“If I was a little younger this place would be dangerous,” Marshall yelled above the commotion.
Tessy laughed, “Aye, I’m sure it ‘twould!”
They partied for as long as their age would allow and hailed a cab.
After their day of walking and plenty of fresh sea air, Tessy and Marshall were exhausted and certainly ready for bed. They slept soundly and when Tessy woke the next morning she could not remember one dream.
They were up early and finished breakfast in good time. They found out that the Kylemore Abbey was about an hour and a half journey. They packed what they needed for the day and were soon off. They arrived at the Abbey earlier than expected.
The grand structure was set behind a lake of gleaming waters and nestled into a lush hill of vegetation, Tessy gasped, “My, such a magical setting for a beautiful castle!”
“Yep, doesn’t seem to be a shortage of those over here,” Marshall agreed.
They got out of the car and immediately signed up for the tour. They waited while the group got organized then a young lady announced her name as Sarah and that she would be their guide. Marshall and Tessy smiled at one another being reminded of their granddaughter back home with the same name.
They took the tour enjoying the fascinating history of this remarkable property, which began as Kylemore Castle in 1867.
Sarah explained, “In 1920, a community of Benedictine Nuns made their home here and turned it into a boarding school for girls from 1923 to the school’s closing in 2010. The nuns have since developed new educational and retreat activities not to mention their amazing chocolate, soap, candles and baking. All of which are available to purchase in our gift shop.”
When the tour of the Abbey was completed Sarah suggested for them to wander up the trails to take some pictures of the lovely neo-Gothic Church.
Before roaming the rest of the property, they enjoyed a tea and a sample of the nuns’ delicious baking at the Tea House overlooking gardens. The magnificent six-acre Victorian Walled Garden was remarkable! They meandered the magical gardens for over an hour. Tessy wandered in a spiritual daze, catching the occasional glimpse of purple hues here and there. Marshall sat on a bench and watched his lovely wife become lost in the beauty that surrounded her. When Tessy came back to earth, she noticed Marshall was not beside her. She looked around for him. She laughed when she finally spotted him. “All right, love. I think we are ‘bout ready to be on our way, then.”
Marshall stood up, “It’s okay, honey. If you’d like to stay a bit longer, I don’t mind.”
“Nye. Ye know if I had my way, I’d be pitchin’ a tent and stayin’!”
Marshall laughed, “Yes, I believe you would.” He put his arm around his Irish lass and they left.
This was their last night in Galway so they went back to the B&B to pack a few things before heading out for supper and a pint. They found a little neighbourhood pub and while they enjoyed their Guinness they chatted about their holiday changes.
“It’s hard to believe this time tomorrow we’ll be back in Dublin,” Marshall sighed.
“I know. I’m sorry, love.”
“What are you apologizing for?”
“Well, I know ye were still looking forward to taking in a greyhound race yet and seeing the Bushmill Distillery. But because of me wantin’ to see Agnes we can’t do that.”
“It’s okay, honey. Really. We will start off in Belfast our next trip over and head out from there.”
“Oh, love! Ye are such a patient, understandin’ man. How did I get so blessed?”
Marshall picked up his stout and winked, “Just lucky, I guess!”
Tessy laughed and threw her scrunched up napkin at him. “Well, it’s a good thing JD has room for us for those couple of extra days in Dublin. I’m so relieved Keenan is coming too. I was hopin’ he’d change his mind.”
Back at the B&B they packed up a few more things and went to bed early. It was close to dawn when Tessy found herself standing in the hospital corridor. Down the hall her mother lay in one room while in the other direction Agnes lay strapped to her bed. Tessy didn’t know which way to turn. She already knew the outcome if she went in to see her beloved mother. She needed answers from Agnes so she headed that way and stood outside the door. She pushed it open. There was nothing but darkness. Tessy woke with a start. She quietly slipped out of bed, wrote of her dream and returned under the covers. She lay awake and wondered about her upcoming visit with Agnes. Was this really the right thing to do? Maybe Keenan was right in thinking we should just let sleeping dogs lay. No! All these messages from Mam are telling us we need to know. This needs to end! It’s going to happen. That’s all there is to it! After her little conversation with herself she contently snuggled close to Marshall and went back to sleep.
They both woke hungry and devoured their full Irish breakfast. Tessy decided it must have had something to do with all the exercise they had over the last couple of days. They said their good-byes to Galway and headed east to Dublin.
“Ye know luv,” Tessy said as they made their way through the Midlands. “Most tourists don’t get to see this part of the country. You’re getting a treat today.”
“You are my treat,” he said and reached over to kiss her hand.
As they journeyed along they passed numerous abbeys, Gothic castles and Celtic crosses dotted throughout the landscape. This unexpected detour turned out to be a delightful surprise. They stopped in Kilbeggan to stretch their legs and have a bite. Soon they would be back in Dublin.
22
The Cry of the Banshee
After travelling many miles, seeing dozens and dozens of sights and sleeping in many an unfamiliar bed, Marshall and Tessy felt a sense of comfort when they pulled in to the cobblestoned driveway of the familiar Dublin B&B. JD was outside trimming rose bushes when they arrived.
“Welcome, welcome! So grand to have ye back with us. How was your holiday?” he greeted as they got out of the car.
“Hello, JD! Great thanks. We had a wonderful time,” Marshall returned as he heartily shook JD’s hand.
“Aye. ‘Twas grand!” Tessy added.
“Glad to hear it. Well, let’s get ye in and settled. Sure happy we can accommodate ye in these few extra days.” JD called back over his shoulder as he entered the house.
“Yes. Thank you so much. And thanks for fitting Tessy’s brother in as well. I hope we didn’t put anyone out?” Marshall replied as he followed him with bags in hand.
“Not at all. It’s all fine. Come, come. So, your brother will be arriving sometime today as well, then?” JD asked glancing up from his paperwork towards Tessy.
“Aye. I would expect him showin’ up any time now.” Tessy smiled.
Tessy and Marshall were in their room unpacking and relaxing when there was a loud banging at the door. Marshall opened it to find Keenan with his luggage.
“Grand to see ye, lad.” Keenan broadly grinned as he took Marshall’s hand. Keenan then poked his head around Marshall and added, “Tessy, dear!”
Tessy came to the door and gave her brother a hug. “Keenan, I’m so glad ye decided to come. Thank ye.”
“Aye. I couldn’t let ye do this alone. Well, truth be told, curiosity got the best of me! Now, just let me drop these bags off in me room and let’s go find a pint or two.
Tessy and Marshall chuckled as they watched him manoeuver his way down the narrow hallway with his oversized suitcase. Obviously, he had done his own packing, Tessy mused.
Tessy and Marshall introduced Keenan to their familiar neighbourhood pub and soon each were enjoying a pint. Tessy explained in a little more detail what Inspector Donnelly had told her about Agnes.
“So, if she’s really that feeble and mentally unstable what’s the point of us going to see her?” Keenan shrugged as he picked up his mug.
Tessy scowled at her brother, “Keenan we’re going to see this through, like it or no!”
“Well, she won’t know us from Adam!”
&
nbsp; “Likely not, but it’s something that needs to be done. Hopefully, it will bring some kind of long awaited closure that we need and so badly deserve after all these years.”
Keenan lowered his head, stared into his pint, and remained silent. He knew she was right. They each ordered another pint and some pub fare, and for the remainder of the evening the conversation turned to more pleasant and comfortable topics.
They decided to make it an early night. Tessy had called the hospital upon their arrival and the nurses said the best time to visit Agnes was first thing in the morning. They strolled back to the B&B and said their good nights.
The next morning, they met downstairs for breakfast then set straight off. The day was damp and gloomy which seemed quite fitting for the task at hand. They arrived at the hospital and were directed to the proper ward.
“I think it best that I stay in the waiting room,” said Marshall as he kissed her cheek.
“Ye can come in with us, ye’re family now,” said Tessy. She looked over to Keenan. “But, perhaps it’s best you wait here. ‘Tis something Keenan and I need to finish together.” She kissed her husband, took a deep breath. She and Keenan nodded to each other as the pair headed down the hall.
They both hesitated when they reached Room 2330. The door was open a crack. They looked at each other and then Keenan pushed the door open. It took some time for their eyes to adjust. The only light was from an opened window shade, which unmasked the dreary morning. Agnes was slumped in a wheel chair by the window. Slowly they inched their way nearer. Tessy quietly spoke, “Agnes?”
“Who’s there?” she barked. Then she hissed, “Go away!”
“Agnes, it’s Tessy and Keenan O’Conner.”
Agnes straightened in her chair. “Come into the light so I can get a good look at ye.”
Tessy and Keenan did as they were told and moved towards her. An eerie smile came across the woman’s face as they came into view. It was the same expression Tessy had envisioned in her dreams and the hairs on her neck immediately sprang up. Chills ran down her spine. She surrounded herself and Keenan with a protective white light and scolded herself for not remembering to do it before hand. Feeling empowered once more, she confidently stared into Agnes’ eyes. Agnes glanced away.
“What do ye want?” Agnes demanded.
“We’ve come to ask you about our parents’ accident.”
“Why would ye think I had anything to do with that?”
Tessy smirked at the odd way Agnes answered the question while Keenan blurted, “Ye know damn well!” Tessy smartly elbowed her brother.
The old woman let out a laugh at Keenan’s remark. Then she coughed violently into a hankie. After she composed herself, Tessy retrieved a glass of water on the stand and helped her take a sip.
Agnes looked up at Tessy. “Ye’ve your father’s eyes,” she smiled. Then she looked at Keenan. “Ye both do. Aye, how I loved your Da. Garret was supposed to be mine, ye know? And, he would have been if it hadn’t been for your Mam.”
Keenan was about to interrupt when Tessy nudged him to keep quiet. She pulled a chair close to Agnes and motioned for Keenan to sit on the bed. “Go on Agnes.”
“Garret and I would have been so happy together and ye twins would have been mine if it weren’t for that precious little Teagan!” her top lip curled into a snarl. All was silent for a moment. “I know all about cars, ye know?” she rambled on, rather proud of herself. “When ye grow up with five brothers ye learn a thing or two about cars. I was better than the lot-of-em!” She started to laugh which turned to coughing. “I want to lie down,” she commanded, holding up her arms suggesting assistance. Keenan and Tessy helped her up and eased her into the raised bed. Keenan pulled up another chair and he and Tessy sat down. Anges settled back and resumed her story.
“We were at cousin… hmmmm… cousin… Oh, I can’t remember whose wedding it was.” Tessy could see the frustration on Agnes’s face.
Tessy did not want her to have another coughing episode so she jumped in, “It’s okay Agnes. It doesn’t really matter whose wedding. Please go on.”
“We were all at the wedding. Your Mam and Da were there with ye wee babes. Ye all were so happy and perfect!” she almost spit out the last word. “And your Mam was flaunting that amulet around her neck like she was the bloody queen! There’s a ring to match, ye know? They were supposed to be mine.” Tessy and Keenan looked at one another. “And, if your Da had lived, he, you twins, the amulet and the ring would all have been mine,” she repeated then went quiet.
Tessy broke the silence, “Are ye able to tell us what happened, Agnes?”
“Aye, I am. ‘Tis time ye children knew the truth. I’m ready to face the good Lord with a repented heart. Then she repeated, “I know all about cars, ye know?”
Tessy gently smiled and patted her hand. “Aye, Agnes, I’m sure ye do. Is there something ye need to tell us about the car?” Tessy knew she should be angry towards this woman who was probably the reason she and Keenan lost their parents. Somehow only pity filled her heart. How sad that Agnes saw this as the only option for happiness when in reality, this poor woman had condemned herself to a lifetime of torture.
“Tell us what happened, Agnes,” Tessy encouraged.
“After that night, I cursed your Mam and spent the next fifteen years plotting my revenge.” She paused to think, “There was another weddin’… cousin Paddy’s… I remember that one, I do. Ye kids weren’t there. Ye were both old enough to decide to stay with chums that night instead. It ‘twas at that weddin’ I decided to change things. I waited all evening until Teagan was alone and went and had a wee chat with her. She always seemed so kind and sweet, but I saw right through her, I did. Everyone loved her… said how nice she was, but I knew better! I wanted to save your Da and you kids from a life of lies.”
Keenan glanced over at Tessy. He was having a difficult time staying silent while this woman demeaned their mother. Tessy gave him the look and patted his hand. She needed Agnes to keep going so they could get the full story. Keenan pursed his lips and remained quiet.
“Garret wasn’t to be hurt. I just wanted your Mam out of the way. Your Da would have learned to love me and ye twins would have, as well.” She made an attempt to display a sincere smile. “I’m not evil like they say, but your Mam just wouldn’t go away.”
Tessy got up and sat on the side of the bed. She leaned in closer. “What are ye trying to say Agnes? Tell us everything. Please.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do!” Agnes barked again. “I’ve been trying to tell people, but no one will listen. It’s time for someone to listen!” She was quite agitated and was now coughing uncontrollably. A nurse ran in and calmed her down and rearranged her pillows. She asked Tessy and Keenan to try not to upset her.
“Get out!” Agnes screamed. It took a moment for them to realize she was talking to the nurse. Once she’d left, everyone was quiet while Agnes composed herself.
Finally, after what felt like hours, she continued her story. “I told ye Mam I had come across an ancient secret about the amulet and ring and that we should meet out at Sheep’s Head in an hour. I would share it with her there in private and to come alone. When she agreed, I snuck outside to the car and cut the brake line, just so.” She made a snipping motion with her fingers. “I know all about cars, ye know.” Agnes’s face split open in an evil grin. The same grin Tessy had seen in her dreams. Then her smile turned to a scowl. “I should have known your Mam would tell your Da and, of course, being the fine gentleman he was, he would never let her go alone. They drove out to Sheep’s Head. Garret wasn’t supposed to be there. He wasn’t supposed to die!”
Agnes leaned forward and coughed more violently than before. When it didn’t stop, Tessy pressed the button for the nurse. Agnes’s face was red and blotchy, her lips a deadly shade of blue. The nurse hurried in and told Tessy and Keenan to leave. They stood and did as they were told. When they reached the door, Tessy turned and took one more look at this
tormented woman struggling to breathe.
She turned to Keenan, “How truly sad it is that she has lived with this misery her whole life.” Keenan shook his head and the pair left the room.
They had only taken a few steps when they heard a page for the doctor for room 2330. They froze in the hallway as the watched a young doctor sprint into the room. Moments later, Tessy and Keenan heard a horrid, high pitched wailing. No one else in the hallway appeared to have heard it.
“The cry of the Banshee!” Tessy said as she reached for Keenan’s hand.
“Aye,” said Keenan. “’Tis finally over.”
They found Marshall in the waiting room and Tessy ran into his arms. It was over. All the questions, all the wondering, had finally come to an end. Tessy felt a massive sense of relief. This journey she had embarked on was now closure to the years of Haggerty torment her mother had, so desperately, been trying to help resolve. Everyone involved could now rest in peace, even poor Agnes.
23
Journey’s End
It had been an exhausting day. Marshall could see the toll it had taken on his lovely wife and her twin. He allowed them their quiet time and deep thoughts. Tessy gave Inspector Donnelly a call to let him know what they had found out and that it was now over.
Tessy and Marshall had another day in Dublin before heading home. Keenan was setting out for home the next day. Soon the twins would be thousands of kms apart again. Tessy mused in silence. It had been quite the holiday; plenty of highs and a few lows. However, as much as she was going to miss Keenan, and the rest of her family, it was time for it to end. She was looking forward to getting home to Ladyslipper and back to the life she loved so much. Even with their sombre mood they enjoyed one last evening at the pub.
“Well, sister dear, ‘tis been grand havin’ ye home,” Keenan raised his glass.
They all took a drink.
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