Page 25 of Sweet Siren
Chapter 6
April1879
Brighton,Sussex
Killian pacedthe length of his private car as the train chugged toward Brighton. He should have come south months ago. But the land agent he wished to see had been ill and only recently recovered. That delayed his plans and his hopes for a quick start toconstruction.
English weather was hideously unpredictable and to get a finished product within the normal ten-to-fourteen months construction period, he should have begun building last month. This month, at latest. To add one need upon another, he should be at Willowreach. His oldest daughter Lily was soon to deliver her first child at her estate, while in Paris, his niece Marianne prepared to welcome her ownbaby.
"You're wearing a hole in the carpet, Father." Pierce motioned for him to reclaim his seat opposite him. "You said this man couldn't meet us sooner. What's his nameagain?"
"Gerald Carruthers."Killian had been surprised that his son, who made friends fast and wide wherever he went in Europe, had not met thisagent.
"Ah, yes, Carruthers. Works only in Brighton, I assume?" When Killian tipped his head, Pierce inhaled. "Well, there's nothing for it but to decide on this quickly and get back toWillowreach."
Killian saw the strain on his son's face. Pierce was concerned not only for his sister, Lily, but also for his cousin Marianne as their time approached. But he had another interest near Willowreach. Inexplicably, for a dashing man with mad dark looks who could attract any young woman he wished, he was drawn to Lily's husband's married sister, Elanna, the Countess of Carbury. He was worried sick about her. She too was at full term with her own pregnancy but she'd been outrageously angry about her condition, taunting her husband with threats of leaving him after the birth of her baby. Everyone in the family was on edge that she'd actually do it—and that the hot-headed earl would do something vicious to stopher.
His son was becoming everything Killian had hoped for. Sharp-witted, shrewd, quick to act on instincts that he'd honed the past few years, Pierce was already a millionaire in his own right. Soon, he'd sign an agreement in Paris that would earn him four or five times his current income. But this focus on Elanna would bring him only pain. The young woman seemed to specialize in it. And why Pierce thought he might be her savior, why he fancied the idea he might alleviate her suffering or change her Killian could not fathom. But Pierce’s focus on her could only lead to disaster for both ofthem.
I must stop brooding about him. It gains me nothing. Him, either.Talking to him failed. In fact, no amount of persuasion could induce Pierce to end his infatuation with thewoman.
"I agree," he said to his son. "We'll do this quickly today. Not worry about things we can'tchange."
Pierce cocked his head. "To fret is not like you. Is it all the babies you worry over or is this property here in town so tempting that you don't yet know how to negotiateit?"
Killian paused, his son too wise about his behavior to give him peace. Yes, he was bedeviled. Three pregnant women approaching their delivery dates. Birthing could be perilous, even life-threatening to woman and child.And then there is that other matter. One other woman in particular who refused to see me time and time again. And I've no cluewhy.
"No, I won't have tea with you, Mister Hanniford," Liv had refused him only yesterday as he stood before her on the corner of South Moulton Street near Hanover Square. She wore a gold wool cape that set off the coopery highlights of her hair and the sadness inher chocolate brown eyes. It was her fourth refusal in as many months to any of his invitations. This one she gave in person, sadly, while the others had been notes, responses to his written invitations addressed to her modest residence in Earl's Court. "Please don't ask meagain."
He'd been undeterred. "I think I deserve a reason,Liv."
Her eyes flashed dark fire as she tried to appear polite. "I cannot walk with you. Ride with you. Dine withyou."
"Do you warn me off because there is a gentleman who preoccupies your social life?" He ventured to be bold and intrude on personalissues.
"No. None." She tipped her head to examine him, her gaze narrowed and suspicious. "Why not ask about town to learnthat?"
"Because I hoped you'd tell me," he said with asolemnity.
Her beautiful eyes widened as if—as if that was a shocking revelation. "Then how do you know where Ilive?"
"A business associate told me. It was in the course of a discussion of decoratorsand—"
"I see. You wouldn't ask but someone just toldyou."
"Yes." He stepped nearer to her and the fragrance of jasmine rose to send a thrill down his spine. Part of her anger sounded like fear. Of what? That she'd find him amusing? He grinned. That he would wager on with ridiculously good odds in his favor. "If there’s no one special, then I see no reason why you cannot enjoy yourself for a few hours in mycompany."
She'd flowed closer, discretion in her posture, sorrow in her eyes but resolve in her words. "We are notsuited."
"The way you kissed me saysotherwise."
"Don't, Killian." That last was aplea.
And he knew then whatever her conflict with him, she struggled with it. He’d give her reasons to accept him. "I like Chopin. You render it so well. I like the water. You find peace when you're near it. I like talking with you, walking withyou—"
She put a hand to her mouth. Tears glistened in hereyes.
"I especially enjoy kissingyou."
