Pretentious Hearts

by M J Schlotter

  “Where are you taking us?” Jocelyn spoke as they began their trek across the manor lawns.

  “You shall see soon enough,” Robert remarked, unable to keep the excitement of the surprise from entering his voice. It had been a long time, he thought, that he had felt this emotion.

  The group soon found themselves standing by the fence gazing at four handsome palominos.

  ​“Blimey! Robert you old devil!” Charles exclaimed slapping him on the back, “So this is why you snuck off during breakfast.”

  ​“Guilty,” Robert chuckled turning to Captain Wesley, “I had to make sure they were going to arrive on time. I’ve rented them for the remainder of your visit.” Then turning to Jocelyn he continued with a smile as he offered his arm, “May I escort you to your mount madam?” Lady Shelby’s blue eyes gazed intently into Robert’s, as grasping his arm, she returned his smile. Robert read determination in her gaze, determination and triumph.

  ​After helping Lady Shelby into the saddle, Robert climbed onto his own stead and grasping the reins, caught sight of Mrs. Sparrow quickly walking towards him toting a wicker hamper.

  ​“Katie asked me to send this down,” Mrs. Sparrow spoke a bit out of breath as she reached Lord Clifton. “She thought since you were going on an outing a picnic would be a nice idea.”

  ​Robert took the basket Mrs. Sparrow extended towards him. He had not even considered a picnic, yet Katie had thoughtfully made his escapade perfect. One moment she was a sweet, caring young woman whose brilliant green eyes beckoned his soul, and then the next she was a fiery shrew spouting of his arrogant English upbring and avoiding him completely. Why did she have to be so damned perplexing?

  ​“Please extend to her my gratitude,” Robert spoke holding the hamper tightly under his arm.

  Nodding, Mrs. Sparrow retreated back towards Kerney Hall as Lord Clifton and his guests rode off on their excursion. Katie was walking out the door as Mrs. Sparrow approached the hall.

  “Where are you off too?” The housekeeper inquired catching sight of Katie’s sun hat and basket.

  “I was go’in to town,” Katie replied a bit confused, “I thought that since Lord Clifton and his guests…it is okay if I step out?” She added hesitation filling her voice.

  “Yes, it is okay, just make sure you are back in time to begin supper.” Mrs. Sparrow smiled, “Oh, and Lord Clifton asked me to convey his thanks.” Then straightening her apron, she walked inside.

  Even when he disliked her, Lord Clifton could still be a gentleman, Katie pondered confoundedly as she began her trip to town. Maybe, she hoped, she would be able to extend to him the same courtesy and civility in their future encounters. The sun beat down on her shoulders as she walked along the dirt road. It had been almost a month since she had last seen or talked to her father, she thought sadly. Sighing, she could not shake her worry as she shifted her basket to her other arm. Staying with the McAllen’s and falling more under their influence was not going to be good for him or for her. When October arrived, she dreaded seeing the state her father would be in.

  As she reached town, Katie made her way to the bakery. It would be so nice to talk with Mrs. Finnegan she thought. Mrs. Sparrow and Mr. Dearing were nice enough people, but they were too caught up with their jobs to really converse, and she also needed to know how her father was doing. The soft jingle of the shop’s bell rang as Katie opened the door, and as she peered towards the counter, Mrs. Finnegan’s broad smile greeted her.

  “Oh, Katie me lass,” Mrs. Finnegan dotted embracing her, “it seems like it’s been forever since I last saw ya. Is everything go’in okay at Kerney Hall?”

  Returning the baker’s motherly hug, Katie took Mrs. Finnegan’s arm and followed her behind the counter. “Everything’s go’in okay,” she replied with a smile.

  “Lass, it’s no good pretend’in everything’s fine. I can hear it’s not, well enough in your tone.” Mrs. Finnegan spoke shaking her head, “but if ya don’t want to talk about it I understand.”

  Katie took the cup of tea Mrs. Finnegan handed her and leaned against the counter. “It’s just,” she spoke, “I have no idea how my dad is do’in and…” but, she couldn’t bring herself to discuss the arrival of Robert’s fiancé and her stupidity of thinking he had actually cared for her and she for him.

  “Awe,” Mrs. Finnegan nodded taking a sip of tea, “Well, don’t ya worry your head about your dad. Mr. Finnegan saw him last night at the pub and right now he seems to be stay’in outta trouble.” Mrs. Finnegan continued squeezing Katie’s hand.

  The shop bell jingled and both women looked up as a man walked in, his strawberry blonde hair poking out from under his hat and his light blue eyes twinkling as he smiled. Catching sight of him, Mrs. Finnegan gasped and ran out from behind the counter enveloping him in a giant embrace.

  “It’s nice to see you too Aunt Nora,” the stranger chuckled when Mrs. Finnegan finally released him.

  “Michael, ya should have told me ya were com’in today!”

  “What, and ruin the surprise?” Michael grinned.

  “Oh goodness, where are me manners? Katie, this is me nephew I told ya about! Michael Shannon, originally from Dublin, but he’s been live’in in England since he was a wee lad. He even went to Oxford!” Mrs. Finnegan beamed. “Michael, this is Miss Katie O’Connor of Kerney Hall.”

  Michael took off his hat and stepped forward extending his hand, “It’s nice to meet you Miss O’Connor.” He smiled taking her hand and kissing it lightly.

  “Nice to meet ya too Mr. Shannon,” Katie blushed. “So what brings ya to Carlingford after you've been away so long?”

  “I’m here on business.” Michael spoke, “I work for a banking firm that does business with a branch in Dublin, and we are thinking about opening a branch here in Carlingford. But,” he turned and smiled at Mrs. Finnegan, “it would be a lie if I didn't say I also came to see my favorite aunt, it’s been years.”

  “Your only aunt,” Mrs. Finnegan reminded him in jest.

  “Yes, well that just makes you all the more special,” Michael chuckled.

  “Well, Mrs. Finnegan, if ya could load me up with one of your delicious blackberry pies and a loaf of soda bread, I believe my dinner tonight will be a hit.” Katie spoke turning the conversation back to business. She was sure Mrs. Finnegan and Michael had a lot of catching up to do, and she wanted to leave so as to give them the opportunity.

  “Lass, your cook’in would be a hit with or without me pie.” Mrs. Finnegan praised.

  As Katie paid Mrs. Finnegan, the store bell jingled announcing another customer.

  “Well, if it isn’t the lovely Katie O’Connor,” drawled an all too familiar voice.

  Without even having to look up Katie knew that Ian McAllen had entered the bakery.

  “What can I get ya today Mr. McAllen?” Mrs. Finnegan asked in a businesslike tone.

  “I just came in to see if Katie here needed a lift back to Kerney Hall,” he uttered walking towards the counter.

  Katie felt his eyes boring into her as he drew closer. Their territorial gleam was unmistakable as he reached her.

  “I’m not sure ya have everything ya need,” He winked continuing to hold her gaze.

  “Well, you’re a little too late Mr. McAllen, cause Mr. Shannon here has already offered to take Miss O’Connor home.” Mrs. Finnegan spoke matter-of-factly folding her arms across her chest.

  Tearing his gaze from Katie, Ian looked at Michael for the first time. “And just who are ya?” he spoke, his tone cold and hostile.

  “I’m Michael Shannon. Mrs. Finnegan’s nephew,” Michael spoke extending his hand.

  Keeping his own hands at his side, Ian glared at Michael. “I’ll see ya around Katie,” he grunted turning and walking out the door.

  Katie breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank ya,” she uttered smiling at Mrs. Finnegan and Michael. “Thank ya both very much.”

  “It was my pleasure,” Michael spoke taking the basket from her
hands and opening the shop door. “Now, how about you allow me to give you a lift so my aunt won’t be branded a liar.” He offered.

  “That would be very kind of ya.” Katie smiled.

  When they reached his car, Michael opened the door for Katie then proceeded around towards the driver’s side. “I’ll say, that Mr. McAllen seems like trouble.” He spoke shutting the door and tugging on his driving gloves.

  “Yes, I’d have to say you’re right,” agreed Katie, “Thank ya for driving me back, ya didn’t really have too,” she added.

  “Nonsense, I’m more than happy too.” Michael replied starting the car, “Besides, anyone who my Aunt Nora thinks so highly of is worth giving a lift.” He continued with a grin as he pulled out onto the road.

  As they speed along the road towards Kerney Hall, Katie turned towards Michael beaming. “This is wonderful!” She exclaimed. “I haven’t ridden in a motorcar before.”

  With much effort, Michael pried his eyes from Katie and turned back towards the road. The wind whipping her long red curls as she held a hand to her hat watching the countryside speed past, made her extremely enchanting.

  “I know we’ve just met,” Michael hollered over the roar of the engine, “but how would you like to have dinner with me tonight in town?”

  Katie sat thoughtful for a moment then nodded, “Alright, but it will have to be after seven, since that’s when I have to serve dinner.”

  “Excellent!” Michael exclaimed, “I’ll pick you up a little after eight.”

  Smiling, Katie turned her gaze once more to the hills and fields they were leaving in their wake as they continued zipping down the road leaving a cloud of dust behind them.

  ◆◆◆

  ​Katie O’Connor was his girl! Not only had he not yet identified the mysterious man who had been riding Katie’s bike, but now another good for nothing cad from out of town was trying to sweep her off her feet! No one was going to make him the fool and steal his girl if he had anything to do about it! Ian fumed as he left the bakery. Just who does this Michael Shannon think he is? He was just going to have to find a way to persuade him to shove off. It shouldn’t be too hard, if he didn’t see reason there were always other ways of making a point, Ian chuckled flexing his arms.

  “Hey! McAllen!”

  Ian turned his head in the direction of the yell and saw Liam Boyle darting down the street in his direction.

  “Boyle!” Ian barked patting the man on the shoulder as he reached him. “What’s all the rush?”

  “I...I thought ya’d be interested in what I found in the post go’in out today.” Liam wheezed handing Ian an envelope postmarked for the Royal Irish Constabulary.

  “Who sent it?” Ian inquired squinting at the handwriting with interest.

  “Don’t know.” Liam replied, “I only came across it when I was sort’in.”

  “No return address...a very general name, Mr. John Smith, ha! As if that is the gent’s real name...an official address to our enemies!” Ian tore the envelope open ignoring Liam’s shocked expression.

  20 August 1919, Report from Carlingford, Ireland:

  To: The Royal Irish Constabulary

  After receiving a letter from my contact in Carlingford, I have arrived here in order to glean additional insight into our shared concern of the I.R.A’s gaining support. My contact, L.R.C., and I are convinced that the damage and lives lost on the merchant ships were not the result of an accident, but rather a blatant attack by a newly formed local faction of I.R.A. sympathizers. L.R.C. observed a group of men shortly after the attack in a local pub discussing the formation of said group. Names overheard are as follows: McAllen, Flynn, Fitzpatrick, Ryan, Kelly, and O’Connor. We shall keep you informed of any additional intelligence we gather that can officially connect these men to the said crime.

  Sincerely,

  C.C.W.

  Anger boiled on Ian’s face as he crumpled the paper between his fingers.

  “It appears we have a spy!” He spat, as a look of hysteria spread across his face and a murderous glint filled his eyes. If his suspicions were correct, he had seen one of the cads! The bicycling stranger had a lot of explaining to do before he met his maker!

  ◆◆◆

  The picnic had made for a lovely afternoon, and as Robert and his companions rode back to Kerney Hall, Robert felt sure that nothing could spoil his mood. Gently slapping the reins, he pulled out his pocket watch. It was four o’clock, in another ten minutes or so they should arrive back at Kerney Hall. Sliding back in the saddle, he could not help but hope his backside would make it. When the riding party finally reached the stables, they dismounted and tethered the horses to the fence.

  “Seriously, Robert, you don’t want any help unsaddling the horses?” Charles asked.

  “No,” Robert spoke, “you three go on inside and freshen up, I’ll be in shortly.”

  “We will have a large glass of lemonade waiting for you,” Jocelyn remarked fanning herself with her hand. “Come now Emma, Charles,” she beckoned, “let’s not dally, I’m simply stifling in this outfit!”

  And as if her remark settled the matter, the three of them departed. It was Charles turning and giving Robert a grin suggesting that he was the luckiest man alive as he strode off with Jocelyn and Emma on either arm, that caused Robert to roll his eyes and chuckle before he turned back to the stable.

  Left alone, Robert began unsaddling the horses. After hanging up the reins and saddles, he was in the middle of brushing his horse when he heard a car rumbling up the drive. Glancing up, he saw a man get out and open the passenger door where a petite young woman with long red curls the color of the setting sun stepped out. Jerking his gaze back to his task, he continued brushing furiously, his perfect day now ruined.

  Chapter 25

  ​Katie had arrived back from town with only a couple of hours before dinner. After saying goodbye to Mr. Shannon and promising to meet him outside a little after eight, she ran to the kitchen. Lighting the stove, she hurriedly rushed around pulling out pots and pans and then began dicing up vegetables. Wiping an arm across her brow, she took a deep breath. She had arrived later than she had expected, but she could do it, she could have dinner ready on time.

  Tonight she was going to make roasted lamb with sliced potatoes and carrots. It was a meal that had been a favorite of hers growing up, and one of Mrs. MacFarlane’s dishes she had not yet attempted. She quickly put the ingredients and spices in a large cast-iron pot and then began the salad, soup, and dessert. It was now six-thirty and all the dishes were in the oven or the icebox, she had thirty minutes before she had to serve, so if she was quick she could change for her outing with Mr. Shannon. She would leave the dirty dishes for tomorrow, her mother would have been horrified by such an action she thought, but after she cleared the table from dinner she knew there would be little time left before he’d arrive.

  With five minutes to spare and dressed in her outfit for dinner, Katie slowed her pace to the dining room. Her cheeks were flushed and she was slightly out of breath. She knew despite the fact that she had hastily dressed she still looked a mess. She had encountered Mrs. Sparrow on her way to her room, and the housekeeper had wanted to discuss why she had been late returning. Needless to say, Katie had barely had time to change outfits and had no time to fix her hair or apply a slight amount of rouge. She looked a mess, but that could not be helped. She would try and finish getting ready in between serving courses. As she entered the dining room carrying the salads on a large serving tray, she drew a quick breath as she caught sight of Robert glaring at her before averting his gaze to Lady Shelby.

  ​“What shall we toast to?” Charles asked raising his glass of Chardonnay.

  “How about to a good meal with wonderful company?” Emma suggested with a glance towards Charles.

  ​“How about to a wonderful outing?” Lady Shelby ventured turning towards Robert.

  ​“No,” Robert spoke lifting his glass, “Let us toast to you, Jocelyn, for bei
ng completely honest in your words, and for bringing me back to life.” Jocelyn’s eyes glowed as Captain Weasley, seconding Robert’s sentiments, raised his glass to meet the others in cheers.

  “And,” Captain Wesley added, “let’s also toast Miss Williamson’s suggestion. To good friends and company! Here, here!”

  ​As they clinked glasses, Katie saw out of the corner of her eye, Robert looking at her with a sour expression. Why did he find it necessary to deepen the pain of her wounded heart? She had been the one to self inflict her agony, so why must he also rise to the occasion? How could his gaze cut her so? Hiding her face from view, unwilling to allow him the triumph of seeing his victory, she left the room feeling the tears silently sliding down her cheeks. She had made a mistake staying at Kerney Hall, and an even bigger mistake in allowing herself to unconsciously fall for Lord Clifton when she had tried out of compassion to get rid of him.

  ​When Katie returned to the dining room to clear away the dishes from the first course, she stopped short upon seeing that Lord Clifton was no longer seated at the table. Then, taking a deep breath as if nothing was out of the ordinary, she entered and began clearing the dishes and replacing each setting with the soup she had brought. Captain Wesley and the two ladies were chatting away about sports, restaurants in London, and various societal people as she moved about the room. It was with a small sense of relief that Katie exited the room. Lord Clifton had not been present, she at least did not have to encounter him again until the next course.