Free Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason Page A

my father’s will. I intend to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
    With supreme effort, Gil controlled his rage. If he said anything else, this conversation could escalate into a most unpleasant scene, something Adam would enjoy to no end. Gil clamped his jaw tight and focused his gaze out over the couples dancing.The fact that Adam assumed him so low as to manipulate James in order to inherit his money hurt Gil’s pride. Did everyone else believe the same thing? If so, maybe coming back had been a mistake on all counts.
    Gil turned to find James headed toward him, flanked by a shorter man with two ladies behind. Though the man looked somewhat familiar, Gil could not recall having met the women before.
    James clapped Gil on the shoulder. “Gilbert, allow me to introduce you to Arthur Hastings.”
    The stout man with a handlebar mustache stepped forward to shake Gil’s hand. “A pleasure to meet you, Gilbert. Sorry we couldn’t make the dinner. Another engagement, I’m afraid.”
    â€œIt’s good to meet you, too, sir.”
    Mr. Hastings stepped aside, and a tall woman with soft brown hair smiled at Gil.
    â€œThis is my wife, Dorothy, and my daughter, Aurora.”
    Gil greeted the older woman, then stopped short at the beautiful young woman beside her. With a cloud of golden hair and startling blue eyes, Aurora Hastings was breathtaking. He bowed over her hand. “A pleasure, Miss Hastings.”
    She blushed to the roots of her hair. “Likewise, Mr. Whelan. I’ve heard so much about you.”
    â€œAll good, I hope.” He winked in an attempt to dispel her obvious embarrassment, remembering what James had said about her request to meet him.
    â€œHeavens, yes. Brianna has nothing but wonderful things to say about you.”
    â€œYou’re a friend of Bree’s, then?”
    â€œMore of an acquaintance. We worked together on the Christmas play at the church.”
    Mr. O’Leary nudged him from the side. “Why don’t you ask this lovely young lady to dance, Gilbert? I’m sure she doesn’t want to sit with us old folks.” He boomed out a hearty laugh.
    â€œOf course. Would you care to dance, Miss Hastings?”
    â€œI’d love to.”
    He led the way to the middle of the room, where several other couples swayed to the music. Gil held out his arms, and Aurora placed her gloved hand in his. Soon they were gliding in time to the melody. She was a tiny thing, barely reaching his shoulder. He prayed he wouldn’t trample her toes. Thankfully, the song ended soon, but as he slowed to a smooth halt, he caught Brianna’s frown over Henry’s shoulder. She didn’t seem at all pleased to see Aurora in his arms. He dipped his head at Brianna with a grin.
    â€œExcuse me, Miss Hastings. There’s someone else I’ve promised a dance to.” He bowed over her hand once again, ignoring the disappointment on her lovely face, and made his way to find Brianna.

    Flushed from dancing and from watching Gil with Aurora Hastings, Brianna took a seat on one of the chairs and pushed a drooping curl off her forehead. She’d thought Colleen would be the only thorn in her side tonight. Now she had Aurora to contend with, as well.
    Out of the corner of her eye, she became aware of Henry hovering at her side, as he had all evening. If only he’d leave her alone for five minutes.
    She flashed him a smile. “All this dancing has me parched. Would you mind getting me something to drink? The refreshments are in the dining room.”
    â€œOf course.” He gave a slight bow. “Don’t go anywhere.”
    She let out a huge sigh of relief as he retreated through the crowd. Many more guests had arrived after dinner for the evening’s entertainment. She hardly recognized half the people here.
    A shadow fell over her chair.
    â€œGood evening, Miss O’Leary. May I have this dance?” The familiar