents with their friends.
Emma smiled at a few people, but she was struck by the fact that she didn’t really have anyone with who she was keen to speak.
There were people in the village she was friendly with, of course, and some who she enjoyed spending time with, but her life had largely been a lonely one.
After they had performed the ritual, Leigh came to address the village and made his customary speech about what an honor it was to see another Beltane Day and that he wanted everyone to enjoy themselves.
There was a great cheer at his words and then people returned to drinking and eating before the minstrels struck up a merry tune.
People approached the huge pyre in the middle of the village and danced as wildly as the flames.
“Will you join me in a dance, Trevor?” Emma asked, feeling the courage of the fire flow through her.
“It would be remiss of me to decline, although I must admit that I have not attended too many dances in my time, so I may not be up to your standards. I also don’t think I have ever encountered such a unique set of steps,” he said, watching the villagers as they went about their dancing, twisting and moving their bodies in a way that was foreign to him.
Emma merely laughed because, to her, it was as simple as breathing and something that she had been brought up doing since she had been born.
They danced through the night. Emma showed him the steps, and he turned out to be a natural.
It was easy to fall into a good mood with him.
They laughed, and her heart was light, and when the hours drew small, she found that the rest of the world melted away.
She was lost in a world of her own, one that was inhabited by only one other person.
They giggled together as they moved around the dance floor.
His eyes flickered as they caught the light of the flame, and she found herself being drawn into his mystery, wondering if there was room in his life for someone like her.
Across the dance floor, she saw her parents standing together, holding each other intimately. They moved slowly, like a swaying tree, but the love they had for each other was obvious. Emma wondered if she would ever have something like that.
The night dwindled, and it was about time that she should be getting home.
Trevor, ever the gentleman, offered to escort her home.
They left the loud noises of the festival and returned to the farm, speaking quietly.
The fire burned behind them, making the night glow, and when they reached the farmhouse, Emma looked at him with desire in her eyes.
“It has been a pleasure, Emma,” he began, but she wasn’t about to let him pull away again before she had gotten what she wanted.
She reached around his neck and used this to pull herself up, pressing her lips against his.
A warm burst of pleasure swept through her body, and it felt as though a fire was ablaze in her.
He was surprised at first, but then his arms fell around her waist and pulled her closer into him, wrapping around the small of her back.
Their breath swirled, becoming one as they lost themselves in each other.
His lips were firm yet tender, hers were yearning and soft.
The kiss sent tremors all through her body, and when it was over, she had a feeling she wasn’t going to be able to sleep for days.
“Come and find me taemorrow, Trevor. I dinnae know how much time we hae, and I want tae make the most of it,” she said.
He took her hand and kissed it. The last thing she wanted was to say goodnight to him, but she knew he would be killed if Douglas returned to find Trevor sharing a bed with Emma.
So for now, she had to embrace the pain of farewell, but the ache in her heart was tempered by the elation that lingered in her body, as warm and sweet as honey.