Portriat
Chapter 8: Way Home

Sunrise had begun when Jamie led Meghann from the dance. It was well past the curfew that Shawn had set. At the appointed hour Jamie had tried to get Meghann to leave but she would not. His attempt had been half hearted.

Jamie lifted Meghann into her seat. She accepted his help without complaint. Lighting on the other hand nipped at Jamie as he untied her reins.

“Sorry girl,” Jamie said handing her two pieces of sugar.

She whinnied. “At least someone has forgiven me,” he mused getting into the driver seat.

“I hope your brother forgives me. I’m late getting you back. I may not have a job this morning.”

“Don’t worry,” Meghann said yawning.

As he drove, Jamie mussed that Adam had been right men did lose their hearts in the temptress eyes.

Reaching the O’Malley home Jamie jumped from his seat stepping turning to extend a helping hand to Meghann. She had fallen asleep. He stood there silently watching her sleep seeing how the sun glistened upon her auburn hair.

“Miss O’Malley,” Jamie said at last as the door to the house opened.

Miss Murphy rushed outside. “Where have you been?” she barked. “Mr. O’Brien, how dare you keep her out so long? Were you not given instructions. Mr. O’Malley has been beside himself with worry.”

“We were at the dance,” Meghann said cutting across Jamie. “I chose to stay. Where is my brother anyways?”

“Where he is every Sunday at this time,” Miss Murphy replied with an expression that said more then her words.

“Mr. O’Brien help me down,” she said with a frown.

Once on the grown Meghann thanked Jamie then disappeared into the house.

“Miss Murphy, I need you,” Meghann called over her shoulder back at Miss Murphy.

“Good day, Mr. O’Brien,” Miss Murphy said warmly.

Lost and a little unsure of what the future would bring Jamie returned to the inn’s stable. Jamie unhooked Lighting leading her into the stall. He gave her some carrots and water before going into the house.

Jamie fell into a couch falling fast asleep moments later. There is where Adam found him.

“Jamie wake up Mr. O’Malley is waiting for you in the parlor.” Adam declared with the expression of I told you so on his face.

Jamie sat up. “What?”

“Mr. O’Malley is in the pallor. He is angry,” Adam said.

Jamie sighed rising onto his feet. He might as well get it over with.

“I may not need the rooms for the whole month after all,” Jamie mused.

Jamie tapped Adam on his shoulder as he passed by entering the hallway. The short distance seemed vast and yet too close. He shrugged his shoulders before joining Mr. O’Malley.

Jamie was surprised to see Mrs. Vargo and Mr. O’Malley sipping tea. They were having a pleasant conversation. Shawn was actually laughing. Jamie suddenly had hope that he may still have a job.

“Mr. O’Brien, you have joined us, would you care for some tea?” Mrs. Vargo offered.

“Thank you, no,” Jamie replied. “Mr. O’Malley.”

“Take a seat. Mrs. Vargo’s tea is very soothing. The scones are just as taste.”

Jamie sat down accepting a cup of tea and scone.

“Mrs. Vargo do you think you can help?” Mr. O’Malley asked.

“Yes, I would be most content to help you. Shall we say on Tuesday?” Shawn inquired for clarification. “Now Mrs. Vargo, if you would give Mr. O’Brien and I time to discuss a few moments, I would be most appreciative.”

Mr. Vargo stood taking her leave. Shawn waited until she left the area before turning on Jamie.

“Sir, an hour ago I was about to remove you from my service. You failed to follow the directive I gave you the night before.”

Jamie opened his mouth to say something but Shawn stopped him with a hand motion. “Now I understand that I must trust my sister. Mr. O’Brien my sister enjoyed your company and has asked me to issue an invitation to dinner this coming Thursday evening.”

Dumb struck a Jamie remained silent a moment then responded. “Thank you. I do apologize for keeping your sister out so late.”

As if he never heard Jamie Mr. O’Malley rose. “I would be most thankful if you would extend my, apologizes for not taking my leave of Mrs. Vargo. I will see you early tomorrow morning,” Shawn said getting to his feet leaving like a breath of wind.

Jamie threw up his hands. He walked to the window watching the O’Malley carriage moving down the road. Suddenly from the carriage window Jamie saw Meghann staring back at him. Jamie turned ready to run after her. He did not get far for Mrs. Vargo suddenly appeared in the pallor door.

“Mr. O’Malley?” she questioned.

“He needed to leave. He extends his apologies.”

“Lunch is ready would you care to join us?”

“No thank you. I think I need a walk,” Jamie said

He flew towards Meghann’s home. He reached it just as Meghann stepped from the carriage. Behind her Shawn, who without a glance retreated into the house.

“Mr. O’Brien,” Meghann said breathlessly.

“I wished to thank you. I am sure it is your doing that I still have a job,” Jamie explained.

“You, it, oh,” Meghanne stopped taking a deep breath. “Sir, you do give me too much credit. I simply informed my brother that I am capable of making my own decisions. If you will forgive me,” she ended turning toward the house.

“Must you go in? If you would do me the honor and take a walk with me?” Jamie asked.

The day’s events have been taxing for my brother. I must see to him,” Meghann said with a smile.

“Indeed, until Thursday,”

Meghann turned. Jamie took hold of her hand pressing it to his lips. She stared at him a moment before pulling her hand.

“Meghann,” came a cry from the house.

Meghann ran inside.

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