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

she had no idea what to do about it.
    If she were smart, she would fight this attraction with everything she had, since it could come to no good end. Even if Gil felt the same about her, what right did she have to claim his heart and then abandon him while pursuing her education? Was it fair to expect him to wait for her? After all, he wastwenty-one and ready to begin his life. Soon he would leave Irish Meadows and strike out on his own. Could she give up her dream to follow him?
    Sighing deeply, she gave herself a stern internal talking-to. Falling in love with Gil would only lead to heartache. Tonight she would enjoy Gil’s company, perhaps share a dance or two, and if the opportunity arose, she would speak to him about advocating her cause with her father.
    Brianna startled as Colleen breezed through the door connecting their bedrooms.
    Colleen stopped and took in Brianna’s reflection in the mirror. “My, won’t Henry be impressed tonight.”
    Brianna blinked. She hadn’t given Henry a single thought. But better her sister believe she had dressed for Henry than for Gil.
    Colleen preened in front of the mirror, adjusting the bodice of her lemon chiffon dress, which showed off far more skin than their father would deem suitable. Her auburn curls fell into one perfect roll over her left shoulder, bangs swept off her forehead to showcase her amazing violet eyes.
    â€œI, for one, am looking forward to this evening,” she said with a sly glance at Brianna. “I intend to make Gilbert fall madly in love with me.”
    Brianna stiffened on the plush stool, her fingers curling around the handle of her hairbrush. Despite her racing heart, she kept her expression cool. “Have you forgotten about Jared Nolan? I don’t think he’ll be too pleased.”
    A scowl marred Colleen’s perfect features. “Frankly, I don’t think Jared and I make a good match.” She threw Brianna a smug look. “I do believe Gilbert would suit me much better.”
    Brianna fought the urge to wipe the smile from her sister’s face. Calmly, she laid the brush on the ornate table in front of her. Whether she knew it or not, Colleen had just declared war.
    For most of her eighteen years, Brianna had played second fiddle to her older sister’s beauty and confidence. But no more.Tonight Brianna would cast off her usual timid nature and stake her claim—before Colleen ruined Gil’s life.

    Gilbert adjusted the cufflinks at his wrist as he paused to collect himself in the grand hallway. He checked his tie in the gilded mirror and patted down a wayward curl that wanted to spring across his forehead. He cut quite the dashing figure, if he did say so himself.
    The murmur of voices, punctuated by the light laughter of his family and friends, drifted out from the dining room. Knowing they awaited the guest of honor, he took a fortifying breath. Gil hated being the center of attention, but to please Mr. and Mrs. O’Leary, he’d put up with an evening of social frivolity. Especially if it meant he might capture Brianna later for a waltz.
    With a flourish, Gil stepped into the dining room. All heads swiveled in his direction, followed by whistles and light applause.
    James rose from his position at the head of the table. “Gilbert, my boy. We were about to send out a search party.”
    A collective chuckle erupted from the guests.
    â€œCome and take your seat so we can eat.” James patted the chair to his right.
    Farther down the table, Adam glared at him. Gil held back a sigh. He couldn’t blame Adam for his jealousy. James had never attempted to hide his preference for Gil over his eldest son. Gil hoped for an opportunity soon to reassure Adam he need have no fear of Gil usurping his rightful position in the family.
    As Gil made his way to the far end of the room, he greeted the Nolans and the Sullivans, longtime friends of the family, and his tense shoulders began to