Page 3 of Witchbane

The tune ended and the dancers slowed to a stop, many bending over to catch their breath. Not her, though.

‘Once more, Jem. Please.’

Jem laughed. ‘No. I promised your grandmother we wouldn’t be out for too long. We should be thinking about going home now.’

What was this man to her? I wondered. Her intended, probably. They clearly knew each other well and were comfortable in each other’s company.

Movement nearby distracted me. I turned to my right and caught three women whispering behind their hands, their eyes darting from me as soon as I spotted them.

My mood dipped. I tugged my hat lower to hide as much of my hair as possible. I knew of others on the island with fair hair, but taking after my mother’s Norwegian colouring, with her pale gold hair and light blue eyes, marked me as different from everyone else, especially as people now knew me to be the Witchfinder’s son. If I had looked more like him, with his dark brown hair and brown eyes, I would find it easier to be less noticeable.

I moved away from the women.

Seeing the man Jem shake his head and step away from the group of people by the maypole, I saw the disappointment on the beautiful woman’s face and felt compelled to go to her, to dance with her. It was out of character for me to be this open but for some reason I couldn’t help myself.

She didn’t notice me approaching until the last minute, when Jem stiffened, standing up straighter as I passed him. Her eyes met mine and for the first time I saw they were turquoise. My thoughts vanished as I gazed at her. Noticing her frown in confusion, I pulled myself together and forced a smile, bowing as the music began again.

‘Would you care for a dance?’

She glanced at Jem who was tapped on the shoulder by a young woman. A hint of mischief crossed her face and she nodded. ‘Yes, I’d like that.’

I took her in my arms before she could change her mind and together we skipped and danced with the rest of the revellers. Her warm back against my arm and her hand in mine were wonderful, then she looked up at me and smiled.

Joy washed over me. I had never been this happy.

‘Is this not the best fun?’

I laughed. ‘It’s the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.’

Forever, I thought, but didn’t say, not wishing to show her too much enthusiasm.

I whirled her around, both of us laughing and enjoying ourselves. We narrowly missed a staggering drunk as we took a turn around the maypole, but on the next time around he seemed to fall towards us. I shielded the girl by hurriedly turning so that the man fell against my back, and I only just managed to keep my footing.

The music stopped to unappreciative groans and grumbles.

‘That’s a shame,’ she said quietly. ‘Thank you for protecting me.’

‘It is of no matter,’ I assured her, glad to have been helpful. I noticed she was breathless from the exertion of dancing to one tune after the other and, eager to get to know her better, suggested, ‘Shall we take a brief break from the celebrations?’

She stared into my eyes as she considered my question, then glanced over to her friend, who seemed happily engaged with several others nearby. ‘I don’t see why not. All that dancing was rather tiring.’

Surprised by her agreement, I took her hand and led her away from the dancing to where several benches had been set out. It was in the open, where she could still be seen by her companion, so I didn’t think anyone could think that us speaking would be compromising for her in any way.

‘Shall we sit here?’ I indicated one of the benches that had some shade over it.

She nodded and sat down, fanning her face with her right hand. ‘It’s so hot today, and probably not the best weather to be dancing outside.’

I laughed, reaching to remove my hat to fan myself, then thinking better of it. ‘Would you like me to fetch you a cider?’

She beamed at me with a mixture of relief and delight. ‘That would be wonderful.’

A couple of minutes later, I handed her the pottery tankard and sat next to her. Not usually given to shyness, I struggled to think what to say next. I drank the cool, sweet liquid to give myself a moment to think of something.

‘This is delicious,’ she said wiping a drop of the amber cider from the side of her mouth. ‘I don’t often come into the village for these occasions, but I’m glad I did today.’

‘I’m happy you did too,’ I admitted. ‘Are you from near here then? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around before.’

I wasn’t sure but I thought I saw a slight cloud cross her face before she responded.