The Bareknuckle Groom - Holly Bush Page 0,8
the Pendergast family, and I do feel very comfortable with Alexander’s family, but I would never, ever exclude Mother and Father from my thoughts, my prayers, or my memories, or mean to replace them in any way,” Elspeth said.
James winked at his middle sister. She’d never been the talkative one of the family, always preferring to stay in the background, but since her kidnapping and then her marriage to Alexander, it seemed to James that she was more confident than ever before, more willing to share her opinions. She smiled at him and then looked at Alexander, who picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles, making her cheeks redden. She was so clearly in love with him, and he with her, and to think that there had not seemed to be anything remotely similar between the two of them when they first became acquainted.
He had to look away. He didn’t want any part of this romantic web that seemed to be surrounding him lately, first with Elspeth and then MacAvoy and Mrs. Emory.
“When is your next match, James?” Alexander asked.
“I want to go to it, Robert and I both,” Payden said. “If we’re old enough to hold a gun, then we’re old enough to go see you box.”
“The crowds at these matches are very rough sort of men,” Muireall said. “Not company you need to keep.”
“She’s being a prig again, James,” Payden said.
“Watch your mouth, boy. You’re not too old for me to smack your behind for speaking to your sister in such a way. But if your studies are caught up and all the work is done with the canning, Alexander and his father have agreed to take you and Robert—if his mother allows,” James said.
Payden let out a cheer and shoved away from the table. “May I be excused to tell Robert? I’ll be right back to my seat. May I?”
Muireall glanced at James and then proceeded to eat. “You’re excused.”
“Who is your next opponent?” Alexander asked.
“Charley Crankshaw.”
“Do you know much about him?”
“No, I don’t, I’m sorry to say. MacAvoy and I were to discuss him last night, but he was late, on account of his courting Mrs. Emory,” James said and shook his head.
“He’s serious about her, James. You should not make light of him, and little Mary adores him. I would not be surprised if there was an announcement forthcoming,” Elspeth said.
“MacAvoy and Mrs. Emory, you say?” Muireall asked. “Your housekeeper?”
“Who are his people, James? You were never able to say, and he’s around all the time. I want to know who his people are,” Aunt Murdoch said as everyone began to talk at once.
James looked at Alexander and winked. The other man chuckled into his napkin as the table erupted into three different conversations, each louder than the last. The room quieted finally, and Payden stood to help Robert clear the dishes. Mrs. McClintok carried in the warm custard topped with mixed berries they’d jarred themselves this past summer. This was the last meal he’d eat like this for a while, unfortunately. He needed to drop a few pounds before the Crankshaw fight and would have to forgo Mrs. McClintok’s big meals and desserts to do it.
“Have you received your invitations to Aunt Isadora and Uncle Nathan’s ball? I believe you should all be getting them,” Alexander said.
“Ugh,” Payden said. “I’m staying home.”
Kirsty clapped her hands. “How exciting! This will be my third—no, my fourth party that I’ve been invited to, not even counting your wedding, Elspeth!”
“I’m so looking forward to it.” Elspeth grinned. “I want to introduce you to Alexander’s cousins, Benjamin and Ralph. They are very nice young men and are both home from college for the holiday.”
“College men?” James winked at Kirsty. “Well, well!”
Kirsty blushed from her forehead to her chin. “Oh no. I’m not clever enough to talk to men that go to college. Maybe it’s best I don’t meet them. I won’t know what to say.”
“You are every bit as worthy as the next woman. You are bright and beautiful and loving—”
“And loud,” Payden interrupted, making James and Alexander avoid looking at each other.
“And kind,” Elspeth finished.
“My cousins are well-mannered young men and have been raised to be respectful of ladies. My Aunt Isadora would have had their hides if they weren’t,” Alexander said. “I’m certain they will enjoy meeting you.”
“Oh. Oh, Alexander,” Kirsty said, holding her hands to her cheeks. “You always make me feel better.”
“My husband is charming,” Elspeth said and ducked her head.
Alexander was a good