“Mornin’,” both Tessy and Marshall chimed. “Coffee for me, thanks.” Marshall held up his cup then glanced at Tessy.
“Aye, coffee would be lovely, thank ye.” Tessy agreed as Marshall reached for her cup. They both ordered a full traditional Irish breakfast: eggs, bangers, fried mushrooms, fried tomato, toast and, much to Marshall’s dismay, black pudding! When it arrived, Tessy giggled as she watched him pick at it and try a small sample. She thought she’d save him with a bit of light conversation.
“I’m hopin’ Mrs. Chamberlain is off the war path after finding out Sage has been performing Reiki on her friend Mrs. Wright?” Tessy smiled as Marshall tried to make the pile of black pudding look smaller.
“Well, I still can’t believe she picked our wedding day to cause a scene about it.” Marshall huffed as he popped a mushroom in his mouth.
“Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised,” he mumbled before swallowing. “I’ve known her less than a year and can’t stand to be anywhere near her. I don’t know how you do it? You’ve put up with her insults and name calling for twenty-five years or more!”
Tessy chuckled. “Aye. It’s just her way. She’s quite harmless. ‘Tis only her fear and ignorance of someone a little different from her. I just don’t get pulled into her drama, is all. But that will be the unexpected remembrance of our, otherwise, perfect day.”
“It was perfect, wasn’t it?” Marshall stopped eating and beamed at his new wife, eyes twinkling.
“Aye, t’was,” Tessy smiled. “I do hope Dotty and Bert are making out and finding everything they need. It was so grand of them to offer to stay in Ladyslipper and watch Ashling Manor and the animals for us when their home is with you in Winnipeg.”
“Yah, I don’t know what I would have done without them all these years. They have been looking after me since Evelyne became ill and stayed on after her passing. They are far more like family to me than hired live-in help.”
“Aye. Dear souls, the pair of them. Well, I hope they’re not missing Winnipeg too much.”
“I’m sure they’re just fine. They’ll enjoy the animals and all the kids coming and going so much they won’t have time to miss Winnipeg.” Marshall chuckled remembering how the large mutts took to Bert right away. It didn’t hurt that he always carried treats in his pocket, just for them. “You know after spending time with your two dogs, I wouldn’t doubt it if he and Dotty got a Heinz 57 of their own.”
They finished up their breakfast and enjoyed one more cup of coffee before heading upstairs to freshen up. Then they were off! They made their way to the National Botanic Gardens and spent a couple of hours wandering the beautifully manicured grounds and touring the cast-iron Palm House. Marshall couldn’t help but smile as he noticed Tessy watching for signs of the wee folk. Out on the grounds, she had her picture taken alongside a statue of Socrates, one of her ancient, honoured mentors.
“He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.” Tessy quoted him then smiled at Marshall. “I am a very rich woman.”
Marshall took her hand and kissed it. “And I am a rich man.” The pair walked more of the 49 acres and decided they would have to leave if they wanted to take in the rest of the sights they had planned.
“Don’t be too disappointed Tessy,” Marshall said as they walked back to the car. “We’ll make time to come back when we return to Dublin.”
Tessy nodded. “Aye, that ‘twould be grand.”
They headed back to the B&B, parked their car and jumped on a city bus headed for downtown. Next stop, lunch in the infamous Temple Bar quarter. They disembarked from the city bus and strolled across the Ha’Penny Bridge over the River Liffey and into Temple Bar. They sauntered down the narrow, cobbled streets, taking in all its charm and character until they came to the Temple Bar Pub.
“This is a popular place,” said Marshall as he looked above heads and around shoulders to see if they could find a seat.
“Aye,” said Tessy, but there’s got to be a spot for us somewhere!” They stood looking around and spotted a couple at a table for four, with two empty chairs. Tessy caught the woman’s eye and she motioned for them to come and join their table.
“Thank ye so much,” said Tessy after they’d introduced themselves. “We’re here from Canada on our honeymoon.”
“We’re from Switzerland,” said the man.
“Really?” Marshall leaned forward. “I’ve spent quite a bit of time there while visiting my son Brian, his wife, and my grandchildren.”
The two couples spent the rest of their lunch time chatting about Switzerland, travel, children and grandchildren. When it was time to go, the nice couple headed off wishing Tessy and Marshall a wonderful honeymoon and a joyous life. They left their address just in case Marshall and Tessy ever made it back to Switzerland.
“Well, that was awfully nice of them.” Marshalled smiled as he watched them exit.
“Aye, ‘twas,” Tessy agreed.
“We’ll have to make sure we keep their address in a safe spot. I do plan on taking you to see Switzerland someday, my lady.” Marshall picked up Tessy’s hand and kissed it.
“Oooh my! That would be grand. I’ve always fancied goin’ there one day.”
Before long Tessy and Marshall were finished and surrendering their chairs to the next anxious group. They crossed back over the Liffey and patiently waited to board the Hop-on Hop-off. They were hoping for a seat on the upper open-top deck to get the best view for taking pictures. Tessy brought along a little notebook so she could jot down any interesting tidbits their tour guide shared. She’d never done much sight-seeing when she and her late husband, Dermot, came over in those earlier years. They spent most of their time visiting with family. She was enjoying this trip to Ireland in a whole new light. Their tour guide proved to be quite a character and the next hour and fifteen minutes were spent laughing, snapping pictures and enjoying the afternoon. They decided to get off the bus and tour Trinity College, in particular, the Library.
“Did ye know this is one of the world’s greatest research libraries?” Tessy said as she dragged the awe-struck Marshall by the hand. His neck was cranked upwards to view the magnificent wooden arches with bookshelves spanning near the full height. They oohed and ahhed and took pictures where allowed. They made their way to the Treasury, waiting in line to relish the lavishly decorated, Book of Kells. “Would ye look at these!” Tessy whispered as they stood admiring the glass-encased artefact. “Aren’t they spectacular?” When they did finally exit, Tessy said she needed to make a stop just down the street and she was pretty sure the tour guide had mentioned the Molly Malone statue was close by.
“We can stop and have a grand close look at the statue and maybe take a picture or two with her. It shouldn’t be too far. I think it’s a short jaunt over this way.” They manoeuvred their way down the street and there she was, Molly Malone, standing sturdy and life like. “My, she was a striking figure, to be sure,” Tessy said as she stared up at the statue.
“Certainly a curvy figure, I’ll give her that,” Marshall grinned.
“Aye! Just like a man to see nothing but the size of her bust!”
“Hey… you must admit that does kinda’ stand out somewhat?”
“Aye,” Tessy chuckled. “I suppose I can see why that might be your first thought.”
“I know the tour guide mentioned she was the daughter of two fishmongers but what makes her famous enough to have a statue?” Marshall asked. He stood there, transfixed by the beautiful lass in the low-cut peasant dress accentuating her large bosoms. She held a wheeled cart piled with baskets, which in her day, would have been filled with fresh cockles and mussels.
“Well now….” Tessy started and then poked Marshall in the ribs. “She was the daughter of two fishmongers and when she was old enough to push her own cart she would sing throughout the cobbled streets “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh.” With her beauty and sweet disposition, she was a ray of sunshine to all tho
se she came upon. Tragically, she died in her young prime from a fever. She was so loved that on her gravestone is written… let’s see if I can remember,” Tessy closed her eyes and thought for moment. “Aye, I’ve got it. ‘Here beneath this cold, hard stone, lies lovely, lifeless Molly Malone. Cruelly snatched from this vale of tears at the tender age of seventeen years.’”
“So young,” said Marshall thinking of his own children and grandchildren.
Tessy continued, “A charming young man by the name of, Timothy Pendleton, I believe, was secretly in love with her and wrote “The Ballad of Molly Malone” or more commonly known today as “Cockles and Mussels.” Now, let me see if I can remember that one.”
Tessy took a deep breath and began to sing.
In Dublin’s fair city,
Where the Girls are so pretty,
I first set my eyes,
On sweet Molly Malone,
As she wheeled her wheel barrow,
Through the streets broad and narrow,
Crying cockles and mussels,
Alive alive o!
Before long, she was surrounded by a group of locals who enthusiastically joined in on the little ditty. When they finished, Marshall laughed and clapped his hands. He shook his head at his spontaneous bride. Oh, how he loved this woman! The cheerful crowd soon dispersed leaving Tessy and Marshall on their own, once more.
“Thank you. That was wonderful. Now, go stand beside that busty woman and show her what real beauty looks like.”
“Flattery will get ye everywhere, Dr. Tayse,” Tessy laughed.
“That’s what I’m counting on, my lady!” Marshall impishly replied.
They took a few pictures with some creative poses before heading to their destination.
“What are we looking for down here, dear?” Marshall asked.
“Oh, you’ll see in just a minute, love. It’s just a bit farther, I believe.”
Last Christmas when Marshall surprised Tessy with the trip to Ireland which included tickets to the Irish Derby, she had an idea. Since the Derby is a grand affair and the equivalent to the Canadian Triple Crown and the US Kentucky Derby, Tessy decided to have a hat designed and made for the Irish Derby. Grafton Street was where the hat shop was located. She needed to go in for a fitting and to see if there were any final details to be added. After months of many long-distance collaborations with the proprietor of High Society Hats, Monique, she was quite excited to see the finished creation. They found the little shop and entered to the sound of tinkling bells over the door. Tessy thought she felt something cold brush her shoulder. She turned, but all she saw were hats of all colours, size and description. They adorned the walls with plenty of mirrors in between. A very fetching woman came out from behind the heavy curtains hanging at the back of the store.
“Hello. May I help you?” she smiled.
“Good afternoon. Aye, I’m Tessy McGuigan and I’m looking to speak to Monique.”
“Tessy!” the woman exclaimed and rushed towards them. “I’m Monique!” she gushed as she grabbed Tessy’s hands in hers.
“Monique, how wonderful to finally meet ye, dear. This is my husband, Marshall Tayse.” They greeted and shook hands.
“Oh, Tessy, it’s so nice to finally meet face to face. I’m so excited to show you what we have come up with. Wait right here, I’ll go get it,” and she disappeared behind the drapes returning with the work of art perched on her hand.
Tessy quietly gasped, “My stars!” It was elegantly festooned with its overly wide brim, ribbon, tastefully arranged flowers and long feathers.
“Here, try it on,” Monique beamed.
Tessy gingerly took it and walked over to one of the mirrors. She artfully placed it so one side of the hat flopped down low over her shoulder while the other raised enough to frame her face.
Marshall smiled at his beautiful wife. “Darling, you look stunning!”
Tessy smiled back and blushed, “Oh, go on with ye,” and waved her hand at him.
The hat made Tessy completely forget about the odd sensation of being followed by something of ill will. Monique fussed over her, primped the ribbon and repositioned the ostrich plumes.
“It does look grand though, doesn’t it?” she smiled up at Marshall.
“Oh, Tessy, it looks even better on you than I anticipated,” Monique continued. “I don’t think there is a thing we need to change. What do you think?”
“Oh no, not a thing!” Tessy agreed. “I guess we’ll be taking it with us today, then,” she said, looking in the mirror one more time before she removed the masterpiece from her head. She handed it back to Monique to have it boxed up. It just barely fit into the largest hatbox she had in the store. Tessy paid for it, the two ladies hugged, and bade farewell. A very elated Tessy McGuigan walked out of the hat shop with her new prized possession. She had never been one for materialistic grandeur; however, she figured this was her one and only chance to attend the Irish Derby. It was a grand affair and she planned on doing it in style. This hat would certainly do the trick!
When they stepped out to the street Marshall smiled down at his glowing mate and held out his hand in the kind gesture of carrying the cumbersome, yet precious, package for her. Tessy reluctantly handed it to him then chuckled and placed her hand comfortably under his arm. Marshall looked around to see if he could spy a bus stop close by. “Oh, there’s one,” he pointed. Tessy eyed the box on his lap the whole way back to the B&B.
Back in their room, they found the perfect spot to safely store the hatbox. They changed and headed back to the little neighbourhood pub for supper. They ordered some wine and leisurely perused the menu. Marshall picked up his glass and held it up towards Tessy.
“To the most beautiful woman attending the Irish Derby.”
Tessy smiled at him, raised her glass and shook her head. “And to the most handsome rogue accompanying her.”
They laughed, clinked glasses and took a sip. After they had ordered, Tessy drifted off into deep thought. Marshall took one look at her and knew.
“What’s got you thinking so hard, my lady?”
“Oh, sorry! I was just thinking about the amulet left by my Mother and the mysterious note in Gaelic that came with it. I think I’ll ask JD if he knows of a reliable translator who could help me with the parts I’m havin’ trouble with.”
“That’s a good idea. I would imagine he’d know somebody.”
“Aye. But we’d have to be careful. We don’t know what the note says. What if it’s something very private or of great importance.”
“True, but we won’t know until it’s translated. Kinda’ damned if you do and damned if you don’t!”
Tessy chuckled, “Aye, very true, my love. I think I’ll give Keenan and Mary a ring in the morning and see what he’s got to say about all this.”
“Yes, I suppose your twin brother should be included since he’s got the other piece of the puzzle – the ring to match.”
Their meals arrived and the conversation turned to sightseeing and simpler topics.
Back at the B&B, Tessy recorded every joyous minute in her journal before heading to bed. She was tired and hoped for a good night’s rest. Much to her dismay the dark presence haunted her dreams. Every time she tried to see it, it would slip out of sight. Then, near the breaking of dawn, it appeared in front of her. A mocking, dark, misshapen mass emanating ill will. Tessy woke with a start, then fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
3
The Mystery of History
Marshall woke her with some gentle kisses which turned into some morning playfulness. Dreams forgotten, Tessy freshened up and went down to breakfast with her husband. Guests, at various stages of their morning meal, glanced towards the late newcomers. Tessy blushed and wondered if they were wise to the reason for their tardiness. Marshall’s face was bursting with his most charming smile. As he entered the room he announced a “Good morning,” to all and then ushered his bride to a vacant table. It didn’t help any when JD entered the
room and innocently greeted them with, “Well, top’o’the morning, sleepyheads.”
“Good morning,” they both chuckled
As it turned out, it was a good thing they arrived late as they were the only ones left when they finished breakfast. This gave Tessy a perfect opportunity to discreetly ask JD about a translator.
“JD, I was wondering if ye could help us with something?”
“Of course. What is it ye need?”
“Would ye happen to know anyone who could translate some Gaelic for us?”
“Aye. As a matter of fact, I know a wonderful chap who could probably help you out.”
“Now, mind, he must be very reliable and trustworthy,” Tessy added.
“Well, Tessy, this would definitely be your gent, then. He’s a retired university professor, historian and a dear friend.”
“Well, then, that’s good enough for me.”
“Good. I’ll give him a ring and see what we can arrange. When are you two available?”
“We will work on his schedule; however, we are only here another couple of days.”
“How about I go and call him right now, then?”
“If it’s not too much trouble that would be lovely. Thank ye JD.”
“Good. I’ll be right back.”
Marshall was just finishing his last sip of coffee when JD re-appeared.
“Well, looks like he’s available tomorrow around 1 p.m. Here’s his address and here’s his phone number in case ye can’t make it or get lost. You’ll find his fee very reasonable.”
“Thank ye so much JD. So kind of ye to help us out.”
“No problem. I hope ye find out what it is ye need to know. Have a grand day.” And with that, he picked up their dirty plates and disappeared into the back.
Tessy was almost beside herself with the anticipation of what tomorrow would reveal. She went back to the room to give Keenan a call. She dialled the number. It was picked up on the second ring.
“Good morning, Mary, dear, it’s Tessy. How are ye this morning?”
Wise Woman Homage Page 2