Gwen was an open-minded woman, but he doubted her family would be any more eager to accept an Irishman than the shopkeeper who put that horrible sign in the window, and he feared the storm ahead was going to be bad.

26

Patrick tried to go on as before, but everything got more difficult after the afternoon in front of the millinery shop. He canceled the order for the new suit, but it didn’t help the awkwardness he felt with Gwen. His inability to return her declaration of love hung like a black cloud shadowing every conversation.

Gwen pretended the awkwardness didn’t exist, forcing a smile on her face each time he entered a room. He tried to meet her halfway, listening politely as she rambled about her wonderful family, but it was in Gwen’s nature to see the best in everyone.

Today she sat beside Liam in the common room with the album of photographs open on the table before them. She pointed to a picture of an old man standing in the surf, casting a line into the water. “That’s Uncle Milton,” she said. “He’s an avid fisherman. You should see the collection of rods and nets he brings to every family gathering. If there’s any sort of seafood you like, just tell Milton, and he’ll catch it for you.”

She turned to look at Liam. “We should go over seafood forks before we get to the island, because we celebrate with an annual lobster bake on our grandfather’s birthday. It’s always been my favorite day of the entire summer. We dig a trench, fill it with seaweed, then add lobsters and mussels and clams. The entire family joins in, and it’s tremendous fun. You’ll love it.”

Liam’s grunt was skeptical, and Gwen noticed.

“Liam, the Blackstones are good people. I guarantee that our great-aunt Martha is the kindest woman you will ever meet. During the Civil War she volunteered in hospitals for imprisoned Confederate soldiers because few people wanted to tend to them. She did it until she caught cholera, then went straight back on duty once she recovered.”

Although she spoke to Liam, Patrick sensed the praise she heaped on Great-Aunt Martha was intended for him.

Liam seemed doubtful too. “And what will our great-aunt Martha think of a man who has callouses on his hands and can barely read?”

Gwen didn’t hesitate. “She will mourn what happened to Theodore’s son and welcome him home with open arms.” She twisted so she could look at Patrick, her face nearly bursting with hope. “You too,” she said. “Aunt Martha knows about my struggles with Jasper and will be thrilled that I’ve found such a strong, decent man. You will both be welcome.”

“I hope you’re right, Mrs. K,” he said. He wanted to believe her but couldn’t disguise the suspicion in his tone.