The Summer Guest

by Emma Hannigan

  ‘That’s hardly surprising,’ Agata said. ‘All the drama with Amélie can’t have helped. And she’s not even Sam’s family. He’s very patient but I can imagine he’s getting pretty tired of the hassle.’

  ‘I’d say he’s really at a point where he thinks my entire family should be shipped off to a remote island for ever.’

  ‘Maybe you should let him know you get that. Give him a life raft.’

  ‘All the colours of the trees and the sea are so much brighter now,’ Lexie mused. ‘It’s as if I’m seeing the world afresh. I don’t know what I would’ve done if Amélie had died.’

  ‘It doesn’t bear thinking about,’ Agata agreed.

  ‘As I said, I have a feeling in my waters that she’ll be okay now.’

  ‘You always go by your gut,’ Agata said. ‘You did with me. You did with Kathleen. You’ve a strong sense of what’s right, Lexie.’

  Lexie had always known her own mind. It was only lately that she’d started questioning herself. She needed to get back to being the person she’d always been.

  She decided to leave the gallery shut that Sunday. She hadn’t the heart to go in and pretend she was fine. She phoned Billy and discovered Amélie was being discharged from hospital the following day: they wanted to keep her for another twenty-four hours for observation.

  ‘Fingers crossed she’ll be released tomorrow evening,’ she said.

  ‘Yeah, but she wants to go to your place. Is that cool?’

  ‘Of course. Whatever helps,’ Lexie said.

  ‘The thing is, Dee and I need to talk to her. Would you mind if we collect her and we’ll all pop over?’

  ‘Sure. I’ll be here.’

  As soon as she’d hung up, her phone rang again. ‘Hello?’

  ‘Hey.’

  ‘Sam!’

  ‘I’ve just got your message. How’s poor Amélie?’

  ‘She’s going to be fine, but she gave us a serious shock.’

  ‘I’ll say.’

  ‘Listen, Sam, I was thinking of calling my mother to say that I’ll go ahead with the party idea. We all need a positive focus at the moment. Something frivolous to take the heat off Amélie and stop my parents looking at me as if I’ve murdered the next generation before it’s even born.’

  ‘Good plan,’ he said, then paused. ‘Lex … I wish I was with you. I need to hold you. I miss you.’

  ‘I miss you too,’ she said sadly. As they were about to hang up, Lexie said something that surprised her as much as Sam. ‘I think I want to have your baby.’

  There was another pause. A brief one, but a pause all the same.

  ‘Did you have to tell me this when I’m hundreds of miles away from you?’ he said quietly.

  ‘Sorry,’ she said.

  ‘Don’t be. Listen, we need to talk some more and know that we’re doing this for all the right reasons. I love you, Lexie, and I know we’ll make the right decision for us. I’ll be back tomorrow evening. Let’s talk then.’

  Chapter 39

  Kathleen enjoyed every last moment of her time in Connemara. She visited the quaint fishing village of Roundstone where all that separated her from the sea was a higgledy-piggledy stone wall. The twinkling of the sunlight on the calm waters helped distinguish them from the flawless blanket of azure sky.

  She happened upon a café immaculately painted in shades of sea blue and cream. The wooden chairs and round tables spilled from inside onto the pavement. A young waitress took her order and confirmed that they sold stamps, so Kathleen turned the metal carousel bursting with postcards and scanned the different designs.

  Being left behind was never easy. She knew Jackson would approve of her writing to Rodger. All the same, it felt a little odd as she began to write to another man …

  Dear Rodger

  Hope you like the pictures of the wild west. I think you’d enjoy it here. From one dinosaur to another, I trust you will appreciate this card! I know it’s not the same coming from me, but it’s better than none at all. Hope to see you soon, all the best,

  Kathleen

  She paid for the card and a stamp, then posted it in a nearby box. She sincerely hoped the arrival of the card wouldn’t upset Rodger. She understood he longed to receive a card, but she was afraid it might bring a bitter-sweet sadness as it wasn’t from Claudia.

  All too soon it was time for Kathleen to return to Caracove Bay. Betty and Jenny had agreed to visit her in two weeks’ time.

  She didn’t feel ready to tell the ladies, but that weekend would be Jackson’s birthday too. Kathleen knew she’d be on tenterhooks waiting to see if her rainbow materialised.

  The train journey was oddly quick and she wondered why going home always seemed quicker than leaving. Just as she was about to wallow in the fact that she now lived alone, she remembered Agata and Britta were waiting for her. Sighing happily, she found a cab outside the train station.

  Kathleen knocked on her own front door, and Agata opened it with Britta in her arms.

  ‘Hello, girls!’ Kathleen said.

  ‘Hi!’ Britta shouted, as she jigged in her mother’s arms. ‘Hi! Hi!’

  ‘She’s talking!’ Kathleen exclaimed, dropping her bag and putting her arms out to the baby.

  ‘She’s suddenly become really chatty.’ Agata giggled. ‘She mostly babbles in an incomprehensible way, but every now and then she says something I can understand.’

  ‘And she has such a gravelly little voice. It’s just the sweetest thing.’

  Britta went to Kathleen and smiled broadly. ‘Ooh, look at your beautiful pearly whites!’ Kathleen said approvingly. ‘So, tell me about your weekend so far,’ she said.

  ‘It’s been unusual,’ said Agata.

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘There was a terrible shock concerning poor Amélie,’ she said, and filled Kathleen in on what had happened.

  ‘Oh, dear Lord, how dreadful,’ she said. ‘Thank goodness she’s okay now.’

  ‘I think she’s still in shock, poor thing.’

  ‘How have you and Britta been?’

  ‘All good. Now, tell me. How was your friend Betty? Did you two get along okay? I’ve made us some Swedish meatballs and Jansson’s frestelse. It’s a delicious potato gratin dish and I’ve a bottle of white wine chilling.’

  ‘You’re such a thoughtful girl to do that for me. I’m a little overcome.’

  ‘I didn’t mean to upset you,’ Agata said, looking guilty.

  ‘Don’t mind me!’ Kathleen said, flapping a hand in front of her face. ‘I’m being a silly old fool. I guess I’ve become accustomed to being alone. So having you gals to come back to and a home-cooked meal on top … well, it’s just divine. Thank you, dear.’

  They sat and enjoyed their meal as Britta busied herself with a little stacking game on the floor. Chirping and babbling, it was clear she was just as happy as the two women.

  By the time the baby was rubbing her eyes and looking for her bottle, Kathleen was ready for bed too. ‘I think I’ll hit the sack,’ she said. ‘By the way, my friends Betty and Jenny are coming in two weeks’ time. They’ll stay with their sons but I’d like to have them here for dinner.’

  ‘They sound lovely,’ said Agata, yawning.

  ‘They are. Maybe you’ll come and meet them.’

  ‘Let’s see how you go,’ Agata said. ‘You don’t want to be bombarded with people.’

  ‘I told them all about you and Britta,’ Kathleen said proudly. ‘It’s lovely to have my own little person to introduce into conversations.’

  ‘We’re lucky to have met one another,’ Agata confirmed.

  Chapter 40

  Next morning, as Lexie was getting sorted in the gallery, Kathleen arrived pushing Britta’s buggy. ‘Greetings, ladies!’ she said cheerfully.

  ‘Hi! Hi! Hi!’ Britta shrilled, to everyone’s delight.

  ‘Hello!’ they answered in unison. Kate rushed to coo over Britta and Lexie hugged Kathleen.

  ‘How was your trip to the west?’
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  ‘Wonderful,’ Kathleen said. ‘Betty and her friend Jenny, who owns the country-house hotel, were such fabulous company. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. You’ll get to meet them – they’re coming up in two weeks.’

  ‘That sounds like a resounding success,’ Lexie said. ‘I’m delighted for you.’

  ‘Agata told me about Amélie,’ Kathleen said quietly. ‘I’m so sorry. Have you heard anything this morning?’

  ‘Yeah,’ Lexie said, sighing. ‘I could’ve lived my whole life without experiencing that. It was terrifying. She’s coming out of the hospital this evening.’

  ‘Will she go back home?’ Kathleen asked.

  ‘Not yet,’ Lexie said, biting her lip. ‘She wants to come to Cashel Square for a couple more days.’

  ‘But you can’t really care for her at the moment. Surely she needs round-the-clock attention for a while.’

  ‘I was going to take a few days off,’ Lexie said. ‘I considered asking Agata to stand in here at the gallery. That’s where you come in. Would you be able to mind little Britta in the afternoons? I know Kate can definitely do the mornings. Amélie and I will be around too, so maybe the four of us could hang out.’

  ‘That sounds superb,’ Kathleen said. ‘I’m sure Agata would jump at the chance to have a bit of time in the gallery, and I’d love nothing more than being a proper grandma for a week.’

  ‘Thanks, Kathleen. I knew I could count on you,’ Lexie said.

  Lexie made all her calls to activate the plan. Then she texted Sam and asked if he minded Amélie staying for a bit longer.

  That’s fine but we need some alone time too. Our situation needs your attention also …

  Lexie texted back that she totally understood and thanked Sam for being so great.

  When she looked up, Kathleen and Britta were on the point of leaving. ‘I’m going into Dublin on the DART,’ Kathleen said. ‘I’m going to show Britta Trinity College so that she knows there are wonderful places she can aspire to attend in later years.’

  ‘No harm in raising her expectations at a young age, I suppose. Even if she can’t talk much yet.’ Lexie grinned.

  ‘I’m trying to fit in as much grandparenting as I can in a short space of time.’

  ‘Enjoy it, and I’ll see you later on.’

  Lexie explained the plans for the rest of the week to Kate, who was incredibly supportive. ‘I’m happy to do as much time as you need. I have so many travelling things to buy that any extra hours you can throw my way are much appreciated. If Agata needs me to hang on for a bit when we’re busy, that’s no problem.’

  ‘Thanks, Kate. You’re a star,’ Lexie said. Her phone rang again. Lexie groaned. She wasn’t going to get a minute to do any work today.

  ‘Hello, Lexie,’ Penelope said. ‘I’ve just spoken to poor Dee. She’s putting a brave face on it, but are you sure you should be whisking Amélie off to your house? She’s not your daughter, after all. In fact, you’ve made it crystal clear you don’t like children yet you’re taking over Dee and Billy’s.’

  ‘Mum,’ Lexie said, trying with all her might to remain calm, ‘I’m not doing anything I haven’t been asked to do. Billy gave me his blessing to fulfil Amélie’s wishes. She asked me. Not the other way around. I honestly don’t want a row but I need to draw a line in the sand right here and right now.’

  ‘Go on,’ Penelope said.

  ‘What I decide with regard to having a baby is none of your business. You are banned from bringing it up. I do not want it mentioned again. Is that clear?’

  ‘Well, I was only trying—’

  ‘I know what you were trying to do and I’m sick to death of it. Give it up, Mum. Second, I may not have ten children but that doesn’t mean I don’t love Amélie. I am well aware she is not my daughter. She is at breaking point. This is a crisis situation. We all need to pull together and do what’s best for her. This is not about you or me or any kind of ego trip. This is about doing anything in our power to help Amélie.’

  ‘I want to help her just as much as you do. I’m her grandmother, don’t forget.’

  ‘Mum,’ Lexie said, sounding utterly beaten, ‘grow up, please.’ She hung up and didn’t give a damn whether or not her mother liked it. She’d finished taking crap from her. The phone rang again immediately.

  ‘Hi, Dad.’

  ‘Don’t hang up, love,’ he said. ‘I heard your conversation with your mother and I’m on your side. We won’t interfere any more. Your mother agrees she’s overstepped the mark and right now I’m with you. We need to get Amélie better.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Lexie said. ‘Praise be to God, someone is finally listening to me.’ She filled him in on the plans for the rest of the week and said she needed to go. ‘Can you put Mum back on for a second?’ she asked.

  ‘Hello,’ came a meek and distant-sounding voice.

  ‘Mum,’ Lexie said, ignoring the dying-swan act, ‘is the offer of the party still open? I’d love to go ahead if it is. Sam and I can pay for it but I’d really appreciate your help with the organisation.’

  ‘Oh,’ Penelope said. ‘I wasn’t expecting that. Well, of course Dad and I would love to help you. As I said before, we could organise it in a heartbeat.’ Lexie closed her eyes and smiled as her mother took off and began to recite all the things she could do. ‘Leave it to me. All I need is your and Sam’s list and I’ll even have the invites organised. I had some in mind and I’ve spoken to lovely Mr Vard, at Dad’s remaining printing shop. He has the most gorgeous designs there.’

  ‘That sounds super, Mum,’ Lexie said. ‘There’s another thing I’d love to do. Could we have it in August? I know that’s before my actual birthday but I couldn’t imagine having a party without Kathleen.’

  ‘That’s a wonderful plan,’ Penelope said. ‘I’m so delighted you’ve come around to the idea, I quite frankly wouldn’t mind when you want to host it. I’ll get on to the club and make sure they have a free date in late August and we’ll be in business!’

  By the time she put the phone down, she was actually laughing into her sleeve. Her mother had clearly organised the party to the last detail and had pretty much set it all up before she’d said no. No wonder she’d been so put out when Lexie objected.

  Lexie was ready to do some work at last. Then, her phone buzzed and bleated, letting her know there was a text.

  Can you email your guest list by this evening? Just confirmed the yacht club for August and I need final numbers. Love Mum.

  Lexie had to smile. It was either that or she’d go utterly insane and blow a gasket. She’d sit with Amélie and Sam later on at home and draw up a list of friends to invite. It would be something fun for them all to do.

  She didn’t get far with her work before the landline rang.

  ‘Caracove Bay Gallery,’ she said cheerfully.

  ‘Hey, it’s Amélie. You sound cheerful. I was hoping you weren’t going to be furious with me for dumping you in it and asking if I could stay at Cashel Square.’

  ‘Don’t you worry about a thing,’ Lexie said. ‘It’s all sorted with your folks. You’re all coming over this evening for pizza and then you’ll stay but, meanwhile, I need your help.’

  ‘With what?’ Amélie asked.

  ‘I’m having a fortieth birthday party and I need to send a list to Grandma.’

  ‘Is she organising it?’ Amélie asked. ‘Be careful. It’ll be all string quartets on lawns with immaculate waiters serving perfect sandwiches and stuck-up fogeys raising their pinkies.’

  ‘Well, that’s where you come in. You should have a table of rowdy teenagers to liven us all up.’

  ‘Okay,’ Amélie said, ‘I’ll get a list sorted over the next few days. I’m not really in the mood for a party at the minute.’

  ‘I can imagine. Just mull it over in your head, yeah?’

  ‘Sure. Thanks, Lexie.’

  ‘Meanwhile I’m calling out my list. We can finish it later, but seeing as I’m on a roll, here goes …’

 
Lexie read out a whole host of people and Amélie said nothing until she came to one couple. ‘No!’ she said. ‘They’re far too boring. And they’d bring you a crap present, like a creepy ornament.’

  ‘Ooh, no nasty ornaments for me. I’m forty, not four hundred, right?’

  ‘I think you should do a gift list,’ Amélie said.

  ‘I was going to say your presence is the only present I require.’

  ‘What?’ Amélie said incredulously. ‘But that’s the whole reason you have a party, so you can get tonnes of cool stuff. If you don’t want the presents I’ll have them.’

  Lexie laughed. ‘You’re a scream, but I think I’ll do the no-gifts thing all the same.’

  ‘Your loss,’ Amélie said. ‘Jeez, forty really is old, isn’t it? You’re getting so bloody sensible.’

  ‘I am, I suppose. See you later. I’ve done absolutely no work so far today.’

  By closing time Lexie decided to write the day off and called the pizza delivery company. She’d only just let herself into her home when Billy’s car pulled up. ‘Let’s go into the living room and get comfortable,’ Lexie said brightly. She told them that the pizza was on the way and offered them all a drink.

  ‘Listen,’ Billy began. ‘We need to clear the air. I can’t even sit down until things are sorted.’ He looked at Amélie.

  ‘The day you were born was the best day of my life,’ Dee said.

  ‘Amélie.’ Billy took her hand and crouched at the side of the sofa. ‘You are the best thing that’s ever happened to us. We wouldn’t know what to do without you. We couldn’t cope.’

  ‘We certainly wish we were in a better financial situation, that’s for certain. I’ve been made redundant,’ Dee said. ‘And your father has suffered three wage cuts over the last eighteen months. Our biggest dread was having to take you out of your school. For a while we thought we were goosed and couldn’t pay your fees.’

  ‘But Grandma and Granddad have said they’ll pay for next year,’ Billy said.

  ‘And the reason Dad and I have been so unbelievably stressed,’ Dee looked at Billy, who took her hand, ‘is because I’m pregnant.’

  There was silence in the room as Amélie stared open-mouthed at her parents, then at Lexie. ‘Did you know about this?’