Of course she wasn’t planning on kissing him a second time. Once had been sufficient to learn about realistic romantic feelings, hadn’t it?
She popped the cherry tomato in her mouth and savored the rush of sweetness.
Kiernan had halted and was studying the house, as if the stately home with its large windows and balconies and expansive porch held the answers to all their troubles.
“I’m worried about Mam and Da finding out,” she said softly.
“And I’m worried about another scandal.”
With Kiernan’s marriage having caused a stir in St. Louis society, they’d been less warmly received at mass this past week. They also hadn’t had any invitations to visit friends or be a part of any gatherings—although that could be attributed to the cholera.
While Zaira had never given much thought to their family’s status and reputation, Kiernan had always cared much more. Although he was learning to put less emphasis on what people thought—especially about his marriage to Alannah—he still had businesses to run and couldn’t afford more problems.
Kiernan’s brow furrowed in thought. “So Oscar is looking to match Bellamy.”
“Oh aye. Oscar was very vocal about it when I was there.”
“To salvage Bellamy’s reputation because he failed with the senator’s daughter.” Kiernan wasn’t asking. He clearly already knew everything.
It was too bad Bellamy hadn’t been able to make the match between Deirdre and Zach Meier. Maybe Bellamy’s timing hadn’t been right. Or maybe other issues were at play—like the family differences. Whatever the case, Oscar was indeed pushing Bellamy into marriage. “Bellamy doesn’t want a match for himself. He was actually quite opposed to it.”
Kiernan shook his head, irritation in his eyes. “It doesn’t matter if he’s opposed. We’ll work out a deal with him.”
“Work out a deal?”
“Since each of you needs a match, you’ll choose each other.”
Zaira could only stare at her brother. She didn’t realize her mouth was hanging open until he nodded at it. She closed it, swallowed, and then tried to formulate a coherent thought. “That’s impossible ... I would never ... He would never ... We don’t like each other and don’t get along—”
“This will all be temporary, just until all the rumors about the two of you fade.” Kiernan nodded as if the matter was settled. “After a month or two, you can both go your separate ways and tell people it didn’t work out. By then everyone will have forgotten about Bellamy’s failure with the senator’s daughter. And no one will be thinking about the kiss you and Bellamy shared.”
Zaira’s mind began to spin with what Kiernan was proposing. “So, you’re suggesting I have a pretend relationship with Bellamy?”
“Do you want to avoid upsetting Mam and Da?”
“Very much so.”
“They won’t be happy to hear you and Bellamy kissed, but it won’t bother them as much if you’re matched with him.”
“But the McKennas? Would Da agree to another match outside our social circles?”
“In all the matchmaking meetings that Oscar has held this week, he’s let it slip that he has quite a bit of wealth. Even so, I think Da is learning, like me, that happy unions take more than money and family status to work.”
This whole plan was taking things too far. “I don’t like it, Kiernan. Essentially I’ll be lying to Mam and Da.”
“It’ll be like playing a role in a theater production ... just until the gossip dies down.”
She hesitated. It didn’t feel right. Although she wasn’t surewhy because she was already lying to her parents about her publication efforts.
Kiernan glanced in the direction of the front of the house as if to remind her they needed to return to the others before someone came looking for them.
Could she really play a role with Bellamy? And pretend to have a match with him? The plot might not be truthful, but it was interesting. It would be full of drama and excitement and would give her plenty more inspiration for her stories.
Her blood began to thrum faster at just the prospect. Did she dare agree to such a plan? It was bold and would likely be fun. And surely they could keep it harmless. After all, who would it hurt? Not her or Bellamy. Not Mam or Da. It would help keep her family from more disgrace.
“Well?” Kiernan’s tone was demanding.
She shrugged one shoulder. “Even if I agree to it, Bellamy won’t.”
