Mairead didn’t know how to answer that and could only cast her gaze at the floor.No, there was no reason she shouldn’t wed a man like the earl…except that she wanted Balor instead.
‘Or is there someone else?’Genevieve asked softly, with a knowing gaze.
She lifted her eyes to her aunt’s, letting her expression speak for itself.The older woman’s face grew solemn.‘Mairead, be careful.I felt as you did once.’
‘But you married the man you loved,’ she pointed out.Was it so wrong to want a husband who loved her?
‘And Bevan nearly died trying to defend me from the monster I was betrothed to.’Her tone was solemn, and she reached out to take her hand.‘Believe me, Idounderstand what you’re feeling.But I’m not certain you would…have the life you want with Balor Ó Phelan.’When her cheeks reddened, her aunt squeezed her palm.‘I see the way you look at him.’
Mairead turned away, not denying it.But she spoke the words her aunt wanted to hear.‘It doesn’t matter what I think.My family would never accept him.And I suppose they fear we would have nowhere to live.’
‘Your father would give you a place,’ Genevieve corrected.‘But what does Balor want?Does he hope to lead the Ó Phelan clan?’
He wanted his younger brother to become chieftain—she knew that.But never once had Balor spoken of his own future.It made her wonder what his plans were.And whether he even wanted her to be part of them.
‘I don’t know,’ she admitted.‘Is he below stairs with the others?’
Her aunt shook her head.‘He is with his brother, who arrived a little while ago.I suspect Balor will return home with him soon.’
Why had Kenneth Ó Phelan traveled here?A sudden uneasiness caught Mairead as she wondered whether the young man had come to find her or Balor.‘Did his fathertravel with him?’She hoped not.She had witnessed for herself the hatred that Fergus bore for Balor.The last thing she wanted was for another fight to break out between them.
‘No, he is alone,’ Genevieve answered.
Thank goodness for that.But it still made her question why Kenneth was here.
‘I will join you for the morning meal,’ she told her aunt.It was the best way to get the answers she needed.
The older woman led the way, and when they arrived in the Great Chamber, Lord Lowell rose at the sight of her.‘Good morn to you, Lady Mairead.’There was relief in his expression, as if he’d half expected her to flee last night.
There was no sign of Balor anywhere, which bothered her.As she walked closer to the dais, she asked her aunt in a low voice, ‘Will you invite Balor and his younger brother to join us?’
‘I will.But you should sit beside the earl,’ her aunt countered in a whisper, ‘and have a conversation with him.Then make your own decision about whether to consider him as a potential husband.’
Mairead gritted her teeth.‘Fine.’
She would do what was necessary if it meant Balor would gain her family’s hospitality.But she feared her impulsive visit to Balor’s chamber might result in his sudden departure.And she didn’t want that at all.
She raised her chin and climbed the steps of the dais to where the earl waited.Lord Lowell offered her the chair beside him, and her cousin Alanna sat on the opposite side.
‘I hope you are well.’The earl offered a warm smile.
‘And you.’She returned it and greeted her cousin.‘Hello, Alanna.’
Her cousin answered the greeting but there was a speculative look in her eyes.Mairead prayed Alanna wouldn’tspeak of betrothals or love charms, and thankfully, her cousin made only ordinary conversation.
The earl offered Mairead pottage, bread, cheese, and summer berries.She took some of each, but even as she spoke to him with politeness, her attention was shifting, searching for Balor.Please let him not be gone.
‘Do you have children from your first marriage, Lord Lowell?’Alanna was asking.
At that, the earl brightened.‘I have three sons, yes.The oldest, Peter, is fifteen.Samuel is twelve, and my youngest is Mark.’
Mairead was startled to realize that the earl had no need of heirs.It meant that he didn’t truly have to marry anyone.
Then the earl added, ‘King Patrick offered to allow my sons to train at Laochre.It would be a good opportunity for them.’
She didn’t quite know what to say but managed, ‘They would all be welcome, of course.’
‘And what of me?’the earl asked quietly.‘Would I be welcome?’
