A Worthy Heart Page 26

  “I’d be happy to.”

  28

  MAGGIE’S FINGERS CRAMPED as she ended the song. How long had she been playing? Her aching back and numb extremities told her she’d gone on far longer than she’d intended. Some time outdoors and a bit of exercise would do her good.

  The house sat in unnatural silence, its grim aura permeating the entire dwelling like a suffocating cloud. Maggie crossed the thick carpet to the French doors and let herself out onto the balcony. She walked to the railing and inhaled the fresh air, tinged with the scent of flowers from Mrs. O’Leary’s garden. Despite the still-warm August temperatures, Maggie shivered and wrapped her arms around her middle. The sight of dark clouds roaming across the sky warned of an impending summer storm.

  A blur of movement caught Maggie’s attention. She leaned over the railing to see Adam striding across the lawn toward the barns. Everything about his countenance alarmed her. He hadn’t taken the time to don his usual cap, leaving his hair to blow in disarray around his head. One suspender hung limply from his waist; the other cinched the linen of his shirt against his frame. But it was the storm of emotion on his face that caused her the greatest distress.

  Dear Lord, no. Had his mother passed on?

  Before she realized it, she had descended the stairs and started after him. The wind, now whipping into a frenzy, tore at her skirts as she ran down the path. Instead of entering the barn, Adam kept going, past the racetrack and across the far meadow. Keeping him in her sight, Maggie followed at a discreet distance. Where could he be headed?

  She crested a hill and scanned the landscape before her. The moment she saw the pond, she knew it was his intended destination. Adam had told her the story of his younger brother’s drowning and how he had tried in vain to revive the lad. The only reason she could think of that he’d come here was to relive the sorrow of losing yet another family member.

  Soft drops of rain began to patter her shoulders and face. She continued walking, slower this time, now that she knew his goal. Beneath the overhang of a large willow tree at the side of the pond, Adam dropped to his knees. His hands came up to cover his face, and his entire body shook.

  Her own tears mingled with the rain on her cheeks. Oh, Adam. Her heart cried out for the greatness of his pain. Should she leave him to grieve in private or offer him comfort?

  Haltingly, she approached the tree, skirting the low-hanging limbs. Underneath the canopy, a measure of shelter held the rain at bay. With his face still buried, Adam did not see her. In his cocoon of pain, she doubted he’d even heard her footfalls.

  When she could no longer stand the sight of his weeping, she went to him, knelt beside him, and laid a hand on his shoulder.

  “Adam,” she whispered, “I’m here.”

  His head lurched up, and he swiped at his reddened eyes. “Maggie.”

  For a moment, she thought he might be angry, that he wanted to grieve alone. Then, astonishingly, he threw back his head and laughed out loud.

  Was the man delirious?

  He rose, lifting her with him. “Mama’s going to be all right.” He twirled Maggie in a circle before the understanding of his words seeped into her brain.

  “She is?”

  “Her fever broke, and she’s awake. When she started issuing orders to my father, I knew the crisis had passed.”

  She laughed with him, realizing she’d never seen him so carefree. The tightness around his jaw had softened, and his eyes brimmed with joy.

  She threw her arms around his neck in an impulsive embrace. “Thank You, God, for answering our prayers.”

  He buried his face in her hair, and they clung to each other, reveling in this rare moment of joy. A minute or two passed, and the mood shifted. Slowly, Adam pulled back, and the intensity of his stare stole the air from Maggie’s lungs. His hands came up to cup her face on either side, and he lowered his mouth to hers.

  Every one of her senses heightened. She tasted the coffee lingering on his lips, felt the thrum of his heart against her chest. The fragrance of summer rain drifted around them, blending with the masculine scent of his soap. In the shelter of his arms beneath the canopy of the willow, Maggie gloried in the feeling of being safe and protected and . . . cherished.

  His lips trailed from her mouth to her temple, and he released a slow breath that fluttered her hair. “I couldn’t have gotten through these past few days without you, Maggie. How can I ever thank you?”

  Her heart expanded with his praise. “Your happiness is thanks enough.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you. But I thank God for bringing you into my life.”

  She stilled, waiting for him to remind her once again that he wasn’t worthy and that she needed to leave him.

  Instead, he smiled and traced her bottom lip with his thumb. “Maybe my life has turned a corner, as well. I’ve started to make amends with my family, and my store will open soon.”

  “What are you saying?” she whispered.

  A shadow of doubt flickered across his rugged features. “I’m no prize, Maggie. But would you ever consider . . . ?” He trailed away, a frown wrinkling his brow. “Do you think Rylan might give me permission to court you?”

  She scowled and lifted her chin. “Do I not have a mind of my own? I don’t need my brother to tell me who I can or cannot love.”

  His eyes widened, then narrowed. “Did you just say you love me?”

  She adored the fierceness in his voice that matched the expression on his face.

  “Tá tú mo chroí go deo.” She smiled at his confused look. “It means you have my heart forever. Whether you like it or not.”

  He let out a low growl and grabbed her by the waist, lifting her feet off the ground again. Her head brushed a branch above, unleashing a torrent of water that rained down on both of them. She squealed at the cold wetness that cascaded over her face and neck. When she opened her eyes, Adam’s stunned expression beneath his dripping hair made her burst into laughter.

  He set her on her feet and swiped the moisture from his face. His soaked shirt lay plastered against his chest, outlining the muscles beneath as his breath rose and fell. Maggie swallowed and raised her head. Adam’s eyes darkened to midnight as he claimed her lips in a kiss that seared her soul, binding her to him for eternity. She returned his kiss with every ounce of emotion in her, until they both were breathless.

  When he released her, she sighed with pure bliss. No matter what the future had in store for her, Maggie would remember this magical moment beneath the willow tree forever.

  The day Aurora had both prayed for and dreaded had arrived. The quarantine had been lifted. All the patients were well on the road to recovery, and no further outbreaks had been reported. With the ever-efficient Nurse Patterson in charge of the last few children, Aurora’s services as a caregiver were no longer required.

  It was time to take her leave of the orphanage . . . and of Gabe. Time to go home to face her father’s disapproval and relieve her mother’s anxiety before moving forward with the next phase of her life. She was more convinced than ever that nursing was her destiny.

  Aurora studied her reflection in the mirror of her small room as she pinned her hat in place. The hardest part would be leaving Gabe. She’d grown to love being around him every day for the past three weeks. Loved expecting his wink or his grin, his good-natured teasing, his unconditional support.

  But despite the strong feelings of attraction between them, and despite the delicious kisses they’d shared, she feared a romance with Gabe was not the path meant for her. Gabe would be traveling back to Ireland soon, and she would start nursing school. Gabe would resume life in his village and find a nice local girl to share his life. The thought of him happily married to another woman should have comforted Aurora, but it only added to the weight of her regret.

  She squared her shoulders and headed downstairs to find him. No point in putting it off any longer. She’d said her farewells to the others already. Dr. Reard
on had returned to the hospital with a promise to check on the patients again in a few days to make sure no one had suffered a setback in their recovery.

  Aurora entered the dining room, knowing Gabe would be sipping his second cup of tea while he read the morning news, as he did most mornings once the nuns and the children had cleared out. Sure enough, he sat at the end of the long dining table, the newspaper held out in front of him, hiding his face. The aroma of eggs and fresh bread teased her, adding to the homey atmosphere of the room. On the floor beside Gabe’s chair, Chester raised his head from his paws, his tail swishing a silent greeting. How she’d love this to be the routine of their daily lives.

  She took in a fortifying breath and attempted a smile. “Good morning, Gabe. I’ve come to say good-bye. I’m off to Long Island to see my parents.”

  He lowered the newspaper. Instead of his usual cheery countenance, his expression radiated grief. His glassy eyes barely registered her presence.

  Alarm pulsed in her veins, and she rushed forward. “What’s the matter?”

  Gabe rose from the table, shaking his head. “While we’ve been cocooned here in this building, terrible things have been happening in the world.” He brushed his fingers over the newspaper.

  A spurt of annoyance rushed through her. She’d thought someone had died, and he was stewing over a news article? Still, the information must be dire from the look on his face. “What sorts of terrible things?”

  He trained bleak eyes on her. “War.”

  She grasped one of the chairs to steady herself. The strong aroma of lilies from the arrangement on the sideboard turned her stomach. “What are you talking about? We’re not at war.” How could they be? There hadn’t been a whisper of unrest in recent months.

  “Not your country. At least not yet.” He slid the front page of The New York Times toward her. “But my country is at war.”

  England Declares War on Germany. British Ship Sunk.

  Aurora frowned at the headline. “I don’t understand. What has this to do with Ireland?” What has this to do with you?

  Gabe expelled a weary breath. “I don’t suppose many people here are aware of the complicated situation back home.” He came forward to take her hand. “Ireland has been experiencing a state of unrest for some time now. I greatly feared civil war would break out while I was away. Many Irish want to break ties with England, to regain control over our land. I doubt that will happen now.”

  She struggled to understand the situation, embarrassed she knew so little about foreign lands. “Ireland is ruled by England?”

  “Aye. And now I fear our men will be commandeered to fight for her. My brothers . . .” He broke off and swallowed. On a deep inhale, he looked her in the eye. “I have to return home. My family needs me.”

  Aurora’s thoughts swirled as she attempted to make sense of this catastrophe. “But will they make you fight, too?” She couldn’t bear the idea of Gabe in uniform, marching into battle.

  “I don’t know.” His voice softened, and he raised her hand to his lips.

  A last desperate notion surfaced. “Surely travel will be restricted, if there are battles raging.”

  “Possibly. But since England only declared war last night, they may not have had a chance to enforce any changes yet. That’s why I have to go now. While I still can.”

  A fissure of pain split Aurora’s heart. “Does Rylan know?”

  “I’m sure he’s read the news. He doesn’t know I plan to leave, though.” Sorrow shadowed his gray eyes. “I can’t tell him. He’ll try to stop me from going. As will Maggie. This has to be our secret.”

  A sob stuck in Aurora’s throat, making speech impossible. She shook so hard, her hat slipped over her forehead. With trembling fingers, she wrenched it off, mangling the brim from the force of her grip. “Please . . . don’t go. It’s not safe.” She released the hat to flutter to the ground and grasped his arm. Tears blurred his precious face before her.

  “Don’t cry, darlin’.” He pulled her against his chest. The soft cotton of his shirt absorbed the onslaught of tears that wouldn’t stop.

  When she’d thought of Gabe leaving to return to Ireland, she’d never imagined the reality of the moment. The finality of it. Her body quaked with sorrow, thinking that this might be the last time she ever saw him.

  How would she bear it?

  Gabe pressed kisses to the top of Aurora’s head, inhaling deeply to try to memorize the scent of her beautiful hair. This was not how he’d envisioned his future, but once he’d read the news, he knew he had no choice—he had to go back.

  His country was at war, his family in upheaval. His conscience would never allow him to stay here solely to pursue a romance with the incredible woman in his arms.

  “Hush, sweetheart. Please. You’ve been so strong these last weeks. Draw on that strength again. God will be with us both and help us through these difficult times.”

  She lifted her face, blue eyes framed by spiky lashes. “But I may never see you again. . . .”

  He couldn’t help himself. He pressed his lips to hers, drinking her in like a parched man. “I promise I’ll come back for you. As soon as I can.”

  She hiccupped. “A war could last for years. You could be injured . . . or k-killed.”

  “I love you, Aurora. And as long as I have breath left in my body, I will come back for you. You have my word.” He kissed her again.

  “I love you, too,” she whispered.

  He wiped the tears from her cheek with his thumb. If he didn’t go soon, he’d lose the willpower to leave her. Bending, he retrieved her hat and handed it to her. “You must go now. I have to pack my things and head to the docks. I promise I’ll write as soon as I can.”

  She stood staring at him, tragedy etched in every line of her face. He was hurting her—the last thing he ever intended. He’d hoped—well, it didn’t matter any longer what he’d hoped. He had to accept the reality of the situation and trust God to see them through.

  Her small hand cupped his cheek. “We won’t say good-bye. Only farewell for now. Until we meet again.” She gave a wavering smile. “I know you to be a man of your word, Gabriel Montgomery, and I’m going to hold you to your promise. Come back to me.” She pulled his face to hers for another kiss.

  He wound his fingers through the fall of hair at the back of her neck. She clung to him as though she’d never let go. At last, when he thought he couldn’t stand it another second, he released her.

  “You own my heart, Aurora Hastings. And I’ll be back one day to claim it.”

  With a last tender kiss to her forehead, he rushed from the room, not daring to look back, lest her sorrow keep him from doing what he must.

  29

  MAGGIE LEFT IRISH MEADOWS to return to the orphanage, floating on a bubble of happiness. She entered the main hall, pausing to remove her hat before going in search of Rylan. The news that she and Adam were officially courting should come from her. Rylan would need time to accept the inevitability of her future with Adam.

  She couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she recalled their parting kiss. Adam planned to stay with his family for a few more days, until he was certain his mother was fully on the mend, and then he would work day and night until his store was ready to open.

  He was doing it all for her, Maggie realized. With a respectable business behind him, he would feel worthy to court her. Once the O’Leary Furniture Emporium opened its doors, she would bring Rylan and Gabe to see his accomplishment. Then any objections Rylan might still harbor would surely be abolished.

  She paused outside Rylan’s office and knocked.

  “Come in.” The tone of his voice did not inspire optimism.

  She opened the door to find him staring out the window.

  A thread of worry momentarily stole her joy. Surely Delia hadn’t relapsed? “Rylan?”

  He turned to face her, his expression bleak. “Maggie. It’s good to have you back. Colleen tells me her mother is doing much better.”r />
  She nodded. “Aye. The Lord is good. First Delia and now Mrs. O’Leary.” She was almost afraid to voice their good fortune. Especially when Rylan’s countenance did not match the happiness within her.

  She needed to get her news out before she lost her nerve. “I have something to tell you, Rylan, and you probably won’t be pleased.”

  One dark brow rose. “Oh?”

  She clasped her hands together in front of her. “Adam has declared his feelings for me and has asked to court me.”

  Rylan straightened, a scowl forming.

  “I love him, Rylan. And I intend to become his wife. Though I would appreciate your support on this, know that I will continue to see Adam even if you object.” She kept her chin tilted, her gaze level, waiting for his explosion.

  But instead of anger, Rylan sagged like a leaky tire. “You’re a grown woman, Maggie. Entitled to your own mistakes. I’ll not stop you.”

  Concern shot through Maggie. His anger, she could handle. His defeat, she could not.

  “What’s wrong, Rylan?”

  “It’s Gabe. He’s gone.”

  A whisper of fear invaded her heart. “What do you mean, gone?”

  Rylan ran his hand over his face. “I guess you’ve not heard the news. England is at war. The moment Gabe heard, he set out for home.”

  The room swam before her. She knew the day would come when Gabe would sail back without her, but not so soon. And not without her bidding him farewell. “He left without saying good-bye.” Her chest constricted. “How could he do that?”

  Rylan moved to put his arm around her. “Aurora said he knew we’d try to stop him. And in fact I did, but I was too late. One of the workers said a man fitting Gabe’s description booked passage on a steamer heading to Queenstown. Traded in his liner ticket.”

  Maggie’s knees weakened, and she sank onto a chair. “Is he planning to join the war?”

  “I don’t know. Aurora only said he felt his place was with our family at this time of crisis.”

  “Why was Aurora privy to his plans?”