“Aye. Has indeed been a fine visit.”
“Well, all except maybe for today. Meeting that… that… Agnes was not exactly the highlight of my life!” Keenan grumbled.
Tessy chuckled, “Aye. But ‘twas something that we needed to do and now it’s done.”
“Aye. Thank the good Lord… or wherever she is,” Keenan wondered.
They soon finished their meals and another pint before heading back to the B&B for the night.
In the morning, they met for breakfast with Keenan doing his best to be his jovial self. “Well now, Marshall, I’ve done the best I can to try and teach ye all I can about this crafty sister o’ mine! Ye’re now on your own and best o’luck to ye, lad!” Then he popped a fried potato in his mouth.
Marshall laughed and glanced at Tessy to which she piped, “Keenan O’Connor, ye just never mind with all your shady advice. ‘Tis your Mary that’s got the big job, I’d be sayin’!” Keenan just grinned and winked at Marshall.
They finished breakfast and Tessy and Marshall waited outside for Keenan while he collected his bags. When he appeared, Tessy’s eyes filled with unspilled tears. How she hated saying goodbye to her brother. She composed herself and gave him her best sisterly lecture. “Now, drive careful and mind the circle at the end of the street, here, it’s tricky. Give my love to Mary and the kids and we’ll give ye a ring as soon as we get home.” She hugged him and held on for a moment, then took a hankie out of her sweater pocket and dabbed her nose.
Keenan smiled, “Soundin’ just like a bossy, older sister, ye are. Aye, I will and ye and Marshall have a grand trip home. Love ye, sister dear,” and he, too, brushed away a tear or two. He then reached for Marshall’s hand and gave it a hearty shake.
“Bye, Keenan. It was great seeing you again and thanks to you and Mary for your wonderful hospitality.”
Before Keenan got into the car he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring, looked down at it and handed it to Tessy. “I’ve no use for this. I’m sure you’ll know what to do with it.” He then kissed his twin on the cheek and got in. Tessy and Marshall waved, and watched him drive out the cobblestoned lane and down the street. Marshall put his arm around his wife as they walked back into the B&B.
Tessy wanted to spend their last day touring her Dublin one more time. As Marshall had promised, they returned to the Botanic Gardens. They wandered through the gardens for a while when Marshall mentioned he needed to find a washroom. No sooner had he left Tessy caught a flash of purple in a grove of trees. She quickly dashed over to investigate. She peeked in behind and there was the little wizard from the shop. Plain as day and smiling up at her.
“So, it is ye! Ye’ve been with me this whole time, then?” Tessy smiled back.
“Aye. And ye found the answers ye needed, didn’t ye? Messages from the Summerlands never steer ye wrong.” His eyes twinkled as he spoke.
“Aye. I agree. How is it ye’ve come to be here?” Tessy asked just as Marshall beckoned for her. “I’m over here,” she turned and called. When she turned back, the little wizard was gone.
“Hi, honey. What are you doing in the bushes?” Marshall asked.
“Oh, just looking around,” Tessy answered, glancing back to where the wee man once stood. She shook her head, smiled and returned to her husband’s side.
They hopped the bus for downtown for another walk on the Ha’Penny Bridge over the Liffy and into the Temple Bar District for a bite. After lunch, they stopped by High Society Hats to say goodbye to Monique and show her some pictures of how Tessy looked with their creation on Derby Day. She was delighted.
“Oh Tessy! You looked lovely! It just framed your face beautifully and my, it matched your outfit perfectly! I don’t think we could have done a better job. Especially long distance!” she chuckled.
“Aye. I couldn’t have been more pleased, to be sure. Thank ye again, Monique. ‘Twas such a joy workin’ with ye and then finally meetin’ ye. Ye take care of yourself, now. If ye’re ever in Canada ye know where to find me.” The two ladies hugged and they parted as friends promising they’d stay in touch.
Outside the shop, Tessy stopped and turned a full 360 degrees to take in this beautiful city. Marshall gently took her elbow and steered her down the street. “It’s time to go back to the B&B and finish packing for our flight tomorrow.”
Tessy sighed and nodded. “Aye, so it is.”
Back at the B&B Tessy laid out all her purchases. “Well, ‘tis been quite a holiday, love.” Tessy concluded out loud while she surveyed her wraps, wondering which ones to pack and which one to wear on the plane.
Marshall, leaned over his suitcase, stopped and smiled up at his bride. “Boy, I’ll say! I told you it would be the honeymoon of the century.” He puffed his chest out, quite proud of himself.
Tessy laughed, “Aye, ye did, love.”
They were done in time to take one more stroll down to the pub to enjoy one last Guinness and plate of authentic Irish pub fare. As excited as Tessy was to be getting home to Ladyslipper, this was a bittersweet evening. She was leaving her Homeland and her family, yet again. Tessy let out a long, loud sigh. Marshall smiled at her, reached for her hand and kissed it. “We’ll be back, darling. I promise.”
“Aye, I know, love. ‘Tis hard leaving, but I am ready to go home. I’m fine as frog’s fur. I’ll stop wallowing in the mud here real soon! Now, what are ye having for our last supper in Ireland?”
24
Resolutions and Revelations
Tessy was in a deep sleep when her mother appeared. Her aura was especially brilliant and full. She gently smiled at Tessy and softly spoke, “Darling, you are safe now. The truth has finally been revealed thanks to you and your brother. Because of your persistence and strength, we may all rest in peace. As you leave your Homeland, one more time, please know that you have left the gift of resolution and homage for all Haggerty’s past, present and future. Also know the fear you carried in the past was our fear not yours. This, too, is healed. Rest well and stay safe.” As her mother faded into a luminous aura her last words echoed… “We in the Summerlands are with you always, my love. Blessed Be.”
As Tessy strained to hold the moment she saw a faint image of purple. The wee wizard was standing behind her mother. He smiled and winked before they both disappeared.
Tessy woke and wrote of her mother’s precious message and her guardian wizard. She closed the journal, gave it a kiss, set it on the nightstand and snuggled back in to bed with a sense of tranquility.
When Tessy awoke the next morning, that sense of tranquility remained with her. They finished their packing and headed down for their last traditional Irish breakfast.
“Well, darling, it’s hard to believe it’s over. It certainly has been a trip to remember,” Marshall smiled, slightly nodding his head.
Tessy sat her cup on the table and smiled at her husband. “Aye… filled with love, laughter, joyous occasions, adventurous mystery and, finally, closure. A trip to remember, to be sure.”
They returned to their room, grabbed their luggage and went back downstairs to say goodbye to their hosts. They dropped off the car and were headed to the departure gate in plenty of time. As they waited in the security line they heard a loud ruckus near the front of the line. Tessy realized who it was and let out a loud laugh.
“Oh Marshall,” she said, trying to control her giggles. “’Tis that Mrs. Hainsworth. She’s havin’ one of her tantrums I see.”
Marshall and Tessy watched as the woman blasted one of the security personnel for asking her to empty her purse.
“Enough!” Everyone in line froze, including Mrs. Hainsworth. Stanley had finally reached his boiling point.
“Please, take her and do with her as you wish,” he yelled, arms flailing in the air. “Meredith, maybe I’ll see you back in Boston. Maybe I won’t!” were his last words as he stepped through the scanner, gathered up his belongings and marched towards the terminal without looking back to see what was happening to the now wailing, Mrs. Hai
nsworth.
Tessy couldn’t help but titter and silently congratulate Stanley Hainsworth the Third from Boston, on his new found courage and possible freedom.
Tessy and Marshall made it through without any hesitation and were comfortably seated in their designated area. Before long they were ushered on the plane and got settled in. Tessy noticed, to her delight, she was not feeling any anxiety, whatsoever. She was calm and breathing normally. Then she remembered something her mother had said in the dream. Tessy reached down for her carry-on and rummaged around for her dream journal. She quickly thumbed to the last page. She skimmed over it until she found the passage she was looking for… the fear you carried in the past was our fear not yours. This, too, is healed.
“That’s it!” she blurted out loud.
Marshall looked up from his book and starred at his wife. “What’s it?” he grinned.
“My fear of flying! All these years it’s been a connection to my parents’ accident. It was me feeling their fear. And now that the mystery has come to rest, my fear is gone. Oh Marshall, ye have no idea how wonderful this is!” She was so excited she pulled Marshall’s face to hers and planted a solid kiss on his lips. He chuckled and gave her another kiss to show his support at her revelation. Take off was a breeze!
A few hours later Marshall was fast asleep. Tessy reviewed her excerpts in her dream journal. Among many things, she noticed all the passages referring to herbs and to find the clan named after the herbs. She knew it had to be Sage’s family. All of this was pointing to something in their direction, but what? Tessy pondered. She read. She studied, but nothing obvious jumped out at her. She closed her journal and her eyes and fell into a peaceful slumber.
A few hours later she awoke, refreshed and completely unafraid as the plane landed in Toronto. They met their connecting flight and landed in Regina without incident. Dotty and Bert met them at the airport.
Marshall spotted them first and greeted them with a broad smile and a wave. Dotty jumped up and down, madly waving her one arm while patting Bert on the shoulder with her other hand. By the time they reached each other, Dotty was in tears. Tessy pulled her in for a big hug and they held to each other for a long moment.
“Oh, Dr. Tayse, Tessy, it’s so good to have you home.” Dotty finally gathered herself and dabbed her nose with a tissue.
“Aye, ‘tis good to be home, Dotty dear. How have ye been? How’s everyone?”
The two ladies trotted off to sit and chat near the baggage carousel while the men waited for the luggage to slide down the shoot. The drive home was a hub of conversation. Tessy and Dotty sat in the back. Dotty informed Tessy about all the goings-on in Ladyslipper.
“The grand opening of the quilt shop is this coming Saturday so you’ll be home for that.”
“Oh, lovely! I am so glad I haven’t missed it. How exciting for Connie. I bet she’s just in seventh heaven.”
“And, I believe, Kyle will be down again this weekend.”
“Oh my, he really must be smitten with Susan.”
“What’s this about Kyle?” Marshall’s ears perked at the mention of his son.
“Sounds like he’ll be in Ladyslipper again this weekend. Maybe we’ll be attending another wedding soon? Tessy chuckled.
“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, darling.” Marshall glanced over his shoulder and into the back seat with eye browses raised.
“Oh, ye spoilsport!” Tessy teased.
They continued chatting about some of the highlights of their trip, the sights, the food and the castles. It was like a dream that was over far too soon. They were very close to Ladyslipper when Marshall announced, “Bert, Dotty, after supper there is something Tessy and I would like to discuss with you.” Tessy knew he was talking about the B&B venture but she was surprised he had brought the subject up so soon.
“Oh my, that sounds intriguing!” Dotty beamed. Marshall and Tessy just smiled at her.
Before long they were driving up the lane to Ashling Manor. “A sight for sore eyes, to be sure,” Tessy sighed.
Dotty was out of the car and had the front door opened before everyone else was unbuckled. Duke and Darby ran down the front steps in a frantic dither. They bounced from one person to the next and back again, stopping especially long at Tessy to get lavished with pets and hugs. The cats were sulking and nowhere to be seen.
The next couple of hours were spent carting and unpacking. Tessy was feeling a little weary and decided to head to the kitchen and make a cup of tea. She found Dotty preparing supper. “Dotty, dear. My, that certainly smells delicious!”
“Oh, Tessy, I didn’t hear you come in. Thank you, I hope it tastes as good. It’s just a simple seven-layer casserole.”
“That sounds grand. Even though we had marvellous meals while we were away it’s always nice to get back to home cooking.”
During supper, Tessy and Marshall shared more of their holiday adventures. Tessy and Marshall did not feel the need to disclose anything about Agnes. It was a private matter, and now it was over.
The men cleared the table while Dotty and Tessy put away the leftovers and popped the dishes in the dishwasher. Soon they were all seated in the front room with a tea.
Marshall cleared his throat and tossed Tessy a little knowing smile. Dotty and Bert turned their attention to Marshall and waited.
“Well, Bert, Dotty, as you know, come January permanent living arrangements for Tessy and I will change. We’ve given this a great deal of thought, but we have not discussed it with anyone else so it must remain among us for now. Knowing this will also impact your lives, as well, we, well actually Tessy, came up with a marvellous solution. Of course, this all depends on your thoughts and wishes. Now, bear with me, because when Tessy first mentioned it to me, I almost fell off my chair. Once I started to actually consider it, it seemed like the perfect solution.”
Dotty and Bert looked at one another then Bert responded, “We’re pretty much open to anything. What do you have in mind?”
Marshall was quiet for a moment then smiled and answered, “We are thinking we should turn my house into a B&B and have you two manage it for us.” Marshall silently winced and waited for their answer.
Dotty and Bert starred at one another with eyes as wide as dinner plates.
Marshall continued, “I know that’s a lot to take in all at once and it’s a big job to even consider, but we’d look at hiring some staff to help you out. This way you two would always have your home. I could keep the house and the kids, and Tessy and I could come and visit, almost, anytime. You know how you love to fuss, Dotty, and this way you could fuss all you want. Now, we don’t expect an answer right away. Take a few days to think it over. Hell, take a few months. We have lots of time.” He glanced over to Tessy and decided to stop talking.
Dotty was in a slight state of shock. “Oh my! Us? Running a B&B! Oh my!”
Bert scratched the back of his neck. “Well, that is quite an offer. As you say, we’ll have to think it over. But, truly, thank you for thinking enough of us to even suggest such an opportunity.”
Marshall leaned over and patted Bert on the shoulder. “Of course, we think that much of you. You and Dotty are family.”
“Thank you. If you don’t mind, I’d like Dotty and I to just take a little stroll and clear our heads and maybe discuss a few things.”
Marshall smiled, “Of course.”
Tessy remained silent until they left. “Well, love, what do ye think?”
“Well, they were certainly as shocked as I was at first. I guess all we can do is wait and see.”
Tessy gathered up the cups and headed for the kitchen.
25
Truly Home
Tessy and Marshall were exhausted from their trans-Atlantic journey and were in bed by the time Dotty and Bert returned from their contemplative stroll. The next morning, there was an odd quietness in the kitchen. It wasn’t tension, more like an elephant in the room kind of atmosphere. Everyone was cordial, but nothing was m
entioned about the obvious.
They were still eating breakfast when the kids came bounding in the door. The kitchen was bursting with excitement and love. Hugs and kisses were everywhere! Tessy sent Marshall upstairs to haul down the suitcase full of thoughtful gifts. It was just like Christmas! Squeals of delight made it quite apparent all treasures were a hit. They soon moved the mayhem out into the back yard where Tessy and Marshall could finish their coffee on the deck. They watched the kids play with Duke and Darby. Then Bert showed off the new tricks he had taught the dogs. Tessy laughed, clapped her hands and went into the house. She returned with a special treat for the dogs who then ran off to enjoy them. Oh, how grateful she was to be in the home she loved so much!
The children couldn’t stay long as Emma and Becky had swimming lessons and Sarah and Cherokee were taking them out to the Lake. The boys had already hopped on their bikes and were gone. Marshall needed to go and check in with his office and let them know he was home and would be heading back to Winnipeg next week.
Tessy was left in solitude to wander the gardens she had missed so much. It was obvious they were well cared for while she was gone. This did not stop her from apologizing for her absence and lovingly coo to each plant that she touched. She closed her eyes and meditated with them feeling the strong connection once more. Aye, she was home. Blessed Be!
Marshall came out to the yard and Tessy’s concentration was broken. “Oh, sorry honey. I didn’t mean to disturb you,” he apologized.
“Ye never disturb me, love. How is everything in Winnipeg?”
“Oh…” he sighed, “Okay, I guess. But I don’t really want to even start thinking about all that just yet.”
Tessy chuckled and slipped her arm around his and gave it a hug.
Marshall brightened, “Hey, let’s take a walk over to Penny’s. I can’t wait to see her and maybe Kyle will be there too.”
“Aye. That sounds like a grand idea.”
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