Page 95 of Calling on the Matchmaker
Bellamy loved when people made things more challenging. “Ask me the question you’ve been wanting to since the moment you sat down.”
Sullivan didn’t react, and his eyes remained unreadable.
Even without the usual clues, Bellamy guessed the captain had lingered longer tonight for only one reason. Because the pub was empty, it was the perfect opportunity to ask for help in finding a wife.
Bellamy considered crossing his arms and taking his sweet time. But he sensed that Sullivan wasn’t normal and wouldn’t be as easy to guide as Riley and Finola had been. Sullivan was stronger willed and would need different tactics. Bellamy had to figure out the approach to take or he’d lose the chance to help the fellow.
Was directness with Captain Sullivan O’Brien the way to go?
Sullivan started toward the door.
“Tell me what kind of wife you want.”
The fellow halted abruptly but didn’t turn back around. His thick shoulders were tense, and his big hands tightened into fists.
Bellamy once again scrambled to put together all the clues. On the surface it would be easy to conclude that Sullivan didn’t want a wife. The fellow had obviously tried to force himself to bring up the issue tonight but failed. And he obviously still wasn’t comfortable talking about it, even though Bellamy had given him the opening to do so.
But Bellamy had to dig deeper to find out the truth of the matter. And the truth was that Sullivan needed a woman in his life, even if he didn’t think so.
Sullivan uncurled his hands, as if trying to ease the tension radiating through him. Then with stiff movements, he turned and made himself do what he’d come to do. “I want a woman who’s soft spoken, gentle in manner, and doesn’t take stock in appearances.”
The fellow rattled off his list so rapidly and succinctly that Bellamy knew it had been rehearsed. The other thing Bellamy knew was that Sullivan’s list was all wrong for a man like him. He didn’t know how he knew, only that he did.
He supposed it was one of those instinctual aspects of having matchmaker blood in him. He could read people well, often better than they could themselves.
The deckhands and stevedores who came into the pub hailed Captain O’Brien as the best captain anywhere on the Mississippi for his fairness, loyalty, and generosity.
The captain might be tough and crusty on the outside, but underneath he was a man with a good and kind heart.
A good and kind heart that was clearly being pushed to get a wife. By his father? That was likely the case. But why?
From the way Sullivan clenched his jaw, Bellamy guessed the list wasn’t quite finished.
“Anything else?” Bellamy kept his tone nonchalant.
Sullivan paused, took a deep breath, then continued. “I need a woman who is willing to be married before midnight.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes.”
Bellamy reached for his towel and began to wipe at the counter, mostly to hide his surprise. The captain had thrown him a twist he hadn’t seen coming. He supposed he should have expected it. After all, the church frowned upon weddings during the holy weeks of Lent, which was why it had become the custom for most people to get married on or before Shrove Tuesday.
Sullivan scowled. “I’m too late, aren’t I?”
Bellamy made a show of looking at the clock above the mantel even though he already knew what time it was. “It’s only seven. We still have five hours.”
Sullivan didn’t move, was likely trying to decide if Bellamy was being serious or sarcastic. Bellamy preferred sarcasm. But with the captain, he decided seriousness was the best route.
Mustering as much genuineness as he could manage, he met the man’s gaze levelly. “I’ll do my best, Captain O’Brien, so I will.”
Sullivan’s expression remained doubtful, even gruff, butBellamy thought he saw a glimmer of vulnerability in the captain’s eyes.
Bellamy’s mind went to work, racing through all the possibilities, but the options were slim. “You should know that most of the eligible women are already matched and married.”
“I understand.”
“And you should know that I may not be able to find someone meeting all the qualities you’re looking for.”
