“I love it,” I said, reaching out to touch the fabric. It was as soft as it looked. I gathered it in my hands and held it up to myself. There were murmurs and affirmative nods. Mom and Cass moved together to get a good view.
“Och, the coloring is spot on, just as I told ye lasses,” boasted the oldest woman, the one who’d made me the apron. I leaned down and kissed her cheek. Before I could straighten again she grasped my face and kissed one of my cheeks, and then the other.
“Bless ye, child,” she said.
Handing the dress back to a tearful Cassidy, I went around and thanked each woman, giving hugs and receiving kisses, ending with Mom, then my sister who opted to give me a bear hug. The women clapped as Cass and I rocked back and forth, laughing. I liked to think that it helped Cassidy and Mom as much as it helped me, knowing I’d been accepted by the women of the clan. It was one less thing they had to worry about when it was time to leave me.
Early dusk was upon us by the time we brought my lovely gown to my room and headed for the clearing. Our large group of females made quite an entrance. You would have thought we were celebrities the way the men hooted and carried on as we walked down. Some of the women curtsied or twirled and we all laughed, feeling punchy.
McKale approached me, fiddle in hand.
“I fancy playing a few songs, if ye don’t mind.”
Good gosh, was the boy asking my permission? I reached up and kissed him, not letting his lips go until I heard people cheering.
“Of course I don’t mind. I love hearing you play. I’ll come sit near you.”
He gave a bashful grin at the compliment and took my hand, leading me to the table nearest the musicians. My family followed and sat with me. We clapped to the tempo as the music began, and though all seemed well on the surface I couldn’t fully let loose and rejoice. The closer I grew to McKale, and the nearer our binding date came, the more I felt a looming threat from the FFG.
The first song ended, and a murmur went through the crowd. I sat up straighter, on alert. I felt my family do the same. Drawn-out voices sounded from down in the field. I stood to look, heart sprinting. Movement caught my eye as a row of men exited the trees, all in a line with their arms draped around one another’s shoulders. It was the Clourichaun boys, singing in sloshy voices, stumbling in a zig-zag line through the tall grass—eight regular sized boys and four little men ambling along. They seemed so young. I didn’t think the Clour lived lifestyles that allowed them to reach ripe old ages.
McKale had gained special permission for them to attend the binding ceremony, but Brogan did not look happy about seeing them so soon. He crossed his arms over his beard and shook his head, mumbling about how he’d boot the lot of ‘em if they didn’t behave themselves. Brogan then ordered the musicians to take up their instruments. A song promptly began.
I glanced at Cassidy who was craning her neck for a view of Rock. McKale watched me, fiddle to his chin. His hands moved over the strings, but his eyes questioned if everything was all right. I nodded.
The Clour boys made it to the clearing and broke away from one another. They must have been holding each other up before that because they all went sprawling and rolling when they let go and kicking their feet in the air.
Women clucked their tongues or giggled. Some of the Chaun boys laughed and greeted the Clour, helping them to their feet while the older men harrumphed with disapproval.
Cassidy’s eyes were bright. I knew she was dying to give Rock the happy news. “I’m just gonna go say hi,” Cassidy said to our parents. Mom pursed her lips together.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Dad told her.
I knew she would go no matter what, and I didn’t want a scene.
“I’ll go with her,” I said, taking her hand. “We’ll come right back.”
Dad glared in Rock’s direction, and I could see why.
Rock could barely stand. His ankles kept bending under his weight. Cassidy and I stood and moved closer, watching as Keefe, the soccer guy, greeted Rock, pulling back his hand and flapping it in front of his nose.
“Och, Rock! Ye stink of Farmer Teague’s wife, ye do! Was she boiling another batch of her death-by-roses perfume, then?”
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Laughter ensued, and Rock half-grinned. Other guys leaned in to take whiffs and make faces. Cassidy’s steps faltered and her clammy hand tightened on mine. I felt her eyes stray to me but I couldn’t take mine off Rock. We were close to them now. I prayed the guys were only joking. But as we pulled up to the edge of the group an unmistakable, strong flowered perfume scented the air.
My blood pressure rose.
“Bloody fool,” one of the Chaun boys said, slugging Rock in the arm and nearly knocking him over. “Ye’ll never learn.”