“Perhaps not outwardly,” heexplained. “But things are decidedly different. I was hoping things had gotten better for you in England.”
“No,” she retorted adamantly. “They haven’t and they never will. I’m never going back there. I’d rather take my chances with the rebellion.”
“Hush, child, before you’re branded a traitor to the Crown.”The older mansaidin a hushed tone, as if even the church walls had ears.He opened the door wider. “Come inside and I’ll get you some tea. No doubt your journey was tedious.”
She thought ofthe Raven’s attack on theFlying Swan.“Indeed.”
When she moved forward, Sean remained behind.“Ishouldreturn to the ship.The captain will be wondering what happened to me. And you,” he added firmly.
Fallonlifted her chin. “You may tell him that I no longer require his assistance. He fulfilled his part of our bargain.”
Sean looked at her for a moment, as if he wanted to say something else, but in the end, he gave a curt nod and took his leave.
Fallon told herself not to concern herself over him, or any sort of punishment that the Raven might inflict, but then she didn’t think the pirate was a cruel man.
At least when it came to his crew.
The priest usheredherinside and the sight of the crucifix at the front of the chapel nearly made her start weeping again. Sheglanced fondlyat the rows of seats where she had sat and listened to Father O’Learycountless times from his placeat the altarandrememberedthesimplertimes that had long passed.Even now, she could almost see her grandmother sitting inher usual place onthe third pew.
As they moved out of the sanctuary and into his rooms, he shut the door behind them.She joinedhimin the small kitchenas he put a kettle on the stove.After a short wait,he handed her a cup of tea. “I’m sure you coulduse the fortification.”
“Thank you,” Fallonsaidwith a returning smile. As sheinspectedthe crude wooden tablein front of her, she realized that she’d missed this more thanallthe richesthathad been showered upon her atShawsea Hall.Because this was real—genuine—whereas everything she’d enjoyed in Southampton had been shallow and filled with concealed vengeance.
As the priest sat down in the chairacrossfrom her,heallowed the silence to stretch between themfor a timebefore he set aside his cup and said, “Why are you really here?”
“Ialready told you. This iswhere I belong.” Her lips twisted. “Not to mention that Iwas being forced to marry a man I don’t love.”
He nodded. “That would be a difficultpredicament if he truly was unkind,” he murmured. “Was your aunt notpleasantto you?Did she know how you feltabout the union?”
Fallon didn’t even know where to begin regarding Francine and Martina’s deception, northe reasons for it.Sinceshe was gone and the problem was resolved, she decided there was no use in unnecessarily upsetting her old friend, and to be honest, she just wanted to put it all behind her, like a bad dream. But knowing some sort of reply was expected, she hedged,“I don’t think she understood my hesitation.”
He tilted his head to the side.“Is that allthat is troubling you?”
Shecouldn’tquitemeet his eyes. “Isn’t that enough?”
Instead of immediately replying, heallowed another pause to lapse.“We’ve been friends a long time, Fallon. More than that really, for I’ve always looked at you asfamily.I hope you know that you can talk to me about anything, as I would dowhat I canto see you happy and settled, even ifthatmeans youinsist on remaining in Carraroe.”
She traced a wood grain pattern on the table.“Has it really gotten so awful?” she asked miserably.
“Soldiers patrol night and day to keep order and fights break out in the middle of the streets. Ireland isn’t a safe place to be right now, but if you are intent on taking this path, I’m sure God has brought you back for a reason.” He smiled gently. “Rest assured; we will both look after you.”
Fallon’s vision blurredas she reached across the table and squeezed his aged hand. “I missed you.”
His expression was solemn. “I’m sorry I put you in an unwelcome position by encouraging you to go to England. Ifeelwhollyresponsiblefor yourcurrentupset.”
She shook her head. “Please, don’t. There was no way that either of us could have foreseen what would happen.” She smiled brightly. “Now we willsimplydo our best to get throughthe future.”
***
Locklyn Durmor clenched his jaw as his mother railed about the room.He’d just come home from a night of sex and drink and she was ruining his good mood. He almost didn’t stopfrom heading to his room for some restwhen she’dstopped anddemandedan audience withhimin the parlor. Reluctantly, he’ddecided to humor her. Now, he wishedhe hadn’t.
“Sources say that she boarded theFlying Swanand that it was attacked by the Raven!”
Locklynrolled his eyes. “I do regret that your plans for revenge were spoiled,” he noted dryly. “But perhaps now you might leave me in peace.The courtship was growing rather tedious.” He got to his feet with the intent of ending theconversation.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Martina snapped irritably. “We have to find some way to repair this mess!”
Locklynsighed as hepaused, and thenheaded toward the liquor cabinet. If he was going to have to remain, it required more brandy.“It’s not as if much can be done if she’s at the bottom of the sea, or in the clutches of a pirate. Both seem a fitting end if you ask me. Mission accomplished.” Heraised his glassin a toast.
