Read Online Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason - Free Book Online

most things. It’s a character flaw that confounds my calling to be a priest, since for the most part, clergymen are pretty serious fellows.” He glanced over at her, still chuckling. “You have to admit, we must have looked rather silly, wallowing in the mud that way.”
    Her lips twitched before she pressed them into a firm line. “I suppose we did.”
    â€œAs for your mother, I’ll speak with her tonight and let her know I can manage without you as my personal escort.”
    â€œThat would be . . . appreciated. Thank you.”
    â€œSo we can be friends?”
    She clutched the side of the buggy as they hit a bump. “I guess so.”
    A small concession at best, but he would take it. “Good. Now, maybe you can tell me more about your family. Exactly where does Gilbert Whelan fit in with the whole O’Leary clan?”

    Colleen took a moment to let her emotions settle, while she determined how she should act with Rylan. Somehow, she couldn’t stay mad at him, yet it seemed wise to keep an emotional distance. Something told her he would dig out all her secrets if he could. Talking about her family, however, seemed safe enough.
    â€œGil’s widowed mother worked for us as a housekeeper. When she became ill, she asked Mama to take Gil in if she didn’t survive. They had no other family here, and she didn’t want him going back to Ireland on his own.”
    Rylan gave a low whistle as he guided the horses over a dip in the road. “An orphan, poor lad.”
    â€œNot really. We’re his family now.”
    One dark eyebrow rose. “So he’s like a brother to you, then?”
    She sent him a saucy smile, one that turned most men to putty. “Oh no, he’s far too handsome for that.”
    Rylan opened his mouth as though to challenge her, but stopped. A few seconds later, he asked, “And what does Adam do?”
    â€œHe recently started a new job in the city.” A stiff breeze came up, and Colleen clutched her hat to keep it from blowing off.
    â€œSo he doesn’t work for your father?”
    â€œNo. He and Daddy don’t agree on most things.”
    â€œAnd Brianna? She seems the quiet type—more content to watch the goings-on around her.”
    Colleen raised one eyebrow. “You’re very observant.”
    He smiled. “It’s an advantage in my profession.” He slappedthe reins to make the horses keep their pace. “I noticed there’s quite a gap between Brianna and your younger siblings.”
    Sorrow squeezed Colleen’s heart before she lifted her chin. “We had another brother, Danny, but he drowned several years ago.”
    â€œI’m ever so sorry. That must have been difficult for your family.”
    â€œIt was, especially for Mama. She’s never been the same since.”
    â€œSo Gil works for your father. And Brianna is almost finished with school. What will she do then?”
    Irritation prickled Colleen’s neck. “You ask a lot of questions.”
    â€œBest way to get answers.”
    â€œI think it’s my turn to ask the questions.”
    He grinned at her, a dimple appearing in his cheek. “Ask away. My life is an open book.”
    It took all her concentration to keep her expression unchanged, as if those dimples didn’t affect her at all. “Do you come from a big family?”
    â€œBig enough, though in Ireland we’re considered average. I’ve three brothers and a little sister. My father died in a mining accident years ago, so my brothers look out for my mother and Maggie.”
    â€œI’m sorry. It must be difficult to lose a parent.”
    â€œAye. My father was a hard man. But he loved my mother something fierce.”
    â€œSounds like Daddy.” She glanced sideways at him, admiring his profile, his full lips and strong jaw. Despite every effort to remain aloof, Rylan aroused a strong measure of curiosity in