Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason Page B

then.” He paused. “Will anyone be joining me for breakfast?”
    â€œI’m afraid not. Brianna and the children have left for school. James and Adam are out on business, and Gil is already working in the study.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked up the stairs. “Only Colleen is unaccounted for, but that will be rectified in short order.”
    His lips twitched. “Does she always sleep this late?”
    â€œOnly when she’s trying to avoid work. But don’t worry, she’ll be ready when you are.”
    He didn’t even try to hide his amusement. “Really, Cousin Kathleen, I can find the church on my own.”
    â€œNonsense. That girl needs something to occupy her time and keep her from plotting against the unsuspecting male population. Thank goodness she’s safe with you.”
    As Kathleen swept up the staircase, Rylan wondered if he would be safe with Colleen.
    Half an hour later, after a fortifying breakfast, Rylan picked up one of the boxes of clothing Kathleen had left in the foyer and made his way outside to the waiting buggy. When he’d hefted the last box into the back and brushed the dust off his hands, he turned to find Kathleen marching across the lawn, her hand firmly around Colleen’s upper arm. “Oh good. You haven’t left. Here’s Colleen now.”
    The girl wrenched herself free and crossed her arms in front of her. Her vibrant red hair was pulled back with some type of ribbon that matched her dress. “I’m only staying long enough to give Reverend Filmore these boxes.” She shot Rylan a dark look. “You’ll have to find your own way home.” Chin raised, she flounced by him, ignoring his offer of assistance into the buggy.
    Kathleen stormed over, her face thunderous. “Colleen Elizabeth O’Leary, you will treat Cousin Rylan with the respect he deserves. I’ve not raised any child of mine to be rude. For penance, you can ride back out to pick Rylan up before dinner.”
    Mother and daughter glared at each other, but Kathleen’s withering stare won out. Colleen lowered her eyes. “Yes, Mama.”
    Rylan bit the inside of his cheek to keep from chuckling. He wanted to say he could walk home but didn’t dare interfere with the power play in progress. Instead, he bid his cousin good-bye, hopped up on the bench seat, and guided the horses down the road. He and Colleen rode in silence for some time, with Rylan asking directions only when necessary. Finally, conscious of the anger shimmering off Colleen in waves, he decided he’d best smooth things over if they were to live under the same roof in some semblance of peace.
    â€œI’m not sure what I’ve done to incur such loathing, but pleaselet me offer my sincerest apologies for any offense I may have committed.” He slid a glance sideways to gauge her reaction.
    She stared straight ahead, her back as rigid as the plank seat beneath them.
    â€œWhat have I done that’s so unforgivable?” he asked in a soft voice.
    She lifted one shoulder. “I don’t know. You just rub me the wrong way.”
    â€œI see.”
    She whirled to face him then, her expression murderous. “First, you drag me into the mud and ruin my dress. Then you make fun of me for it. And now I have to waste my day as your escort—to the church of all places.”
    Rylan made sure his lips didn’t curve even a little. He kept his eyes trained on the road ahead, letting her anger roll off him. “I’ve apologized at least three times for the mud. If you recall, I was only trying to be a gentleman and help get your carriage free.”
    Colleen shifted on the seat, paying a great deal of attention to the flow of her skirts around her knees. “Yes, well, you enjoyed the situation entirely too much.”
    His stomach shook with the laughter he could no longer contain. “I’m afraid I tend to see the humorous side of