The Cowboy's Tempestuous Irish Bride Read Free

out of his thoughts. The woman behind the bar was probably younger than Siobhan. She had the same fiery flame red hair, but it was down to her waist. She was wearing a tight fitting dress that showed off her figure to its best advantage, he felt a urge rush through his body and then saw that half the bar was also transfixed with the girl. He shook his head. This would be how it would be in that dirty little inn that his daughter worked in. She thought that she had managed to keep it from him, but he knew. A few of his customers were fishermen and they had see her in there and mentioned it. He was keen to have her married and moved on. But he certainly was no fan of the thought of dockers and workers lusting after her like a two penny whore. What if some of his more respectable clients found out?

    A thin weasel like man, accompanied by an equally thing weasel woman entered the bar. Everyone turned to look. It was clear they weren’t regular patrons of the establishment. The man gave a cursory glance around the bar and his eye settled on Connor. He nudged the weasel woman in the ribs and walked over to Connor who rose in a respectful manner.  

    “Mr O’Rocke?” Conner asked hopefully.  
    “Indeed. Indeed. You must be Mr O’Reilly?” The man replied.  
    “I am,” Conner said softly.  
    “This is my lady wife and partner in the business,” O’Rocke said waving his hand in the direction of his wife who was now wearing a very stern expression.  
    “May I get you both a drink?” Conner inquired.  
    O’Rocke’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “Very kind of you Sir. I’ll have a pint of the black stuff.” Mrs O’Rocke let out the sort of noise that might have come from a horse in distress.   O’Rocke looked at his wife and then back at Conner. “Actually, just half a pint Mr O’Reilly. That would be very kind.”
    “Madam?” Connor asked.  
    Mrs O’Rocke shook her head in dismay “Not for me thank you kindly. Drink is the road to the devil my old mother used to say. I agree with her.”  
    She must be a pile of fun thought Connor, but nodded his head in understanding and disappeared to see the attractive redhead to order the drinks. On his return he found the couple had made themselves at home and had started pulling papers from their briefcase.  
    “Thank you kindly Mr O’Reilly,” O’Rocke said as he looked longingly at the drink Connor placed in front of him.  
    “So Mr O’Reilly,” began Mrs O’Rocke assuming command of the meeting. “It is our understanding that your daughter is interested in becoming a Mail Order Bride and moving to the United States.”  
    “That is correct,” agreed Connor after a short pause.  
    The woman looked Connor up and down, “Does she actually know anything about this?’  
    Connor took a depth breath and wondered how the woman could have seen straight through him in just a matter of seconds. “Umm, well strictly speaking no she doesn’t. You see, she is a very troublesome young…”
    “Mr O’Reilly,”   she interrupted “It matters not to us. This is a business transaction, nothing more and nothing less. Your reasoning behind it is of no concern to us.”  
    “That is good to hear,” said Connor smiling. “So what can be done?”  

CHAPTER FOUR
Unwelcome Adventures  
    Connor arrived home late from Dublin, Siobhan was already asleep when he returned. It suited him better that way, there would be less opportunity for questions. Less opportunity to change his mind.  

    When he awoke the next morning, his breakfast was on the table as he expected it. His daughter had already eaten and was busing herself in the kitchen. She heard him come down the stairs and brought through his pot of tea.  

    He nodded his head in silent acknowledgment.  

    “How was Dublin?” Siobhan managed to ask in an effort to break the silence.  

    “Very good as it happens,” replied Connor not taking his eyes off his newspaper.  

    Siobhan decided she