I heard Kevin's voice behind me. "Little sister! How's aw wi' ye?"
I turned to him, and he crushed me in his arms. "Brawlie, thanks!" I said. "Kevin! I have missed you!"
"And I you, dear sister," he said, placing my hand in his arm and leading me away from the window. "Shall we have something to eat? I am quite famished!"
I allowed myself to bed led out of doors to the lawn where tables had been placed; the cloths fluttered in the breeze and candles sparkled like warm stars. "I shall fetch you some supper," he said.
I sat where he indicated; while he was gone numbers of people stopped to greet me; I spoke in return but my entire attention was upon Robbie, and when I should speak to him.
After supper the dancing began; Kevin and I joined the group. I looked around as our feet moved together in the minuet; Kevin's hand squeezed mine.
"Look at me," he said. "You shall stumble if you do not pay attention."
Then Robbie was there, taking my hand as we switched partners; but in another moment he was gone and another had taken his place.
After the minuet, Kevin led me to the window again, and I sank onto the seat. My heart was fluttering so that I feared I would faint.
"Are you quite well, Jessie?" he said.
"Please, fetch me a glass of wine," I said.
I could not let anyone see my distress. I struggled to regain my composure. I would not let even Robbie see how agitated I was. I steadied my breaths; my heartbeats slowed again. When Kevin returned, I smiled at him.
"How lovely to be here at Brianag! How I wish Cathy was here!" I said to him.
"Yes, indeed; her absence is most marked," he said.
I sipped the wine.
"Ah, here comes the worthy Mr. Garth!" Kevin murmured. "No doubt he wishes to dance with the most lovely girl at the ball."
"How you do run on, Kevin!" I said. "Indeed, I shall dance with Alexander! He is a most accomplished dancer, after all."
I did dance with Alexander, and all the other eligible men there; also my father and Mr. Randall. I made myself laugh and flirt and pretended to ignore Robbie altogether, although I knew who he danced with for every single dance. Finally, as I finished the dance with his uncle, he came toward us and took my hand for a waltz.