Erina swallowed. “I do.”
The man and the woman seated in thefront pew, the priest, the bride, and the groom all turned to stareat her.
“Cathleen, I’mErina.”
The girl blinked.“Erina?Begorrah!Have I fallen through a fairy ring?”
“What is this!” The groomleft the bride’s side, his homely face turning an ugly shade ofred. He stopped when he drew close, her likeness to Cathleen musthave struck him. “Who are ye?”
“I’m Cathleen’s cousin,Lady Erina Roundtree, sir. And you are?”
His mean eyes reflected hismisgivings. “The name’s Gormley, yer ladyship.” He squared hisshoulders. “Not that it’s any business of yourn. Ye areinterruptin’ the ceremony.”
The bride hurried past him.“Erina?”
“Yes.” Erina’s voicewobbled. “It’s me.”
“I can’t believe my eyes!”Cathleen threw her arms around her. She was crying. “I neverexpected to set eyes on ye!”
The groom’s eyes narrowed. He held outhis hand. “Come, Cathleen!”
“Is there a problem,Cathleen?” the priest called. “Is the ceremony toproceed?”
“It is, Father,” Mr.Gormley thundered.
“Father O’Brien, my cousinhas come all the way from England. Could you wait a moment?”Cathleen took Erina’s arm and drew her away, while Gormley stoodvisibly seething.
“You want to marry this Mr.Gormley?” Erina asked, sotto voce.
“I have no choice, Erina.He owns my father’s house. I’ve nowhere else to go.”
“But you do have a choice.You can come home to England with me.”
Cathleen put her hands on her cheeks,her shoulders shaking. “Your father would agree?”
“Of course. You are kin.Papa will be delighted to have you.” Erina cast a quick glance atHarry, but he kept his eye on the groom who’d coiled his hands intofists.
“Cathleen!” Mr. Gormleycalled again. “The priest and the witnesses arewaiting.”
“Come to England with Harryand me,” Erina said urgently. “Find a man you can love. Unless youlove Mr. Gormley?”
“I hate him,” Cathleensaid, her voice muffled behind her hand.
“Then it’s settled.” Erinaturned around. “Harry, we are taking my cousin to her house to packher things. She is to accompany us back to Dublin.”
“I’m sorry, FatherO’Brien.” Cathleen straightened her shoulders. “Mr. Gormley, Ishan’t marry you.”
Mr. Gormley growled and took a stepcloser.
Cathleen flinched as she backed awayfrom him.
“Mind yer own business,”Gormley said eyeing them both.
Harry stepped forward. “Let’s not behasty. We can discuss this outside,” he said in a pleasant tone.“And if you offer proof that you are now the owner of MissCathleen’s house, we shall deal with this businesspromptly.”
Gormley sullenly followed them fromthe church. In the forecourt, he grabbed hold of Cathleen’sshoulders and shook her so hard an auburn ringlet escaped and fellacross her cheek. “You’re going nowhere. That would be breach ofpromise. You are legally bound to marry me.”
Cathleen winced under hisgrip.
