MacGowan's Ghost by Cindy Miles

up. “There’s something there, between those two. I can sense it.”
    Justin frowned. “ ’Tis been naught but two days, man. That canna possibly be so.”
    Lord Killigrew grinned. “ ’Tis bothersome to you, the joining of those two, aye?”
    â€œOf course it’s not,” said the friar. “We’ve known Gabe since he was a baby.” He glanced at Justin. “We desire the very best for him, and for young Jake.”
    Everyone was silent for a moment.
    â€œAt least we’ve thwarted another buyer,” said Lord Ramsey. He grinned at Mademoiselle. “ ’Twas a fine showing, miss, with your head rolling atop the bar and your body flailing about.”
    Everyone chuckled.
    â€œI say we stay close to Ms. Morgan and follow her counsel. She’s quite bright,” said the friar.
    Everyone muttered an agreement.
    â€œI’m no’ convinced our young Gabe would have sold to that overstuffed pair of tweed peacocks anyway,” said Justin.
    â€œAnd I’m not quite convinced he really wants to sell to anyone,” added the mademoiselle. “The poor lad is torn.”
    â€œI’m sure Ms. Morgan could use the full extent of her capabilities if she knew the entire tale,” said the friar.
    â€œAye, but ’tisn’t our place to tell her,” said Mademoiselle Bedeau. She shook her head. “ Non , it would not be right.”
    â€œNow, Elise,” said Justin. “It happened more than five years ago, love. We should tell—”
    Mademoiselle Bedeau shook her head again. “ Non. I’ll hear no more of it.”
    Dauber glanced about. “I’m sure my Allie could help, indeed. You should trust her.”
    The Odin’s Thumb lot looked at each other; then the friar spoke. “Indeed we trust her, sir, but for now, what happened those many years past shall remain silent. Mayhap in time, we can discuss it. Mademoiselle is right. ’Tis young Gabe’s place to tell, and his place only.”
    Dauber gave a nod. “Fair enough, then. I’m sure she can help in other ways.”
    Mademoiselle Bedeau rose and smoothed her gown. “I must say, though, that the key for our very livelihood, such as it is, here at Odin’s Thumb may well lie in the hands of the joining of those two.” She smiled. “ Oui. I think that would most certainly assure our homestead.”
    Dauber rubbed his jaw. “I don’t know your Gabe, but my Allie is a strong-willed girl. Much stronger, even, than the women of my time.”
    â€œAnd of ours,” said Killigrew and Ramsey in unison. They glanced at each other, and Killigrew stroked his chin. “Methinks ’tis passing agreeable, that trait.”
    Ramsey nodded. “I have to agree.”
    â€œEnough of this,” said Justin. “We canna force two people together. They’re either in harmony, or no’.”
    â€œWell,” Mademoiselle said, a sly smile stretching across her ghostly features. “We shall certainly see, then, non ?”
    â€œIndeed, we shall,” said Justin, frowning. “Indeed.”
    Â 
    Allie stared up at the ceiling, turned once, then flipped back. She was sleepy, but sleep wouldn’t come.
    Not as long as Gabe MacGowan stayed on her mind.
    Two days. Two days! How could she possibly be attracted to distraction by someone in so little time? When she was around him, she fought to keep her eyes off him. When she was away, her thoughts strayed to memories of that unique accent, green eyes, and . . . damn . That silent power he had, the way he just stared, looked so intently at her, as though peering all the way through to her soul.
    He mystified her.
    Turning her head, Allie watched the peat burn in the hearth. It gave off a deep, clean, earthy scent that she found very appealing. That same scent seemed to cling to Gabe, adding to the already alluring scent of soap . . .
    She blew out a gusty