Page 77 of A Highland Lass for the English Duke

"Ye gave it to me," she said, tugging at his arm. They were still bound deep, and every movement meant both of them had to turn. Lissie wondered how long they would stay like that.

She did not mind. In fact, she could get used to it.

Will looked up. His fine face was quizzical. "I gave it to you? Very well, if you say so. It matters not, I just do not recall."

"On the bridge," said Lissie, looking imploringly.

"The bridge?" said Will. He was still confused, his blank English eyes struggling to work out why. Lissie wanted to kiss the look of uncertainty from him and lead him to their bed.

But they were still at the head of the hall. And now there was cheering.

What Will next said was lost in an outbreak of yelling. Then, the fiddlers began to play, shortly followed by some pipers. It was a lot of noise, and Will looked around in surprise as the room erupted in sound. From everywhere, people were greeting them, shaking them by the hand and slapping Will on the back. Will was clearly bewildered but managed to navigate the scene with good grace.

Lissie watched him with quiet pride. For someone who had never set foot in the Highlands, he was doing alright. But amusement hit when the dancing began. Without warning, they were led into the dance, with Lissie taking the lead. She smiled when she pulled him into place as the fiddlers started the jig.

Will looked in open-eyed bewilderment as she began the dance. Leaping into the air, she tugged Will's hand to show him what to do. It was then that Lissie noticed the ribbons had come off. Shrugging ruefully, Will unbound the last of the ties so that they could dance freely.

Laughing, Lissie took his hand, holding it tight. The ribbons may be peeling, but they were still united. Then, she demonstrated the dance, twirling and jigging in time to the music.

Gradually, Will got into the rhythm, although it must have seemed alien to him.

As they danced, he pulled her near. It was not part of the dancing, but he leaned and put his hands on her. Slowly, they kissed, to the good cheer of all about.

A strange, tingling feeling erupted all over as Lissie held Will near and kissed him back. This time slowly. She did not know how long they kissed. Just that she was burning and only wanted to be in his bed.

Eyes up at him, Will caressed her smoothly. It was in full view of everyone, but by then she didn't care. No one did. The crowd cheered as they joined in the dance. Now the entire room had formed a circle of spontaneous motion.

They were all there—Lissie's family, her sisters joining hands and carousing in the circle. But by then, Lissie and Will had come apart.

At the side of the hall, he sat, waiting, as she brought another dram over, as well as a small plate of something to eat. The feast had started. In fact, it might have been going for some time; Lissie could not tell. Hours seemed to have gone by without her noticing.

Taking the plate, Will poked at the clootie pudding in doubt.

Seeing his face, Lissie laughed. "Och," she said, picking up the fruity wedge and positioning it in his mouth. "It's gusty here."

She proffered him the dumpling, leaving Will speechless and very well-fed. Lissie watched in amusement as Will chewed it down.

"Not...bad," he said thoughtfully, taking another slice. "I mean, I've survived haggis and your disgusting porridge with blood!"

Will pulled a face so aghast, Lissie could do nothing but laugh.

"Och, ye didnae complain about the whiskey, I seem to remember. It is braw, an' ye ken it," she said, beaming from ear to ear. She was so happy now that just about nothing could spoil it.

Except that Will was yet to meet her family.

Approaching nervously was a small red-haired boy, hovering almost entirely in his mother's skirts. With a prickle in her tummy, Lissie knew it was finally time to introduce her family.

"Will," called Lissie, beckoning Will over. "This is my wee nephew, Angus. An' my sister..."

Will instantly went over, teasing the little boy slightly until he gave a shy grin.

"I'm pleased to meet you," said Will formally, as the little lad looked at Lissie in surprise.

Will watched his face unsurely. "Doesn't he like me?" he asked, worried.

Lissie laughed. "He cannae understand ye, that's all," she said, ruffling the boy's wild ginger locks. "He'll get used to ye. They all will!"

And they were all there. In short order, Will was introduced to Grace, Fiona, Billie, and many bairns. Lissie glanced at Will carefully to see how he was. She thought his head must surely be spinning, but he simply laughed.