Kiernan glared back. The young matchmaker needed to stop the insinuations. Kiernan had no interest in Alannah. He was simply trying to help both her and Torin during this difficult time.
“I agree with Mr. Shanahan.” Alannah spoke again, her tone firm. “I need a job, not marriage.”
Whenever she called him Mr. Shanahan, he felt middle-aged like his da instead of twenty-two. He’d been tempted to tell her to call him Kiernan, but that would be inappropriate, especially around other people.
Bellamy was still leaning against the door, and his expression grew serious. “Your brother thinks marriage will keep you safe, out of danger.”
Kiernan’s ready protest died. Alannah didn’t respond either, studying Bellamy.
Was Torin right? If she was married, would Shaw drop his threats? Shaw might be a scoundrel, but he wouldn’t pursue a married woman, would he?
How much did Bellamy know about Alannah’s predicament? About Shaw’s threats? About the rivalry between the two gangs? Torin must have explained some of it to Bellamy.
Kiernan nodded at the matchmaker. “I see Torin’s point.”
“No.” Alannah’s chin rose higher. “I’m not marrying someone I don’t know. What if I trade one unhappy situation for another?”
“That’s why your brother came to me.” Bellamy offered a slow smile. “Because then I can be finding just the right husband for you.”
“And how will you know who is right for me when you don’t know me at all?”
“Good question.” Kiernan let himself meet her gaze.
She rarely looked at him squarely. But this time her eyes rounded, clearly not expecting him to agree with her, and they held a curiosity, almost as if she wanted to know more about him.
He could usually tell when women were interested. He’d learned to read the signals. But with Alannah, he’d never been certain. And it didn’t matter. It really didn’t matter in the least. He’d been reminding himself of that every time he wondered.
Just as he’d been reminding himself that it didn’t matter if Shelia had shown some interest in him recently. ... The fact was, Liam was madly in love with her. As a best friend and business partner, Liam deserved to have Shelia all to himself, even if she had once been the woman Kiernan thought he’d marry.
Kiernan’s stomach knotted again as it had whenever he thought about how beautiful Shelia had looked last night. He shouldn’t have stopped by her family’s country home inthe first place. But the Douglases lived next door to Oakland, the Shanahans’ country estate. And she’d been outside as he was passing by and called out to him. It would have been rude not to stop, and he’d only visited for a short while.
He shifted his attention to Bellamy. “I suppose you already have some candidates in mind for Alannah?”
“Oh aye. That I do.”
Kiernan didn’t know what to say at Bellamy’s quick—certain—response. Obviously, Bellamy did know most of the single men looking for wives. Apparently, he’d already narrowed down those he thought could provide Alannah with a good life. He might have even consulted with his da, Oscar, who had been the matchmaker in the St. Louis Irish community for as long as Kiernan could remember. The older fellow probably had all kinds of possibilities.
“I thank you, Bellamy.” Alannah took a step away from him as though wanting to put an end to their conversation. “You’re kind to offer your help, to be sure. But marriage is such a big step, and I’m not ready to take it.”
“It doesn’t have to be today.” Bellamy’s voice held a chiding, almost teasing note.
Kiernan wasn’t so sure that Bellamy would refrain from whisking her away to the church today. Enya’s marriage to Sullivan had happened fast, within hours of Bellamy’s conspiring.
If Alannah had another job lined up, someplace else to go, then she wouldn’t need to consider a match right now, would she?
“At least think about it,” Bellamy continued. “You might even find that you’re more than ready.”
Kiernan gave a curt shake of his head. “Or maybe she’d just like to work a while longer.”
Once again, Bellamy quirked a brow at him.
“I’ll help her find another domestic position.” Kiernan’s mind dashed through the possibilities. There were probably at least half a dozen families he knew that would hire her on. But each had larger staffs. More servants meant more gossip. And more gossip could lead to Shaw discovering her whereabouts.
“No, Mr. Shanahan.” Alannah backed up another step. “You’ve already done enough for me.”
“Think nothing of it.”
What about Shelia? The Douglases? Would they be willing to take on another servant?
