“To be fair, it’s not all Lily’s,” Ally chimed in. “Rose and I both purchased the most beautiful scarves, and Sophie found a wonderful shawl.”
By the time the men returned from their errand, the spiral dance had begun. The druids, clad in white diaphanous veils and flower garlands and crowns, moved slowly in a circle, their arms outstretched. A flautist accompanied them as they spiraled toward the center of the circle, never colliding.
“During the dance,” Daniel explained, “each dancer faces each other dancer at least once. As they spiral, they raise energy to call the Goddess.”
“It’s beautiful,” Lily sighed.
“Yes, it is,” Rose agreed.
“Oh my!” Sophie exclaimed, as the leader of the spiral joined hands with another woman and kissed her on the mouth.
“That’s just part of the dance,” Daniel said. “Physical contact helps them raise energy. Sometimes they do this dance during a full moon. It’s called drawing down the moon. They raise energy from the moon to work their magick.”
“Magic?” Rose queried. “They hardly look the smoke and mirrors type.”
“Magick with a K, Rose,” Daniel said. “It’s how the pagans pray.”
“How do you know so much about this, Daniel?” Lily asked.
“My parents brought Morgan and me to all the festivals when we were lads.”
“It’s really beautiful, isn’t it,” Rose said. “Who would have thought pagan rituals could be so inspiring?”
“Not Papa, that’s for sure,” Lily said. “He’s as devout a Christian as there is.”
“This is all new to you then?” Evan asked.
“Oh, yes,” Rose replied. “Papa never allowed us to participate in any of the pagan celebrations. No May Day, no Midsummer, no Samhain, no Yule.”
“We saw some in Scotland,” Alexandra interjected. “Especially where the Celtic clans settled. Sophie and I didn’t go often, but when our father was out of town, which, unfortunately, wasn’t near enough, mother sometimes took us. It was quite a treat.”
“I don’t know much about your father,” Evan said. “My father hasn’t enlightened me much about Iris’s past.”
Alexandra shook her head nonchalantly. “Believe me, you’re better off not knowing.” She turned to Daniel. “Shouldn’t we be leaving soon, if we’re to dine and change for the theatre?”
“Yes, you’re absolutely right. I’m sorry you won’t see the bonfires, Lily.”
“Oh, don’t worry a smidge about that. This has been a wonderful day.” Lily waved her hands. “And I can’t wait for tonight. Imagine, being present for a new theatre’s debut!”
Daniel took her hand and kissed it, and they headed toward the awaiting carriages.
Rose’s heart hurt. As much as she relished the fact that her sister was in love with the man of her dreams, she couldn’t help feeling sorry for herself. She imagined Cam kissing her hand, carrying her parcels, pulling her body close to his from behind and whispering in her ear. She clutched the rose from Melina tightly and touched her abdomen, hoping her unborn daughter could feel her love.
I promise you, Rose told her child silently, that I will love you as much as any mother and father combined have ever loved a child. You’ll want for naught. As God, or the Goddess, is my witness, I promise you.
Chapter Fifteen
“I do wish we could have gone to the festival,” Kat said as her sister helped her into her new dress.
“Yes, me too,” Tricia agreed, “but you know Cam didn’t have time to take us. He’s been at the theatre all day preparing for opening night.”
“I don’t like his new job,” Kat pouted.
“Why in the world not? It’s because of his new job that you have this lovely little gown to wear this evening.”
“I’d rather have Cam,” Kat whined. “We hardly ever see him anymore. He’s never here for dinner, and I’m asleep by the time he gets home. Then he’s gone in the morning before I wake up.”
“I know.” Tricia sighed, fastening the last button on her sister’s pink gown. “It will get better, Kitty-Kat. He only had two weeks to write the music for the play. He’ll have more time for his next composition so he won’t have to work such long hours.”