The first sprinkles of hope fell from the heavens. “And go where?”
“To the mountains.” He pointed toward one in the distance. “It’ll take a couple days to get there. But there’s not a drop to drink outside of spring water, and nothing to do but sit around and not get drunk.”
Patrick could almost smile a little. “Does that mean you’re going to help me?”
“You’re my brother, Patrick. And for most of my life, you were my best friend. You tell me you need help. There is no question that I’ll be there, wherever ‘there’ may be.”
Emotion pulled at his heart. “You’re not going to let me die?”
“Better than that, Patrick. I’m going to make certain youlive.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Eliza might have beenonly twenty-two years old, but she’d lived plenty long enough to know the pangs of heartbreak. She also claimed an unfortunately vast acquaintance with disappointment. Both pressed painfully on her as she rode in the back of the Archers’ wagon toward thecéilíwith Lydia on her lap.
She was looking forward to the party; she truly was. But Patrick sat heavily on her mind and heart. He hadn’t told her hewasn’ttipsy during their moments together. But he hadn’t been forthright about his drinking in general. That bothered her more than anything. He hadn’t told her a truth she needed—and had every right—to know.
He’d promised he was a good choice of builder for her inn, and she’d placed so much of her dream on him—believing in him. But a man who drank his nights away was far too likely to be unable to work the next day. And one who drank during the day was a danger.
He’d spent time with her daughter, held her daughter, looked after her daughter—and not once said when he was sober and when he wasn’t. As Lydia’s mother, Eliza had every right to determine whether to take such a risk with her daughter. He’d taken that choice from her.
He’d jeopardized everything she held dear, all while insisting she could trust him. Why was it she so often put her faith in the wrong people? She’d crossed the ocean in the company of a childhood friend who’d promised that they would forge their way in this new country together. But after a mere three months, she’d tossed Eliza aside in favor of newly made friends with a firmer foothold and deeper pockets.
The factory boss at her very first job in New York City had said she’d have a reliable job and the pay that went with it if she simply worked hard, which Eliza did. In the end, however, he had demanded favors and attentions she’d been unwilling to give, and had, despite her work ethic, fired her.
At the Porters’ house, the housekeeper had said she treated all the maidservants as if they were her own daughters and would look after Eliza, too. Instead, after Terrence’s affection for Eliza was discovered, the housekeeper delivered the swiftest, harshest blows of them all, dismissing her without references, withholding the pay she was owed, and sullying her name to all the fine houses in the area. In short, ensuring Eliza would not find a new position at any of them.
Terrence himself had sworn to his true and unwavering devotion, saying he’d gladly given up the comforts and luxuries of the life he’d always known to build a new one with her, that he would have no regrets.
That promise proved as empty as the rest.
With Patrick, her heart had found solace and comfort that warmed it in a way she hadn’t felt in years. No longer could she let her heart override her head. Over the years, she’d trusted too many of the wrong people, but this time, she wasn’t the only one who would be hurt.
Eliza pulled Lydia closer. This town was supposed to have been a fresh start for both of them. Instead it was simply more of the same: broken dreams and broken promises.
They reached thecéilí.The sound of joyful voices lifted her spirits. She did like Hope Springs even with the difficulties she’d had here. Katie and Joseph helped their daughters alight from the wagon. Joseph remained to assist Eliza as well. He had proven a very pleasant surprise these past weeks: a wealthy man who was also an inherently good person.
