Zaira’s brow furrowed.
Alannah waited for protest or denial. She’d argued enough with Hugh to know that most writers had opinions that were difficult to change.
Zaira reached for the manuscript, and Alannah relinquished it.
As Zaira read through the notes in the margin, Alannah’s stomach tightened. She hadn’t overstepped, had she? She’d learned a lot about editing in those couple of years before leaving home, and she had a good sense for stories and characters and plots.
If only she had a good sense for real life. But somehow she’d made a mess of everything with Kiernan.
Alannah hadn’t wanted to listen to the conversation between Kiernan and his parents earlier. But she’d heard it all from where she’d stood just outside the back servants’ door, sent by Cook to tidy the dining room for the simple Sunday evening meal. Portions of the discussion had grown loud, including when Mrs. Shanahan had made the declaration that Alannah was a nobody and not a suitable match.
The meeting had made it all too clear that Mrs. Shanahan hadn’t changed her opinion about Alannah, was still opposed to Kiernan having anything to do with her. As much as Alannah wanted to object to the matron’s declaration that she was unsuitable, she couldn’t. Not after seeing Kiernan’slist. The list of requirements was likely the same that Mrs. Shanahan had, that any mother or father in a family like the Shanahans would have.
Alannah couldn’t hold back a sigh.
Zaira glanced up from her manuscript. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
The young woman placed the manuscript on the bed, then sat up on her knees, giving Alannah her full attention. “You’re not fine.”
Zaira’s tone was so gentle and kind that tears stung the back of Alannah’s eyes.
“You’re thinking about Kiernan, aren’t you?”
“Of course not.”
Zaira tsked. “You don’t need to pretend with me, Alannah. I heard my parents and Kiernan today just like everyone else. And I know he cares about you.”
Alannah reached for the pencil on the desk and twisted it in her hands.
“I also know he’s been meeting with you after dark out beyond the garden.”
Alannah’s gaze shot up to Zaira. “You do?”
“I do now.” A self-satisfied smile curled up her lips. “I thought I heard him coming and going late, but I wasn’t sure what he was up to.”
Guilt knotted in Alannah’s stomach. “It’s not what you’re thinking—”
“I didn’t think you were having illicit relations, if that’s what you mean.”
“We weren’t, to be sure. I vow it.” Alannah pushed up from her chair, needing to hide from the never-ending embarrassment today had brought.
Zaira jumped up from the bed. “Don’t go.”
Alannah halted. Even though she wanted to rush from the room, she obeyed Zaira like a good servant would do, poised for the next command.
As if sensing Alannah’s subservience, Zaira waved a hand toward the door. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to talk. But I thought that since we’re becoming friends, you might like a listening ear.”
After how much Zaira had entrusted to Alannah, shouldn’t she trust Zaira in return?
Zaira sat back down on the edge of the bed. “I will say that I’ve never seen Kiernan as taken with a woman as he is with you.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I know so. He never fought to keep Shelia the way he’s fighting to keep you.”
“He fought to keep me?”
