Page 35 of Calling on the Matchmaker
“You need to come again soon.” Clearly Kiernan was accustomed to worrying after each suitor’s visit. And it was no wonder. Finola was skilled at keeping men at arm’s length.
Riley waited for Finola to give him some indication that she’d welcome him back, that he was different than the rest, that she would let him into her life. But she kept her focus on a swirling pattern on the carpet.
A strange knot of disappointment tied itself inside his gut. But at the same time, he knew he couldn’t give up. Not yet, not when he’d hardly begun his attempts to win her over. He’d give their relationship until the end of January. That was a couple of weeks away. If he couldn’t win Finola over by then, he’d admit defeat and call off the match. But until then, he had to rise to the challenge and do what every other man had failed to do—make Finola fall in love.
The problem was, he couldn’t approach Finola with the usual ardor and accolades. He had to have a different plan of action.And at the moment, he could think of only one way. “Since I’m officially running for mayor, I’ll be very busy campaigning and won’t have much time for paying calls.”
Kiernan shook his head and began to frown.
At the same time, Finola’s gaze darted to his. Did her expression contain a hint of disappointment? He wasn’t sure. But he took courage from the small sign.
“Some friends have organized an office—a campaign headquarters of sorts—on First Street, not far from my father’s wagon shop.” As soon as he’d made his announcement to run for mayor, friends and businessmen had stopped by the shop in a constant stream, so that finally Big Jim had been the one to suggest getting an office, mainly so work on the wagons wasn’t interrupted.
Although Riley directed his conversation toward Kiernan, he was watching Finola’s face. “Finola is familiar with the struggles within the immigrant communities. Her astute ideas would be an asset to the campaign team—if she’d like to help with the election efforts. Tomorrow evening. After supper?”
Her eyes had lit up so that the blue was bright. Did that mean she liked his idea?
Kiernan rubbed his chin, studied Finola a moment, then shook his head. “I’m not sure what Da would say.”
Finola’s brows puckered. “I’ll tell him I’m doing more charity work.”
No, he didn’t want her using any more of her underhanded methods, not with him and not with her parents. “I’m sure I could convince your father, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Kiernan nodded. “He wouldn’t approve of Finola being among a crowd of men.”
“We have a few other young women on the team. Besides, I’ll be with her at all times.”
Kiernan paused, as if calculating how much time Finola would get to spend with him.
“It would be an opportunity for Finola to get to know me better.”
“Maybe it would be good then. I’ll have our driver bring and pick her up.”
Riley supposed he ought to be relieved that Kiernan wanted him to keep spending time with Finola. It meant that the family approved of him and would accept him. At least he hoped so.
“And what do you say, Finola?” Riley asked. “What would you like to do?”
“Aye, I’ll do it, that I will.” She lifted her chin and gave him one of her saucy looks, one that sent his pulse racing. “But, mind you, it won’t be for you, Riley Rafferty. I’ll do it because I care about the people.”
He shrugged and then started out the parlor door. “Mind you, Finola Shanahan. Soon enough you’ll be doing it because you care about me too.” At least he hoped so.
She released a huff of exasperation.
At his approach, the silver-haired butler moved to open the front door.
Riley swiped up his coat and hat from the hallway coat tree. As tempted as he was to turn around and look at Finola one last time, he didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of knowing just how much power she was gaining over his heart.
Instead, he whistled a merry Irish tune while inwardly praying that he wasn’t already falling in love.
12
Finola stepped away from the carriage and approached Riley’s campaign office, her heart giving an extra beat at the prospect of the evening ahead.
Not because she was getting to see Riley again. She was simply excited to participate in the campaign.
The light coming from the large front window spilled onto First Street, chasing away some of the darkness of the evening.
He’d asked her to join his campaign team. Her. He said she hadastuteideas and would be anasset. And from the sincerity with which he’d spoken, she knew he hadn’t been flattering her. He meant what he said.
