“Oh, it’s absolutely lovely!” Eliza gushed. “It’s one of the grandest estates in Southampton, other than Clare Manor, of course.”
Fallon wanted to groan.She had the feeling she would be hearing a lot about the infamous Mr. Clare if her cousin had any say in the matter.It was obvious she was rather enamored with him, and it sounded as if most of the women in Southampton were as well.
Shekept her smile in place andlistened with half an ear asher cousin rattled on about howdelightful England was and howmuch she wouldcome to love Southampton,and althoughFallondid her best to pay attention,all she could thinkaboutwas that itwasn’t Ireland.
***
Atticus’s focus remained on the Shaw carriage until it rounded a bend and disappeared from sight.
“Do I even want to try and interpret that look?”
He turned to face the captain of theAlgondawith a slightly narrowed expression. “You know I make it my business to be suspicious of any newcomers to the city, especially if they are Irish.” He spoke in the nativegaeilge language.
Sean leaned closer to him and smirked, while speakingin the same tongue, “Are ye thinking that the lass might need the Raven’s protection? Or that she’s an English spy?” He straightened and shook his head. “If the latter, there’s no need to worry on that account. I’ve known Fallon O’Malley since she was wearing pigtails and pinafores. Her grandfather was a true patriot and diedwhiletrying to establish the Irish republic.”
Atticusabsorbed this information. “All the same, I think we should be cautious. Her loyalties may have changed over time. These are precariousdaysfor the Brotherhood. While they are gaining strength in Canada against the British forces,if we have any hope of getting Stephens back to Ireland with the army he’s amassing in America, we have to be extra vigilant.”
“Aye.” Sean’s tone had turned solemn. “I know the Fenian’s appreciate any assistance and the Raven has been particularly useful, not to mention that his reputation as a blackhearted pirate has the Royal Irish Constabulary quaking in their boots.” He lifted a russet brow. “However, I wonder what will happen now that you have a new interest in Southampton with Mrs. Josephine Stuart?”
This was a subject that Atticus had hoped not to bring up with Sean, for his relationship with the lady was as delicate as the Raven’s true identitywhen it came to those outside of his crew, but since he had to say something, he replied, “The lady asked for a favor and I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I refused.”
“Aye.” Sean eyed him skeptically. “And it likely doesn’t hurt anything that she’s a rather comely widow.”
Atticus ignored the barb and added, “Rest assured, my duties to the Brotherhood will not falter. I witnessed firsthand the horrid living conditions that many are forced to endure just to survive. It sickened me the first time I stepped foot onto Irish shores anditsickens me still to this day. Besides”—he grinned—“as my first mate on theCrimson Roseit’s not as if you’ll forget to remind me ofmyduties.”
Sean laughed heartily. “You’ve got that right, Cap’n.” Returning tospeaking inEnglish, he said, “I assume all of your cargo was acceptable, Mr. Clare?”
“Indeed.” Atticus tossed him a purse of coins which Sean tucked inside the waistband of his trousers. “Always a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Flannery.”
With that, he turned on his heel.
Chapter Three
As the carriage rounded a bend in the road a short time later, Fallon sat up a bit straighter. She had to admit that the land aroundShawseaHall was rather breathtaking.To one side of the stately residence was a rolling meadow with hundreds of oak, elm, and hawthorn trees, all with beautiful vibrant colors, their leaves having changed for the season. With all their different shades of red, orange, and gold, it was like looking at a painting on atruecanvas, which made it all the more pleasing to the eye.
On the opposite side of the limestone estate was the ocean, spread out before them like a sparkling sea of diamonds. The sun shone down upon the waves as they crashed onto the glistening, sandy beach and it was difficult to imagine that such a lovely, serene place could be nearsuch abustling portasSouthampton.But while countless people strolledabout the cobblestone streetsin town, here it was as if time stood still, allowing one to appreciate the beauty of nature.
“I hope youenjoy your stay atShawseaHall, Fallon,” Eliza said gently. “For it’s your home now too.”
Home.It was such a simple word, but one that brought a wealth of longing deep in her soul. She wasn’t sure anything could ever replace her dear Ireland, but she was willing to try, just so she could have a family again. Since Eliza was looking at her expectantly, Fallon offered,“I wouldcertainlybe lying if I said I wasn’t impressed. The sceneryis lovelyand the scent of the salty air has always been a comfort to me.”
Eliza smiledin similar sentiment, but had no time to respond, for the carriage stopped.As Fallon stepped to the ground, asomewhat sternfeminine voice said, “Miss O’Malley.I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
Fallon glanced to where a middle-aged woman stood on the steps of the manor housewith graying blond hair. She knew even before the introductions were made that this was her aunt Francine.Fallon’s heart sank,forthere was something inthis woman’seyesand her pinched mouththat made Fallon hesitanttoapproach her.Asudden feeling of dreadstruckthe pit of her stomach, although she couldn’t say exactly why. Perhaps it washer own misgivings andthe way her grandmother had always seemed ratherunwillingto speak of her.
Nevertheless, Falloncouldn’t stopher nervesfrom drawing tighter with each step she took forward. As she stopped before the well-dressed lady,the slight scowl on her aunt’s face asshetook in hersimpleattire didn’t makeFallonfeel anymore at ease.Butrecallingthemannersthat her grandmother had instilled in her,she inclined her head politely. “I’m pleasedto make your acquaintance,Mrs. Shaw.”Even though this was her aunt, she wasn’t comfortable calling herby her given name, for that was entirely toointimate.
AsFallon waited for the lady to respond, she darted a quick look at Eliza and was buoyed by herencouragingsmile.
“So,you are myniece,” Francine stated matter-of-factly, completelydevoid of any emotionexcept for that samescrutinizing stare. “I daresay you’re not what Iwasexpecting.Thephotograph you sent does notcompletely show your features.” Francine held the item in question out to Fallon, which she accepted. “You’rea bitolder than I imagined and the lilt to your accent is quite…pronounced.”
Fallon said nothing, for she was quite sureshe wasn’t being complemented. It sounded as though the lady wanted to point out Fallon’s differences, reminding her that she didn’t belong. But if that was true, then why even write that letter and send for her at all?
No doubt she imagined her to be some sort of rebellious miscreant like mostof theEnglish considered the Irish to be, and Fallon intended not to feed into that same misinterpretation. She knew how to be a lady, even if she hadn’t had the same advantages that her cousin might have enjoyed growing up.
As Fallon took inher aunt’sfullappearance—hair pulled back into a tight bun at the back of her head, the expensivesatingown of pale lavender, her slenderneck and ears graced with sparkling jewels—Fallon had to admit that she could have easily passed for anaristocrat. AlthoughFrancine Shawheld no title,Eliza had told her shewas a rather wealthyfeme solewhoretained herownproperty and wealth following her husband’s death. It was no wonder shecarried herself withsuch a commandingair.
Francinecalled out to the coachman who had been standing nearby and instructed, “Abrams, please take Miss O’Malley’s things up to her room. You may also retire the carriage and take care of the horses. We will not need your services for the rest of the day.”
