Hearts in Sorrow

Hearts in Sorrow by Deidre Dalton is the prequel to the Collective Obsessions Saga.

Long before emigrating to America to settle the town of Larkin, Maine, John Larkin falls for the hauntingly beautiful Maeve O'Quinn in his native Ireland. Although frail, she returns the love of the future Larkin patriarch in full measure as she envisions a rosy life with him, little knowing that fate has other plans for them.

From Chapter Five

June 1855

Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland

    MAEVE WAS BACK to normal the next morning, albeit with a slight cough. She and Anne planned to return to Bantry before noon, so John tried to make the best of his time with Maeve.

    They left the cottage and walked to the graves of Kevin and Rachel O'Larkin, holding hands. She wore another gingham dress - blue this time - and her hair was free and hanging to her waist. They stopped at the graves and crossed themselves.

     "Just think," John said. "This time in two weeks, we'll be man and wife."

     She seized his arm, hugging it to her body, eyes aglow with happiness. "These last several months have moved so slowly. I thought for sure I would go mad with the waiting, even though it's my fault because I wanted the wedding to take place in spring or summer. Now that our ceremony is around the corner . . . I have to pinch myself to make sure it's real."

     He pulled her closer, the fronts of their bodies making a brief but rousing contact. "We will make splendid babies, Cailín Álainn," he whispered in her ear.

     She kissed his cheek gently. "The minute I laid eyes on you, my life changed. It has been the biggest adventure so far. Bearing your children will only deepen my love for you, like icing on a cake."

     He smiled at her statement. "Our life together will be a big adventure, from beginning to end, and hopefully thereafter. It is truly magical now. I can only imagine the rest."

     John kissed Maeve softly, not wanting to let her go, even if it was just to Bantry to make final preparations for their wedding. He reached over and caressed her cheek, brushing strands of her glorious hair from her face.

     Suddenly, his expression changed from rapture to concern. He felt the light perspiration on her face, and her skin was overly warm. He stepped back slightly to observe her. "Are you sure you feel well enough to travel?" He asked her.

     She seemed mildly surprised. "I feel quite well, John. So much better than yesterday. Travelling to Bantry is no great feat."

     "Please rest as much as you can," he said firmly. "And don't tire yourself before our big day."

     "I won't, I promise."

     An hour later, Maeve and Anne were ready to leave. John stood by their wagon, embracing Maeve before he helped her up to the seat. He also assisted Anne, who was going to drive the wagon home. "Thanks for tending to our horse," she told him.

     "Not a bit of it. I feed and water my own horse, so it's just as easy to do two as one." He glanced at Maeve. "Take care, Cailín Álainn. I shall see you soon."

     Maeve smiled at him, showing her teeth. "Next time it will be for good," she replied as Anne urged the horse to begin moving.

     John watched them as they went down the lane. Just before they disappeared around a curve in the road, Maeve turned in her seat and waved at him.

     He returned the wave, his heart aching as she left his sight.

     "Next time it will be forever," he thought as he went back into the cottage. "Never to be parted again."