by Linda Daly
“Isn’t it obvious, Mr. O’Flaherty? Miranda took great risks, not only to her own person by bringing you here, but to her position and reputation if you were ever discovered. She could have easily hid you at her friend’s home, where your sister lives. With the Carmidy’s abroad, and your sister more than capable of tending to your wounds, I think you would agree this would have been the most logical of solutions. That is, if all Miranda cared about was your safety. No, I think Miranda’s unselfish actions speak volumes. She clearly cares deeply for you, and if you want to admit it or not, the facts speak for themselves. And judging by your present condition and living conditions, I would also assume these feelings are reciprocated. Otherwise, why else would you risk living under the very roof of the man who accosted you?”
Hearing Alfred’s declaration, Miranda’s heartbeat quickened. Dear God this can’t be happening! Clenching the handle of the lamp, she inched closer, determined to hear Gilbert’s response.
“Look sir, beggin’ your pardon, but you know nothing of me. What you’re suggesting is ridiculous. Hell, I don’t know the first thing about packaging fruit, besides, a man just don’t go up to another and offer him a job and then say, ‘oh and by the way, why don’t you marry this lass too’? Even if I were so inclined—not saying I am, mind you—but for argument sake let’s say I was. Who says Miranda would agree to such a marriage?”
Before Alfred had a chance to reply, his attention was directed to the entrance where Miranda stood dumfounded. “Ah, Miranda dear,” Alfred said, stretching his hand out for her to join them. “As you can see, I’ve taken the liberty of introducing myself to our guest.”
Feeling the blood drain from her face, she slowly stepped closer, her eyes never leaving Gilbert’s. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop … I just found out this very evening about the dumbwaiter … er … When I heard voices, I came to see where they were coming from.” Her words broken, she was clearly shaken and unnerved at what she had overheard.
Taking Miranda’s hand as she approached, Alfred lovingly patted it and tenderly said, “Yes well, our business was just about over.”
Turning his attention back to Gilbert, Alfred said sternly, “Mr. O’Flaherty, I’m a man of business and don’t make it lightly when offering a man employment. As I said before, with the proper training, I’m certain you would be an asset to my food brokerage company outside of San Francisco. It will be hard work, but a man like yourself doesn’t strike me as the kind who runs from a challenge. Think on it some and I’ll get back with you tomorrow for an answer. As for my other suggestion, well … Why don’t you and Miranda sit for a spell? I’m sure you two have plenty to discuss.”
Gilbert’s eyes trailed from Alfred to Miranda, and he blushed as their eyes locked. Just then Montgomery walked out of the cellar and upon seeing him, Alfred turned and smiled fondly at Miranda. “Well, if I had known it was going to be so crowded down here this evening, I would have had cook prepare us a snack.”
Turning his attention back to Gilbert, he raised his eyebrow. “Tomorrow afternoon while Mrs. Honeycutt is away, perhaps you and I could visit again.”
Nodding, Gilbert said, “Yes, sir.”
Then patting Miranda’s hand again, Alfred smiled warmly at her and winked. “Well my dear, it’s late. Before long, cook will be up making us breakfast, so do be cautious.”
“I will,” Miranda whispered.
Turning to leave, Alfred said, “Ah, one more thing. Do see to it that you don’t use that dumbwaiter during the day. Cook will be wondering why, and be inclined to investigate.” With that, he turned to Montgomery. “Come, old friend, we’ve got a few things to discuss.”
Both Miranda and Gilbert speechlessly watched as Montgomery assisted Albert up the wooden stairs leading to the main floor. Slowly turning back to Gilbert, she looked sheepishly at him, praying he would say something to break the tension between them.
“He’s quite a corker that one. Did you know he was coming here tonight?”
“No. Of course not!” she replied indignantly. “Why, I just found out only a while ago that he even knew you were here. Why do you ask?”
“Nothing, except when he saw you, he wasn’t surprised.”
“What are you implying Gilbert? That I sent him down here to ask …” Unable to say the words, and angered by his innuendoes, Miranda glared at him before continuing. “It just so happens that when I returned from seeing you this evening, Alfred confronted me. In a most embarrassing manner, I might add. Not that you would care.” She spat indignantly.
Glaring back at her, he chuckled. “Don’t be raising your voice to me and getting your nose out of joint. All I’m trying to find out is why that man had to come down here in the middle of the night offering me a position and proposing … Well you heard what he was saying, you stalking about like some grave digger and all.”
Outraged by his implications, she shouted, “How dare you! I was not stalking about. Don’t you dare speak to me in that manner Gilbert O’Flaherty. I won’t stand for it, I tell you. Not now or ever again.” Clenching her fists at her side, she glared at him. “It just so happens I don’t know why Alfred came to see you this evening. I was too busy finding out how Tad had been able to stalk me while I slept.”
Seeing the rage in his eyes at hearing Tad’s name, she knew she had said too much. In a horse whisper he said, “What did you just say?”
“Nothing. It doesn’t matter. It’s been a long day and I’m tired. Far too tired to be arguing with you over Tad. So, goodnight.” Turning to leave, he grasped her arm and looked pleadingly into her eyes.
“Miranda, please. Tell me what you meant by his lordship stalking you in your sleep.” Every instinct in her told her to run, but she knew if she did, Gilbert would only badger her later, so she took in a deep breath.
“I’ll tell you everything as long as you promise me not to lose your temper.”
“Just tell me, Miranda.”
Quivering from the fierceness of his glare as his eyes penetrated her very being, Miranda felt her cheeks grow red and slowly began to explain her comment.
“The night you and Tad got into that scuffle, he came home quite late and had words with his father. After he had gone to his room, I went to him. Only to tend to his wounds.” Miranda paused. Seeing his jaw pulsate, she quickly added. “Nothing more. I swear Gilbert.”
“Go on.” His voice was barely audible.
Never had she seen Gilbert react like this. She found herself growing more anxious, avoiding his green eyes that were boring a hole through to her soul. “The following morning I found a vase of flowers and a thank you note on the bed-stand, next to my bed. It struck me as odd, since I was certain I had locked my door.”
Again, Miranda paused seeing how his eyes reacted to hearing her words. Nervously she placed the candle she was still carrying on a nearby table and hastily added. “Until this evening, when Montgomery was driving me home from the orphanage, did I come to realized that Tad had probably entered my bedchamber through the tunnel that leads from each of the rooms on the second floor.”
His icy-cold glare continued, and she looked up at him pleadingly. “You must believe me Gilbert, I knew nothing of the dumbwaiter, or for that matter, I had no idea Alfred intended to speak with you this evening let alone what he was going to propose. I swear.”
Saying not a word, Gilbert turned and sat on the edge of his bed then bent over and started to remove his boots. Stunned by such a reaction, Miranda watched in astonishment.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
From her vantage point, she could make out that his jaw was still clenched as he leaned over to put his boots next to the wooden chair beside his bed. Standing, he glared at her while unfastening his trouser buttons.
“Unless you fancy stalking me like his lordship, I suggest you leave. I’m tired and I need my rest if I’m to be fit to travel in a few weeks.”
“Are you serious? Aren’t we going to discuss this further?” she
asked, resenting him for dismissing her like some child.
Shaking his head defiantly as a response, he brazenly continued to unfasten his trousers.
Shocked, Miranda somehow found her voice. “If you are angry with me then say so. But don’t you dare try to intimidate me, Gilbert O’Flaherty. Because it won’t work. Have you forgotten I’ve seen you undressed already?”
“Ah, have you now? And when would that be, lass? It was Montgomery who undressed me after my accident. You said so yourself. Or was that just another lie?”
“Are you accusing me of being a liar, again?” She spat while stomping her foot and clenching her fists by her side. “As I told you before, I have no reason to lie to you. What I said, was that Montgomery assisted me, so I could tend to your wounds. Can I help it you assumed he unclothed and bathed you too?”
Hearing her words, Miranda saw the anger in his eyes as he glared at her.
“Aye, now that wouldn’t be trying to twist the truth to suit ya, now would it lass? Is that what ya learned in all those fancy books that his lordship reads to ya most every night? How to twist the truth rather than being earnest and straight forward?” Shaking his head in disgust, he pulled off his shirt and tossed it across the arm of the chair. “Leave me be, Miranda. I’ve had a belly full of yer kind.”
Outraged by such a comment, she asked indignantly, “My kind? And just what is that supposed to mean?”
Glaring at her, he stepped closer. Undaunted by his obvious anger, Miranda remained planted firmly where she stood and defiantly glared back at him.
In a coarse whisper, he spat indignantly, “Ya let that sons ‘a bitch read sweet nothin’s to ya nightly. Ya let him kiss ya occasionally, always insisting it’s to protect me, and now I learn that he’s seen ya undressed, in yer nightdress too.” Standing only inches from her, he asked, “Just tell me Miranda, what will be next? Are ya going to let him bed ya too?”
His words cut through her heart. Never had anyone defiled her with such hateful words, and she raised her hand to strike him. Before she made contact, Gilbert grasped it tightly in his own, and she winced, feeling his strength as he squeezed her hand in his.
Their eyes locked and she gasped seeing such hatred and anger. As if he had nothing more to say, Gilbert silently released her hand and turned back to his bed where he sat resting his head in his hands.
Stunned and outraged, she looked at him, bewildered. “What have I done to deserve such treatment? Except, risk everything to nurse you back to health so you could insult me and cast me aside, as if I was some cheap strumpet.”
Hearing no response, it suddenly occurred to Miranda that what bothered Gilbert the most was that Tad had seen her in her dressing gown rather than the fact that he had violated her privacy. Outraged that she was viewed by these two men as nothing more than some prize to be won, she began to shake uncontrollably.
In that instant, Miranda vowed she would no longer be willing to stand by meekly while those she loved continued to hurt her—like her mother had allowed her father to do. In her current state, the voice of her mother taunted her, recalling how Catherine had repeatedly said to her as a child. “Be a good girl, Miranda. Mind your manners, Miranda.” Defying her rearing, and as if answering her mother’s commands, she shook her head defiantly. Not this time! Not ever again. Being a good girl has only broken my heart.
Glancing at Gilbert and seeing him still sulking, Miranda somehow managed to find her voice and calmly said, “You know what Gilbert? I’ve just figured out this very second why we continue to argue. It’s not really me you’re angry with, or for that matter, what has happened to you. What angers you is that Tad has gotten away with it and you can’t do anything about it. Nothing I say to you or a well-respected man as Alfred Honeycutt means little to you where Tad is concerned. All that matters is your wounded pride and competing against a man who you despise.”
Fine Gilbert! It bothers you that Tad has seen more of me than you have. Well I’ll even the score then. Bending over, she swiftly untied her shoes and stepped out of them. Impulsively, she began to unfasten the buttons to her skirt, and releasing them from their restraints, she let the skirt fall around her feet. “You’ve been in competition with him from the day you met and I’ve been foolish enough to think that over time things would change …”
While still speaking angrily at Gilbert, Miranda hastily began unfastening each button. “Let’s see if I’ve gotten it straight. Tad calls me a special name, and so you have to come up with one too. Then Tad kissed me and of course, you had to as well. Now you learn that he violated my privacy, but rather than be concerned for my welfare, or try to console me when I needed you, all you could think of was that he has seen me in my nightgown. How pathetic is that?” she spat indignantly.
Angered more than she had ever been before in her life, she flung her blouse to the floor, and added. “Since Tad has never seen me in my pantaloons and corset, will you think you’re ahead in this twisted and warped game you two insist on playing?” Glancing at him, and seeing no response, Miranda tugged at the cords of her hooped skirt until it too become free while she angrily called to him. “What? No clever response or hateful unjustified accusation?”
Pausing, she glared at him, waiting for him to respond. Hearing none, she angrily planted her fists squarely on her hips and boldly said, “Answer me damn-it! I deserve that much.”
Slowly he raised his head, and judging by the shocked look on his face, Miranda knew he was as surprised to see her partially clothed, as she was, in herself for disrobing in front of him.
Rather than backing down, Miranda looked him squarely in the eyes and defiantly asked, “So tell me Gilbert, is the score even? Or are you ahead since I willingly disrobed for you without having you sneak into my room in the dead of the night to leer at me? I’m confused, how would you rate this?”
Taking in a deep breath and shaking his head, an impish grin of admiration crossed his lips. “I said it before and I’ll say it again. You are a feisty one, I’ll give ya that much. But let me warn ya Mandy, I won’t be just fiendishly leering over ya while ya sleep, if ya keep standing like that much longer.”
Hearing him say such a thing, her breathing intensified as her chest rose up and down in short thrusts. “So now are you suggesting I bed you, rather than Tad. Yes. I guess that would put you ahead, wouldn’t it Gilbert?”
Then glaring at him, not waiting for a response, she knelt to retrieve her blouse. “Well you can go to the devil! Right alongside Tad, because I’m tired of being your prized token while you break my heart.”
Picking up the garment, she hurriedly pulled the sleeves right side out so she could put it back on, while she added. “Why come to think on it, Tad has never seen me dress either. My, but you really are ahead aren’t you? Pity that only you’ll know how far ahead you were, since Tad will be here and you will be thousands miles away in San Francisco. How about me relaying the message for you? Will that help to heal your pride, because God knows how hard I’ve tried to heal your wounds?” On the verge of hysteria, Miranda, shaken to her very core started trembling uncontrollably.
Standing up, Gilbert started to step closer to her and instinctively Miranda grasped her blouse to her exposed chest and neck. Her heart bounded so hard in her chest, she was certain he could hear it.
“I’m sorry Miranda. I wasn’t thinking clearly,” he whispered, slowly inching his way closer to her. “It’s just when I think of him touching ya or looking at ya, I go a little mad.”
Painfully aware of his bare chest and opened trousers, and how appealing he looked, Miranda began to inch farther from him, while pleading desperately, “Please Gilbert, don’t come any closer. Turn around and let me escape from this humiliating and embarrassing moment. I beg of you. This was a mistake … I don’t know what came over me. I just wanted to prove that I’m not some prize that you two can fight over.”
Coming closer, Gilbert said solemnly, “I am truly sorry Miranda. Will ya please just an
swer me one question?”
Shaking her head from side to side, clutching at her blouse she whispered, “If it’s about Tad, so help me Gilbert … I’ll scream.”
“I swear to ya, I’ll never bring up his name again. That is, if ya answer me this one question.”
Timidly she asked, “What is it?”
“Did Mr. Honeycutt come down here tonight to offer me a job and suggest I take ya with me because of somethin’ ya said to him?”
Hearing his question, Miranda knew instinctively that if she admitted to what had actually been said, she stood the chance of angering Gilbert further, so reluctantly she said, “I swear to you Gilbert, I did not ask him to do that.”
Inching even closer, Gilbert shook his head and softly said, “That’s not what I asked ya, Miranda.”
“Please Gilbert, don’t pressure me … What I spoke in private with Alfred was never meant to go any father than between him and me.”
“Do ya trust me Mandy?” he whispered, only inches from her partially exposed body.
Tenderly, their eyes locked and she nodded her head. “Yes, you know I do. With my life. But must you humiliate me further?”
Seeing she was on the verge of tears, he tenderly pulled her to him, his bare arms wrapped around her, and timidly, she released the blouse that she still clung to and allowed herself to take comfort in his arms. Clutching him, leaning her head on his shoulder, Miranda could feel his heartbeat quicken as he grasped her tighter in his arms, his hands tracing the curvature of her spine.
“Christ ah mighty, ya have no idea what ya doing to me. Yer skin feels as soft as the mornin’ dew on a rose petal.”
Glancing at him, no longer angry, but relishing in his touch and his words, their eyes locked and Gilbert tenderly said, “I know I can be difficult at times, prone to think the worst of people, but ya must never again think I was interested in ya because his lord … er … What I mean to say is, yer was never a prize to win. From the moment I saw ya, I loved ya, and if the Saints will bless me, you’ll say ya love me too.”