Irish Meadows

by Susan Anne Mason

  “Indeed? That works out quite well now, doesn’t it? Welcome, Mr. Montgomery.” The paunchy man descended the stairs to shake Rylan’s hand.

  “It’s grand to meet you, Reverend. I’m honored to be under your tutelage.” He grinned and pointed to the buggy. “Mrs. O’Leary sent some used clothing and other items for the orphanage. Where would you like the boxes?”

  “We have a storage room in the basement. Let me give you a hand.”

  Rylan lifted one of the cartons out of the buggy, broad shoulder muscles straining under his dark shirt. Colleen bit her lip and forced her gaze away. Why couldn’t he look more like Reverend Filmore? Older, with thinning hair and a stomach that protruded over his pants.

  While the men hoisted the rest of the boxes onto the grass, Colleen climbed onto the bench seat, ready to depart as soon as the back was empty.

  “I expect Mama will send me to fetch you later,” she said to Rylan when they’d finished.

  He paused to wipe the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, and then looked up at her. “Tell your mother I’ll be fine to walk home. The exercise will do me good, and it will save you the trip back.”

  She nodded to him, chin high. “That’s very . . . thoughtful of you. Good day, gentlemen.”

  With a flick of the reins, she clucked the horses into motion and set off, using all her willpower not to turn around and see if Rylan Montgomery was watching her.

  6

  SEATED AT HER DRESSING TABLE on Saturday afternoon, Brianna hummed to herself as she prepared for Gil’s welcome-home party. Nerves danced an Irish jig in her belly as she imagined Gil’s reaction to seeing her dressed in all her finery—her green silk gown that showed off her shoulders and neck, her curls piled high in a most intricate fashion, with a few tendrils left loose around her face.

  Would he be impressed, or would he even notice?

  She pressed a palm to her stomach to quell the butterflies within. Ever since the afternoon at the corral, something significant had shifted in her relationship with Gil. A certain awareness had sprung to life on both sides, and she had no idea what to do about it.

  If she were smart, she would fight this attraction with everything she had, since it could come to no good end. Even if Gil felt the same about her, what right did she have to claim his heart and then abandon him while pursuing her education? Was it fair to expect him to wait for her? After all, he was twenty-one and ready to begin his life. Soon he would leave Irish Meadows and strike out on his own. Could she give up her dream to follow him?

  Sighing deeply, she gave herself a stern internal talking-to. Falling in love with Gil would only lead to heartache. Tonight she would enjoy Gil’s company, perhaps share a dance or two, and if the opportunity arose, she would speak to him about advocating her cause with her father.

  Brianna startled as Colleen breezed through the door connecting their bedrooms.

  Colleen stopped and took in Brianna’s reflection in the mirror. “My, won’t Henry be impressed tonight.”

  Brianna blinked. She hadn’t given Henry a single thought. But better her sister believe she had dressed for Henry than for Gil.

  Colleen preened in front of the mirror, adjusting the bodice of her lemon chiffon dress, which showed off far more skin than their father would deem suitable. Her auburn curls fell into one perfect roll over her left shoulder, bangs swept off her forehead to showcase her amazing violet eyes.

  “I, for one, am looking forward to this evening,” she said with a sly glance at Brianna. “I intend to make Gilbert fall madly in love with me.”

  Brianna stiffened on the plush stool, her fingers curling around the handle of her hairbrush. Despite her racing heart, she kept her expression cool. “Have you forgotten about Jared Nolan? I don’t think he’ll be too pleased.”

  A scowl marred Colleen’s perfect features. “Frankly, I don’t think Jared and I make a good match.” She threw Brianna a smug look. “I do believe Gilbert would suit me much better.”

  Brianna fought the urge to wipe the smile from her sister’s face. Calmly, she laid the brush on the ornate table in front of her. Whether she knew it or not, Colleen had just declared war.

  For most of her eighteen years, Brianna had played second fiddle to her older sister’s beauty and confidence. But no more. Tonight Brianna would cast off her usual timid nature and stake her claim—before Colleen ruined Gil’s life.

  Gilbert adjusted the cufflinks at his wrist as he paused to collect himself in the grand hallway. He checked his tie in the gilded mirror and patted down a wayward curl that wanted to spring across his forehead. He cut quite the dashing figure, if he did say so himself.

  The murmur of voices, punctuated by the light laughter of his family and friends, drifted out from the dining room. Knowing they awaited the guest of honor, he took a fortifying breath. Gil hated being the center of attention, but to please Mr. and Mrs. O’Leary, he’d put up with an evening of social frivolity. Especially if it meant he might capture Brianna later for a waltz.

  With a flourish, Gil stepped into the dining room. All heads swiveled in his direction, followed by whistles and light applause.

  James rose from his position at the head of the table. “Gilbert, my boy. We were about to send out a search party.”

  A collective chuckle erupted from the guests.

  “Come and take your seat so we can eat.” James patted the chair to his right.

  Farther down the table, Adam glared at him. Gil held back a sigh. He couldn’t blame Adam for his jealousy. James had never attempted to hide his preference for Gil over his eldest son. Gil hoped for an opportunity soon to reassure Adam he need have no fear of Gil usurping his rightful position in the family.

  As Gil made his way to the far end of the room, he greeted the Nolans and the Sullivans, longtime friends of the family, and his tense shoulders began to relax. For the most part, the guests were familiar. He saw no evidence of the banker or his daughter. A reprieve until another time, thank goodness.

  He stopped behind the chair pulled out for him and made a point of looking at each person. “Thank you, everyone, for coming tonight. I have missed all of you during my time away and am quite glad to be back.”

  When his gaze came to rest on Brianna, he fought to keep his jaw from dropping. Dressed in a gown of deep green silk, her eyes stood out like glittering emeralds. Her hair had been swept on top of her head, save for two long swirls that teased her bare shoulders. Her skin gleamed like smooth ivory, highlighting her long, slender neck. He cleared his throat and tore his gaze away. “Tonight is not only a homecoming for me, but a welcome for our houseguest, Cousin Rylan. Now, let’s all enjoy this wonderful feast Mrs. Harrison has prepared.”

  As the maids uncovered the silver serving dishes, the enticing odors of roast beef, fresh bread, and gravy filled the air. Gil took a seat on the plush chair, spreading his napkin on his lap. Seated to his left, Rebecca Nolan, Jared’s younger sister, smiled at him.

  “Hello, Miss Nolan. How are you this evening?” He gave her a saucy wink.

  She giggled and blushed. “Gilbert Whelan, you haven’t changed a bit.”

  Gil smiled. As Brianna’s best friend, Rebecca had spent a lot of time at Irish Meadows, so he felt very comfortable with her. He peered down the table as the maids served the soup. Henry Sullivan’s fair head bent close to Brianna’s, their hair almost touching. Gil’s fingers tightened on his spoon. Did Brianna not see Henry’s blatant interest in her? He’d have to keep an eye on the situation as the evening progressed.

  After dinner, the men retired to the study for cigars and brandy while the ladies freshened up. Gil endured the male posturing with ill-concealed irritation. Adam’s boasting of secret financial deals sounded anything but legitimate, and Henry’s attempts to impress Mr. O’Leary soured Gil’s stomach almost as much as the cigar smoke burned his eyes.

  It was a relief when they joined the ladies in the parlor. The center of the room had been cleared for dancing. Chairs pro
vided seating around the walls, where the ladies perched like lovely plumed birds.

  Mrs. O’Leary clapped her hands as the men took positions around the room. “I hope everyone is in a dancing mood. I have several pieces picked out I hope you’ll enjoy.”

  With that, she took a seat at the piano and began to play a lilting waltz. Gil immediately searched for Brianna, but his gut tightened as he watched Henry lead her out to the dance area. How long had Sullivan been pursuing her? Did Brianna approve of his suit, or was she as unaware of his intentions as she claimed? Gil frowned. Perhaps he needed to have a chat with Henry and find out where things stood.

  “What’s the matter, Whelan? Jealous?” Adam’s tight voice behind Gil’s shoulder startled him from his thoughts.

  “Not at all,” he covered smoothly. “Just wondering about Henry’s intentions toward Bree.”

  “I think it’s fairly obvious. He intends to marry her. Sorry to put a damper on your romantic daydreams.”

  The sneer in Adam’s tone fueled a sudden urge to punch him. Gil swallowed the bitterness on his tongue and reminded himself of his intent to repair their relationship. “All I want is Bree’s happiness. If she chooses Henry Sullivan, then so be it.”

  He turned to face Adam, whose high color indicated an overindulgence in his father’s brandy. “Look, Adam, can we not put our differences aside and be civil to each other—for your parents’ sake if nothing else?”

  Adam’s harsh laugh was anything but humorous. “Forget it, Whelan. I know you only came back to worm your way into my father’s will. I intend to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  With supreme effort, Gil controlled his rage. If he said anything else, this conversation could escalate into a most unpleasant scene, something Adam would enjoy to no end. Gil clamped his jaw tight and focused his gaze out over the couples dancing. The fact that Adam assumed him so low as to manipulate James in order to inherit his money hurt Gil’s pride. Did everyone else believe the same thing? If so, maybe coming back had been a mistake on all counts.

  Gil turned to find James headed toward him, flanked by a shorter man with two ladies behind. Though the man looked somewhat familiar, Gil could not recall having met the women before.

  James clapped Gil on the shoulder. “Gilbert, allow me to introduce you to Arthur Hastings.”

  The stout man with a handlebar mustache stepped forward to shake Gil’s hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Gilbert. Sorry we couldn’t make the dinner. Another engagement, I’m afraid.”

  “It’s good to meet you, too, sir.”

  Mr. Hastings stepped aside, and a tall woman with soft brown hair smiled at Gil.

  “This is my wife, Dorothy, and my daughter, Aurora.”

  Gil greeted the older woman, then stopped short at the beautiful young woman beside her. With a cloud of golden hair and startling blue eyes, Aurora Hastings was breathtaking. He bowed over her hand. “A pleasure, Miss Hastings.”

  She blushed to the roots of her hair. “Likewise, Mr. Whelan. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “All good, I hope.” He winked in an attempt to dispel her obvious embarrassment, remembering what James had said about her request to meet him.

  “Heavens, yes. Brianna has nothing but wonderful things to say about you.”

  “You’re a friend of Bree’s, then?”

  “More of an acquaintance. We worked together on the Christmas play at the church.”

  Mr. O’Leary nudged him from the side. “Why don’t you ask this lovely young lady to dance, Gilbert? I’m sure she doesn’t want to sit with us old folks.” He boomed out a hearty laugh.

  “Of course. Would you care to dance, Miss Hastings?”

  “I’d love to.”

  He led the way to the middle of the room, where several other couples swayed to the music. Gil held out his arms, and Aurora placed her gloved hand in his. Soon they were gliding in time to the melody. She was a tiny thing, barely reaching his shoulder. He prayed he wouldn’t trample her toes. Thankfully, the song ended soon, but as he slowed to a smooth halt, he caught Brianna’s frown over Henry’s shoulder. She didn’t seem at all pleased to see Aurora in his arms. He dipped his head at Brianna with a grin.

  “Excuse me, Miss Hastings. There’s someone else I’ve promised a dance to.” He bowed over her hand once again, ignoring the disappointment on her lovely face, and made his way to find Brianna.

  Flushed from dancing and from watching Gil with Aurora Hastings, Brianna took a seat on one of the chairs and pushed a drooping curl off her forehead. She’d thought Colleen would be the only thorn in her side tonight. Now she had Aurora to contend with, as well.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she became aware of Henry hovering at her side, as he had all evening. If only he’d leave her alone for five minutes.

  She flashed him a smile. “All this dancing has me parched. Would you mind getting me something to drink? The refreshments are in the dining room.”

  “Of course.” He gave a slight bow. “Don’t go anywhere.”

  She let out a huge sigh of relief as he retreated through the crowd. Many more guests had arrived after dinner for the evening’s entertainment. She hardly recognized half the people here.

  A shadow fell over her chair.

  “Good evening, Miss O’Leary. May I have this dance?” The familiar lilt, exaggerated as Gil often did, made her pulse sprint.

  She looked up into the dazzling blue eyes of the most handsome man in the room. In his charcoal-gray suit and striped cravat, Gil took her breath away. He waited with his hand outstretched.

  She ran her tongue over her parched lips, half wishing Henry would return with her drink. Why was she hesitating? Isn’t this what she’d been hoping for?

  “Of course,” she said at last and placed her hand in his.

  When she stumbled slightly, he caught her elbow to steady her.

  “Th—thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Gil guided her onto the floor, one hand to the small of her back where the tiny covered buttons of her bodice ended. The tempo of the music changed to a much slower song as they joined the rest of the dancers. She turned to face him and placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. Gil caught her other hand in his large, warm one. She almost jumped as he wrapped his left arm around her waist and pulled her close. With his face so near to hers, she didn’t know how she’d remember any of the steps to the waltz. Every coherent thought seemed to have flown from her mind.

  “I haven’t had the chance to tell you how beautiful you look tonight.” His breath tickled the wisps of hair near her ear.

  Her heart raced. That was the second time he’d called her beautiful since he’d come home. “Thank you. You’re quite handsome yourself.” She struggled for something to say, something to take her mind off the warmth of his splayed fingers on her back, the scent of his cologne filling her senses with each intake of breath. “Are you enjoying all this attention?”

  He chortled. “What do you think?”

  She gave a light laugh. “I think you hate it, but you’re putting up with it for Daddy’s sake.”

  He pulled back to look at her. “I forget how well you know me. I can never hide anything from you, can I?”

  Her mouth went dry at the heat of his scrutiny. “You sound as though I can read your mind. Sometimes I wish I could.”

  “Really? What is it you wish to know?”

  The noise of the room faded into the background. Did she dare ask the question that plagued her—the nature of his feelings for her? Better not to tempt fate, for if he admitted to having more than brotherly affection for her, what would that do to her plans for the future?

  The music stopped, and the couples around them slowed to a halt. Brianna’s gaze remained locked with Gil’s, his arms still firmly around her. How she wished she could stay in this position for the rest of the night. She bit her lip and took a reluctant step backward. “Thank you for the dance.”

  “The pleasure was all min
e, Brianna.” He took her gloved hand and pressed it to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers.

  “There you are, Gilbert.” Colleen’s falsely sweet voice raised the hairs on Brianna’s neck. “Brianna, you mustn’t monopolize the guest of honor. I believe it’s my turn to dance with him.”

  Sending a sharp glance her way, Colleen squeezed in between Brianna and Gil and captured Gil’s hand. Brianna fought the rising tide of her temper. If there weren’t so many people nearby, she’d have shoved Colleen into the potted plant behind them.

  Gil threw her a silent look of apology as the music started and they swept off around the perimeter of the room.

  Brianna set her chin and returned to the seating area. She kept a discreet eye on the pair, thankful to note that Gil did an admirable job of holding Colleen at a respectful distance. No matter what, Gil did not deserve to be a pawn in her sister’s romantic games.

  Colleen pouted as her waltz with Gil ended. Despite her attempts to press her body close to his during the song, he’d shown no reaction whatsoever. Never once had his gaze strayed to her low-cut décolletage, nor had he tried to flirt with her. What was wrong with the man? Maybe Gil was better suited to become a priest than Rylan Montgomery.

  “Thank you for the dance.” Gil gave a mock bow, then leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Try to behave yourself for the rest of the night—if that’s possible.”

  She wanted to stick out her tongue, but instead she gave a small curtsey. “Your loss, Mr. Whelan.” She whirled around to seek her next dance partner, bemoaning the lack of wealthy men in attendance tonight. Mama must have invited every single girl in the area—but had sadly under-invited the gentlemen.

  “There you are, Miss O’Leary.” Jared Nolan pushed his way through the crowd to reach her. “I’ve been trying to catch up with you for a dance all evening.”

  Tonight, dressed in a dark suit, his brown hair swept back off his forehead, Jared cut a very appealing figure. Gold cufflinks glittered at his sleeve as he held out his arm for her. Colleen gave an inward sigh. If only his family were richer. Yet, moving in the Nolans’ social circles would mean the opportunity to meet other, more wealthy men. She needed to make the most of every connection available to her.