“That is it then,” Eugenia announced with a sharp clap of her hands to gain their attention. “There will be no wedding on the twenty-sixth.”
Chedworth straightened and pulled away from his seat. “You do not even know his reason.”
He’d been irritated when he had been denied, by his parents, the opportunity to wed immediately and forced to wait until after Christmas so that proper planning could take place and so that Lady Antonia’s parents and brother could be present. Since, Chedworth had grown downright prickly.
Cassian well understood irritable and grumpy. But at least Chedworth would claim his bride before the end of the year, whereas Cassian would be lucky if he ever got the chance to kiss Lady Samantha’s hand.
“Reasons are not necessary,” Eugenia insisted. “Samantha’s father is a powerful wizard, astrologist and alchemist. If he has warned against marrying on one day and insists upon another, then that is what you will do.”
“We have guests arriving and they will expect a wedding on the twenty-sixth,” Chedworth argued.
“Most of the invited guests are also witches, warlocks and wizards, and are aware of the Earl of Saye’s power and knowledge and therefore will understand.”
“It is only one day,” Lady Antonia cajoled.
“One day too many,” Chedworth grumbled as he fell back in his seat then crossed his arms over his chest much like a petulant child.
His friend needed to be more appreciative of his good fortune, that he had been free to pursue who he wished.
“If there will be no wedding on the twenty-sixth, then we should celebrate Haloa,” Ares Norcott, a cousin to Chedworth, announced as he entered the parlor, his twin brother, Ajax beside him.
“Yes, we should,” Ajax agreed.
“What is Haloa?” Lady Samantha asked.
“You do not want to know,” Cassian warned quietly.
“How is it even celebrated?” Antonia asked with hesitation.
“Animal sacrifice,” Ares answered.
When Antonia’s eyes widened as she gasped in horror, Ajax quickly explained that they no longer take part in that practice.
Antonia could talk to animals. She understood them, and they understood her. That was also the reason that she only ate various vegetables and fruits, as well as fish or anything living in water because she had never conversed with aquatic beings.
“We could have a large banquet,” Ajax suggested.
“Which is already planned for the wedding and I shall not ask the servants to prepare another,” Eugenia warned.
“Then I suppose it will not be celebrated,” Antonia said.
“Not necessarily.” Ares grinned. “I am to understand that women of ancient Greece drank, danced around naked and carried and ate cakes shaped like?—”
“—Ares,” Eugenia warned.
Leave it to Ares to almost proclaim phalluses in a room where innocent ladies had gathered. Thank goodness Lady Samantha only appeared confused, and that Eugenia had been here to silence her nephew.
“What of the men?” Antonia asked. “I can only assume they were not present for such a display.”
“Men gathered around a large bonfire and likely drank,” Ajax added. “I would be happy to participate in such a ritual.”
Cassian had heard of the celebration, but it had not taken place at Nightshade Manor before. Then again, unless there was a wedding, or ball, only a few people were in residence with most residing at their individual estates.
“We can take bottles of wine, fruit and cakes to the temple and celebrate while the men build their bonfire and drink,” Eugenia suggested. “Though I am too old to remain in the temple all night.”
“All night?” Lady Samantha asked.
“Yes,” Eugenia answered. “It has been so long since I have truly celebrated, but the festival begins at sunset, after the sacrifice that we will not be having, and continues until sunrise, though they used to last for days ending with athletic competitions.”
