Guilty Pleasures by Bertrice Small

Author:Bertrice Small
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Publisher: PENGUIN group
Published: 2015-11-27T23:00:00+00:00

The following Saturday evening, Maureen went to the five o’clock mass. Afterward, as she was leaving the church, she felt a hand on her elbow. She turned and found herself facing Toryn O’Donel. “I’ll be thanking you to take your big paw off of me, Mr. O’Donel,” she said sharply.

“I thought you might change your mind and take in a movie with me if I introduced you to someone who could attest to my character,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling. “Ah, Father Porter, there you are. Will you please tell this stubborn lass that I’m a respectable fellow and won’t eat her up if she goes to the films with me?”

The priest chuckled. “Why, Toryn, don’t tell me Miss Flynn has put you off.”

“He says you’ll attest to his good character,” Maureen said, smiling.

“Well,” Father Porter said, “he’s my nephew, so I’m apt to be prejudice.”

“You’re not Irish!” Maureen exclaimed.

“No, I’m a Yankee-doodle dandy,” the priest responded, “but my oldest sister married an O’Donel and has lived in Ireland for almost forty years. Toryn’s a good fellow, and if he misbehaves, you’ll be sure to tell me. I think you’re safe for a movie.”

“I haven’t said I would go,” Maureen replied.

“But you haven’t said you wouldn’t,” Toryn said. “Will you?”

“Well, I was planning to meet my friend Jane for supper,” Maureen said. “I’d hate to disappoint her. She’s a nanny like me and alone in this country.”

“Is she the little blonde who looks after the Blairs’ little girl?” he asked.

Maureen nodded.

“If I could get my friend Gary from the Produce Department to join us, do you think this Jane would come?” Toryn inquired.

“Well,” Maureen considered, “it is a bit late to ask, isn’t it? Perhaps another time, Mr. O’Donel. Good night. Good night, Father.” And Maureen hurried off.

“Well, now,” the priest said, smiling, “I believe that’s called a put-down, nephew. She’s a fine girl, however, and if she’ll finally agree to go out with you, remember she’s a lady and treat her as such. She’s not one of those light skirts peopling the Salty Pig.”

“Now, Uncle, what would you know of the Salty Pig?” Toryn teased his uncle. “A good priest such as yourself.”

Father Porter smiled. “I’m called on to minister to all souls, not just the ones who come to mass on Sundays and saints days, Toryn. I should tell you that I’m responsible for Miss Flynn since I’ve gotten into e-mail correspondence with her brother Father Seamus Flynn. I hope, however, that won’t deter you.”

“It won’t,” the younger man replied. “I intend on marrying Maureen Flynn eventually, Uncle. I knew she was the one the moment she came to the butcher counter to pick up the Devlins’ order the other day. But, for pity’s sake, don’t say anything to my mother yet. She’ll be planning a wedding and naming the children for us.” He didn’t want to encourage his mother until it was a done deal.

Father Porter laughed heartily. “Indeed, she will. You’re her youngest, and she wasn’t happy when you up and came to the States.

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