Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason Page A

upright, her head high. “This is Rylan Montgomery, a cousin visiting from Boston.” Before she could continue the introductions, Rylan moved closer with the stealth of a leopard.
    â€œAnd who might you be, sir?” His dark brows met in a frown.
    â€œJared Nolan, Colleen’s future husband.”
    Colleen started at Jared’s bold claim. Since when had they discussed marriage?
    â€œI’m thinking the key word here is future .” Rylan pinned Colleen with a hard stare. “Some of the guests are leaving. I believe your parents are looking for you.”
    She swallowed and dipped her chin. “Of course.”
    Rylan waited for Jared to precede him into the house. He raised one eyebrow at Colleen as she smoothed her hair and dress. “I won’t mention this to your parents—this time.”
    Raw anger pulsed through her veins at the nerve of the man. “Aren’t priests supposed to be nice?” she hissed.
    His low laugh only irritated her further.
    She needed to find a way to get this meddling priest out of their home—and, more importantly, out of her life.

7

    G ILBERT , THE H ASTINGSES are leaving,” Mr. O’Leary called to Gil from the doorway of the parlor. “Come and walk them out with me.”
    Gil stiffened at the clipped words. As usual, James issued an order then disappeared, expecting absolute compliance.
    â€œExcuse me, Miss Miller,” Gil said to the brunette at his side. “It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.”
    Ignoring the disappointment on the girl’s features, Gil pushed past a group of women near the doorway and made his way into the corridor. He released a long breath, grateful for an excuse to leave the over-warm room containing too many young ladies vying for his attention. At dinner, he’d assumed the evening would be quiet, with only a few friends and neighbors, but Mrs. O’Leary must have invited every eligible girl from two counties tonight.
    Pasting a smile on his face, he approached Mrs. Hastings standing beside her husband. “So lovely to meet you, Mrs. Hastings. I hope you enjoyed the evening.”
    â€œVery much, Mr. Whelan.”
    He turned to Aurora and bent over her offered hand. “Thankyou for the dances, Miss Hastings. You are a most accomplished dancer.”
    Her cheeks reddened. “As are you, Mr. Whelan. You must come and visit us at Belvedere now that Mother and I are here for the summer. Papa comes home on weekends, but during the week, we’re quite lonely.” She nudged her mother slightly.
    â€œOh, yes. Of course. We’ll call with a lunch date.”
    Tension banded Gil’s shoulders, but he fought to keep his expression unchanged. “That would be”— dreadful— “delightful, I’m sure.”
    Arthur Hastings took his wife by the arm. “Dorothy, Aurora, please wait for me in the auto. I need a word with Gilbert.”
    Now what?
    Once the women left, Mr. Hastings turned to him. “James tells me you’ve recently obtained a Business degree from Columbia.”
    â€œThat’s right, sir.”
    â€œWe could use a young man with your talents at our bank. Would you consider coming to work for me in the city?”
    Gil blinked. He’d assumed the man wanted to speak to him about his daughter.
    James stepped forward. “Sorry, Hastings. Gilbert has agreed to take over the books here. Between that and his work with the horses, I’m afraid he won’t have a spare moment.”
    The edge to Mr. O’Leary’s voice surprised Gil. From the sound of it, his mentor expected him to dedicate the rest of his life to Irish Meadows. Gil would have to start dropping hints that this was a temporary position.
    Mr. Hastings reached out and gave Gil’s hand a firm shake. “Our loss. But if you ever want a change, please think of me. I can offer you a substantial salary. Not to mention that working in the city