“He won’t,” she said with a certainty she didn’t entirely feel. Had Jeremiah not mentioned the annulment to Liam? He must not have, or Liam wouldn’t be concerned about how Jeremiah acted toward her—nor so happy about their marriage.
And what that meant, Deirdre couldn’t quite comprehend.
“He told me about his business venture, and it seems like a solid plan,” Liam said.
Deirdre smiled inwardly. Of course Liam would be impressed with Jeremiah’s partnership in the livery. She’d hoped he would see Jeremiah as someone like himself—a man working his way up—and it seemed as if he did. “It is. He’s worked hard to get to this point. Are you hungry?”
“Famished.”
“Let me see what I left in the pantry.” Deirdre led the way back to the kitchen she loved when they first moved into this house. Living at the boardinghouse again was enjoyable, but she missed having a kitchen to do her own cooking. She quickly found what she needed for cornbread. Along with some tomatoes she’d put up over the summer, it would make for a good meal.
“Where does he have you living?” Liam asked as he sat at the table.
“At the boardinghouse.”
Liam made a noise that indicated disapproval.
“Might I remind you that we both lived at the boardinghouse until you’d made enough to buy this place?” Deirdre said as she bent to light the oven.
“Well, if you tire of one room, you’re welcome here. Both of you.”
Deirdre’s heart warmed at the invitation. She’d had nothing to fear about Liam’s reaction, after all. “Thank you. But I think you may be saying that only because you’ll miss my cooking,” she teased.
He laughed, and Deirdre turned as she mixed the batter. “Didn’t you have news to share from Denver?”
Liam lifted his chin, clearly proud of what he was about to say. “I found my investor for the hotel.”
“That’s wonderful! How soon can you get started with the building?”
“This week, provided I can find men willing to work.”
“That won’t be hard.” New men seemed to pour into town each day, eager to make what they could in the booming little town.
“I can’t wait to get it open. If it’s successful, I’ll see about adding on a restaurant, and perhaps a saloon. Or a gaming hall—”
“Liam Hannan, don’t you dare.” Deirdre set down her bowl and fixed her brother with a scowl. “I thought you wanted to create a respectable place.”
He gave her an indecisive look. “I suppose. But there’s money to be made in disrepute, Deirdre.”
“Mama would have your neck.” Deirdre busied herself with pouring the batter into a pan as she tried not to contemplate her reputation running through the wringer if Liam opened a gaming hall, of all things. She wished her parents were still alive to give him a good talking to.
“You’re right. But that fellow I spoke with up in Denver told me precisely how much he makes from gaming halls, and the sum would set your head spinning.”
Deirdre glanced back at her brother. He looked far more intrigued with the idea than she would have liked. “This is your investor?”
“He is, and don’t give me that look. He’s a decent man who happens to know where to find good money.” He stood up and gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek. “I need to finish unpacking. Thank you for seeing that I don’t come to starvation.”
Deirdre watched him leave and tried to ignore the worry that sat in her stomach. Liam was always one for opportunity, but he knew enough to stay away from dangerous ventures. She had to trust that his judgment was still sound.
