Bound By Secrets

“Oh, Katrina, look at that handsome man.” Katrina followed the line of her friend’s vision. “He has his eye on you, sis.” Her big brown eyes twinkled from behind her fan, bringing a smile to Katrina’s lips. Once again, her friend pointed out another handsome man this evening. She already had to dance so much this evening she was not sure her feet could handle one more round.

When she saw his full lips broaden into a knowing smile, Katrina quickly lowered her eyes. Her heart pounded nervously in her breast, her friend was forever getting her into the most delectable situations. She wondered if she would have even danced one dance last season had it not been for the most forward Mary Beth. From what she could discern through the throng of dancers, he was definitely handsome in the most unconventional way. The shape of his face was boxier than the English; his eyes more round than most. With his round, small but delicate nose that held a spattering of freckles that she could just barely make out from the long distance, it was obvious he was not an Englishman. Katrina ventured to believe that he was probably of Irish descent even if he now called England his home as so many had done in the last twenty years or so. The stranger’s pale skin shown brightly against the dark navy blue of his untailored velvet coat, the stark white cravat bunched delicately at the front. He dressed himself, Katrina thought with amusement. She wondered how many men in this room could have accomplished such a rare feat and almost sputtered into laughter. His height was not great; but he was at least a few inches taller than she. Thankfully, that was not a concern of hers as she was quite short by English standards. But his frame was broad with nice muscular shoulders. It made her wonder what sort of work he was accustomed too. Most of the well-bred English were accustomed to many activities, however none that required a fit physique. Her eyes fluttered back up to sneak another peek only to find that he was gone.

Pouting she quickly turned back to her friend who was politely turning down two more English boys that she did not find physically attractive enough for her very precise taste. Last season she had been so nervous about meeting anyone, not to mention quite busy keeping up her estate that she had not taken notice of the eligible men that surrounded her at the balls that she attended. She watched her friend maneuver out of her dances. So polite, she thought, Mary Beth’s eyes alight with excitement. Katrina had thought more than once her friend had the most beautiful black hair and Katrina had even tried to color her dark red locks once when she was a young girl. While Katrina’s face was more full than her friends long thin features, Katrina was proud of her shorter height, as her friend seemed to tower over most women of the ton. Katrina smiled up at her dearest friend. “Well, I think I spooked the young gentleman, whoever he was he has left now.”

Mary Beth turned back to her friend grinning, “Oh posh dear,” She stepped closer, her voice lowering, “He is coming up right behind us. If you get bored with him send him my way,” Mary Beth giggled as she bat her long black lashes at their newcomer. Katrina rolled her eyes, but when she heard the quiet voice, the strong Gaelic accent, she had to fight back a gasp. He was more than just an English/Irishman he was Irish.

“Excuse me ladies.” His voice low, his Irish accent thick. Katrina was no stranger to Gaelic. Her Aunt had given her every opportunity to learn as a child, but to hear such a thick accent to a language that had been banned from public use a long time ago was quite surprising. This made her miss the rolling green hills and the splashing of the tide against the rocks near the Synnott Castle that she called home several times a year. She thought instantly of her mother and father, family that she had never had the opportunity to meet. She pushed aside the evil thoughts meeting his wide-eyed gaze. Hazel, she thought amusedly, his eyes were very beautiful, made one think of a playful kitten. She almost giggled wondering what he would think of her description.

“Good evening, Sir.” Mary Beth answered with a low curtsy. The stranger was kind to her friend, bowing over her proffered hand, his eyes never leaving Katrina’s eyes. Mary Beth seemed to be all too aware that Katrina had yet to speak a word as she abruptly caught her attention with her next outrageous explanation. “Although she herself is Irish, I do not believe that she has ever met one herself.” Katrina’s eyes widened in surprise, “Mary Beth!” She gasped in surprise. She turned in the direction of the man behind her holding out her hand. “Please excuse my very rude, friend.” By the glint in his amber eyes, he seemed to find the statement amusing. Elegantly he bent his head to Katrina’s outstretched hand and placed a very gentle kiss upon her fingers. Katrina felt her cheeks warm and quickly she snapped her fan open smiling prettily as he stood. “I apologize for my friend here who seems to have lost her senses,” she stated again turning to stick her tongue out at Mary Beth only to find that the young chit had sauntered off somewhere. Katrina turned back to the handsome stranger who tucked her hand into his elbow and before Katrina knew what was happening he was leading her to the dance floor.

“Is your friend being honest?” he asked in a teasing tone as he swung her into his arms pulling her much closer to his hard chest than society would have allowed. Because of the late hour, though most of the guests had left or retired to their rooms and there were only a dozen or so visitors left, Katrina did not fight the improper gesture.

The tune of a very slow waltz began playing, Katrina proud of the new dance steps that she had learned, followed his lead easily. It was dancing this close to a man that she was not accustomed. “Actually,” she said with a smile, her foot faltered and the stranger caught her more closely to his hard male chest.

Katrina’s breath caught in her throat, being this near was making her mind muddled and it was becoming more difficult to think. The smell of him was much different from the other men in the room who seemed to bathe in their cologne. This stranger wore none; it was far from unpleasant as the smell of outdoors tantalized her already delicate senses. She broke eye contact as quickly as possible to regain her composure, concentrating instead on the band that was playing. “I have met more than my share of Irish men and women. As I take several trips to my home in Ireland every year.” Before she could stop herself the rest of her thoughts came tumbling out, “Unfortunately most people that speak with such a thick accent would not be at a ball such as this.” The more she had talked the quieter her voice became, a light blush creeping over her cheeks. She was so uncomfortable she wanted to run out the door. How could she have said such a thing to this man? He was a complete stranger; she had no idea of his background. Katrina bit back a groan, attempting at an apologetic smile instead.

“Oh?” The smile he presented her was anything but offended; he looked as if he found it more humorous. Inwardly, Katrina sighed in relief. No wonder she had been so nervous last year. The wrong things seemed to come out of her mouth when she was in the company of men, unless they were discussing something less personal. She concentrated instead on what he was saying. Society would consider her wandering thoughts to be quite rude. He turned her about the dance floor reminding her that they were not alone, but were in a very public environment. “Very true, Katrina. Unfortunately, the language of our country is being stamped out by the English and French.” His eyes clouded for a moment, anger clearly showing in their light depths. He changed the subject quickly, his boyish smile returning. “What calls you to Ireland? Shopping? Art? Parties?” He smiled sweetly down at her.

Katrina laughed, “Amusing. I believe in all of my seventeen years I have never been to a ball or party.” This seemed to shock her partner, which sent her into another giggle, “I must shop, I believe that Ireland has some of the best dress makers. I however have no time to visit art galleries or venture into the city for more than business or charities.”

He seemed intrigued. At this point most of the men she had as dance partners seemed to find something else that required their immediate attention. They were always polite of course, but Katrina was no stupid girl and that was why they had other obligations. Her estate as she usually called it was actually a castle. She had always kept that fact to herself, keeping money hungry men away from her vast wealth. Without knowing these details, he still seemed quite interested.

The waltz had ended and he stood there his delicate thin lips the same smile upon his face just holding her in his arms, as much as she wanted to continue this she had no choice but to break away now. “The song has ended, Sir.”

Their eyes met and held, everyone else seemed to fade away, the warmth in his light hazel eyes keeping her from retreating. She could tell just by looking into his eyes that he was a passionate man. She wondered what his passions were. “So it has Madame.” His voice soft and deep. Once again he took her hand in his and held it close to his chest, she did not know where they were going because she was completely absorbed in him, his chest was hard against her hand, making her want to reach out and run her fingers down its length.

When the delicate scent of the geraniums and roses from tantalized her senses she realized they were outside and standing at the end of the balcony. Completely alone, except for the full moon and the pleasant music playing in the background. The bitter cold of the night air was a welcome relief from the heat of the ballroom. Her smile suddenly shy, as she stared down at the beautiful garden below. Being with him in front of everyone was much less strange to her than this. He took her hand in his, Katrina had no idea what to say or do. By all accounts, she should chastise him and walk away, but something about him held her still. A little talk never hurt anyone. “What business do you take care of in Ireland that keeps you from being able to enjoy all it has to offer?

Katrina smiled looking over the balcony. “Family matters. I have a home in Ireland. I go back there a few times a year to keep the books in order. Sometimes the grounds need some care. Or the house needs repairs. You know all of the boring things.” She cut herself off before saying anymore. The last thing she wanted to do was bore him into running in the opposite direction. “A couple lives close by that were friends of my parents. They oversee the property while I am away and keep me posted on any new findings that need attention. For the most part they have free rein that at least frees me up to stay in England as much as I can.”

She saw her handsome stranger nod out of the corner of her eye, “That is helpful if you can find someone to do that for you. What keeps you from moving back? Where is it that you are from in Ireland?”

Katrina chuckled softly instantly at ease again; she turned back to him, both now leaning languidly against the stone wall. “Well, it is a little more complicated than just moving back there. My Aunt Deana would prefer that I wait until I am married, although I am almost free to do as I please. She has a point though. Living on such a large estate and cut off from everyone, would be neither safe nor very entertaining. Life would be much better for me to wait.” Realizing that she did not know this man’s name, nor did she intend to discuss the long involved history of her family and their home she looked up quickly a smile brightening her face. “You know, you never did tell me your name.” She said teasing.

He laughed lightly turning his attentions back to her, “You are right, I am sorry. Your beauty caught me off guard and I completely forgot. My name is Urich O’Brennan. And yours Madame?” Katrina smiled. “Katrina Synnott.”

Urich grinned suddenly, standing straight and taking her hand again in his, “It is very lovely to meet you Lady Katrina Synnott.” He bowed ever so gallantly kissing her bare fingers once again. Katrina shivered but played along as if nothing was amiss, lowering herself into a low curtsy that was saved for royalty, “It is very lovely to meet you Urich O’Brennan,” she giggled on the way back up, his hand never leaving hers. A gentle tug pulled her closer to him, nervous excitement coursing through her veins as she stared up at him confused on what he was wanting from her now.

Katrina licked her lips as he moved closer to her, her eyes locking with his lips, “I would like very much to kiss something other than your hand Katrina, if you would allow me the privilege.” His voice low with the forced restraint of waiting for her permission, his lips just a hair breadth away, Katrina’s only answer was the parting of her own soft mouth, her breath stilling when his arms ever so gently encircled her small waist.

“Katrina Anne Synnott, your Aunt did not ask me out here so that you could be forced to the alter your first night out.”

Katrina bowed her head instantly embarrassed. There was nothing more humiliating for a young woman than being called out by her chaperone. She lowered her head quickly to Urich’s strong shoulder and took a few breaths to steady her shaking body, “I am so sorry Urich, maybe you can call on me tomorrow and we can talk more.” He pushed her shoulders back gently, his features soft and sweet, “Although I might not be able to kiss you this evening my sweet, I can promise you one thing. I will call on you everyday from here on out. Even if your chaperone has to join us I want to spend as much time with you as I can.”

Katrina smiled even as her chaperone was grabbing at her hand and pulling her aside, “That is enough, Katrina, and your Aunt is going to have a fit when she hears about this.”

Katrina only giggled, and called out behind her, “I can’t wait, Urich. See you soon.”

Katrina’s Aunt ushered her quickly out of the manor to the awaiting carriage. The door closed sharply behind her. Katrina stared wistfully out the window, thankful that the night had not been a complete disaster. “Oh, Miss Tucker, he is the sweetest man, why did you have to break us up?”

Katrina was not able to say her goodbyes as everyone had left but her and Urich it seemed, she was sad because she wanted so much to tell Mary Beth about the man she had met. Miss Tucker simply snorted in a very unladylike manner. “Home, Mr. McGuire.” Miss Tucker called out the window. She looked at Katrina and smiled suddenly, “Lady Katrina, please keep in mind that you must put forth an air about you while socializing. Allowing any man to escort you out onto the balcony is only asking for trouble.”

She snorted. “Granted I should have never left the dance, which is why we are not going to speak of this to your Aunt Deana, however, until you know this man better please do not allow him to take you out like that again.”

Katrina huffed folding her hands in her lap and looking out the window of her carriage, “Yes, Miss Tucker, he is calling on me tomorrow so please be available early, I hope to be out with him most of the day.” With that, they both sat in silence the rest of the way home.

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