Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason Read Free Book Online Page A

poor feet. The midday sun warmed the top of her head, while a soft breezefloated over her, keeping her cool. She could almost imagine she was on a romantic tryst.
    â€œExcuse me, miss. Are you hurt at all?” A masculine voice with a decidedly Irish lilt awakened Colleen from an apparent doze.
    She shot to a sitting position, amazed and embarrassed to find a very handsome man staring at her, concern evident in the frown lines on his face. Eyes the color of rich chocolate gazed intently at her.
    She smoothed her fingers over the bun at the nape of her neck, making sure her stylish appearance was still intact. “No, I’m not hurt. My carriage is stuck, though.”
    The stranger held out a hand to help her to her feet. “Would you like me to take a look?”
    She flashed her most charming smile. “I’d be obliged. Thank you.”
    While he strode over to assess the problem, Colleen peered down the road to see what mode of transportation had brought him here. But she could see nothing, not even a horse. Then she noticed a suitcase and a discarded jacket by the side of the road.
    â€œIt’s not good news, I’m afraid.” He came around the side of the carriage, wiping dirt from his hands. He wore a white linen shirt under a tweed vest and dark wool pants. He began to roll up the sleeves of his shirt, a grin lifting the corner of his lips. “But if you’re game, we can give it a try.”
    She blinked. “What exactly do you have in mind?”
    He moved a few steps closer. “Well, we wouldn’t want a lovely lady like yourself getting dirty, so I’ll do the hard part. If you’ll direct the horses, I’ll push from behind.”
    The wind blew some locks of dark hair from under his cap as he waited for her answer.
    Colleen’s heart began a rapid patter. “But you might get dirty.”
    He gave a full-bodied laugh, revealing even, white teeth. “A bit of mud never hurt anyone.”
    â€œVery well. I suppose it’s worth a try.”
    He followed her to the front of the carriage and held out a hand to assist her. She remembered then she was in her stockings. “Just a moment while I put on my shoes.” She ducked her face to hide the heat rising in her cheeks.
    What was wrong with her? She never blushed.
    Stumbling in her haste, she sat down heavily on the blanket and snatched up her shoes. She stuffed one foot in and then the other, not bothering with the laces.
    â€œAllow me.” Kneeling on the blanket, the man reached over to tie one of her shoes.
    Colleen swallowed her surprise and quickly tied the other herself. For a second time, he helped her up, this time holding her hand a moment longer than necessary.
    â€œAnd where are you off to this fine day?”
    Gazing into the brown depths of his eyes, Colleen couldn’t remember for the life of her where she was headed. “Into town,” she finally managed.
    â€œLet’s see if we can get you on your way, then.” He picked up the blanket, tossed it into the carriage, and helped her onto the tilted seat. “When I say ready, give the reins a good, hard slap and tell the horses to giddy-up.”
    Seconds later, he yelled, “Ready.”
    She whipped the reins and called out to the horses. They lurched forward, and the carriage rocked, but sank back into the same position.
    The man appeared at her side. “Let me talk to the horses before we give it another try.”
    Her mouth fell open. “Talk to the horses?”
    â€œAye. If I ask them nicely, I’m sure we’ll do better next time.” He winked at her before jogging over to the beasts.
    Colleen watched in fascination as he spoke some foreignlanguage to them while stroking each on the nose. Then he turned back, touched the brim of his cap in a mock salute, and returned to the back of the carriage.
    â€œReady.”
    She repeated her actions, slapping the reins and calling out loudly