An Irish Romance
By KaitlynRose72
Chapter 2: All my Dreams Come True
Lucas rolled over and let out a contented sigh. He reached out to pull Sami closer to him but realized he was alone in her bed.
"Sami?" He sat up and looked around but he was the only person in the room. He stood up and pulled on his dress pants from the night before. He walked over to the balcony doors to look outside and was shocked at what he saw.
Outside, galloping across the hillside looking like some Greek goddess was Sami. She was wearing a white gown and her lace robe. As Prancer raced down the hill her hair and the soft material of her robe floated on the wind giving her some kind of supernatural appearance. As he watched he realized that she didn't even have any shoes on.
He hurried back to the bed and pulled on his shirt and his shoes and headed downstairs. He caught the time on the grandfather clock in the hall and noticed that it was only five a.m. What was Sami doing? Was she sleep walking, or sleep riding?
He raced out the back doors just in time to see Sami jump a rather tall row of hedges. When she landed the jump perfectly he didn't know if he wanted to kiss her or throttle her for scaring him half do death.
"SAMI!"
She turned back to look at him and pulled Prancer's reins to guide the horse back around to the house. Lucas stood there tapping his toe waiting for her to reach him. Sami finally pulled the horse up in front of him.
"Have you lost your mind?" Lucas asked. "You're riding a horse at five in the morning in your night gown! Did we or did we not just have a conversation yesterday about you not doing dangerous stuff all by yourself."
"Lucas, get up here and kiss me," she purred.
Lucas just shook his head and released a deep breath. He put his hand on the pummel and his foot in the stirrup. In one swift motion he pulled himself up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"That's better," Sami said.
"Now what?" Lucas asked.
"This." Sami twisted her neck and kissed Lucas passionately. He ran his fingers through her tresses and lifted her head up so he could kiss her neck.
"I love you, Lucas," she murmured.
"And I love you. This morning when I woke up and you weren't there my only thought was finding you, making sure that yesterday wasn't a dream. I need you, Sami. The way a flower needs the sun or a person needs to breath. I need you in every sense of the word."
She smiled at him, touched by his words. She turned her head and kicked Prancer. The horse fell into a gentle trot. Sami steered the mare towards the small wood right behind the house.
From his balcony Shawn stood sipping his hot cup of coffee. He had come out here to watch the sun rise up over the hill side. He had done it often as a child and never thought he would see the sight ever again. The last thing in the world he ever expected to see was Sami riding a horse in her night clothes, not that he didn't understand. There was something magical about this place. Not everyone felt it, but those who did learned to savor it. Sami felt the magic. She truly was at home here.
All thoughts of watching the sunrise were forgotten when he saw Lucas run out of the house and yell for Sami. At first he thought the two might end up quarreling, but his Sami had listened to him it seemed. She let Lucas blow off his steam and didn't fight back. A happy smile came to his face as he watched Lucas hop up on the horse with Sami. He quickly turned his head like a proper Irishman when he saw the two begin to kiss. He didn't look back until he heard the familiar sound of hoof beats heading away from the house.
"You did a good job," he said to himself. "Now need to get those two married right here at the castle." He took a sip of his quickly cooling coffee and hummed a little tune as new plots and schemes drifted in his head. He thought about Sami and Wellston. The two seemed to be a perfect match. Sami was happier than he could ever remember her being.
He suddenly had an idea that he needed to discuss with Constance.
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Sami looked at her reflection in the hallway mirror before entering the dining room for lunch. Her lavender blouse was tucked neatly into her black linen pants and the delicate scarf she had tied around her neck hid the little reminders of what she and Lucas had been doing just a little while ago. After confirming that her hair and make-up were perfect she entered the dining room where Grandpa was sitting and reading the paper.
"So lass, did you have a good ride this morning?"
"What!" Sami gasped, wondering just what her grandfather had seen exactly.
"You and Prancer. I saw you out jumping the hedges this morning."
"Oh, that, um yes, I just couldn't wait to get back in the saddle since I had so much fun yesterday." She hoped her cheeks weren't reddening from her embarrassment.
Sami had a seat and looked up when Lucas entered the room. Damn he looked good. He was wearing a pair of charcoal gray pants with a white Polo shirt. The shirt was fitting and showed every one of his muscles, and she loved to look at his muscles.
"How would you two like to go to the Pub tonight?" Shawn asked. "We can get a pint and listen to some good music."
"Lucas and I will skip the pint, but the music sounds fun," Sami said.
"Oh dear, I'm sorry," Shawn said. "Lucas, I completely forgot."
"I understand. It's not a problem. As long as they have soda or water I'll be fine."
Mrs. Heathcliff came out carrying platters of roast pork with potatoes and carrots, and as always there was the homemade bread.
"Mrs. Heathcliff, if you keep feeding us like this I'm going to outgrow all of my clothes," Sami laughed.
"As tiny as you are, a little meat on your bones would be a good thing," Mrs. Heathcliff replied with a laugh as she placed the food on to the table.
"Excuse me, Master Brady," Lucy spoke softly from the other door.
"Yes, darlin'," Shawn replied.
"Mr. Shaymus Brady is on the telephone for you, sir. He said he has time to come over and go over the books with you."
"Tell him it can wait till tomorrow. I'm taking my granddaughter and her fiancé to the Pub tonight."
"Yes, sir." Lucy turned and left to relay the message.
"What books?" Lucas asked.
"He is going to show me all the financial statements pertaining to the estate. Actually, Lucas, I would be grateful for your help tomorrow. I know I run the Pub and keep track of my finances for that, but this is going to be much bigger, and I'll be honest, I don't know the first thing about looking at a stock portfolio. Would you mind helping me read all that stuff tomorrow?"
"I'd be glad to help," Lucas said. "Is the estate still doing well?"
"Oh yes, at least Shaymus says it is, but I would like to have a look at those books none the less, especially since its going to be up to me to pass this place on to the next person. I just want to be sure everything is as good as I've been told."
"That's a good idea," Lucas agreed.
"Thanks, boy. I knew I could count on ya. Now, let's eat while it's still hot."
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Sami was surprised when Grandpa said they would walk to the Pub, but it was only a mile south of the castle and the walk took about fifteen minutes.
"It's best to always walk to the Pub," Shawn said. "That way if ya leave too drunk you don't have to worry about driving home and crashing the car into a tree."
"Gee, Grandpa, it sounds like you have a lot of experience at this," Sami chuckled.
"I have to admit that I was a bit of a wild one when I was younger. Conor, bein' the oldest, had all of the responsibility that came with being in line to be Lord of Wellston. Me, being second in line, I had no responsibility at all except to my friends and the Pub. Yep, I could drink and gamble with the best of them. It was your grandmother that straightened me out and made me all respectable and such."
"I can see that since I know Grandma never would have put up with you drinking and gambling. She would have kicked you out on your butt."
"Ay, she surely would have. But the love of a good woman will straighten out just about any wayward man."
The Pub was located in the town, but the town only consisted of the Pub, a general store, a butcher shop, and a small chapel.
Lucas held the door to O'Looney's open and everyone stepped inside. About twenty patrons were inside, mostly men Sami saw. There was only three other women in the place. In the corner there were five men playing what Sami guessed to be Irish jigs. The music reminded Sami of Titanic when Leo and Kate were dancing in 3rd class. She didn't know how the violin player could actually play the violin since he was jumping around and kicking his feet so much.
Lucas watched as every man over 18 and younger than fifty turned around to admire Sami. He couldn't help but feel proud that she was his.
"Well, well, well! I had heard you were back!" shouted a voice from the bar.
"Finigan! How good to see you man!" Shawn exclaimed. "What are you doin' here?" Finigan came out from behind the bar and he and Shawn embraced with hearty slaps on the back.
"I own this place now. O'Looney died, must been twenty years ago. His son didn't want the place so I bought it."
"Is there anyone else left from the old gang?" Shawn asked.
"Just Jack. Frank died from lung cancer a few years back and Smitty went and became a priest. He's in some third world country right now spreadin' the word."
"Smitty a priest! You must be foolin'."
"No, I swear on me mudder's grave. Here, have a pint on the house, and some for your guests."
"No thanks," said Lucas. "Actually, you don't happen to have non-alcoholic beer do you?"
"As a matter a fact I do. I keep some here for another one of my patrons. Poor devils got cirrhosis of the liver but he still can't live without some kind of beer. Ah, here ya go!" Finigan pulled out a bottle of O'duls.
"What about you Samantha?" Shawn asked. "Would you like to try a pint of Guinness?"
"I guess one glass is okay," she answered. "The music is awesome!" She watched as a couple of the men were on the dance floor doing the traditional Irish dance. She clapped her hands like other people in the Pub in time with the music.
"Well hello there, Miss Brady."
Sami turned to look at the person addressing her. "Hello. I'm sorry. I remember your face but not the name."
"George Donlevy. We met last night."
"Of course, I'm sorry. I've just met so many people that I'm having trouble keeping names and faces straight. You remember Lucas."
"Yes I do. Nice to see ya again."
"Same," Lucas shook his hand.
"Miss Brady, may I have this dance?" George asked.
Sami looked at the other two couples on the dance floor and shook her head. "I don't know how to do that," Sami said. "I wouldn't have a clue how to even begin."
"Not to worry," George laughed. "I'll lead. Besides, it's really just a lot of hopping and skipping around. You'll do fine."
"I don't know," Sami said. She looked at Lucas.
"Go ahead." He pointed his chin out towards the dance floor. "You dance and I'll watch."
"You sure?" she asked. She knew Lucas could get very jealous very quickly and she didn't want to upset him.
"Go on, have fun."
"Okay." She offered her hand to George and he led her onto the dance floor. He put his left hand on the small of her back and took her hand in his right hand.
"Now get ready, skip side to side and back again," George said. "Just follow me."
The first couple of steps Sami stepped on the poor man's toes at least twice but he was a good sport about it. After a couple of minutes she found she had the basic steps down and was having a blast.
Lucas leaned against the bar standing next to Shawn.
"I've never seen her so happy in all my life," Shawn said. "It looks like my askin' ya to come along wasn't a bad idea after all."
"I had my doubts, but you were right. Thank you. I know what you did for us and I will be forever in your debt. Getting out of Salem really was the best thing for us. Once away from my mother and Lexie, and Nicole, and even Roman and Malena, everything just became so clear. Sami never would have betrayed me and I want to spend the rest of my life with her by my side."
"I'm glad to hear it. I've never known two people who were more perfect for each other than you two. All I ask is that you take care of her and do right by her."
"I will. I promise," Lucas said.
"And, the next time something bad happens don't think the worst of Sami. Stay calm and give her a genuine opportunity to defend herself. Sami is a Brady, and because of that she has powerful enemies."
"You mean the DiMeiras."
"Yes, the DiMeiras. Then there is also your mother."
"Leave my mom out…"
"I'm not tryin' ta make ya angry, but you have to face the facts. Your mother likes to make sure she gets her way, and she will do almost anything to make sure that she does. You'd do well to remember that. Maybe she didn't frame Sami with this last incident, but does that mean she's not capable of trying something else? I think not. Sami isn't as strong as she makes herself out to be. Most of the time she's just a scared little girl."
"I know that. I figured out the real Sami a long time ago. All she wants is love and to feel safe."
Shawn gave Lucas a firm pat on the back. "Like I said, you two are perfect for each other." He downed his pint and motioned for Finigan to give him a refill.
Sami stumbled and bumped into George. "Oh God, I'm terrible at this!" she laughed.
"Nonsense, yer doin' fine. What ya need is another pint. It's a proven fact the drunker you are the easier the dancin' gets."
"George! Shame on you. You're trying to get me drunk!"
"I'm just trying to help get you in the swing of things," George smirked. "Besides, can you blame me? I'm dancing with the prettiest woman in the Pub."
"There are only three women here including me. That's no saying much!"
They stopped when George was tapped on the shoulder.
"Mind if I cut in?"
George looked to Sami and she nodded her head okay. She began to dance with her new partner.
"Evening. My name is Johnny. Johnny Roundtree." He swirled her about the room.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Sami Brady."
"Brady. As in the American who's staying in Wellston?"
"Yep, that's me, but how do you know that?"
"Are ya kiddin? You're the talk of the town. Everyone has been waitin to get a glimpse of the pretty American. Wait till I tell the fellas I got to dance with you."
"I think you and the fellas are making a big deal out of nothing," she laughed. "Oops! I'm sorry." She tried to not step on his toe again. "As you've probably guessed, I've never danced like this before."
"It's okay. You're doin' fine. Watch this." Johnny let go of her and took several steps back and began to jig and tap. She was amazed. After a minute he flashed her a big grin and took a bow.
"That was amazing! I could never do that. I'd break a leg or something."
"Nah, I could teach ya."
"Maybe, but not tonight!" They went back to skipping across the floor. After a while Sami's side began to ache from all the dancing and the laughing.
"I've got to stop!"
Johnny walked her back to the bar and Sami picked up her glass and took a long drink of the heavy brew.
"That's better," she exclaimed. "There is such a thing as too much fun."
"Ya got to build up your endurance," Shawn said. "Hey Finigan, what say we teach these two young'uns a thing or two?"
"You sure you remember the steps after all these years, old man?"
"I remember them as well as you do, old man."
Both Shawn and Finigan downed a pint and headed to the dance floor. Sami and Lucas became aware of people whispering that the Brady was going to dance. Sami was really starting to realize what a big deal her Grandpa was in this place. He was practically famous.
People on the dance floor moved out of the way as Shawn and Finigan stepped forward. The band started a new song with a super quick tempo. Sami and Lucas both clapped and cheered as Grandpa and Finigan hopped and kicked and tapped as good as any professional dancer.
"He should be in the cast of Riverdance," Lucas exclaimed.
"Michael Flatley, eat your heart out," Sami agreed.
Three hours later Lucas was struggling to carry a very drunk Shawn Brady home. Shawn's arm was draped over Lucas' shoulders and the much taller and heavier man had at least 60 of his body weight crushing down on Lucas. Sami was on the other side trying to assist but she was a bit tipsy herself.
"Next time we are driving," Lucas grunted. "I'd rather be the designated driver than the designated carrier."
"Ah yer a good lad, ya are." Shawn's words were slurring together something awful. "You two ar' gonna hav…hic…hav such a happy life ya are. Sami, me darlin' Sami, I know…I just know yer gonna make a good wife."
"Sure Grandpa."
"It were so good to see Fin…Fin…"
"Finigan," Lucas supplied.
"Yeah! Him," Shawn agreed.
"Come on Mr. Brady," Lucas said. "Keep walking. Don't slow down on me."
"It's Grandpa! No more of this Mr. Brady business."
"Okay, keep walking Grandpa," Lucas encouraged. He readjusted his hold on the older man to try and redistribute his weight.
Finally Wellston came into view. Lucas guided Shawn into the driveway and led him to the door. Sami hurried to open the door and make way for Lucas.
Lucas got him in to the sitting room and rather unceremoniously dumped him into the first overstuffed sofa he could reach. Sami quickly moved all of the decorative pillows out of the way. Almost immediately Shawn began to snore deeply and soundly.
"Sami, there is no way I can carry him up that giant staircase. He's a hell of a lot heavier than you are."
"I know, silly. He'll just have to sleep here tonight." She untied his shoes and set them down in the floor next to the sofa. She picked up a quilt that was on the back of the other sofa in the room and laid it over Grandpa.
Sami bent over and gave him a kiss on his forehead. "Sleep well," she whispered.
"You too, Caroline. I love ya, darlin'."
Sami looked up to Lucas, her eyes suddenly sad. Even after all this time Shawn was still morning the loss of his wife.
Lucas reached down and took Sami by her elbow. "Come on sweetheart. He'll be fine here for the night. I think you need a little sleep yourself twinkle toes."
Sami followed him to the staircase. Lucas kept a steady hand on her arm to make sure she didn't lose her footing since she really was a bit tipsy.
"I had fun tonight. Next time you need to dance with me."
"I think you did enough dancing tonight for the both of us." He led her to her room and opened her door.
"She turned to look at him. Dance with me."
"Now?"
"Uh huh."
"But there isn't any music."
Sami walked over to her dresser and opened the small music box that resided there. She had discovered it earlier in the day. A soft, sad melody began to play. Lucas pulled her into his arms. Sami laid her head on his shoulder and the two moved as one.
"Every man in that bar thought you were the most beautiful woman in all of Ireland tonight," he whispered.
"I think you're exaggerating, General."
"No. We promised to always be honest with each other and I'm being honest right now. I saw how those guys looked at you. And then I saw how they looked at me."
"And how did they look at you?" Sami asked.
"They were green with envy, because they knew you were mine and they couldn't have you." He guided her lips up to meet his and brushed them ever so lightly, teasingly.
"I'm all yours," Sami murmured. "Now and always."
The music stopped. Lucas guided Sami to the bed and gently lowered her down. It was time to make their own music.
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Breakfast had been a rather comical affair with Grandpa suffering from one heck of a hang over. For that matter Sami had popped a couple of Tylenols for her own headache. It was now several hours later and both she and Grandpa were feeling better. Actually, Sami had been shocked at how quickly Grandpa had bounced back but she figured it must have been the Irish in him
Now Sami was exploring the other rooms on the second floor. There were ten bedrooms in all. Lucas and her rooms were at the end of the west wing and she found Grandpa's room was the one next to the stairs on the east wing. The other bedrooms were just as large and as luxurious as hers. Each had a different color scheme or theme in them. Some were very feminine and other dark and manly in appearance. There was a large and very heavy looking door at the end of the east wing. She tried to open it but it was locked. This door looked very different from the other doors lining the hallway. This door looked medieval with its rough worn wood and black iron hardware.
She looked at the lock and realized the door would need a skeleton key to be opened. Mrs. Heathcliff was in charge of the house. She would probably have the keys. Sami hurried to the staircase and through the house to the kitchen.
Mrs. Heathcliff was there already working on preparing the midday meal.
"Mrs. Heathcliff, I'm sorry to bother you but I had a question."
"And what would that be, miss?"
"There is a large brown door on the second floor that is locked. Do you have the key?"
"Oh miss, you don't want to go up there."
"Up where?"
"To the third floor. It's…it's a bad place. You best just stay down here."
"What's on the third floor?" Sami asked. Now her curiosity was peaked.
"Just a bunch of old rooms and such. Those rooms haven't been in use for probably a hundred years or so. Every now and then my husband will go up there to check for any weather damage, but other wise no one goes up there. Those rooms were never renovated. The walls are dark and covered in webs."
"How do you go up into the towers?" Sami asked.
"There are stairways on the third floor that lead up to them, but like I said miss, you really don't want to go up there."
"Do you have the key to the door?" Sami pressed on. "At the very least I would like to just go up for a minute. I'm sure you're right and that I won't like it up there, but still, my curiosity is peaked and I would like to just take a quick peek."
Mrs. Heathcliff looked very distressed and rubber her hands together fretfully. "You promise just to go up for a minute or so."
"I promise," Sami said.
"You do realize it's haunted up there, right."
Now Sami chuckled.
"Just because you don't believe in ghosts doesn't mean they're not real," Mrs. Heathcliff warned.
"You're right. I'm sorry. If I sense anything bad I promise to come down at one. Now can I please get the key?"
The older woman finally relented. She walked over to a cupboard and opened the door. On the inside of the door were several assorted keys on small hooks. One key was very large and made of what looked like iron. Mrs. Heathcliff removed the giant key and handed it to Sami.
"Thank you," Sami said.
She left the kitchen and was just making her way back to the staircase when Lucy announced that they had guests.
"Miss Brady, Mrs. Constance Brady is here along with several other relatives."
Sami saw a cabinet against the wall. She shoved the key into the top drawer and then followed Lucy to greet her guests.
By the main door she saw Grandpa and Lucas greeting Shaymus and his son Liam. Shaymus had a large briefcase and Sami guessed they were going to talk about all the estate finances now. Also standing there was Aunt Constance, Bridget, and another woman Sami didn't know.
"Good afternoon," Constance said as she greeted Sami with a hug.
"Hello, again," Sami said.
"Well why don't we go in the library and leave the ladies to talk," Shawn suggested. Sami and Lucas gave each other a quick little wave good bye as he followed the men down the hall.
"Lucy, please ask Mrs. Heathcliff to make tea for four and if there are any cakes or cookies available that would be nice as well."
"Yes, ma'am."
"We will be in the garden," Sami said.
Lucy nodded her head and hurried off to tell Mrs. Heathcliff.
"Samantha, I would like to introduce you to Margaret Collins. She's a family friend."
"It's nice to meet you," Sami greeted and shook the woman's hand. Margaret looked to be in her late thirties. She had long copper hair and freckles on her nose. She was dressed in a pair of tan pants and a Fair Isle sweater.
"Why don't we go outside?" Sami suggested.
"That sounds wonderful," Constance agreed. She had been watching Samantha very closely since her arrival and she was impressed by the young woman. She had seemed a bit nervous at first with meeting so many people at once and finding out so much information about her heritage in such a short time, but she now seemed confident and quite comfortable in her new role as Lady of the Wellston.
Sami led them to the garden and they all had a seat on the terrace.
"How is Moyra doing today?" Sami asked.
"My mom had a bit of a headache," Bridget replied. "She is resting right now."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Sami said.
"You seemed to have settled in well," Constance spoke up.
"How could one not," Sami laughed. "I mean, this place is wonderful. The beauty is breathtaking, and this place has this feeling of timelessness and permanence. I feel such a connection to the world here. It's very comforting to know that this was the home of my ancestors and that it will be even once I'm gone. I love everything about Wellston and I already know I will miss it terribly when I return to Salem."
"You don't have to go back you know. There's no reason why you and Lucas can't make a life here in Ireland," Constance said.
"To tell the truth I have been thinking about it," Sami said. "Maybe Lucas and I can get a job here and find a little cottage or something."
"Wouldn't you miss your family back home?" Bridget asked. "I want to go live in America, and every time I think I'm ready to go I get frightened. It is so hard to think of leaving my loved ones behind."
"Back home I'm not that close to my family. When I was younger, well, let's just say that I made some mistakes. Some people hurt me very badly and no one ever helped me to get over it, so I ended up hurting some people I cared about. Even though its years later and I'm sorry for the mistakes I made, my family doesn't seem to be very willing to forgive and forget as they say."
"When you say you hurt them, do you mean that you injured them?" Margaret asked.
"No, nothing like that. I hurt their feelings, really. I let my family down, and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to make amends. Truthfully, I'm finally at the point where I'm about ready to quit trying."
"The people who refuse to forgive you, have they never made a mistake. Are they so perfect that they can sit in judgment of another when it has been years and years since it happened?" Constance asked, her voice sounding indignant.
"Believe me, they are not perfect," Sami replied, shaking her head. "Some of them have sinned far greater than I have, and were much older and supposedly wiser when it happened. Like I said, I'm ready to give up. For the most part I am used to being alone. As long as I have Lucas, Will, and my Grandfather, that's all I really need."
Constance took Sami's hand in hers and held it firmly. "You are not alone anymore. You have family here, and we are ready to welcome you with no care what so ever of your past mistakes. No man or woman is perfect, and it is a terrible thing to inflict pain on someone for so long."
Sami found it hard to speak over the lump that was forming in her throat. "Thank you…you have no idea…it is just so wonderful to feel accepted." Both women smiled at each other.
"Who is Will?" Bridget asked.
"Will is my son," Sami said.
"You have a child?" Constance asked.
"Yes, he is twelve."
"Twelve! My, you must have been very young," Bridget exclaimed.
"I was. Seventeen in fact. That was one of those mistakes that I was talking about."
"Do you still see the father?" Margaret asked.
"Everyday," Sami laughed. "Lucas is Will's father. Lucas and I have had a very complicated relationship but luckily for us everything is worked out now and I can't wait for us to get married."
"He seems to be a very good man," Constance said. "You are very lucky."
"I am." For the first time in her life Sami actually believed those words. She was lucky.
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"As you can see, the stock options are currently worth 16,000,000 euros and have been gaining steadily," Shaymus said. Lucas looked over all of the paper work very carefully. He could tell Shawn was at a loss over all of this.
"And the mutuals currently have 11,000,000 invested in them?" Lucas asked.
"Yes," Shaymus replied.
"Is that good?" Shawn asked Lucas.
"It's good, but personally I would have a little less in the market and more in mutuals. The market is like gambling where mutuals are more steady, but since Shaymus is a broker I'm sure everything is just fine."
"I'm very good at what I do," Shaymus admitted.
"I can tell," Lucas said.
"What about the basic savings account?" Shawn questioned. "How much is in that?"
"That fluctuates," Shaymus said. "For the past twenty years we have managed to never touch the main principal. We live off the interest that comes from the mutuals and the 15,000,000 that is tied up in CD's."
"What's a CD?" Shawn asked.
"It's like a glorified savings account, but once you put your money in you have to wait six months to a year to pull it out, or you can just leave it in to keep earning interest," Lucas told him.
"The interest is basically income. Every month Aunt Constance gets her allowance. You also get an allowance."
"I said years ago not to bother with that," Shawn said.
"I know, but my mother insisted upon it," Shaymus said. "She said it was your birth right. This a savings book in your name that has all the money you have earned for the past forty years, along with interest gains." Shaymus handed Shawn the little book.
Shawn opened the book to look at the total. Lucas looked over his shoulder to see how much was in there. Shawn actually let out a whistle when he saw the amount. Lucas was shocked as well. Shawn had a bank account worth 9,452,213 euros.
"This is mine?" Shawn said.
"That's right. That isn't money that belongs to the estate but money that belongs solely to you," Shaymus explained.
"What are you going to do now that you're rich?" Lucas teased.
"I have no need for all of this," Shawn replied.
"Keep in mind that since you're here we can make arrangements for your future monthly allowances to be deposited into your bank in Salem."
"You mean I get even more money?" Shawn asked.
"That's right."
"Shaymus, I want an account made in Sami's name and I want all of this nine million and what ever it is to be put in her account," Shawn insisted.
Shaymus looked completely flabbergasted. For that matter so was Lucas. "Are…are you SURE you want to do that? I mean, once it's done you can't get the money back should you change your mind."
"I'm sure. I'm not going to change my mind. I already have plenty of money. I don't mind collecting my future allowance, but all of this I just don't need. Sami on the other hand can make a good life for her and Will with this. I want it done." Shawn turned to Lucas. "Don't tell her yet. I want to surprise her. I think this will make a nice wedding present. Don't you?"
"Uh, yeah, I think Sami will be very happy," Lucas stammered. He couldn't believe Shawn was actually going to do this. With some careful budgeting that kind of money could let them live comfortably for the rest of their lives. He looked over at Liam, who had been absolutely silent so far and saw that the guy looked as shocked as he did.
"What about the costs involved in keeping up the castle and the lands? Where does the money come from to take care of that?" Shawn asked.
"That comes from the interest. Every year the interest comes in. The money for Wellston comes out of the interest first. That comes to about 45. Then you and mom get your allowances. That's another 40. The remaining 15 is used to pay for someone's college tuition or if there is a Brady wedding that year and things like that. If nothing happens that requires the use of that money it is added to the principal to draw more interest in the future."
"What about your salary?" Lucas asked. "Are you paid from the 15?"
"My salary is paid from the Wellston costs. If I should inherit Wellston in the future, then I will get an allowance like my mother and Shawn."
Shaymus made a point of making eye contact with Shawn when he mentioned inheriting Wellston. Shawn quickly looked away. He didn't want to discuss who would be inheriting Wellston just yet.
"Well thank you kindly for going over this stuff with me, Shaymus. I appreciate it. You've done a fine job of managing the estate. Lucas thank you for explaining what all of this stuff means. All these pages of numbers look like a bunch of nonsense to me."
"No problem," Lucas replied as he continued to look over some of the documents.
"What are you looking for?" Liam asked.
"Nothing specific. I was just checking it out," Lucas replied.
Shaymus began to collect the papers and shove them back into his briefcase. "Well, I should be going. Moyra wasn't feeling well and I would like to get back home to check on her."
"I understand."
The four men left the library and headed for the garden where the ladies were laughing and having a good time sipping their tea and eating a lemon cake.
"You're grandfather came home soaking wet covered in manure, which he proceeded to get all over the floor that Bethany had just mopped. Our father almost had a stroke," Constance laughed as she recounted a story from when she and Shawn were children.
Lucas saw Sami holding her sides she was laughing so hard. The other women were also cracking up.
"Constance, you're not telling them the story of when me and Conor were forced to work in the stables are you?"
"Yes she is," Sami laughed. "You never told me what a naughty little boy you used to be."
"Wait till you hear the story of when he hid fire crackers in the sitting room fireplace," Constance said.
"I think you've told enough stories for one day," Shawn said in mock sternness.
"Fire crackers in the fire place!"
"Yes. That night when my father lit the kindling the fireplace began exploding over and over. Mother was screaming in terror and father jumped back so fast that he knocked a table over shattering a vase and a lamp. Father took the switch to Shawn that night."
"You're not the only one with stories to tell," Shawn warned. "I can always share the story of your first date with Frank what's his name."
"Don't you dare," Constance said.
"I'm sorry to break up the fun," Shaymus said, "but I really should get home to Moyra."
"I guess we should be leaving then," Constance relented as she dabbed at the tears in her eyes.
"Do come back soon," Sami said. "I'm eager to hear more about Grandpa's childhood."
"We will," Bridget said. "And you can tell me about life in America."
"Sure."
"Before you all go, Connie, can I talk to you for a moment?" Shawn asked.
"Of course."
"In private."
Constance followed Shawn back to the library. Shaymus was looking through his briefcase.
"Darn, I left my glasses." He turned and left the others alone.
Sami and Lucas walked the others to the main door to wait for them. Shaymus came back a couple of minutes later.
"I found them. They were in my case the entire time, just down at the bottom." He looked at Sami. "So do you really like it here?"
"Yes, very much. I was just telling Aunt Constance that I'm tempted to look for a job and maybe move into a little cottage or something and stay here for good, if Lucas is willing of course."
"It's a real possibility," Lucas said. He didn't bother to tell her that she would soon have enough money to buy her own manor. He promised to keep it a secret after all.
"Yes, well one never knows what will happen," Shaymus said.
The words themselves were no big deal, yet Sami couldn't help but notice the tone of voice used. Shaymus sounded upset but she couldn't figure out what he could possibly be upset over.
Finally Shawn and Constance arrived at the front door. After a quick hug and farewells were said Sami, Lucas and Shawn were alone once more in the castle.
"Lucas, I don't suppose you know how to play chess?" Shawn asked.
"As a matter of fact I do."
"Excellent! How about a game or two?"
"Sounds great. Sami, want to watch?"
"You know, I think I'll pass. I'm gonna go and see Prancer, maybe go for a short ride."
"Well, maybe I should come with you," Lucas said.
"Nonsense. I'll be fine. I promise to stay close to the estate. You should know by now that I can handle a horse."
"Okay, just be careful," Lucas said before following Shawn to the library.
After swapping her shoes for boots Sami saddled Prancer.
"You're very good with horses," Mr. Heathcliff said as he came up behind her.
"Thank you. I lived on a ranch for four years. I rode every day."
"You should think about competing. There are several contests that take place each year."
"Oh, I don't think so. I competed several times as a kid, but I never even came close to winning. That's okay though. I just love to ride." Mr. Heathcliff gave her a boost. "What are some places near by? I know the Burren and the cliffs are that way. What's in the other directions?"
"The cliffs are to the west. If you go east you'll come to Mrs. Brady's manor and north and east of her manor is the farm lands that belong to the estate. If you go north you'll be in mostly the wood. There are several streams that run through there, along with several marshy areas. You got to be careful of those cause the horse will get stuck. I've seen the mud rise clear up to the top of their legs if it's right after a good rain. If you go north stay on the paths to the right and you'll come to the most beautiful little valley you ever saw with a lake at the bottom."
"Is all of that still on Wellston property?"
"Yes, well not the Burren. When you go west the property ends fairly quickly, but it goes east of here for about two miles and north for about five miles. If you go south, as soon as you exit the drive way you're off the property, and of course the town and pub are to the south. I heard Mr. Brady had a very good time last night?"
"Yes he did," Sami laughed. "Wow, talk spreads fast doesn't it?"
"Yes indeed. Only about three hundred people live around here and they do like their gossip."
"Are the Brady's one of their favorite topics?" Sami asked.
"Sometimes. Right now there is more talk than usual because Mr. Brady finally came back after bein' away for so long. Most people thought he'd never return. But not only did he come back, he brought his beautiful American granddaughter with him. The gossips have been working over time."
"I don't see why everyone is so excited about my coming. It's not like I'm next to inherit or anything. I'm just here for a visit."
"That's not what the town's folk are saying. They think Mr. Brady brought you here to groom you to take over when he's gone."
"You can tell the town's folk to stop jumping to conclusions."
"I'll do that, Miss Brady. Have a nice ride."
"Thanks." Sami guided Prancer into a smooth pace. She thought about how people love to talk and make up stories. She also realized that she would have to be careful of any thing she told her relatives. She believed Aunt Constance when she said that they didn't care about her past mistakes, but Sami wanted to keep her past private all the same. Part of what she loved about being here was that no one knew her misdeeds, thus no one judged her or condemned her. She would be very careful to protect her new found good reputation. She didn't want to be fodder for the town's gossip like back home. She was considered a nice person here and she wanted it to stay that way.
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The next day Sami found herself in the library. She ran her fingers over the old volumes and leather bound classic works. She was truly impressed with the selection of both fiction and non-fiction. Not surprisingly there were many books on the history of Ireland and on traditions and myths. There were also a lot of cook books. Two walls from floor to ceiling were nothing but shelves of books, and books, and more books. It would take her a lifetime to read everything in here.
Finally she came across the book she had been looking for all along. Lying on a table next to a decanter set was a brown leather journal that was at least three inches thick. She saw that the journal was very old. Its leather was cracked in several places and the golden clasp was tarnished. Sami picked it up, unfastened the clasp, and looked inside. The book was a little over half way filled with a delicate handwriting covering the yellowing pages. On closer inspection Sami realized that there were two handwriting styles in the book. The first hundred pages or so were in one hand, and then the next hundred pages were in another. She looked at the inside cover and saw two names. The first was Mary Beth Addison Brady and the next was Constance Ann Brady.
Sami remembered that Mary Beth was Constance's mother. She realized the book in her hands was almost a hundred years old.
She began to skim the pages looking for something her Grandpa had mentioned, something that had stuck in her mind from the moment she had heard it. She would definitely read the entire book but right now she wanted to find the story of Mikayla, the woman who was murdered on her honeymoon. Sami could identify with doomed relationships and weddings.
As she flipped through the pages she spotted names of relatives she knew and didn't know but now had a feeling of kinship with. Finally, she found pages that talked about Mikayla's birth, further on she was mentioned again when she finished her studies. Sami eagerly read the pages about Mikayla's wedding and how lovely she looked as she walked down the aisle wearing her mother's wedding dress. Sami smiled at the thought of that. It would have been romantic to where her mother's wedding dress when she married Lucas, but unfortunately the dress had been disposed of.
Finally she turned the page and there it was:
Monday, June 14
Today something most dreadful has happened. I can scarcely believe that just two days ago we were all together celebrating Mikayla's marriage to James Collins, and today we are all morning her death. This morning Mikayla was found in the east tower in Wellston. She had been slain in a most vicious and savage way. Her body had been found in a pool of her own blood.
James was the person who found her. He had a complete break down. The doctor had to be called to sedate the poor man. My brother Conor seems to be in shock. The constable and his officer managed to restrain him from going up into the tower, thank goodness, so he never had to see his beautiful daughter butchered, but still, the description painted a pretty clear picture. It is so sad. Conor is the last of his family. His wife is gone, Brenton is gone, and now his baby girl. I don't know if Conor will be able to find the strength to go on living after this.
Tuesday, June 15
They have just arrested James for murdering Mikayla. I don't believe it. I don't care what the constable says, James is a good young man and he loved Mikayla with all his heart. He never would have done something so vile as this. Conor is inconsolable. At the constables office he attacked James and nearly strangled the poor lad to death. Luckily Shaymus and the constable had been able to pull Conor off of James before the situation got out of control.
I am afraid for Conor right now. His grief is so great that he can't be held responsible for his own actions right now.
Wednesday, June 16
James' parents posted bail and now James is staying with them until the trial begins. They say there is a mountain of evidence against James but I still refuse to believe it. Something isn't right with this situation at all. James did not kill Mikayla.
Friday, June 18
James Collins is dead. His parents found a suicide note in his room this morning. He said he couldn't go on without Mikayla, or with the fact that people who were his friends could believe that he would have killed her. They found his coat and his wedding ring lying on the ground next to the cliffs. It seems some time during the night James jumped over the side into the cold and merciless ocean below.
A hand on her shoulder caused Sami to gasp and turn around.
"Sami, it's me."
"Lucas, you scared me half to death."
"Darling I'm sorry. Are you okay? What are you reading? You're white as a ghost."
"I…I was reading Aunt Constance's journal. The one she gave to me. I just finished reading about Mikayla's murder and James' suicide." She handed Lucas the journal and he read the pages for himself.
"How tragic," he finally said after a minute. "If Constance is right, then Mikayla's real killer was never caught."
"He could still be out there," Sami said.
Lucas put the journal down on the table, leaving the book open to where Sami was reading. He put his hands on Sami's shoulders. "You need to stop thinking like that right now. You'll just end up scaring yourself. Mikayla and James died almost twelve years ago. There haven't been any murders since then which means as awful as it sounds, James probably really did murder her."
"But Constance was so sure James didn't do it."
"Constance is a good person and probably can't imagine anyone she cares about doing something bad."
Sami sighed. "I guess you're right. It's just such a sad story."
"Yes it is, but I don't want you to dwell on it. We've both been so happy since coming here and I don't want anything to spoil this trip."
Sami smiled. "You're right."
"Of course I'm right. I'm always right."
"In your dreams, General."
"I don't have to dream anymore since all of my dreams have come true," he whispered. He snaked his arms around Sami and pulled her close.
"Lucas, I want to ask you something."
"Go ahead. You can always talk to me."
"I really like it here," she said.
"So I've noticed."
"My relatives really like me."
"Yes, they do."
"Ireland is absolutely beautiful."
Lucas grinned. He knew where this conversation was going. "Yes, it is."
"There's no one here trying to break us up."
"No, there isn't."
"Lucas, I really would like to stay here. If you're dead set on going back then we will, but…I…well…"
"We aren't going back to Salem."
Sami went silent, not sure if she had truly heard him correctly.
"What?" she asked.
"I said we aren't going back to Salem, unless it is for a very brief visit. I want to stay in Ireland with you. When Will's camp is over one of us will go back to fetch him. I'll probably go, that way I can cancel our leases and have our belongings pack and shipped over here. Then Will and I will join you a few days later."
Sami threw her arms around Lucas' neck. "Oh thank you, Lucas. I know it won't be easy. We'll both have to find jobs and somewhere to live, but I know it will be worth it. Will is going to love it here, don't you think?"
Both were startled when Grandpa spoke from the doorway. "Will will. most definitely love it here."
"Grandpa! You were spying," Sami teased.
"Sorry about that. I came looking for you two and kind of overheard your conversation. I'm delighted to hear you're goin' ta stay. As for that stuff about finding jobs and a place to live, that shouldn't be too hard."
"What are you talking about?" Sami asked.
"Go ahead Lucas, tell her."
Sami turned to Lucas. "Tell me what?"
"Your Grandfather did something wonderful for you. He opened a bank account in your name and deposited over 9,000,000 euros in it."
Sami had a look of total disbelief in her eyes. She even started to shake her head no.
"It's true, darling girl. You're rich," Shawn confirmed.
"But why?" she whispered.
"Because I have no use for the money and I want you to be happy. You've had a lousy life up until now. I want the rest of it to be wonderful."
Sami hesitantly walked over to Grandpa. She hugged him tightly and cried into his shoulder. "I promise I'll make you proud. I promise to be good, no more schemes, no more lies, ever. I won't let you down."
Shawn patted her back comfortingly. "I know child. I know. I'm already so proud of you as it is. There is only one thing that could make me prouder."
"What's that?" Sami asked. She would do anything for him to make him happy after the blessing he had giver her.
"To see you and Lucas married right here at Wellston!"
Lucas couldn't help but smile. Shawn Brady was every bit a conniving as Sami could be.
"I think we can make that happen for you," Lucas said.
"Absolutely," Sami agreed. "As soon as Will is done with camp and Lucas brings him here we'll have the wedding."
"And I want to give away the bride!" Shawn said, "Unless you want Roman to come and do it."
"No," she spoke up quickly. "I don't want anyone in Salem to know."
"Sami, are you sure?" Lucas asked.
"Yes. We will mail out announcements to everyone once the wedding is already over, but not before."
"What about your dream of a big wedding?"
"I think the wedding will still be big and beautiful, but I won't risk anyone sabotaging us. I can't go through that again. I'm not strong enough."
"You're right," Lucas said. "Mums the word."