Mistress of Beacon Hill: The Saga Begins in Ireland with Ella

By Leigh Gentry

Learning her father’s uncle has asked for her to come to America and be his sole heir, seventeen-year-old Ella McCarthy should be flattered and excited. The circumstances, however, are quite daunting. She must leave her loving Irish family to marry her uncle’s neighbor’s younger son, Sean Brannock, and oversee his horses at a place called Beacon Hill. She is to bring Irish Drafts from her grandfather’s stables to breed with the fine Brannock Thoroughbreds thereby producing versatile Irish Sport horses. Everyone thinks this is a grand idea. Ella, however, cannot help feeling she is being bartered in some land and horse deal.

Embracing her fate, Ella boards a ship to cross the Atlantic. In 1897, the voyage holds enough travails to last her a lifetime. When her horse’s hooves are on terra firma, she is sure things will improve but bad news awaits. Her father’s uncle has died. In his stead, the gentlemanly Brannock brothers are there to escort her to Kentucky.

Padraig, the older brother, assures her the wedding will take place. While seeing to her every need, Ella finds him authoritative, taciturn, and a bit prickly. Along the way, Sean, her fiancé, confides he has no desire to marry her. Despite this, affable relationships are formed.

Over the coming months, years, and decades as mistress of Beacon Hill, Ella meets heartache and happiness in her own indomitable fashion. Follow her as she finds her own way and forges a legacy for future Brannock horsewomen to follow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Dec 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781480881846

Leigh Gentry

Leigh Gentry, according to her genealogy, was born in the same North Carolina county her ancestors settled in back in the 1700s. She pulled up extraordinarily deep roots when she married a Naval officer. Following her destiny, she now lives with her husband and cocker spaniel in her own old Kentucky home.

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CHAPTER ONE

D rawing breath caused her pain. The letter Catriona just read dangled tenuously from her hand. Her children played on the kitchen floor, unaware of her angst. She stared unseeing at the dust mites dancing in the bright spring sunlight pouring through the windows.

My Ella. No, not my Arrabella. As was her way, Catriona spoke aloud. Her voice was naught but a whisper. Give up my firstborn? This simply cannot happen. How will I ever manage without her? She does so much to help take care of this family. Rubbing her swollen belly, she considered its implication. And here I am with another wee bairn on the way. Catriona struggled to stop her heart from controlling her thinking. That’s naught but an excuse. In truth, I only care that my daughter be near me always. Chastising herself, she mumbled in her lovely Irish lilt. By all the saints, how selfish a mother am I? What’s best for my precious daughter is all that matters. She stood suddenly and walked toward the sink without purpose, willing her heart not to shatter. Graeme will know what’s best. And I’ll be an idiot if I believe for a single minute that Ella’s father won’t think this is a grand offer from his Uncle William. She stuffed the letter in her apron pocket.

The back door flew open, allowing entrance to the daily whirlwind of children who tugged warm breezes inside with them. Meeting her children with her usual smile, Catriona kissed and hugged each one, then sent them back outdoors to play until supper. Graeme walked in next. Seeing his wife’s expression, he strode immediately toward her. With his arms around her, Graeme gave her an intense look. She pulled away, but he resisted her effort until her eyes met his.

What is wrong? Graeme said.

Why would you be thinking anything is wrong?

Her blond-haired husband relaxed his hold and answered with concern in his voice. Because I know you too well, Wife. What has caused you such strain? And do not think to tell me the children have been excessively naughty.

Rather than speak, she reached into her apron pocket and handed him the letter. Graeme began to read.

May 20, 1897

My dear Catriona and nephew Graeme,

I trust this correspondence finds you and your handsome family in good health. I genuinely hope, Graeme, your new position as School Master is not too taxing. I would not be suited to such a situation, I’m sure. Like my brother, I enjoy the out of doors far too much to be confined inside. Even in the coldest months, I must sit with a view from my study window. There I see winter sunlight shimmer like diamonds across the icy water on the lake by my house. I count myself blessed to live in this great Commonwealth of Kentucky. Here the earth is now springing to life.

Today, I write to you regarding a proposal that I hope you will give due consideration. As you are aware, God never saw fit to bless my lovely Missus McCarthy and me with children of our own. He has, however, blessed us with considerable wealth in land and property. At our mature age, this circumstance leaves us to ponder what is to become of our holdings once the Lord takes us to our Heavenly reward. Our property lies adjacent to that of another Irishman, Reilly Brannock. He’s the premier entrepreneur of our thriving town of Henderson. He’s the widower father of two single sons and a married daughter who is about to give birth to her first child. The oldest son, Padraig, is situated to follow in his father’s footsteps. He’ll manage his family’s business holdings from Henderson to New York while Sean, the youngest, stands to inherit their elegant manor house, land, and stables referred to as Beacon Hill. Horses are quite the thing here in the Commonwealth. Why, there is even a horse racing event called the Kentucky Derby in Louisville at a place called Churchill Downs. Imagine that. But I digress.

Mister Brannock expressed a desire to purchase my land for his estate, but his capital is tied up in his many interests. I’ve a mighty affinity for this land. I always hoped to keep it in our own family, which brings me to the crux of the matter. I cannot reflect on my visits to Ireland without thinking fondly of your eldest daughter, Arrabella. I recall with joy the time I gave her one of my foals from King’s Ransom. I know my departed brother, being the exceptional horseman he was, taught her his extensive equine knowledge. Oh, how he delighted in her! He never failed to mention in his letters how remarkably at ease she is with the beasts. She absorbed his teaching to the fullest measure. I am always impressed with the maturity and knowledge Arrabella imparts in my correspondence with her.

This is the proposal from Mister Brannock and me. Send Arrabella to me here where she shall wed Sean Brannock. She will be my sole heiress. At Missus McCarthy’s and my demise, she will inherit all my holdings. Thus, as Sean’s wife, the two properties will merge. The two will have a bright future in the beautiful, prospering town of Henderson on the red banks of the mighty Ohio River. Indeed, I will pay for her passage as well as that for a chaperon of your choosing. It is my desire that she bring her own Ransomed for Eternity in addition to her choice of an Irish Hunter mare from my brother’s stable. I believe the Irish Hunter is among the finest, most versatile breeds known to man. My brother’s first breeding of his Irish Draught to his European Thoroughbreds was genius. In addition to the Hunters, I would also like to purchase a pair of Irish Draughts. These will be an appealing and profitable addition to Brannock’s stable.

I love my Ireland as much as any countryman, but I know with all my being that Arrabella will have a much brighter future here in America. I’m sure many young men would seek Arrabella’s hand in marriage. She is a rare beauty. I doubt any of Ireland’s prospective husbands would be nearly as promising as young Sean Brannock. Exceedingly bright and handsome, he’s but one and twenty years. With both having a keen interest in horses, he and Arrabella will make a perfect match. Many successful marriages have started with far less. I believe with Arrabella’s keen knowledge of horses that she and young Sean will create a most profitable stable. I know you will give this prayerful consideration. You’ll also wish to discuss this at length with our dear Arrabella, I’m sure. Missus McCarthy and I eagerly await your response.

Fondly,

Uncle William

Graeme sank onto the nearby kitchen chair. His eyes found his wife keeping busy at the kitchen sink. When she turned to look at him, her blue eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

I know. Now, I know why you looked so strained when I walked in the door, Graeme said. "This is painful to consider; it is. My first response is to deny it’ll happen. I’ll not send my young daughter anywhere. She’ll stay by us for always; she will. Then next, it became a question. How can I send my young daughter across the Atlantic to wed some young buck I’ve never even met? I know my initial thoughts are regarding what is best for me, for us. My last response is, how can we not send her? Look at the life she’ll have there, Catriona. Look at what Uncle William is offering. We must send her. And I do mean send because she’ll not go without a shove. You know as well as I, she’ll not want to leave you with all the work you’ll have to shoulder alone. Graeme turned his head, snorting. That is not our reality. Ella’s younger sisters are quite old enough for her to pass that baton if she’d only relinquish it. Ella was younger than them when she began to shoulder a bit of the work. And no doubt they will when she’s gone. Sometimes, I think Ella believes herself to be the children’s very own mother, not you."

Graeme stood to go to his Catriona. He knew she was hurting, considering giving up her firstborn. One didn’t just travel back and forth across the Atlantic every day. Wondering if he would ever see his daughter again once she was away, caused him great heartache. Even so, he thought first to console the woman who had given birth to Ella. He pulled her against him, and she finally allowed the tears to spill from her jade green eyes. She shook her head and used her apron to wipe away her tears.

My dear, she’ll be walking in any minute now. Can we have tonight to adjust to this before we speak with her?

Of course, my love, but we must do this. You understand, aye?

Aye, I do. But doing the right thing doesn’t mean it hurts any less, now, does it?

Catriona hugged her husband once more before letting him go. With a shuddering sigh, she said, Oh my, she’ll be going to America to wed a wealthy, handsome American Irishman.

Who’s going to America to be wed? Ella entered the room in her usual cheerful manner. Anyone I know?

Catriona froze with her eyes locked onto her husband’s. She knew by his look he would tell her. She whispered to him. Graeme, this news, I wish to impart.

He nodded his consent.

Catriona turned to face her firstborn. You are, my darling. You are! Come here. Your father and I will share the details as we know them. Uncle Will—

No! I will not be going to America, Ella responded vehemently. And certainly not to be wed. My place is here!

Catriona’s forehead creased in concern. In a soothing voice, she said, Ella, come. Sit. We’ll discuss this. Ella’s outburst surprised her. It was not at all like her.

Ella walked toward the kitchen counter. No, Mother, it’s time to get dinner. The children are hungry.

Graeme looked unwearyingly at Ella. Daughter, come. We’ll all sit at the table and talk about this.

Father, you cannot mean to be a part of this, Ella sputtered. How can you send me away? Just give me away!?

Dropping her schoolbooks, Ella ran from the house. Catriona cried out her name and started after her. Graeme caught his wife’s arm.

Let her go, Catriona. Give her some time to adjust to the thought. She’ll be back. Not to worry, my love. She is our Ella. She’ll do nothing foolish.

Graeme wrapped his arms about his wife once more and smothered his face into her thick red hair. Before he could offer much solace, there was a little one tugging on her apron asking when supper would be ready. At her other side, another tattled on her brother for pulling her hair.

Life would go on.

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CHAPTER TWO

E lla ran down the lane, hoping to catch her lifelong friend before he made it all the way home. Cabhan will not let this happen. I’m sure he loves me as much as I love him. We’ve grown up together. For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being Cabhan’s wife. We’ll live nearby and raise a family of our own. She could see him not far ahead.

Cabhan. Cabhan! Wait! Wait for me. I’ve something of importance to share. I need to speak with you; I do.

Cabhan stopped, waiting for Ella to catch up. What is it, Ella? Is something wrong? I thought you were about getting home to help with supper.

My parents. Oh, Cabhan. My parents. They’re sending me to America to marry someone I do not even know!

Cabhan grabbed Ella by the shoulders and looked at her in disbelief. Ella, are you serious? With his mouth open in stunned amazement, Cabhan plopped down on the low stone wall in front of a neighbor’s house.

Ella sighed in relief. He does love me. He’ll not allow this to happen. Maybe, we can go to the parish pastor, have him marry us now. Then my parents cannot send me away. Aye, I know. It’s—

It’s a miracle, Ella! This is the most amazing news I’ve ever heard! You’re going to America. Great gads, lass! What I wouldn’t give to be in your shoes. This is incredible. Tell me more. How has this come about?

Ella stood in shocked confusion, feeling the color drain from her face. He’s happy for me? How is this possible? She stared at the ground in bewilderment that it could still be beneath her feet. My father’s uncle has sent for me. I’m to wed someone he knows. I don’t even know who.

I’d marry an old hag for a chance to go to America. Ella, this is the blessing of a lifetime. No one around here will ever be any more than they are now. The potato famines have brought Ireland fairly to her knees. The starvation is behind us, but it will take forever for her to recover. America is nothing but opportunity. Here, I’ll barely eke out enough of a living to keep myself alive. You’re going to marry some lucky American man. You’ll live in a big house and have lots of children. You’ll have closets full of beautiful dresses. Your husband will be so proud; he’ll take you to fancy balls. Maybe you’ll even meet the American president, Ella!

She stood, not knowing what to say. She felt desolate, devoid of a beating heart. Cabhan just touched a lit match to the page chronicling my dreams. Cabhan himself just sent my hopes for the two of us up in smoke.

Finding her tongue, Ella spoke in a toneless voice. Aye. Goodnight, Cabhan.

Cabhan was unaware he had dashed a young girl’s hopes. In a chipper voice, he said, Goodnight, Ella. I’d tell you to sleep well, but I’m sure you’ll be much too excited to sleep at all tonight. I’m so happy for you, dear friend.

She responded in a daze. Yes. I doubt I’ll sleep tonight.

Ella’s feet took her toward home by rote. The farther she walked, the more her head cleared. By the time she neared her house, she’d become concerned about her mother. How will she manage, especially with another babe on the way? If I were a vindictive person, I’d say it served her right. But I’m not, and I love her. I’ll trust my parents to know what’s best for me. I think.

As she walked inside, Ella caught the mouth-watering fragrance of her mother’s lamb stew. Finding the food nearly ready to be put on the table, she fell into the regular suppertime routine. She finished feeding the youngest babe before sponging him off. With Ella singing to him as she rocked, he was asleep before she finished even a verse of her tune. Off in search of the next youngest child, Ella would get her started on supper. The others were coming to the table at Catriona’s instruction.

The mood around their usually boisterous family dinner was subdued. The children sensed the unresolved tension. With tummies filled, the younger children followed Ella, who would ready them for bed. The older ones went with their father, who supervised the homework session. Catriona started cleaning the kitchen, but Ella had the younger children in bed before her mother accomplished much.

Mother, please, sit. I know how fatigued you get this time in your pregnancy. I’m sorry I ran out on you. That was an insensitive thing to do. I’ll finish cleaning up. By the time I’m done, Father will also be finished, and I could speak with you both before bedtime. Assuming you’re not too tired, Mother.

Catriona reached for her daughter and pulled her into a fierce hug. I love you, Ella. I haven’t told you that often enough.

Ella returned her mother’s hug. Of course, you have, Mother. Her throat filled with emotion. You do every day in so many ways. I didn’t mean to respond inappropriately. It was just, well, it was a bit of a shock, and truth be told, it still is.

Graeme walked into the kitchen. Ella saw him and broke away from her mother. With her eyes downcast, she went to stand before her father.

Father, I apologize for my actions earlier. I acted disgracefully.

Ella, dear. There’s no need to apologize. Your mother and I were absorbing this when you walked in. You caught us a bit off guard. I had just finished reading the letter from Uncle William myself.

Catriona said, The letter came today. I read it only minutes before your father walked through the door. So, this is a shock to all of us, dear. Let’s sit.

While seated at the table, Graeme’s fingers laced together in the way he did when a topic was of importance. Ella, we love you dearly and want only the best for you. Even without considering this over a longer time, we both concluded this is not an opportunity we can allow you to ignore. As you know, Uncle William and his wife have no children. However, they do have quite a bit of property. Their land and house lie adjacent to neighbors of Irish descent with even larger holdings, including several stables of horses.

Listening as her father explained the letter, Ella gathered she was to inherit Uncle William’s property. Wed to a man named Sean Brannock, she would help him manage his father’s stables. Ella perceived herself being bartered in some land and stable merger. It seemed more like a business arrangement than a marriage.

Her brow knitted in concern. How am I to get there?

Ella’s father began explaining to her. Uncle William offered passage for you and a companion to cross the Atlantic aboard a passenger steamship. He wants you to bring your Eternity as well as a Sport mare from the stables. He also desires that a pair of your grandfather’s Draughts go with you.

Catriona said, I’ve been thinking about a chaperon. If Uncle William would agree to the additional passage, how about my cousin, Aine Carrington, and her son, Lochlan? Her husband passed last year, and she always enjoyed an adventure. We haven’t seen the boy since you were little, Ella. You were born days apart. You could’ve been twins you looked so much alike. He would be a great deal of help with the horses.

Breaking into a grin, Graeme agreed. That’s a wonderful idea, Wife.

Hoping to lighten the mood, Catriona looked at her daughter with a false haughty expression. I keep telling your father I’m good for something besides breeding.

Ella winced. Mother, really.

Graeme cringed. Yes, Wife, really.

Catriona made a face at them both. Leaning over, she grasped Ella’s hand. So, how are you feeling about all this, dear?

Well, I’d rather thought I’d marry Cabhan and live nearby, but he seems to think anyone would be a fool not to go to America. Since he doesn’t seem intent to wed, and he’s about the only prospect for marriage I have here, I guess I may as well go. She said with heartfelt emotion, But I shall miss you all so very much.

Graeme said, Oh, my dear. Each of us will miss you as well, but you must go. You must.

Of course, Father. I’ll go tomorrow to look over Grandfather’s stock. I think since my Ransomed for Eternity is from King’s Ransom, I should take a young mare from Ariel’s Beauty. As far as Grandfather’s Irish Draughts, I want the largest pair with strong Percheron characteristics. I’ll need the ones who cover the most ground. Weren’t our ancestors brilliant to breed our ancient Irish Hobby horses to the great Percheron warhorses? It resulted in our wonderful Irish Draughts. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it right. I don’t want any more horses sold before I choose. I want those Draughts that are well over six and ten hands. Their immense size will breed out over time. Grandfather was quite brilliant in deciding to breed our Irish Sports.

Catriona nodded in agreement. Yes, he was. He was quite the horseman, and you’re equally as accomplished. You know as much as your grandfather did. Think of what you’ll be able to do with a large stable of horses of your own. Now, I must take my leave. Talk as late as you want. No school tomorrow.

Ella said, I’ll be going soon, as well, Father. I have a new book to read. I should begin reading up on America instead. Kentucky, especially. Ella picked up the letter from Uncle William that her father had placed on the table. Father, before we’re off to sleep could you tell me about this man I am to marry? Is he quite old? Am I truly to be bartered for a piece of property?

Not hardly, dear one. The gentleman is the younger son of Uncle William’s neighbor. His name is Sean Brannock, and He’s one and twenty years of age. Being just four years your senior doesn’t seem too old, now, does it? And you’ll become the American McCarthy’s sole heiress. And it seems the Brannock son is the one being bartered. Mister Brannock wants your great uncle’s property. He’s offering his son in marriage to you to obtain it.

Why can’t Uncle William leave the property to me, and I’ll sell it to Mister Brannock?

Uncle William desires his holdings to stay in family hands. Mister Brannock is quite wealthy, but the whole of his money is tied to his current business endeavors. So, you still wouldn’t be able to sell him the land if he doesn’t have the cash to buy it.

Hmm. I see. I don’t want to sound ungrateful or unloved, but it still feels very much like I’m the one being given away. Maybe, this Sean Bannock and I both are.

I understand it can’t be easy, at least, not now. I would venture to say a year from now when you’re married and settled you won’t feel this way at all. My belief is the hand of God is at work in your life, Ella. He has a way of putting us where He wants us. It isn’t always where we imagined we’d be. I never aspired to be a schoolmaster. I had my sights set on a political career after finishing my education. He chuckled, shaking his head. I wouldn’t change my life one iota now. What say we post a letter tomorrow to Uncle William accepting his proposal. I’ll go with you to check out the horses if you’d like, but now, I’m off for bed. Goodnight, dear one. Sleep well.

Goodnight, Father.

As Ella sat alone at the kitchen table, she picked up Uncle William’s letter. She read it over and over, wanting to find something of solace hidden within the words. Ella adored her father’s uncle, believing him to be one of the finest men she knew. Her grandfather was the oldest of his siblings, and Uncle William, the youngest. They had been remarkably close. Ella refused to allow herself to think she may never get to hold her youngest sibling. That thought is too painful to bear at the moment. And what of this Sean? Uncle William declares he is bright and handsome. I can trust Uncle William to recognize bright, although I’m not sure if he would know what a young girl considers handsome.

I’m going to do this. She folded the letter and placed it in her pocket. She walked to her bedroom, wondering, How can I ever do this?

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

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CHAPTER THREE

T he following months gave way to a blur of activities for Ella and her family. With confirmed tickets for three adults and four horses, she and her father would meet the Carringtons in Liverpool mid-September. They would board the ship together to sail for America. Lochlan assured Graeme’s uncle that he could take care of them on the voyage across the Atlantic.

With the travel confirmed, Ella’s lady relatives and friends set about creating a trousseau. Catriona diligently checked the latest in American fashion. She declared she would not send her daughter to America to marry a rich man looking like a country bumpkin. So, the women tirelessly sewed and shopped for Ella.

The question of Ella’s schooling came about. Graeme declared Ella’s education complete before the end of the school term. At Catriona’s expression of concern, Graeme was forced to confess.

Truth be told, she could do as well or better a job than me as Teacher. And I have used her to such an end on more than one occasion.

Over the summer, Ella spent as much time as she could with her younger brothers and sisters. She played tag with them, read to them, pushed them on swings, and picked berries with them. Whatever the activity, she sought to soak up as much of their love as she could hold. Daily walks with her father or mother became part of her routine. She spent time in her grandfather’s stables devouring his journals and records. She hoped to glean whatever pieces of knowledge she might have missed over the years of instruction from him. Ella crammed as much of her family into one summer as she possibly could. Gradually, Ella began to accept she would soon have a new life, one far different from the one she’d always found joy in living.

One afternoon while the house was relatively quiet, Catriona called Ella to her room. "Ella, dear, I want you to have this if you want. I’ll understand if you would rather have a new wedding dress, but I thought I’d offer. We’ve plenty of time left to make one of your very own if you wish."

Looking at her mother’s perfectly preserved wedding dress, Ella filled with emotion. Oh, Mother, it’s beautiful. I’ve only seen this in your wedding portrait. I didn’t dare to think you might still have it. I’d be so honored to wear it; I would. It will be almost like having you there with— Her voice broke before she could finish the thought. It’s so painful to think none of my family, save Uncle William and his wife, will be there to see me marry. She gathered herself and said, If this family is as rich as Uncle William makes them out to be, I shall ask for many tintypes, so that I can send them to you.

Catriona reached in her apron pocket for her handkerchief to dab at her eyes. That sounds like a fine idea. You must do that. It would make me happy not only to see you as a bride but also to know what your handsome new husband looks like. Catriona smiled and sniffed again before putting her handkerchief away. My waist and hips were your sizes when I married, so that part of the dress should fit fine. But the bodice needs some work. Even after all my babes, my bosom isn’t as large as yours.

Ella felt her cheeks turn crimson. Oh, Mother, sometimes you can be so—

Plain-spoken? Catriona rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

Aye.

Catriona chuckled. I’ve long since stopped being embarrassed about a body and its parts. It’s all how God put us together to be used for His purpose. Speaking of bodies and parts, Ella, you must remember what I told you. When a husband and wife come together, it can be quite pleasurable. And I do believe He intended for it to be so. She gave her daughter an assuring smile. Do not be embarrassed to be so generously endowed, Daughter. No doubt your new husband will find you quite nicely put together.

Mother, I know how babes are made and born. If not for you educating me, I’ve certainly been around enough horse breeding and foaling to get the gist of it. As for pleasurable, that, I can’t even imagine. I don’t know what—

Ella, dear. Do not worry. I suspect your young man will know what he’s about.

Oh, my. Ella gave her mother a woeful look.

Catriona couldn’t help being concerned. Her daughter looked as if she’d be unhappy forever. She remembered feeling much the same before Graeme taught her the beauty of physical intimacy.

"Ella, I must say, if you’re unsure of something, ask a question. You’ll know once you experience this beautiful coming together of a man and woman. You’ll know. You’ll see. It can be a bit awkward in the beginning but remember that God made us for this. There is no shame in coupling with your husband. Enjoy it, Ella. You won’t have babes otherwise. Perhaps Aine can discuss with you how to avoid having babes. She only had Lochlan. I’m afraid I’ve never quite caught on to the concept myself. Catriona sighed. But I need to learn soon. Even in this huge house my father left us, we’ll soon be out of room if I don’t!"

Ella giggled.

ELLA CROSSES THE ATLANTIC

MID-SEPTEMBER 1897

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CHAPTER FOUR

W

ith her trunk and her horses turned over to the ship’s workers, Ella stood with her father at the port of Liverpool. They searched the crowd to find Missus Carrington and her son. Too overwhelmed by her surroundings, Ella missed the gloriously sunny day filled with crisp air. The gulls squawked, dipping and soaring over the bustle of the seaport. Someone approached Ella from behind and spoke directly into her ear.

Hello, Cousin.

Startled, Ella turned quickly to be confounded by her face on a male body. Fascinated, Ella gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. His sky-blue eyes twinkled with mischief. The same turned-up nose and full bow-shaped lips were there. His hair, a tinge darker than her shade of blond, reached his shoulders. His features, being bolder than hers, made him unquestionably masculine. She found him quite handsome.

Oh, my! Lochlan?’

Aye. Lochlan Carrington, m’lady, he said as he bowed.

My mother told me we looked alike as babes, but I had no idea. We could be twins!

Oh, Arrabella, this is such an adventure! I cannot comprehend it! We’re crossing the Atlantic Ocean to live in America! What a dream come true this is for me. While Graeme looked on, Lochlan spun her around. "Let me look at you. You’re quite lovely, and the