Though he looked embarrassed, Mac refused to back down. “Easy for you to criticize me when you have your man keeping you company every night in that fancy bed. I can’t even speak to Vourneen now. Who knows if some other bloke is courting her while I’m here alone?”
Her brother thought only of himself, and it shamed her. It also made her furious. “I am sick to death o’ your bad moods and surly remarks. You’re always going on about how you’re a grown man, Mac O’Neill, so ‘tis time you started acting like one. Either do something about your problem or quit moaning on so about it.”
His eyes narrowed, and a red rage colored his face. “You think you’re so smart, setting yourself up in this fancy place. You’re forgetting yourself, Cenora Rose, forgetting where you came from and where you belong.”
She pointed to the floor. “This is where I belong, and don’t you forget it, boyo.” Cenora advanced on her brother. “You’d best not do anything more to ruin this for me or for Ma and Da, do you hear? Ma and Da need this place and I want no other.” She poked a finger at his chest. “You’ll be sorry if you try any more o’ your mean tricks.”
She wanted to box his ears, but she restrained herself with only a warning. “If it’s drowning you’re after don’t torment yourself with shallow water. Stop your whining and get to work.”
He backed up a step, but his temper spiked. “Oh, yeah? We’ll just see who’s sorry and who’s able to fix things.” Mac turned and stomped out the door.
When Cenora turned back to her work, Ma came into the room and sat at the table.
“Lass, what was all the shouting about?”
Cenora wondered how much Ma had heard. Had she been listening when Mac all but admitted he’d been the one to cause Dallas so much mischief? Oh, the shame of it. And Himself showing such kindness to the O’Neills. What were they to do about Mac?
Cenora sighed. Sure and she didn’t want Ma worried. Though her health had improved more than anyone dared hope, Ma still needed calm and rest. “He’s forever carrying on about Vourneen. He says Williams won’t even let Mac see her now.”
Ma tapped a finger on the table. “Williams won’t? Now why would that have come about?”
With a shake of her head, Cenora picked up the broom and attacked the floor. Soon Rosa would be over to help with the noon dinner preparation, and Cenora wanted the kitchen spotless by then. “Who knows why Williams does anything? Spite, I expect, against us for leaving the folk.”
“I’d hoped Mac would lose some o’ his lax ways once we had him away from the traveling lads. Dallas is such a good example for your brothers, but your da and I worry what’s to become o’ Mac. Saints above, I pray he’ll straighten up afore he causes big trouble.”
Cenora threw all her anger into her work, but she couldn’t shed the fear that her younger brother would bring disaster to the O’Neills—and the McClintocks.
****
The others of the household had turned in, but Mac and Finn sat near the large fireplace in the main parlor.
Finn shook his head. “You’ve gone mad. ‘Tis a crazy scheme sure to cause problems for our family and our new brother.”
“You have more loyalty to that buffer than to me?” Mac sat a little taller, and his chin jutted out. “See here, with or without you I’m going. I’ve had all o’ this I can take. Are you coming with me?”
Finn shifted uncomfortably. He knew his brother was a wild one, but he’d promised Ma he’d protect him and try to keep him from trouble. He’d tried to reason with Mac, but as usual, his brother wouldn’t listen to logic.
“You’ve not thought this out. Why do you think you can get away with such a thing?”
“I know where they are, and I’ve planned it through, I tell you. Once it’s done, it’ll be too late to do anything.”
Finn struggled with his loyalties. Family came first, but Dallas was family now, too. He wanted to rush upstairs and consult him, but Mac would never tolerate that delay.
Mac rose. “I’m going now. You coming or no?”
Finn figured he was ruined either way, but he’d promised Ma he’d try to keep Mac safe. How could Finn stay here knowing his wild brother might be in danger? Even if Mac brought all the trouble on himself? No, the only way to protect his lovesick brother was to accompany him and try to minimize damage.
Finn exhaled and stood. “Aye, I’ll come. Someone has to keep you from getting hung or shot.”
****
Clouds drifted across the moon and hid the stars. The traveling folk’s camp lay in the trees ahead. Finn and Mac dismounted and slipped through the shadows until they were near the wagons.
Across the camp, someone piped a soulful tune. The smell of cabbage and onions mixed with wood smoke. Several men sat playing cards or trading tales near the dying fire. Only a few women remained outside, gathered in groups near the Murphy and McFee wagons.
Mac grabbed Finn’s arm. “There she is, walking away from Maureen near that cart. Work your way back to the horses, and I’ll get Vourneen. See how sad she looks?”
“I’ll be ready.” Finn’s grave misgivings about this mad plan grew, but for one wild moment he wanted to speak to Maureen and see if she’d come with him. He shook his head to clear that thought and held Mac back. “See you make sure Vourneen wants to come with you, lad. There’ll be no forcing her.”
Mac jerked away. “She loves me I tell you. Be ready to ride when you see us.”
Finn watched his brother for a few seconds then turned and stole away. Why had he agreed to this? He should have stopped Mac back at the house, bound and gagged him if that’s what it took. No, eventually Mac would see his chance and come alone. Who knew what would have happened then? The boy was reckless and wild.
Time dragged as Finn paced. Each sound magnified until he thought he’d jump out of his skin. He checked the moon’s position and realized Mac had been gone only a few minutes. Bracing himself, he waited for a cry of alarm. None came.
Soon he heard the rustling of someone’s approach. He mounted his horse and held the reins of Mac’s mount. Mac burst through the brush hand in hand with Vourneen. Even in the dim light, her excitement showed, and she carried a small bundle he figured contained her spare clothes and such.
She giggled when she saw Finn, but he only nodded in greeting.
“Up you go, me love.” Mac boosted his lady onto the saddle, then swung up behind her. “Hold on, we’ve a ride ahead of us.”
The first light of dawn tinged the horizon as they rode into the ranch yard. Bounding with excitement and energy, Sol and Val ran to meet the horses. Both men reined in at the house and dismounted, then Mac helped Vourneen alight.
A lantern’s glow appeared in the kitchen, so the trio started inside.
Finn stopped. “I’d best see to the horses, or our sins will be compounded.” He turned back and led the mounts to the barn. He feared they were in for it now.
****
Dallas and Cenora went to the window when they heard the horses.
Dallas struck a fist against the frame. “This time Mac’s gone too far.”
Cenora gripped Dallas’s arm. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph! It’s Vourneen! What has that boyo done?”
They both turned to face the two culprits as Mac and Vourneen came into the room. Mac swaggered as if he owned the world, clutching Vourneen to his side. She smiled at him and giggled but sobered when she saw Cenora and Dallas. Vourneen clutched a bundle to her, and her eyes widened.
Da pulled his suspenders onto his shoulders as he stumbled into the kitchen followed by Ma. Both of them stopped and stared.
Ma’s mouth rounded, and she sat on the nearest chair. “Oh, no, boyo.”
Da’s mouth fell open, but he snapped it shut and his face reddened. “Brendan Sean O’Neill the younger, what have you gone and done?”
Dallas stood with one arm around Cenora, hoping contact with her pliant body would cool the rage suffusing him. Clearly, Mac had no respect for anyone—not Dallas, not the
other O’Neills, not Vourneen’s parents.
Mac’s jaw jutted out in that way Dallas had come to hate. “Vourneen and me belong together.”
Da recovered sufficiently to stalk toward his son. “And what do her parents’ say? Did you have the courtesy to speak to her da?”
Both Mac and Vourneen paled. Vourneen looked up at Mac, and it seemed to embolden him. “We didn’t ask, for Tom Williams forbid the McDonalds from letting me see Vourneen. ‘Tis a fact Tom wouldn’t have let me near the wagons if he’d known. Sure and you can see this was the only course open to me?”
Da shook his head. “No, lad, I can’t. If Williams won’t let you near the folk, how did you call for this lass?”
“I waited behind her wagon until she walked near, then called softly to her. As soon as she saw me, she ran over. When I told her I’d come to get her, she gathered a few things and came gladly.”
At that moment, Finn entered the kitchen. He appeared reluctant to come in, but he went to stand by Mac.
Da pointed a finger at Finn. “And were you a part of this terrible deception?”
Finn exhaled and straightened. “Aye, ‘tis not proud I am, but I promised Ma I’d do me best to protect Mac. He was that set on fetching Vourneen. I couldn’t talk him out of it. Missing Vourneen burned in him like a red hot flame, it did, and he talked of nothing else.”
Finn nodded toward Dallas and then to his father. “I’m begging your pardon, for ‘tis not the treatment you deserve. But I gave me word to Ma, you see. Since he was set on this course with me help or without, I saw nothing but to go with him and see he didn’t get himself shot.”
Ma shook her head. “Oh, son, I never meant you to get involved in a thing like this.”
Before Dallas could say anything, Cenora pointed at Mac. “Get your things and put them in the wagon. Vourneen will have your room until this is straightened out. You too, Finn. ‘Tis not proper for unmarried men to stay in the house with a young woman present.”
Mac sputtered. “But Vourneen and I could share me room. We’re to be wed. If you don’t want the vows said here today, we’ll go to town and see a preacher.”
Da said, “There’ll be no wedding until I’ve talked to Vourneen’s da.”
Mac nodded toward Dallas. “You weren’t anxious to talk to that one’s father before you saw he wed me sister.”
Da looked at Dallas and regret showed in his gaze. “Aye, but it was wrong o’ me. I was that desperate and grabbed at a chance to save Cenora from Williams. Praise be to God, it seems to be working out.” He turned back to Mac. “That’s nothing to do with stealing a young girl away from her folks.”
“I was desperate, too, Da. Can’t anyone see that this was me only choice? Williams ordered Mort and Augie to keep me away and wouldn’t let me talk to her. I couldn’t even visit with the lads or send her word. ‘Tis near mad I’ve been.”
Ma looked at Vourneen. “Think of your poor folks, lass. When Cenora was stolen, we near lost our minds until she was found. Your poor ma and da will be out of their heads with worry.”
Vourneen’s face puckered, and she started to cry. “I want to marry Mac, but I never considered what me folks might think when I left.”
“At least you took time to gather some o’ your belongings, so they’ll know you came willingly.” Ma tapped a finger on the table. “I imagine they’ll know exactly what happened and will be on their way to this house.”
Cenora pointed at Vourneen. “You can help me fix breakfast while Finn and Mac clear out their things.” She looked up at Dallas. “’Tis sorry I am me family has brought this to your door.”
Dallas looked down Cenora. The lovemaking they’d shared last night and having her with him now made this bearable, but he knew Mac’s foolish actions would bring consequences for all of them.
Dallas squeezed his wife’s shoulder before he looked at Finn and Mac. “Your sister is right. You men move to one of the wagons temporarily. Your father and I will get this straightened out.” He wondered how, when Tom Williams would resist anything Dallas proposed.
Da shook his head. “We’ve brought enough trouble to your door, and you’ve been nothing but kind in return. With your permission, after we have our meal and get the milking done, Mac and Finn and I will ride out to the camp and speak to McDonald. That is, if we don’t meet them on the way.”
Dallas wondered what it would take to get this mess righted. McDonald was a reasonable man, but he had Williams to consider—just as Dallas had Mac. A wave of sympathy swept through him for McDonald’s plight. A rogue brother-in-law, a wild daughter, and—if the gossip was right—a worthless stepson. Dallas prayed he and Cenora would have a more admirable family when their children came.
He pushed that thought aside to deal with the present. “You’re right, they may already know what’s happened and be on their way. If not, we’ll invite the McDonalds here, so they can see Vourneen is safe and came willingly. Then we can make arrangements either for Mac and Vourneen to wed, or for her to return to her family?”
Da clapped Dallas on the back. “‘Tis a good man you are, Dallas McClintock.” He looked near tears. “Never was it me plan to bring such trouble to you. We’ll see to the milking while the lasses fix a bite. Then we’ll ride to the camp and speak with McDonald.”
Ma shook her head. “No, I tell you again ‘tis my thinking the folk will be here afore long. Likely they’re on their way by now.”
Cenora smiled at Dallas before she moved to take Vourneen’s hand. “On a ranch, every able-bodied person works. You peel these potatoes and fry them up in yon skillet while I get the biscuits in the oven.”
****
Mentally, Dallas cursed his brother-in-law for handling the situation this badly. He thought of a dozen different courses Mac might have chosen, but it did no good at this point to know what should have been done. He rode with the O’Neill men toward the traveling folks’ campsite. They’d scarce gone four miles before they met the wagons. He touched the pistol at his waist. No matter that Mac was in the wrong over this, he’d not let harm come the O’Neills if it could be prevented.
They pulled up at the side of the road and waited for Williams’ wagon to stop. When he did, his rifle lay across his lap. He pulled the brake, then stood and glared down at them.
“Where’s me niece, you thieving bastards?”
Augie and Colin McDonald hopped off their wagons and rushed up. Apparently Mort had been with the string of horses, but he started toward the O’Neills.
Colin grabbed Da’s arm. “Is Vourneen safe?”
Da nodded. “Aye, she’s with Cenora and happy she was until me wife reminded her you’d be sick with worry for her. We came straight away to tell you she’s fine and invite you to talk over the best way to settle what our children have started.”
Other men climbed down and drifted to see what was going on. Mrs. McDonald and a few of the other women also came forward.
Aware of his growing audience, Williams boomed, “Which of you is the sorry sneaking bastard who stole Vourneen?” He glared at Dallas as if he held him responsible.
Finn stepped forward, as if ready to defend Dallas and explain, but Da stayed him. “Me good son-in-law had no part o’ this. In spite o’ that, he’s come with an invitation to the McDonalds to come to his home and discuss the mess Vourneen and Mac have created.”
“The mess me sister created?” Augie McDonald pushed his way in front of Mac. “And who stole her, eh? It was this one created the trouble.”
Mac faced the larger man. “She came willingly. Did she not take time to gather her belongings before she left? We plan to wed, no matter what Williams or anyone else says.”
Da sent a warning glance to Mac then stepped in front of him. He faced Colin. “Sure and the younguns acted wrongly, but we can sort this out.”
Colin looked at his wife, Peggy, who nodded, so he turned back to Da. “If they’re that set on running away together, mayhap it would be best to let them wed. I wa
nt no grandchildren born on the wrong side o’ the blanket.”
Williams’ anger exploded. “What are you saying, you fool? You’d not go against your family and let the girl wed this one who’s left us to take up settled ways?”
Colin turned slowly, his own anger evident. He clasped Peggy to his side. “You care nothing for your family, else you’d not have abused certain ones as you did. Now, keep out o’ this and let the parents o’ those involved settle it.”
Williams reached for the rifle he’d laid on the wagon seat. “I’ll teach you to talk rough to me. I’m the leader o’ this clan.”
Dallas pulled his pistol and leveled it at Williams. “You’d best think before you pick up that rifle. We want no trouble, but we’d not run from it.”
Williams’ face contorted in surprise, rage, and indecision. Were things not so serious, Dallas would have found it comical.
With a wave of the pistol, Dallas motioned toward the ground. “Get down, and leave the rifle on the wagon. Finn, will you take charge of the firearm.”
“You’ll not get away with this.” Williams climbed down, his huge bulk dwarfing the O’Neills. “Mark me words, I’ll get even before a month has passed.”
Peggy, who—if gossip were correct—had memory of reasons to fear her brother, shrank back against her husband.
Colin stood his ground. “Tom, you’ve let lusting after O’Neill’s lass poison your thinking, but this is none o’ your business. ‘Tis your job to lead the wagons, not take charge o’ me family’s private business.”
Dallas thought Williams might have an apoplectic fit, but the man reined in his fury—barely. A pistol pointed at his gut would do that to a man, and Dallas kept his gun aimed at Williams.
Da extended his hand to Colin. “Will you shake as friends and follow me back to me son-in-law’s grand house where we can discuss this with Vourneen present?”
Colin shook Da’s hand. “Aye, we’ll come.”
Da gestured to the other traveling folk. “You’re all welcome as well.”
9 Ways to Fall in Love Page 25
