by Dilys Xavier
Pat closed all the doors again and returned with Katie to the sitting room, which was smaller and the only one with chairs that were soft enough to relax in.
He disappeared, and returned a few minutes later with a hot chocolate drink. ‘Take this upstairs with you; it’ll relax you. Go now, and get a decent sleep.’
In a minute she was heading for bed with Thunder at her side. She felt so weary that she was certain that whatever noises Uncle Ruairi and the old house made, none of them would wake her tonight.
***
The next morning was overcast, with a definite chill in the air. Then it began to drizzle, gently to begin with, but becoming steadier, as though it was settling in for the day.
‘It won’t be much fun trudging everywhere in the rain. We could always drive around, of course… and you’d still see quite a lot, but, if you want to wait for a while, maybe it’ll clear,’ Pat said.
‘Suits me to go right now. We could wait all day and it might not stop. I don’t mind a bit of rain.’ She shivered at the thought of spending the whole morning inside the dreary farmhouse.
Once again, Mari Doherty served up a breakfast hefty enough to last them until evening. She had made quite a fuss of Thunder and he seemed to like her, so when she offered to look after him while they were out, they accepted.
‘Well be back in time for an early dinner,’ Pat told her, as he followed Katie out through the door.
‘I’ll have it ready for you,’ Mari said, as she stood at the door, giving them another of her beaming smiles.
They followed the west coastal road up towards the Shannon River, and sat in the car for a short while, watching several river swans floating downstream on the current.
‘Look at them, Katie… they don’t mind the rain. They all seem quite happy cruising together in the centre of the river,’ Pat said, as they drove on alongside the river bank. The river narrowed at Tarbert, and from that point the distance was short enough to see clearly to the other side, despite the rain. ‘We’ll cross from Tarbert on the ferry and take a quick look around Knock. You’ll find that a charming town on the other side, but it’s famous for the Knock Shrine,’ Pat explained. ‘You see, in 1879 an apparition of Mary, St Joseph, and John the Baptist, was seen by fifteen people, so Knock became an annual pilgrimage destination, especially for Roman Catholics. Even the Pope paid a visit there a hundred years later, in 1979.’
The rain eased off a bit, and Pat turned to her. ‘Well, I think the weather’s improving now, so we might as well make a brief visit to Ennis before we trace our way back to the farm through Limerick.’ He gave a deep sigh. ‘I apologize for the Irish weather, but you’ll have a lightning tour, with the promise to return to any place you might fancy to see it in more detail.’
‘I’m thoroughly enjoying it all,’ Katie said, ‘and whatever the weather tomorrow, maybe we could do the same sort of thing. At least, then I’ll be able to tell the girls I’ve seen everything.’
Pat took Katie to a different place every day, and as the week drew to a close, Katie thought they should spend a day at home with Uncle Ruairi, doing no more than taking a walk through the fields with Thunder. It’ll also give me a little rest, she thought, feeling quite exhausted as a result of the pace they were going at.
‘Now that your uncle’s up and about, maybe he feels well enough for a little company,’ she suggested. ‘Staying with him will give Mari a bit of time off, too, and she’s been so good, looking after us, and Thunder, that I think she deserves a rest.’
‘Tell me about yourself.’ Ruairi invited, looking at Katie when they sat with him on the evening before they were due to leave. ‘Where you were born, where you live now, what your late husband’s occupation was, how many children you have, and their ages?’ He managed an impish grin. ‘And lots more; tell me all,’ he said.
Katie couldn’t help but smother the smile that threatened. It was as though Ruairi were thoroughly vetting her on behalf of his nephew. He nodded and smiled from time to time, apparently in acceptance of Pat’s colleen. He was so pleasant that Katie sensed she must have passed the Ruairi test. He asked personal questions that Pat had never asked, so, by now, she knew that her answers must have filled Pat in on a lot he previously didn’t know about her.
More than once, when Katie looked into Ruairi’s face, she could see the strong resemblance between him and Pat; the same smile, the same twinkling eyes. The same kind ways and thoughtfulness as well. Katie liked the old man — she enjoyed his sense of humour and the occasional gleam that flashed in his eyes; the Irish mischief was still there.
‘I’m away to bed now. I’ve tired myself out, but I’ve enjoyed listening to you, Katie.’ Ruairi gave a feeble wave as he headed for his bedroom, with Pat close behind to help him on the staircase.
When he came back downstairs, Pat looked a bit glum.
‘My uncle is fading fast, I think,’ he said. ‘I know he has Mari to look after him, but he’s still on his own more than he should be, and it worries me. He’s lonely too; needs someone around to talk with, since he’s not out and about any more.’ He gave a sniff. ‘I put myself in his situation… with no one to care… not even a nephew to make an occasional visit,’ he said.
Katie sensed that Pat was having a conscience about his uncle being on his own, when he should really be living there with him right now. It bothered her that this visit could prompt Pat to make his move back to Ireland imminent. That was the last thing she wanted, but there was nothing she could do to stop it, and neither should she try. She shrugged, accepting that whatever happened would be the right thing for all concerned.
The next day, the time arrived for their departure, and although she had thoroughly enjoyed the break in Ireland, Katie was looking forward to going home. She had missed her family. The drive back to the ferry seemed shorter, and they only stopped long enough for Thunder to get out a couple of times. It was the same from the Welsh coast to home, and she breathed a sigh of relief as Pat pulled into the driveway of Priory Farm late in the day.
Katie made a quick pot of tea, and then she and Pat strolled around the garden stretching their legs after the long trip. Pat waved his arm at the overgrown yard.
‘Just look at how much that grass has grown in a week. That’s the first job with the mower… tomorrow.’
Katie had phoned the girls when she first walked in and within fifteen minutes, they were all there to welcome her. Sam brought a beef casserole she had made for their supper, and they were soon sitting down to a hot, tasty meal. Excited to have Katie home again, the girls plied them both with questions about Ireland until they finally left.
‘Time for me to go as well; ‘tis way past my bedtime, and there’s a lot to do tomorrow. Goodnight to you now, Katie.’ Then he leaned forward and touched her arm. ‘I’m so glad you came with me to Ireland; it made the visit so special.’ Pat stretched and gave a big yawn as he strolled towards the annex door.
Katie lost no time in climbing her own staircase and eased herself gratefully into her comfortable bed. She was asleep almost as soon as her head touched the pillow.
The next morning, straight after breakfast Sam called in. She wiggled next to her mother on the sofa.
‘Is the colonel settling into his new home, Mum? He’s very courteous, and smart looking. Margie told us about the horses he’s bought.’ There was a slight pause before she came out with the next statement. ‘Margie thinks the colonel wants you to settle down with him one of these days.’
Katie looked surprised. ‘That’s what she told you? You girls seem eager to get me married off for some reason. That’s not what I’m looking for. All I want is a pleasant, regular companion to go out with, when it suits me. Don’t push me. Don’t try to tell me what to do. If you persist, you’ll only drive me in the opposite direction.’
Sam went quiet and said no more for a few minutes. ‘Got some shopping to do now, Mum. Can I get you anything?’
‘No, I’m okay for most things, thanks,
’ Katie said. ‘There’s loads of stuff in the pantry, but some milk would be useful.’ She gave Sam a hug and a kiss before seeing her to the door. When she returned to her settee, she reminisced about her delightful trip to Ireland; it had gone so smoothly and everything had been so pleasant. Another thing that pleased her was that she had explained to Tom how she felt, and now hoped that there could be an enjoyable friendship between them, without any harassment. Everything was working out so well.
To Katie’s surprise, Pat suddenly appeared at the door to the annex, looking quite upset.
‘I’ve just had a call,’ he began, and then choked up. ‘It’s Uncle Ruairi. He’s in hospital again and asking for me. I’ll have to go back, and quickly. I’ve no option.’
‘Of course you do. I understand, Pat. The poor man and poor you, having to make this trip again when you’ve only just returned.’
‘I’ll waste no time,’ he said. ‘I’m leaving straight away.’
Katie sighed, and watched him go with a heavy heart. Two days went by before she had a phone call from him.
‘They’ve told me it’s only a matter of time.’ There was a pause. ‘If he passes away while I’m here, I’ll have to stay on to see to things, the Wake and so on, y’know, the funeral. There’s no one else to do it.’
‘I’m really so sorry to hear this,’ Katie said, ‘but you have to do what’s necessary.’
‘I’ll let you know how things go,’ Pat promised. There was little more to say, and Katie had an awful feeling of foreboding as she set the phone back on the receiver.
It wasn’t at all unexpected when Pat phoned the next day to say his uncle had passed away during the night. ‘I don’t really know when I’ll be back now, Katie. I thought I should warn you that it could be a considerable time. I have a lot to sort out, as you can imagine.’
Katie decided to occupy herself in every way possible. It would be unwise, and pointless, to dwell on how much she would miss Pat. He was dealing with the loss of his uncle and all that had to be sorted out, just as she had done when her two aunts had passed away. Well aware of the emotional stress, and the hard work involved, she appreciated what lay ahead of him. But that didn’t stop her from feeling despondent over her own loss, just when she thought everything was working out fine.
Two days later, when Tom phoned for help with his house, she was only too glad to oblige, and have something else to think about. He had arranged to call for her within the hour, and she was all ready and waiting, and eager to leave all her concerns behind her at Priory Farm.
As she climbed into his car, Tom smiled, obviously delighted to have her join him for the day at his farm.
‘Everything all right, Katie?’ he asked, politely.
‘Oh… yes,’ she answered, determined to set aside all her miserable thoughts about Pat’s recent phone message. ‘So, what’s the problem?’ she asked, taking the conversation in a different direction.
‘Just a décor dilemma for the second guest bedroom,’ he said, with a chuckle. ‘but something I’m sure you’ll sort out in a very short time.’
Katie took a sly look at the handsome man at her side, and realised how fortunate she was to have the attention of such a person. It was time she reassessed her situation, and stopped wishing for the moon. ‘Right; that’s no problem,’ she said, quickly.
‘Knowing you wouldn’t take all day to solve this, I’ve booked lunch at the Park Hotel in town.’ He shot a quick glance at her, then he added, ‘After you’ve looked at the bedroom, maybe we could take a little canter on the horses, then have lunch, and follow that by a relaxed afternoon, before going out for dinner tonight?’
Katie laughed; this was typical of Tom, but she didn’t mind. ‘Got it all worked out, haven’t you,’ she said, feeling grateful that he had planned such a full day for her. For the rest of the day, her mind was full of what she was doing. The bedroom décor was sorted, the lunch was superb, and the ride on the horses was short, but invigorating. After the promised afternoon rest, which was accompanied by light classical music, she decided she should go home to change for the dinner that Tom had planned. It was only when she arrived back at Priory Farm, and realized that Pat was no longer in the annex, that a little pang of loss hit her in the pit of her stomach again. She took a deep breath; it was no good behaving like this. She hurried upstairs, showered, and dressed for the evening, and was soon ready for Tom to pick her up again.
She shrugged as she thought about him. He was good, kind, reliable… and lonely, like she was. Here was an opportunity for them both to have a more enjoyable way of life. She decided to think seriously about developing a happy relationship somehow with Tom; companionship, without the need to commit to marriage. Then, there was always Rex. She smiled as she thought of him; happy go-lucky Rex. He was a fine companion, and even if Tom did not like it, she would go out with the professor as well, when he asked.
Chapter Fifteen
A few days later a letter arrived postmarked Cork. Katie knew it was from Pat, and with a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach, she tore open the envelope with her trembling fingers. She knew in her heart what it would say before she read it.
‘Dear Katie,
Tears blurred her vision immediately, and she dabbed at her eyes before she even began to read it.
‘I find it easier to write this than say it to you on the phone. With the passing of Uncle Ruairi, I have inherited his farm, as I expected.
It’s been in the family for so many generations, so I think it would be wrong to sell it. I feel the same as you do about Avondale Manor. Having been given such a great opportunity, I have decided to live here. I would have to, anyway, to control the farm. On top of that, it will provide me with a good and regular income.
As you know, I’ve always wanted to return to Ireland, and now it looks as though this is what I will do. I have a home of my own and a thriving farm to run now… in the land of my choice. I could not have wished for more, and I am totally delighted with my good fortune.
I’m so sorry about your garden, Katie, and, had I been given the choice, I would not have left as hurriedly as this. I will return to settle things and remove my belongings from your annex one day, but at this point I have no idea when that will be. However, I will let you know in plenty of time before I appear to collect my things.
In the meantime, take good care of yourself, and please give my kindest regards to the girls and to Richard.
Yours, Pat.’
Sheer desolation washed over her and the tears that had welled up in her eyes began to slide down her cheeks. She began to sob, feeling as though her heart had been wrenched away. Without her cheerful Irishman around, everything seemed so empty. Thunder crept close and gently nuzzled her hand as though trying to comfort her in his own doggy way. She fell to her knees at his side and threw her arms around his huge neck, burying her tears in his soft coat.
‘I’ve still got you, Thunder, my love. I’ve still got you,’ she sobbed.
***
The last thing Katie was thinking of was her garden, but Sam insisted she find another man to help out, and within a week there was someone else taking care of her roses. Although Fred proved to be in no way as efficient as Pat, he was cheerful and pleasant. At least, it spared Katie a considerable amount of work, but she missed Pat so much; missed sharing her thoughts and stories with him, and the morning coffee together. She didn’t have the safe, cared-for feeling any more either, although Thunder stayed close to her side, and she was grateful for his devotion, but he was only a dog, after all.
She began to spend more and more time with Tom at his new home, sorting out his belongings and putting things away, and doing little jobs like arranging his pretty dinner service on the antique Welsh dresser. Each day seemed to improve their friendship, and she had to admit she was beginning to enjoy life a bit more, especially since he was careful not to dictate to her again. It was working out well between them, and he was no longer pressing her to marry him, which
was a relief.
Many a time her thoughts strayed to Pat, and she wondered how he was doing. There had been no contact since his letter — no phone call — nothing. On several occasions, she had reached out for the phone — so strong was her desire to speak to him. But each time she pulled back, telling herself that if he wanted to speak to her, he would ring.
As the weeks went by, she hoped that she would stop missing him, but every time she looked out at the garden, or strolled through it, she half-expected his head to pop up over a hedge. His name kept popping into her mind, his face before her eyes, and his Irish lilt still rang in her ears. She determined to be sensible and stop thinking about him. It was for the best. Pat was where he had always wanted to be. There was nothing for him here, no home, no decent income, no future, and she reproached herself for even considering such selfish thoughts. What man, in his right mind, could be expected to swap Priory Farm gardens for a whole estate of his own in Ireland? ‘For goodness’ sake, get a life, Katie Turner,’ she muttered, feeling quite annoyed with herself.
Dylan had invited family and several of his colleagues from the hospital, as well as his new neighbours to his house-warming party. When Katie arrived there, she found Dylan and Margie full of talk about their impending wedding. She watched the two of them, and felt a great deal of relief that Margie had found such a delightful man at last.
Katie had done a great deal of baking, and so had the girls, so there was more than enough food to hand around. Most of them had anticipated they might imbibe a fair amount of alcohol, but had made allowances for that by wisely using a taxi service for the event. The whole evening was a buzz of excitement, and Katie watched everyone making merry. To her, the evening seemed never-ending, but she decided to stay to the end. She felt some relief when the taxis began to arrive to collect the guests, and eventually the number diminished, leaving just the family members.