a much more comfortable life. And need I point out that Patrick will soon be receiving every advantage a young boy could possibly receive? And you, too, actually.”
“You need not point those things out, sir.” Evleen stood, inwardly reeling from this shocking turn of events in her life. “When would we leave, Mama?”
“How much time do you need?”
“Enough to say goodbye to my friends... and Timothy.”
“Day after tomorrow then? I shall immediately direct a letter to Lord Trevlyn, telling him we’re coming.”
“Fine,” Sinead replied, finality in her voice. She directed a glance at Evleen. “If it turns out Lord Trevlyn is an ogre, you are to bring Patrick home immediately, fifty pounds a year or no.
“Rest easy. Lord Trevlyn is no ogre,” Thomas assured her. With a look of the utmost admiration, he continued, “You’re a brave woman, Sinead O’Fallon.”
She returned a small smile. “I trust you can stand one more night on that makeshift bed.”
“I’ve slept on worse.” He shrugged dismissively. “And so will Patrick and Miss Evleen, I fear. The journey to England won’t be an easy one.”
“I’m not worried about their journey,” said Sinead, “It’s what happens after they get there that causes me concern.”
And well it might, Thomas thought but wisely didn’t say.
* * *
It was morning and time to go. Outside the cottage, dressed in a coarse blue flannel gown covered by a yellow and pink shawl, Evleen took one last, lingering look down at the far shining sea, the sparse, bent trees that stood on the cliffs below, and, closer, the cottage and its small walled garden. Her heart swelled with the pain of parting as she said, “Oh, Mama I shall miss you all so very much.”
Sinead, supported by Darragh, gently pressed her palm to Evleen’s cheek. “My prayers go with you.”
“Mine, too,” Darragh said sincerely. She could not contain herself and burst, “Mama, how could you just let her go off with that man?” She looked over at Lord Thomas, who was hitching the curricle. “Evleen should have a chaperone.”
“Don’t be silly, Darragh,” Sinead replied. “Leave chaperones to those pampered English young ladies who must be treated like children. You should be grateful we don’t live in such an artificial society. Besides, Lord Thomas is not an monster. Even if he were, Evleen is quite capable of taking care of herself.”
“You realize I shall soon be living in your so-called artificial society,” Evleen declared.
Darragh pounced on Evleen’s words. “It will be the ruination of her, Mama. Evleen won’t know how to handle herself amidst the ton. All those rules, those fancy manners. She won’t have the least notion what to do.”
“Ah, yes she will.” Sinead regarded her eldest daughter with proud eyes. “I have every faith that wherever she goes, whatever she does, she’ll remember the lessons I have taught her. She will at all times act courageously, and with fortitude. She will always see the best in people and ignore the worst. She will always do what she knows is virtuous and right. Those are rules that will keep her safe, not only in Ireland but wherever she goes.”
“But what if my head is turned by the clothes, the jewels, the baubles?” asked Evleen, her lips twisting into a wry smile.
“To be sure, you will find yourself in difficult situations, my daughter, but I have no doubt you will stay the course, see it through. Just one thing more.”
“And what might that be?”
“Never love an Englishman.”
Evleen started to laugh. “You’ve said that before, I don’t know how many times. If you’re thinking of Lord Thomas—”
“As I have said, he appears to be a kind man, and I’m sure you’ll travel in safe hands. Still, he’s English and not to be trusted.”
“You have my word.”
“I had better have your word. Forget what I said before. I want you to enjoy your life in England. Go to the parties, the routs, the balls. Find a rich, titled Englishman and marry him.”
Evleen stared at her mother, astounded. “Marry an Englishman? But you said—”
“I am only being practical,” Mama answered. “What I said was, never love an Englishman because if you do, he’ll break your heart. But I never told you not to marry one, not as long as he can offer you wealth and a fine title.”
“But this is so unlike you. I never thought I’d hear you say these things.”
“I lay awake the night, reflecting,” answered Sinead. “At dawn, it all came clear. My love of Ireland has clouded my thinking. Don’t you