Irish Meadows

by Susan Anne Mason

  Brianna’s stomach dropped. She tried to come up with a reason to avoid going, but nothing came to mind. She closed her book and rose. “What will we do there?”

  “Usually I help serve the children’s lunch and then assist with the cleanup.”

  Brianna nodded, not wishing to dampen her aunt’s enthusiasm. If she ran into her sister, she’d have to deal with it. They moved into the hallway to retrieve their wraps.

  “I should tell you that we may run into Colleen and Cousin Rylan. Daddy is making Colleen volunteer there as a punishment.”

  Her aunt’s eyebrow rose above the spectacles she often wore. “Whatever did Colleen do to warrant that?”

  Brianna pinned on her hat with unsteady fingers. “She kissed Gilbert to force her intended into breaking their engagement. Daddy decided she needed to learn a lesson about the important things in life.”

  “Indeed.” Her aunt’s lips lifted. “I wonder if it’s working.”

  Brianna refrained from snorting in an unladylike fashion. Only a miracle could get Colleen to change her ways.

  It didn’t take them long on the streetcar to reach the orphan asylum. Brianna was amazed at the size of the building. She’d pictured something much smaller.

  They climbed the stairs and entered the front door, stopping at the cloakroom to remove their hat, gloves, and wrap. At a reception desk, Aunt Fiona paused to greet a middle-aged woman seated there.

  “Good day, Mrs. Taft. This is my niece, Miss Brianna O’Leary, who is staying with me for a while.”

  The woman’s eyes widened. “My, we are overrun with O’Learys around here lately.” She chuckled. “The more the merrier, I always say.”

  “May I give Brianna a quick tour? She’s never been here before.”

  “Certainly. The children are in the common room right now for a short prayer service. I’ll let Mrs. Norton know you’re here to help with lunch.”

  Brianna followed her aunt down the main corridor, their footsteps hushed by the diamond-patterned carpet that ran the length of the hallway. Along the way, they peered into two different classrooms. Brianna was impressed with how well-equipped and tidy the rooms appeared. Near the end of the corridor, Aunt Fiona pressed a finger to her lips and motioned for Brianna to follow her into a large room.

  Children of various ages occupied a circle of chairs surrounding Cousin Rylan, who sat with his hands folded, head bowed in prayer. Brianna scanned the assembly until her gaze fell on the back of a familiar redhead, also bowed in a reverent posture. Colleen seemed totally engrossed in the service, her lips moving in time with Rylan’s prayer. A small blond girl got up and climbed onto Colleen’s lap. Instead of the rebuff Brianna expected, Colleen gathered the child in her arms and laid her cheek on top of the girl’s fair curls, dropping a kiss as she did so. Brianna blinked to make sure she wasn’t seeing things.

  Aunt Fiona motioned for Brianna to take a seat at the back of the room until Rylan closed his prayer service and released the children to return to their classroom.

  In the flurry of activity that followed, Rylan noticed them, and a huge smile creased his face. “Brianna. How wonderful to see you.” He strode across the room to kiss her cheek. “And who might this lovely lady be?”

  Brianna smiled at his ever-present charm. “This is our Aunt Fiona, Daddy’s sister. Auntie, this is a distant cousin of Mama’s, Rylan Montgomery.”

  Rylan bent to kiss Fiona’s hand. “Charmed to meet you. Though I must say, you are far lovelier than your brother.”

  Aunt Fiona actually blushed.

  From the corner of her eye, Brianna noticed Colleen approaching, looking beautiful in a simple blue dress. A wave of homesickness washed over Brianna like a physical ache. Colleen set the little girl on the floor, holding her by the hand.

  “Hello, Bree. It’s good to see you.” Colleen stood demurely in front of her.

  Brianna hesitated, taken aback by her lack of haughtiness. “Hello, Colleen.”

  Aunt Fiona moved to embrace her. “Colleen? My, what a beautiful young woman you’ve become.”

  “Thank you, Aunt Fiona. You look well yourself.” A small frown crossed Colleen’s features. “What are you both doing here? Did Daddy send you to check on me?”

  “Goodness no, child.” Aunt Fiona pulled her short jacket a little straighter. “I like to volunteer here at least once a month. The children bring me a great deal of joy.”

  Colleen smiled down at the girl beside her. “I know what you mean. This is my friend, Delia. Delia, this is my Aunt Fiona and my sister, Brianna.”

  Brianna smiled at the girl. “Pleased to meet you, Delia.”

  Delia tugged on Colleen’s skirt. “Miss O’Leary, you have a sister?”

  “Yes. I have two sisters and two brothers.”

  “And a mother and father?”

  “That’s right.”

  “You’re lucky. I wish I had a family like that.”

  Brianna’s heart squeezed with sympathy at the child’s wistful tone. When Brianna looked at Colleen, she was astounded to see tears in her sister’s eyes.

  Colleen bent and gathered the girl in a huge hug. “I know one day you’re going to have a wonderful family, too.”

  Delia squirmed in her arms. “Could you ’dopt me into your family?”

  Moisture shimmered in Colleen’s eyes. “I wish I could, sweetie.”

  Rylan moved in to sweep the child from Colleen. “I’ll take Delia back to the classroom. Why don’t you visit with your sister for a while?” Rylan’s warm voice held a soothing quality.

  Colleen nodded, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket to dab at her eyes.

  He turned to their aunt. “Miss O’Leary, why don’t we let the girls have a moment? We can help Sister Marguerite with the children until lunch.”

  When Aunt Fiona had left with Rylan, Colleen motioned to the chairs. “Let’s sit and talk for a minute.”

  Brianna nodded and sat down, unsure what to say to her sister.

  Colleen twisted the handkerchief in her hands, seeming equally ill at ease. “I want you to know,” she said at last, “how sorry I am for ruining your birthday, Bree. It was inexcusable.”

  Bree straightened her spine against the cool metal. “Shouldn’t you be apologizing to Gil?”

  “I will as soon as I see him. But I know how much it upset you, as well. Though that’s not the reason I did it.”

  Brianna noted the sincerity on her sister’s face and considered the fact that she may be telling the truth for once. “Why did you do it, if not to hurt me?”

  Colleen raised her chin. “I needed Jared to break off our relationship, and it was the only way I could think of—for him to catch me with another man. I knew Gil was distressed over your betrothal to Henry, so I used his moment of weakness to my advantage.” She paused, crumpling the handkerchief into a ball. “Believe me, I’m not proud of that.”

  Brianna inhaled and let the breath out slowly. How many times had Colleen repented in the past, only to do something equally hurtful when it suited her? Still, she was her sister, and right now any contact with her family was welcome. “I accept your apology.” Brianna managed a slight smile. “Especially since Daddy’s not forcing you to say it.”

  Colleen’s lips quirked. “I admit I was angry with Daddy for sending me here, but he did me a big favor.” She became serious. “Helping these amazing children has opened my eyes to a lot of things about myself—none of which are admirable. Rylan is helping me turn my life around.”

  Brianna blinked, too stunned to form a response.

  Colleen reached out to take her hand. “What about you, Bree? Mama told me you’ve ended your betrothal to Henry, and now you’re living with our aunt. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  Brianna couldn’t remember her sister ever asking about her well-being. “I’m doing better—now that I’m away from Daddy’s constant attempts to control my life. Aunt Fiona is helping me enroll in college for the fall.”

  Colleen�
�s brows rose. “I had no idea you wanted to go to college.” A slow smile bloomed along with the familiar glint of mischief in her eyes. “Daddy must be spinning now that both of us have severed ties with our potential husbands.”

  Brianna’s own lips twitched in response. “He must at that. Right now the only puppet still dancing to his tune is Gil.”

  On Friday evening, Gil held open the front door of the Belvedere estate for Aurora to pass through, then followed her in. Nerves churned in his stomach. He’d taken Aurora to one of Long Island’s best restaurants, and although he’d planned to propose, he couldn’t seem to force the words from his mouth. Thank goodness she had no idea what he’d intended. Instead, they’d passed a pleasant enough evening, finishing with a stroll around the grounds of Belvedere. Gil wondered if Mrs. O’Leary had ever had the chance to walk among those amazing gardens. If she did, she would surely envy Mrs. Hastings her abundance of multi-hued rose hybrids.

  “Thank you, Gil, for a wonderful evening.” Aurora’s voice brought Gil back to his surroundings. She paused at the marble entry table to remove her hat and gloves and patted her blond curls into place.

  “You’re welcome. I enjoyed myself very much.”

  Her hand fluttered to the neckline of her gauzy dress, as though she were nervous. It hit him then. She was probably anticipating a good-night kiss.

  How could he ask for her hand in marriage when he hadn’t even kissed her yet? The Independence Day party was the next day, and James expected Arthur to announce Gil and Aurora’s betrothal.

  “Would you care to come in for a while?” She gave him a shy smile, twisting her hands together in front of her.

  “Actually, I do need to speak with your father if he’s still up.”

  A look of disappointment swept Aurora’s lovely features before she schooled her expression. “Would you like me to check? He’s probably in his study.”

  Gil took a tentative step toward her. “In a moment.” He reached out to take one of her hands in his, noting the pulse jumping at her wrist. “First, I’ll say good night in case you’ve gone up by the time we finish.”

  Very slowly, he lowered his head toward her upturned face. He kept the kiss brief, a perfectly acceptable chaste first kiss. She blushed when he pulled back.

  “Good night, Aurora. Sleep well.”

  “Good night, Gil.” She ducked her head. “I’ll get Papa for you.” A moment later, she slipped down the hall.

  Gil let out a long breath and squeezed his eyes shut. What manner of fraud was he? That kiss only confirmed how off base this romance was. He felt nothing more than a brotherly affection for Aurora. How could he let her believe he loved her? That he wanted to marry her?

  He scrubbed a hand over his jaw.

  “Gilbert.” Arthur Hastings’s booming voice echoed in the marble foyer. “Aurora said you wished to see me.”

  Gil snapped to attention and pasted a smile on his face. “Mr. Hastings. I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour.”

  “Not at all, my boy. Come and join me for a nightcap.”

  Gil followed Arthur down the corridor into the man’s private den. A fire crackled in the hearth, giving the room a warm glow.

  “Have a seat.” Arthur motioned to a wing chair across from his desk.

  When Gil had complied, Arthur pulled a flask from one of his drawers and uncapped it. Then he produced two crystal glasses and poured a finger of brown liquor into each.

  “Here you go, Gilbert. A little brandy at bedtime keeps a body healthy.” He chuckled as he pushed one glass toward Gil.

  With some hesitation, Gil wrapped his fingers around the glass and waited until Arthur lifted his vessel in a salute. “To your health.” Arthur tossed back the liquid with one smooth motion.

  Not accustomed to liquor, Gil didn’t dare follow. Instead he took a quick sip, grimacing at the burn as it seared his throat. He counted himself fortunate he didn’t choke. The strong smell evoked painful memories of his father, slumped in his wheelchair, an empty bottle at his feet. Gil shook his head to clear the image, and as the warming effect of the drink spread through his limbs, he hoped it would help ease his nerves at the question he needed to ask this man.

  Arthur uncapped the flask a second time to pour himself a refill. “Now, what can I do for you, young man? I hope this isn’t a business matter that’s been weighing on your mind all evening.”

  “No, sir. Actually it’s a personal matter.”

  Arthur’s hand stilled. “Is everything all right between you and Aurora?”

  The man apparently had no clue what Gil intended. He swallowed his nerves. “Everything is going well, sir. That’s why I wanted to speak to you.” He took another sip of courage from his glass and set the empty container on the desk. “I wish to ask permission for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

  Arthur’s mouth fell open for a brief moment, followed almost immediately by a broad smile. “You’re serious?”

  Gil pictured James’s desperate expression when he last saw him. “Very serious.” He swallowed. “I know I don’t have a lot to offer . . .”

  Mr. Hastings waved a hand in the air. “There are more important things than money, my boy. I place a far higher value on a man’s integrity and his work ethic. You have both of these admirable qualities. After watching you at the bank, I have no doubt that your ambition and intelligence will carry you far.” The older man stood and came around from behind the desk. “Even more important is the respect you show my daughter. I’d be honored to have you as a son-in-law.” He beamed, pumping Gil’s hand in an energetic handshake. “I’ve been hoping for this, but I never dreamed it would happen so quickly.”

  Gil’s conscience pricked at him like the small hairs on the back of his neck. “Thank you, sir. That is indeed a compliment.” The image of his own father came to mind once more. Before the accident that left John Whelan crippled, his father had oozed integrity. What would he think of his son now?

  Arthur’s face brightened. He slapped a hand to the desktop. “We can make the announcement at the party tomorrow. The timing will be perfect with all my friends and associates in attendance.”

  “That sounds fine.” James’s plan was coming together just as he’d hoped. Gil swiped a hand across his mouth to remove the stickiness of the brandy. “I’ll . . . I’ll propose to Aurora tomorrow, before the party begins.”

  “I’m sure we don’t need to speculate about her answer.” He winked at Gil. “She’s made her feelings fairly obvious.”

  Gil strained his mouth into a smile. “That she has.” He moved toward the door, suddenly desperate to be out of this house, away from his lies. “Thank you for everything, sir. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Seconds later, Gil left the mansion, but no matter how fast he walked down the long country lane, he couldn’t outdistance his conscience.

  His lies followed him home.

  21

  COLLEEN PRIMPED IN FRONT of her mirror one last time in preparation for the Hastings family’s Independence Day party. It had been some time since she’d gotten so dressed up, and she had to admit she missed it—a little. She smiled at her reflection, satisfied with the way her violet dress made her eyes appear almost purple. The bodice of the gown was tight enough to be attractive without being too revealing. That one detail alone proved how much Colleen had changed. Normally her chief concern had been to appear as seductive as possible in order to attract the richest, most handsome bachelors. Now she wished only to make her parents proud.

  Her hand stilled on the lace collar. Not entirely true. She wanted to make Rylan proud, as well.

  Her heart fluttered against the casing of her corset. What would Rylan be wearing tonight? Part of her hoped to see him clad in an expensive suit, while the other more practical part wished he’d wear his clergy clothing, so that she, as well as all the other eligible young ladies, would know he was off limits. She needed that very physical reminder to keep her treacherous heart from feeling things it shouldn’t
.

  Colleen grabbed her wrap and floated down the main staircase, discounting her nerves as normal for such a grand occasion.

  The hallway below sat shrouded in shadows with no evidence of her parents. Perhaps they were waiting for her in the parlor. Her feet made no noise as she tripped across the entryway to the parlor door. Inside, a lone male figure stood with his back to her, studying the gardens through the French doors.

  Colleen hesitated in the doorway, her usual confidence eluding her. She didn’t know how to behave around Rylan Montgomery, charming rogue and pious clergyman all rolled into one. She was about to sneak away when he turned, and his penetrating gaze met hers.

  Dressed in a dark tuxedo—one she recognized as belonging to Adam—Rylan was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. A crisp white shirt and black bow tie set off his firm jaw and fascinating cleft chin.

  Her mouth went dry, and try as she might, she could not get out a single word.

  “You are absolutely beautiful.” His reverent whisper made the fine hairs on her neck rise.

  “Th—thank you.” She couldn’t seem to tear her eyes from the burning intensity of his.

  He took a few steps forward. “Your parents went on ahead. They asked me to accompany you over to Belvedere.”

  That showed how much Daddy trusted Rylan. But did she trust herself?

  “Well,” she said brightly, “I suppose we should be off, then.”

  “I suppose so.” He offered her his arm.

  After a slight hesitation, she placed her hand on his arm and tried hard to ignore the furious sprint of her pulse. Her breath came in shallow pants, as though the oxygen had thinned out of the room. Beneath the voluminous skirt of her dress, her knees shook.

  God help her, she was falling in love with a priest.

  Gil had spent most of the evening plotting ways he could escape before his betrothal became public knowledge. None of his imaginings, however, proved the least bit plausible. Now, as the minutes ticked by and Mr. Hastings’s announcement loomed before him, Gil suffered a severe attack of nausea. In desperate need of some fresh air, he moved toward the balcony doors. He’d taken several strides when he spied James heading his way.