Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds Read Free Book Online Page B

face.
    â€œYes,” she said and surrendered the ruse. “You know how much I dread all of this. What a shameful waste.”
    He looked deeply into her eyes, the ones she allowed few men to gaze into without withdrawing. “That isn’t what is really troubling you, is it?”
    â€œAnd you expect true confessions to the milk boy?”
    Father Quinn gave a muted laugh. “It’s kind of you to disrespect me privately.”
    She smiled. “You know what I mean.”
    He paused. “You do know the . . . milk boy . . . always slowed his cart when he went by your house.”
    â€œIndeed. There were few times I didn’t notice.” Clare looked down and a surge of emotion came over her.
    He placed his arm on her shoulder. “What is it, Clare? This isn’t about your father’s wake, is it?”
    Clare feared she would start crying and draw attention. Glancing over toward the fire, she was pleased to see Madame O’Riley still commanding a rapt audience.
    â€œShouldn’t I be telling my father I won’t go?”
    â€œYou know Liam. Once he’s formed his intentions, it wouldn’t matter one scant. He’s a thick one.”
    â€œYes. I know you’re probably right. But the thing is . . . I haven’t much tried to dissuade him. The truth is . . .” Clare worried she had said too much.
    â€œGo ahead.”
    She assured herself with his trusting eyes. “There’s some of me at this moment . . . which reminds me of the little girl I thought I left behind.” Clare looked at him expecting disapproval, but she saw none. “Not that I was ever brave like Maggie. I’ll never have her courage. But inside, I’ve always imagined going to strange places. Meeting fascinating people.”
    â€œAdventure?”
    â€œYes. Adventure. In some ways I can’t wait to leave. To discover what lies at the other side of the ocean. Can you imagine?” She smiled, her face burning. “Am I a terrible person?”
    â€œWhy would I ever think that?”
    Was he serious? Hadn’t he understood anything she had said? Clare was frustrated it even needed words. “Because. Me just abandoning them all. This farm. The boys. Cait. My mother, who can’t hardly put on her own shoes.”
    The frustration of the day, the tiredness she was feeling, and the anxiety of what lay ahead built up to where she started to cry.
    â€œCome, come now.” He shook his head. “You are the most talented, thoughtful, young lady . . . woman . . . I’ve ever known. But do you really believe this beloved island of ours will be swallowed by the tides when you leave her shores?”
    She was not expecting to get chided and it caught her unawares. “No. Of course I don’t.”
    He wiped a tear off of her cheek and lifted her chin so he could peer into her eyes. “You can leave Ireland, but Ireland will never leave you. Listen to me. The parish will take care of your family. Your ma. Your brothers and sisters. And your crotchety old man. We’ll tend to him as well. We need Clare to take care of Clare. For once in her life.”
    With those words, a great burden lifted from her shoulders and gave Clare a sense of freedom she hadn’t experienced for some time. She looked at his face to determine if it was Father Quinn, the parish priest, or merely Quinn, the boy she admired from afar. Clare was drawn to him, and she embraced the young priest and felt comforted. She could sense the moisture of her tears drying on his opened collar.
    â€œWill you being joining us, Clare, for your own celebration?”
    She spun around at Seamus’s voice, having almost forgotten they were not alone. To her distress she saw all the guests huddled around the fire gawking at her and Father Quinn.
    â€œWe don’t want scandal to mar such a lovely day, dear sister,” her brother said, which resulted in a few nervous