Donnelly's Promise. Cheryl St.John

waited until her father fell soundly asleep, then set down her mending and crept from the cottage, pulling a shawl around her shoulders. She prayed as she made her way along the dark path beside low stone walls and across a moss-covered footbridge. She hadn’t been able to rest easy since she’d met the Gilchrist boy at Castle Carraig. “You’ve placed this lad on my heart, Lord, so show me what I must do.”

      An inviting light shone from the cottage where the Donnellys had lived for many years, and smoke curled from the chimney. Her heart beat rapidly, but she approached the door and knocked. It opened almost immediately.

      “Miss Keegan?” Wearing a deep blue sweater, Vaughn collected his manners and took a step back. “Welcome.”

      “I don’t wish to disturb your father.”

      “He’s sleepin’. I’ll join you outside.” He stepped out. “The bonny Darcy Keegan arriving on my doorstep…’tis a thought that never entered my head.”

      Heat rose in her cheeks. They stood near a low fence bordering a pasture. The sound of a lamb bleating reached her. “I spoke to my father about Rory. He won’t hear of leniency.” She added what she’d learned from Rory about his circumstances. “I plan to seek out the Lord Lieutenant and ask what more can be done. I have little opportunity to leave my work during the day, but my father will be traveling to County Galway on Monday. He’ll stay two days.”

      “So you’ll go then?”

      “Aye.”

      He reached for her hand, surprising her. “You’re a kind lass, Darcy Keegan. I’ve always known it. How has it happened no man has asked you to marry him?”

      Darcy’s cheeks warmed again. “My father has discouraged offers.” She wanted to tell Vaughn she believed Ambros sent away all suitors because he didn’t want to lose his cook and housekeeper, but she held her tongue. She didn’t want pity.

      “Perhaps…you’ll join us for supper while he’s gone.”

      Surprised and gladdened by his offer, she nodded. “Aye. I’ll come.”

      He released her hand and she missed its warmth. “How long has it been since you stood on the cliffs at night?”

      “Not since I was a girl.”

      “Well, then, we should change that.” He led her through tall grass and fragrant heather up the steep hillside to a spot where the sound of the ocean crashed below. “Careful now. Watch your step.”

      She tasted salt air and lifted her face to the breeze. “I had big dreams when I stood here as a lass.”

      “What did you dream of, Darcy?”

      “Not the life I have, to be sure.” Embarrassed now at her admission, she turned aside. “I have to go before my father misses me.”

      He extended a palm. “Take my hand, lass. Tell me.”

      The invitation was one she couldn’t resist. Being with Vaughn was like finding a place to belong. He spoke to her and listened to her replies as though she was someone special—someone important. His attention gave her a heady new feeling. Even if their friendship caused trouble, time with him was worth it.

Chapter Four

      Friendly neighbors greeted one another in the tiny stone church, but Darcy’s father ignored them and doggedly led her forward. Darcy nodded to Mrs. Mulcreath, who lived nearby and sold her cream and butter, then followed Ambros to a bench.

      Finding a spot behind them, two of the three Murphy sisters greeted her. “Pleased to see you this mornin’,” Maeve, the youngest, said.