Wise Woman Homage

by Elaine Gugin Maddex

  “Aye. Thank ye. It was many years ago, as you know. Which is why we’re here today.”

  “How can I be of help to ye?”

  “I’ve been told ye were at the scene of the accident, all those years ago. I was wondering if there was anything unusual that stands out in your mind about it?”

  The inspector put his head down then glanced up at Tessy, his lips tightly pursed together. He took a moment, then answered, “As ye have said, Ms. McGuigan, it was many years ago. I’m not sure what I can tell ye.”

  “Excuse me for sayin’ so, Mr. Donnelly, but I can see that ye might know a little more than ye’re lettin’ on.”

  “Ms. McGuigan, ye have to understand that I was just a rookie pup at the time. That was my first fatal accident scene and my opinion was of no substance back then.”

  “Aye. But ye’re a well-respected officer of the law today and I’d be bettin’ that ye’d not take no for an answer now.”

  Both Marshall and the inspector smiled.

  Marshall grinned with pride, “Mr. Donnelly, Tessy is like a dog with a bone. She won’t let it go until you tell her what you know.”

  “All right. But this is strictly off the record. Not that it was ever on any record! I believe the car’s brake line was cut. When I was at the scene I noticed a long trail of brake fluid down the road. When I mentioned it to the Head Inspector, he dismissed it. He said that due to the extensive damage to the vehicle, we would never be able to prove it came from that particular car. The incident was reported as accidental and that was it. Case closed. I’m so sorry. I was never comfortable with the outcome. There is one thing we do know for sure. Your father pushed your mother out of the vehicle before it went over the cliff to try and save her. That is why we found her on the top. Your father went over with the vehicle. Your mother was conscious long enough to tell us that bit of information.”

  Tessy was stunned. She had no idea. Tears sprang to her eyes, “God bless him,” she whispered. “Well, thank ye kindly, Mr. Donnelly. We won’t take up any more of your time.”

  “Ms. McGuigan, if ye know anything I would like to hear what ye have to say. There is no statute of limitations on murder.”

  Tessy didn’t know what to say. All she had was a strange note written in Gaelic from her mother, hearsay and prophetic dreams to go on. She slowly pulled the note and translation out of her purse and handed it to the inspector.

  He gingerly took it. “What am I looking at?”

  Tessy explained about the little packages with the note she and Keenan had just recently come into possession of.

  “Well, this certainly would have been helpful forty years ago! May I take a copy of this, Ms. McGuigan?”

  “Aye.”

  He left, then, returned from the outer office. “Do ye have any idea who your mother was talkin’ about in this note?”

  Tessy didn’t know how much to divulge. Again, all she had was hearsay. But if she wanted this mystery resolved she thought she had better come clean. She shared the information that Marie enlightened her with regards to Agnes Haggerty.

  “Do ye have any idea where she is now or even if she’s still alive?”

  “As far as we know, she could very possibly be in a care facility in Dublin. My brother and I made some phone calls but, so far, haven’t had much luck.”

  “Well, thank ye for bringing this to our attention. I will be looking into this further. Here is my card. If you think of anything else or come across any more information please give me a call. Leave me your mobile number, I will keep ye abreast as to what I find out.”

  Tessy and Marshall got up to leave. The inspector shook their hands and walked them out.

  Tessy felt lighter. She felt bad implicating someone she had never even met; however, she knew Inspector Donnelly was a fair, thorough man and the investigation would be handled properly.

  When they descended the steps of the Garda Station, Marshall beamed down at his wife. “I think that went very well, my lady. I am proud of you. Are you feeling better?”

  “Aye. I’ve just experienced a joyous breath of fresh air! Now, I only hope he can find out a bit more and we can all put this to rest.”

  “Come on, dear. Let’s get to Kinsale, find a nice place to stay and celebrate!” Marshall grabbed Tessy’s hand and they headed for their car.

  15

  Falling into Place

  It wasn’t long before Tessy and Marshall were settled in to a lovely guesthouse in the heart of Kinsale. There was a lively pub on the main level so after they checked in they went down for a welcome pint.

  Tessy was relieved they were discussing sightseeing and not her parents’ death. She felt it had consumed enough of their honeymoon and until they heard from the Inspector she wanted to put it to rest. She would, of course, enlighten Keenan regarding their conversation.

  They enjoyed a couple of pints and a fine meal before taking an evening stroll down Main Street. Kinsale is one of the prettiest small towns in Ireland with a most compelling history. They had done a little research and were discussing their tour plans.

  “Well, the star-shaped Charles Fort is high on my list of things to see tomorrow.” Marshall informed.

  Tessy was anxious to view the Old Market House Museum. “It’s the old courthouse and includes a toll board listing local taxes for the late 1700s. I’m hoping to discover the names of some of my relatives and envision what their lives would have been like here at that time. Maybe I can find a scandalous little tidbit of information regarding one of my ancestors,” she chuckled.

  They wandered for quite some time before returning to their guesthouse to retire for the night. Tessy wrote of their day including the meeting with the Inspector. When she was done, she placed the journal on the small writing desk and crawled into bed. She snuggled close to Marshall. He set his book down on the floor, removed his glasses and kissed his wife. No words were spoken.

  Tessy awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. There was not one dream that she could remember from last night. Maybe handing over the mystery to Inspector Donnelly is just what I needed to do, she thought.

  They spent the day sightseeing and doing exactly what they wanted to do before heading back to Keenan and Mary’s. They were back in good time. This was their last night with them before carrying on with their holiday. Tessy told Keenan all about the conversation with Inspector Donnelly.

  Keenan was surprised, “So he’s seriously goin’ to check into this Agnes Haggerty, then?”

  “Aye. That’s what he said.”

  “Well, what do ye know! I’ll be anxious to hear what comes of it.”

  “Aye, me too.”

  The subject was dropped and when Tessy and Marshall mentioned they were planning on touring Blarney Castle tomorrow Keenan and Mary decided it would be fun to join them for a few hours. They would take their car and travel that far with them in the morning. Tessy and Marshall were thrilled. Tessy quipped, “However, Keenan, you have no need to kiss the Blarney Stone. You have already mastered the gift of gab!” Everyone laughed and heartily agreed.

  They visited for a while longer before Tessy excused herself so she could get a few things packed up. She was in their bedroom sorting clothes into the suitcase when there was a tap at the door and Keenan peeked his head in.

  “Aye, Keenan. Come in, dear.”

  Keenan just stood by the door with such a sad expression on his face Tessy had to chuckle. Keenan was never very good at saying goodbyes and was having a hard time. Tessy stepped over and gave him a sisterly hug.

  “So, when am I going to see ye again?” he sombrely asked.

  “Well now, I don’t know of any more weddings or funerals comin’ up in the near future, so it might be a while.” Tessy teased.

  “Hey now!”

  “Sorry Keenan,” Tessy laughed. “We’ll be seein’ one another soon enough. And besides, I still think we should meet in Dublin before Marshall and I leave to see if we can find Agnes.”

  “What
about Inspector Donnelly? Isn’t that what he’s supposed to be doin’?”

  “Aye. But I’m sure even if he finds her I can’t see them takin’ her anywhere when she’s as old as she is and in a psychiatric facility already. But I need to see her for myself and I would think you would want to, as well!”

  “Not quite as badly as ye, I’m afraid!”

  Tessy laughed and let it drop. Keenan remained and they reminisced while Tessy packed. Marshall met Keenan on the stairway as he was going up and Keenan was on his way down. They bade good night to one another. When Marshall entered the bedroom Tessy was gazing out the window. She was having bittersweet feelings of leaving her beloved homestead. Marshall sensed her sadness and walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She laid her head back on to his chest and brought her hands up to softly rest on his forearms. She had come to love this man wholeheartedly and was so grateful for every second with him. His love and strength through all this was unwavering.

  “We will be back some day, you know?”

  Tessy smiled, “Aye. I know.” She turned around and kissed him.

  It was almost morning when Tessy found herself in the most fragrant field of mixed herbs. There was rosemary, roses, sage, saffron, lavender, violets, poppies and more. As far as the eye could see… herbs! She walked for quite some time breathing in all the intoxicating scents, feeling euphoric in the calming energy. She lay on a bed of Irish moss under a great willow tree closing her eyes. When she opened them, her mother was standing over her smiling.

  She softly spoke, “My darling, I am so proud of you and how you have mastered the Craft and appreciation of Mother Earth and her herbs. They are the link to answering so many of the world’s problems. Continue on your path of using them and teaching those that will employ them for the good of all. Be perceptive of the Clan named after the herbs, for they will be the ones to carry on when you cross over.” Tessy awoke. She immediately knew what her Mother was telling her. She now knew the connection she had with Sage and her family was far more significant than just discovering some nice distant relatives. She wildly wrote in her journal. She was elated… everything was falling into place!

  Tessy decided not to share her apparition with anyone in the morning. She needed to absorb it herself for a few days. This was huge! It is one of those times when destiny played out, right before your eyes, and fell into place effortlessly. She recited in her head; Find the Clan named after the herbs, for they are the protected ones with the powerful words. How magical it truly is that Sage’s journey to Ladyslipper and into Tessy’s life all stems back to an ancient Gaelic poem written by someone centuries ago who knew nothing of what was playing out in this millennium.

  She heard the rooster and quietly snuck out of bed. She wanted to spend some time and say goodbye to the horses. She grabbed a barn jacket on her way out the door, greeted Jake and they were on their way. The wee note from her Mother was beginning to make sense. It was all coming together. She drew in long, deep breaths of the cool misty moors. Tessy leaned down and gave Jake a few extra rubs. Her level of energy increased his and she laughed at just how happy a dog can truly be. When they reached the barn, she calmed herself so as not to spook the horses. She walked in and began to stroke their velvety noses and softly whisper her magick into their ear. She stayed a while then noticed a large pail of oats by the door. She fed every one of them a small handful before she left. On her way back to the house she found a long, crooked branch she used as a shillelagh. As she sauntered along the trail she realized how much she missed this life. Missed her Ireland. She soon shook the thoughts from her mind. She lived in Canada. That was her home and where she belonged. She had Ashling Manor and a new husband to complete the picture. What more could she ask for! Everything had fallen into place as it was meant to be.

  16

  The Gift of Gab and the Perfect Pun

  Mary prepared a hearty breakfast for Tessy and Marshall’s last morning. Marshall packed the car while Tessy and Mary cleaned up the kitchen and put together a picnic lunch for their day at Blarney Castle. Keenan was down at the stables checking on things before he left for the day.

  Tessy was quite excited. In all the years of her return visits she had never kissed the Blarney Stone and today she was going to remedy that! This trip to her homeland was proving to remedy many missed opportunities. She was enjoying seeing Ireland through the eyes of a tourist and she supposed that was making her longing for it so much more evident on this visit.

  Keenan made his way back up to the house and before long everyone was ready to go. Tessy’s nieces and nephews had stopped in to say goodbye and wish them well. After a few shed tears, Tessy and Marshall were following Keenan and Mary down the driveway and out along the lane.

  It wasn’t far from the farm to Blarney Castle so soon they were pulling into the parking lot. As they walked the path leading closer to the magnificent structure, Tessy and Marshall were like a couple of giddy kids.

  “Let’s go straight in to the Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone before the line-up of people gets too long. But you go first,” Tessy insisted.

  They slowly ascended the narrow, swirling stone steps and stood waiting their turn. Finally, they were up! Tessy watched as Marshall lay on his back, grabbed the rails and, with the assistance of the guide, pulled himself to the Stone and kissed it. Tessy laughed and clapped her hands. “Well, this is it! My turn!” she spouted. She did as she was instructed and drew close to the spot. As she did, she sensed the history of all the hundreds of years this ancient Stone has witnessed. She closed her eyes and kissed the stone. When she rose to her feet she felt she was now a part of history.

  They spent the rest of the day wandering the incredible grounds; the gardens, the Cave, the Rock Close, the Blarney House, and of course, Keenan wanted to check out the stables. They stopped mid-day for their picnic and before they knew it, it was late afternoon. Tessy and Marshall had pre-booked a room in Killarney for the night, which was over an hour’s drive away. They slowly walked out to the parking lot and stood by their vehicles. Tessy and Mary had tears in their eyes and Keenan was not far from it. This was their goodbye. There were hugs and hearty handshakes.

  “Well, we’ll be seein’ one another as soon as we’re able. Especially, if ye decide to make that trip to Dublin to see if we can locate Agnes before we leave.”

  “Well now, I’m still thinkin’ on that,” objected Keenen. “We’ll see what yer inspector can come up with first.”

  “All right, then, I won’t be pushin’ ye any further. Thank ye both for everything over the past week. It was so grand to be home with ye. I’ll miss ye terribly.”

  They shed a few more tears, vowed to stay in touch and got in their cars. Tessy was quiet for the first part of their journey. Then she smiled up at her husband, took his hand and sighed, “It feels good to be back on our honeymoon.”

  Marshall returned the smile and brought her hand to his lips. “I’ll say!” he heartily agreed.

  They chatted on about their plans for the next few days. Visiting the Muckross House, touring the Ring of Kerry and, of course, their upcoming three nights stay at the Ballyseede Castle by Tralee.

  They arrived at their guesthouse, checked in and set off to find a local pub to enjoy a bite and a pint. They were only a five-minute walk from the heart of Killarney so it didn’t take long and they were comfortably seated with a Guinness placed before them.

  “Let’s plan an easy day for tomorrow. Tour the Muckross House and just wander Killarney the remaining part of the day,” Tessy suggested.

  Marshall affectionately smiled at his wife. “It’s nice to have you all to myself again. Not that I didn’t enjoy our time with your family,” trying his best to backtrack.

  Tessy laughed. “Aye, time alone ‘tis nice, I’ll agree. ‘Twas grand to be back for a visit but I’m really looking forward to the rest of our holiday and, believe it or not, getting home to Ladyslipper.”

  “Whoa! Didn’t see tha
t coming!” Marshall retorted, bright eyed.

  “Well, I don’t mind admitting, I’ve always been a bit of a homebody. I miss my animals, my gardens and Ashling Manor, especially at this time of the year.”

  “I know it’s difficult for you to be away. Even when you visit me in Winnipeg you seem to struggle a bit.”

  “Aye,” she quietly replied then put her head down in thought.

  Marshall studied her for a moment. “What is it, darling?”

  Tessy smiled up at him, “Ye always know, don’t ye?”

  “Well, you are the love of the rest of my life. I better be able to tell when something is on your mind,” he chuckled.

  “All right, then. When I was talking to Dotty the other night it was plain to see they are worried about their future living arrangements.”

  “When did you talk to Dotty?” he asked.

  “The night before our handfasting. I couldn’t sleep.”

  Marshall nodded. “Yes, I imagine they would wonder about where we would be living. I’m not sure where to go from here about that. Truthfully, I am becoming fonder of the idea of settling in Ladyslipper,” he grinned at his wife.

  “Oh Marshall! That’s grand news! Ye have no idea how happy that makes me!”

  “Well, I’m not making this decision just for you. I really enjoy seeing the kids every day and having Penny close has been wonderful. So, you see, it’s kind of for selfish reasons, as well.”

  “Oh, this is even better news now that I know ye are thinking of living in Ladyslipper. I have been putting a lot of thought into this the past few days and I think I have come up with the perfect solution. Now, go with me here, until I get finished.” Tessy squirmed with excitement.

  Before Tessy could utter another word, their meals arrived. The waitress spent some time at their table figuring out whose meal was whose and checking to see if any condiments were required, fresh drinks, etc. before she wished them a good meal and left.