Her daughter could be stubborn. Besides, and Jasmine smiled to herself, a rascal made a far more interesting lover than a proper gentleman. I can't allow her to make a mistake, Jasmine decided.
Of course if Jemmie discovered what was going on he was going to be furious despite his promise to allow Fortune her own decision. She would have to keep the truth from him as long as possible. 'Adali,' she called to her majordomo. 'Put Master Kieran's things in with his brother's. They can share a room and a bed. I'm certain they've done it before. Erne Rock is so small, but it's a wonderful place for a young couple, and their children. Don't you think so, Lady Jane?'
'I had thought William and his wife would live with us at Mallow Court. After all, it is to be William's estate one day, isn't it, Kieran?'
'Indeed, madame, it is,' he agreed cheerfully.
'Mama, you know I hate the court,' Fortune said.
'But you must make contacts, my darling, if you are to be successful with your breeding farm,' Jasmine reminded her. 'After all, you cannot depend upon your share of the family's trading company for your entire support. You surely didn't think I meant to bring you to Ireland and leave you here?'
'I didn't know,' Fortune said, puzzled by her mother's speech.
James Leslie and Sir Shane came into the Great Hall. They had been closeted in the library, discussing the terms of a settlement should there be a marriage between their children. Kieran Devers arose and greeted his father. Then he bowed to the duke as his father introduced him to James Leslie. The duke saw an unrepentant Celt like himself in Kieran Devers, and immediately liked him. The lad was a fool, of course, to give up his inheritance for the church, but one had to admire his faith, and his tenacity in holding on to what he believed was right.
'Yer content with yer decisions then, laddie?' the duke said.
'Aye, your grace,' Kieran Devers replied, knowing exactly what was being asked of him. 'Mallow Court is my brother's, and I happily cede it to him.'
'Yet ye remain.' James Leslie was curious.
'For now,' Kieran responded. 'I feel there is somewhere else for me in this world, my lord, but I am not certain where it is at this moment in time. I am satisfied to wait, for in time I will be led there.'
James Leslie nodded. Strangely he understood exactly what the young man was saying. The Irish were even more fey than the Scots. If Kieran Devers were awaiting a revelation, then he would undoubtedly get it eventually.
'Dinner is served, my lord,' Adali said. 'My lady says you are to come to table at once.'
'Gentlemen,' the duke said, and led his guests to the high board.
Chapter 4
It astounded William Devers to learn how quickly he had fallen in love with Fortune Lindley, but he was certain he was in love. She was the most beautiful girl in the world. He liked her flaming red hair no matter what his mother said, and Lady Jane had a great deal to say when they returned home. She kept her peace in the coach as they traveled around the end of the lough back to Lisnaskea. It was as if she were afraid the duchess would hear her unless she was safely in her own home. William was quite surprised that his mother was so intimidated by Jasmine Leslie. He had found her lovely to behold, and quite charming in her manners.
'I will marry Fortune as soon as possible,' William announced to his parents when they were gathered about their own fire that evening.
'No,' his mother said, 'you will not! She is far too outspoken a female. An educated, overbred bluestocking if I ever saw one. She is not the girl for you. Your cousin, Emily Anne, is far more suitable a match for you, William. She may not have Fortune Lindley's wealth, but no amount of monies could make up for having that Lindley girl in our family!'
'I agree with you, madame,' Kieran Devers supported his stepmother. 'For the first time in our acquaintance, I agree with you.'
He laughed. She had indeed done her duty, at least publicly, as his stepmother, and he had to admit to himself that she had never been a cruel woman. She could not help it that she preferred her own son, and had encouraged his father into disinheriting him so William could someday be the master of Mallow Court. Strangely he had no deep feelings for his home. It had been no loss. There was something else awaiting him, somewhere.
'I concur with your conclusions because they are correct, madame. Fortune Lindley is a beautiful, spoilt wench of great privilege. She would destroy William without ever meaning to do so. Cousin Emily Anne, however, loves our Willy, and has since they were children. She is younger than Lady Fortune by almost three years. She will be delighted to live at Mallow Court with you to guide her. Lady Fortune would not.'
'Aye, I'm intrigued, I'll admit, but then wild things have always fascinated me, Willy. Nonetheless, I doubt the duke of Glenkirk, with his own royal blood, and close ties to the king, will be willing to match the likes of me with his beautiful, wealthy daughter. Matches among people of our class are not made that way. I have nothing to offer any respectable woman as you well know. So though I may desire her, I shall never have her. And you should not be foolish enough to seek her perfumed little hand.'
'Make the offer,' William Devers told his father. 'Make it, or I shall leave this house forever, and never come back!'
'Dearest.' Lady Jane reached out, and touched her son's face, but he shrank back from her.
'But you will allow
'She has more to offer me than you do, Mama,' he replied with devastating effect.
Lady Jane burst into tears. 'She's bewitched him!' she sobbed on her husband's sturdy shoulder. 'Or else my son should never speak to me in such a terrible fashion. She has bewitched him!'
'Don't be a fool, Willy,' Kieran chided the young man. 'This girl is
