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use some attending.”
    Pierce followed her gaze to where Seamus was cavorting. “Oh . . . I’d say your brother is already well tended.”
    Clare gestured a farewell to him and breezed by the Finley boys before they could put in a request for her attention. She traversed the field past some children at play and on to Seamus, who had the rapt attention of three young ladies.
    Tall and fit, with wavy, dark hair and the Hanley blue eyes, her brother garnished the favor of many women in the village.
    With a step of authority and a lack of politeness, she interrupted her brother’s conversation midsentence. “Why, Seamus. How kind of you to be entertaining our young guests.”
    Seamus gave his sister a captivating smile. “Just being hospitable, ’tis all.”
    He turned back to the girls, who appeared to be in their late teens. “I believe you already have the acquaintance of my sister, Miss Clare Hanley.” Seamus always emphasized the Miss when he introduced Clare to give her a friendly poke.
    Clare nodded politely to them and then whispered, “Perhaps you could pick from a tree where the fruit is a bit riper, old man.”
    â€œI’m a patient suitor,” Seamus said loudly, ignoring her efforts to be discreet. He cupped his hands. “I’m willing to wait with me basket until they fall from the branch.”
    She put her arms on her hips. “Well, all I can say, Seamus Hanley, is that it’s a good thing you’re leaving town. It’s just a matter of time before all of the women conspire to give you the send-off you deserve. That’s without consideration of what the gentlemen think of you.”
    â€œThe men think highly of me, dear sister,” he said in mock indignation. “Certainly, many a lad will bawl when I leave to seek my riches. Why, what’s there to fancy in this dismal, rain-soaked country without good Seamus to bring cheer?”
    She failed to prove immune to his charm. “Well. You be certain to cheer with restraint. We leave at the top o’ morn.”
    He let out an exaggerated sigh. “There you are, sister. Robbing the day of pleasure. Let me share some wisdom freely. Enjoy your blessed Ireland today, because it’s one of the last times you’ll gaze on the fair lady.”
    â€œJust be ready, Seamus.” She glared at the pint of stout in his hand. “And a case of the head knockers won’t be slowing us down neither. We’ll leave without you.”
    Seamus gave her a toast with his mug, then turned his attention back to the girls.
    As Clare headed back to join the women with the cooking, she caught a glance of her mother. Clare had neglected to check on her for some time.
    Who will carry this torch when I am gone?
    There propped in a chair, with her finest dress and a purple bonnet, was her ma, who looked uncomfortable in what she was wearing. Clare fetched a glass of water on her way over.
    â€œHere you are, Ma. You must be dreadful thirsty.”
    Nonplussed, Ma looked at Clare. Her mother grabbed the glass with a trembling hand. “So many people out here today for Kevan’s funeral.” She paused to drink some of the water from the wooden cup, and a trickle spilled down her chin and onto her dress. “We’ll give him a right burial, we will.” Her expression pivoted to concern. “But why is everyone laughing?”
    Clare reached out with a linen handkerchief and dabbed the water droplets from her mother’s chin. “They are not here for a funeral. They are here to celebrate our journey to America.”
    â€œAmerica? Is Margaret back from America? Where is she? I want to see my Maggie.”
    â€œNo, Ma. Maggie’s not back. But Da is sending Seamus and me over there for a while. Just to help out until the land heals. I told you this all.”
    â€œYou’re leaving?” Ma brought the glass up to her lips with both hands.
    â€œYes, only