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Whistles could be heard over the crowd At least one ht “The celebration which will folloill rival any period wedding of the ti the goblet, Tara took a giant swig fro in her lap under the table His gentle squeeze reassured and cal for Lady Tara’s hand have the opportunity to naled the ”

Gwen tilted her head and left the platfor to Tara’s distress The music was soft and resembled a waltz Her knees trembled when the first lared at Cassy She moved forward and let her first partner lead her to the dance floor

He was short His name was Jimmy or Timmy, Tara couldn’t reme It ard dancing with a stranger, but Jimmy or Timmy seemed as uncomfortable as her

Outside of a sore toe, Tara was less scared than she thought she’d be when the next man came forward

After the third dance partner, Tara’s earlier jitters started to subside The ood tiht?’ Harmless men, most of them married, or so they said

Her fourth partner was familiar and handsome for a blond It took her a fewto realize who the ht, from accent to dress He didn’t have to count to dance, which afforded hi, Lady Tara” His voice was srearm “Thank you, Mr Steel”

“Please, call me Michael You woundyour feet”

Al her partner to hold her closer

“Be careful, ouldn’t want you to injure yourself before toazed down at her

“Unless you want out of the spotlight”

She chuckled “Going to the dentist would beher at ease

The other rated on Duncan’s nerves His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the muscle in his jaitched The man’s hands rested far too comfortably around Tara’s waist, and to his dis at him “Easy brother,” Fin warned, “’Tis only a dance, one she is obligated to have”

Duncan’s eyes followed them around the room

When the dance ended the man reach for her hand, his lips touched the back of it He felt some satisfaction when she pulled away quickly after he released it

“My turn” Fin juht e circle before pulling her into his ar a co up?” Fin asked, with a loud enough voice for Duncan to hear

“You don’t happen to have a flask of whisky on you?” Tara teased

She relaxed, and Fin swept her out of earshot

Duncan’s eyes narroondering what secrets his brother whispered in his lady’s ear

“Tara tellsfor home after this is over” Cassy moved to a seat closer to Duncan so he could hear her