Free Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

relax. For the most part, the guests were familiar. He saw no evidence of the banker or his daughter. A reprieve until another time, thank goodness.
    He stopped behind the chair pulled out for him and madea point of looking at each person. “Thank you, everyone, for coming tonight. I have missed all of you during my time away and am quite glad to be back.”
    When his gaze came to rest on Brianna, he fought to keep his jaw from dropping. Dressed in a gown of deep green silk, her eyes stood out like glittering emeralds. Her hair had been swept on top of her head, save for two long swirls that teased her bare shoulders. Her skin gleamed like smooth ivory, highlighting her long, slender neck. He cleared his throat and tore his gaze away. “Tonight is not only a homecoming for me, but a welcome for our houseguest, Cousin Rylan. Now, let’s all enjoy this wonderful feast Mrs. Harrison has prepared.”
    As the maids uncovered the silver serving dishes, the enticing odors of roast beef, fresh bread, and gravy filled the air. Gil took a seat on the plush chair, spreading his napkin on his lap. Seated to his left, Rebecca Nolan, Jared’s younger sister, smiled at him.
    â€œHello, Miss Nolan. How are you this evening?” He gave her a saucy wink.
    She giggled and blushed. “Gilbert Whelan, you haven’t changed a bit.”
    Gil smiled. As Brianna’s best friend, Rebecca had spent a lot of time at Irish Meadows, so he felt very comfortable with her. He peered down the table as the maids served the soup. Henry Sullivan’s fair head bent close to Brianna’s, their hair almost touching. Gil’s fingers tightened on his spoon. Did Brianna not see Henry’s blatant interest in her? He’d have to keep an eye on the situation as the evening progressed.
    After dinner, the men retired to the study for cigars and brandy while the ladies freshened up. Gil endured the male posturing with ill-concealed irritation. Adam’s boasting of secret financial deals sounded anything but legitimate, and Henry’s attempts to impress Mr. O’Leary soured Gil’s stomach almost as much as the cigar smoke burned his eyes.
    It was a relief when they joined the ladies in the parlor. Thecenter of the room had been cleared for dancing. Chairs provided seating around the walls, where the ladies perched like lovely plumed birds.
    Mrs. O’Leary clapped her hands as the men took positions around the room. “I hope everyone is in a dancing mood. I have several pieces picked out I hope you’ll enjoy.”
    With that, she took a seat at the piano and began to play a lilting waltz. Gil immediately searched for Brianna, but his gut tightened as he watched Henry lead her out to the dance area. How long had Sullivan been pursuing her? Did Brianna approve of his suit, or was she as unaware of his intentions as she claimed? Gil frowned. Perhaps he needed to have a chat with Henry and find out where things stood.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Whelan? Jealous?” Adam’s tight voice behind Gil’s shoulder startled him from his thoughts.
    â€œNot at all,” he covered smoothly. “Just wondering about Henry’s intentions toward Bree.”
    â€œI think it’s fairly obvious. He intends to marry her. Sorry to put a damper on your romantic daydreams.”
    The sneer in Adam’s tone fueled a sudden urge to punch him. Gil swallowed the bitterness on his tongue and reminded himself of his intent to repair their relationship. “All I want is Bree’s happiness. If she chooses Henry Sullivan, then so be it.”
    He turned to face Adam, whose high color indicated an overindulgence in his father’s brandy. “Look, Adam, can we not put our differences aside and be civil to each other—for your parents’ sake if nothing else?”
    Adam’s harsh laugh was anything but humorous. “Forget it, Whelan. I know you only came back to worm your way into