She was careful not to bump into any more dancers as she walked toward the table on the right side of the hall.
“Lady Marian,” a familiar—or rather, English—voice called out to her.
Marian looked up to see Anna waving from amidst a group of Highland ladies, her smile bright and inviting. She made her way toward them, offering a polite smile as they all exchanged pleasantries.
Anna reached for her hand at once and tucked it into the crook of her arm with an easy warmth. “I would like to introduce you, ladies, to a fellow English lady,” she announced with a wide grin. “Lady Marian Whitcombe.”
Gasps of surprise rippled through the group.
“Have ye traveled all the way from England for the cèilidh?” one of the ladies asked, her eyes widening with interest.
Marian laughed softly, shaking her head. “No. I have been in the Highlands for a while now. I traveled for…” She hesitated for a moment.
Shall I say what it is?
Her gaze drifted across the hall, and she caught sight of Lachlan in the crowd.
“… some affairs.”
“Affairs?” another lady repeated, her voice laced with curiosity. “What sort of affairs would bring an English lady this far north?”
“I never kent ye English ladies handled things of that nature,” a third added, and the others murmured in agreement. “Lady Anna never mentioned such a thing.”
The questions came too quickly now, overlapping one another, so Marian lost track of them. She felt her composure falter just slightly.
“Well, ladies…” she tried, her voice softer as she tried to gather their attention. “It is only some family…” Her words faltered as she glanced toward Anna, a silent plea for rescue in her eyes.
Anna understood at once. She gave her a knowing smile.
“Excuse us, ladies,” she said gently, squeezing her hand slightly as she drew her aside. “We’ll leave the questions for another time. Lady Marian must be tired from her travels.”
Once they were alone, Anna took two glasses of ale and passed one to Marian. “I hope you do not mind?” She smiled.
Marian shook her head, taking the glass from her. “Thank you, Lady Anna.”
Anna waved a hand dismissively. “You do not need to address me by my title now. Anna is fine.”
Marian nodded once. “Very well, Anna. Thank you.”
She took a sip of her ale, her eyes narrowing slightly at its strong taste.
It is quite strong.
“I knew I had to see you since I arrived in the Highlands.”
“I am glad you came, Marian,” Anna responded, though the ale did not seem to have a similar effect on her. “It is nice to see you again, after all the time that has passed.”
Marian nodded again. “You may not remember…” Her voice was much softer now. “But I was always against what they said about you in London.”
Anna smiled softly. “I do remember.”
“You do?” Marian’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, and she set down her drink.
“Yes, Marian. You once gave me a handkerchief when I cried in Hyde Park.”
Marian blinked. “I cannot believe you remember that. It was so long ago.”
“I could never forget your kindness, Marian,” Anna said. “And I believe you will make a fine Highland lady someday.”
