only duty Lord Thomas has right now is to escort Patrick and me to England. I hardly know the man, but he seems dependable. Mama likes him, anyway. He mentioned he plans to breed Thoroughbreds at his estate near Abingdon. I’m sure he’ll leave for there immediately after we arrive at Lord Trevlyn’s, so I doubt I shall ever see him again.”
That said, Evleen could not prevent herself from sneaking another peak to where Lord Thomas was still busy checking the harness, oblivious to her and Timothy. A good thing, she thought. She would not have wanted Lord Thomas to witness hers and Timothy’s parting kiss and close embrace.
* * *
Thomas had to grip the harness and look out at the sea an extra moment to steady himself. He was shocked at the roiling wave of pure jealousy that surged through him when he observed Timothy Murphy slide his arms around Evleen O’Fallon. Never had he been a man to pry into the private affairs of others, yet, unable to prevent himself, he surreptitiously watched as Timothy’s hand intimately caressed the small of Evleen’s fine, straight back as he pulled her closer, ever closer, then crushed his lips to hers.
He must be crazy, but the sight of that Irish oaf kissing Evleen made him want to rush to the bottom of the garden and punch the fellow out. An absurd notion, of course. Timothy Murphy was not an oaf. He was a fine, upstanding, honest Irishman who would make Evleen a fine husband. He had better remember that. If this surprising spurt of jealousy struck again, he must guard against acting the fool. In fact, he would have to exercise the utmost control if he were to accompany this tantalizing woman and her brother clear back to England and hang onto the cool detachment he always maintained when dealing with women.
But I will, he vowed, despite the fact he could hardly keep his eyes off Evleen O’Fallon. How ironic, he mused, thinking of the many beauties of the ton who had thrown themselves at him to no avail. He could not have cared less, despite their elaborate coiffeurs and beautiful gowns. Now here was this Irish girl, her hair worn simply, dressed in a gown that was hardly the height of fashion. He felt a pang of concern, thinking how the women of Aldershire Manor would scoff at Evleen’s coarse blue flannel gown and the yellow and pink shawl she had thrown over her shoulders with such artless grace. But what mattered fashion? What man would not be enchanted by her melodious Irish voice; the wealth of dark hair that swung with such allure about her slender shoulders; the knowing light that twinkled deep in those sapphire blue eyes? Yet, he must contain himself and never let his attraction show. For all her fire and beauty, Evleen O’Fallon could play no part in his future plans. If he married anyone, it would be Miss Bettina Trevlyn. Not now, of course, but some faraway day when and if he could get past the embroidery stitches. Papa not only approved, he expected Thomas to marry her. Not that Thomas did not have a mind of his own, but he, too, recognized that Miss Evleen O’Fallon was from a different world. Besides, she was betrothed to Timothy Murphy, was she not? Actually, despite the conversation at the table last night, he wasn’t sure.
Darragh had come to stand beside him. He nodded to the couple still standing at the bottom of the garden and asked, “Are they betrothed?”
Darragh seemed to hesitate before she answered, “Indeed they are. Evleen is madly in love with him. They plan to marry as soon as she returns from England.”
* * *
“Goodbye, Mama,” said Evleen, trying unsuccessfully to hold back her tears. “I hate to go.”
Tenderly Sinead gripped her arms. “Go to England. Keep an open mind. Yes, I hate the English, but I’m not so blind I cannot see how much more England has to offer than impoverished County Clare.”
“But if you feel that way, why don’t you come to England and bring my sisters, too?”
Sinead smiled sadly. “Your sisters and I belong here, but you, with your strength, your wit and keen intellect, were meant for better things. In England, you will flower. Embrace every bit of it—the poetry, music, books, art. The glittering social life, the brilliant people. Learn. Enjoy every minute of your life. Never feel guilt and never feel obligated. And most of all,