imagine any circumstance in which Lord Trevlyn would allow his grandson to dissipate his time, wealth, and health, as I regret to say, many of my fellow Englishmen do.”
“Well said, sir,” answered Sinead. Evleen thought so, too. Their visitor had been forthright, and she admired that quality in a man. She suspected Lord Trevlyn’s lofty virtues might be Lord Thomas’s virtues, too.
“If Patrick should go to England, I have one condition,” said Sinead.
“Which is?”
“That if, after a reasonable length of time, he’s not happy in England, he may return to Ireland, no recriminations, and his return passage paid.”
“I am sure I speak for Lord Trevlyn when I say he’ll happily agree to those terms.”
“It’s settled, then.” Sinead looked around the table. “Patrick shall go to England,” she announced in a voice that brooked no further argument.
“No, Mama you cannot,” cried Evleen, feeling her throat close up.
“No,” cried her sisters,
Sinéad firmly set her jaw. “It’s for the best.”
Looking cool and detached as ever, Lord Thomas spoke up. “Will you come also, madam?”
“Did I not make it clear I would never leave Ireland?” Mama turned a piercing gaze on Evleen. “My eldest daughter shall accompany Patrick to England and stay as long as she likes.” She looked to Thomas. “As with Patrick, if she decides she doesn’t like it there, will Lord Trevlyn pay her passage back?”
“I guarantee it.”
Despite her own shock, Evleen’s attention was diverted by Darragh’s wail, which doubtless could be heard clear to Dublin and beyond.
“No, Mama. How could you send Evleen when she doesn’t want to go and I do? How could you–?”
“That’s enough, Darragh,” Mama sternly interrupted. “Evleen is the eldest, and therefore the most entitled to go. She deserves to travel, see a bit of the world. Besides, I need you here, not only to take care of Sorcha and Mary, but, quite frankly, me.”
Evleen felt like crying out her protest, too, but if she did, she would sound as whiny as Darragh. In an agony of doubt, she shook her head. “You talk of my seeing a bit of the world, Mama, but I have no wish to. I have what I want right here. Let Darragh go.”
“Yes, let me go.” Darragh eagerly bobbed her head. “I would love to have a Season. I would love the clothes, the parties, the baubles. I would love to be a part of The Polite World. After all, isn’t that where we belong? And besides, what of Timothy?”
Sinead had listened patiently. “We won’t worry about Timothy. Besides—” a corner of her mouth lifted wryly “—Evleen has never appeared to be in any great rush to marry him.”
Evleen could not help casting a quick glance at Lord Thomas, although why she should need to see his reaction, she wasn’t sure. “Darragh has a point, Mama. Timothy will most certainly disapprove.”
Sinead replied, “I am not the least concerned with what Timothy Murphy thinks, and I suspect that deep down, neither are you. I have made up my mind and you shall go. At least give it a chance. Then, if you really want to come home, you may do so. Meantime, if Timothy loves you, he’ll gladly wait.”
“It’s not–” Evleen began, then stopped abruptly. The granite set of her mother’s chin told her further argument was futile. She had been going to tell her mother it really wasn’t Timothy who concerned her, that she wanted to remain at home because of her health. Besides, for some unfathomable reason, she felt uncomfortable discussing Timothy in front of Lord Thomas.
Sinead turned fond eyes to Patrick, who looked dazed by the news. “Patrick and I have already talked. He agrees I’ve made the right decision.”
“You had better talk to me, too, Mama.” Evleen had to speak over a lump in her throat. She turned her eyes to Lord Thomas. “It appears your visit has changed our lives.” She had spoken the words flatly, yet the bitter accusation in her voice was unmistakable and she made no attempt to hide it.
Lord Thomas was silent a moment. It was as if he was keenly aware of the roiling emotions he had caused and knew he must choose his next words with the utmost care. “I can make no apologies, Miss O’Fallon,” he began softly. “I am only the messenger, don’t forget. But need I point out that henceforth Lord Trevlyn will be furnishing your family fifty pounds a year? I am sure you will admit it’s an amount which will provide your loved ones with