The House by the Liffey

by Niki Phillips

  Mairi looked into her son’s pleading eyes and couldn’t find it in her heart to turn him down flat.

  ‘Give us time to think about that, Alasdair. And we would never reject you completely. You are and always will be our son, whatever your gender preferences may be, and we will always love you.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’

  Anxious not to hurt their son unnecessarily, they did eventually agree to have dinner with Alasdair and Rupert. In spite of their reservations they couldn’t but be drawn to the gentle, artistically gifted and very attractive man, who had natural charm, a sharp wit and an almost old-fashioned courtesy. Later Alasdair had to know their reactions.

  ‘Did you like Rupert?’

  ‘Yes, we both did, Alasdair, but don’t rush us. He seems to be a delightful young man and we found him highly entertaining. Another dinner at some later date is not out of the question.’

  Alasdair’s eyes filled with tears.

  ‘Thanks, Dad.’

  There was one more dinner date before both men were diagnosed as HIV positive. Rupert became too ill to socialise and then the disease took him. Alasdair’s decline after that was rapid. He seemed to lose the will to live and followed his partner to the grave within months. In spite of the fear and social stigma attached to the disease at the time, his parents stood firmly by him to the end. Both were at his bedside when he died, his mother with her arms around him. This made Jack, and in turn Ewan, next in line to be the Laird, a role that would keep Jack fully occupied in the future. His father, meantime, was still an active man and while he and Jack’s mother grieved deeply for Alasdair, they were thankful that they had a surviving son and three grandchildren.

  After the first few years of Jack’s treatment, operation following operation, the surgeons explained that they could do nothing more to improve things. However, although slow, he had made some recovery and eventually could manage to manoeuvre along with a walking frame. This was regarded as remarkable progress – more than any of the medics had dared to hope for in the earliest stages and attributed, in large degree, to his dogged grit and determination. However, he insisted that family support had also been a vital factor in keeping up his spirits.

  At the suggestion of his parents, Jack, Mageen and their children eventually moved into the family home in Scotland. Here Jack and Ewan could learn the full complexities of running the large estate. This was a good arrangement for Jack in terms of his health too, for their home was not too far from Edinburgh with all that could be offered there in terms of medical help. Jack went regularly for physiotherapy, confident that this was helping him to improve his walking. Mageen wasn’t so sure but was determined to remain positive in her outward attitude to the situation. So far as she was concerned Jack was walking again, regardless of how well or with how much difficulty.

  Ewan, now twenty-one, was studying at St Andrews University, his Butler heritage showing in his chosen subjects of maths and economics, both of which would be useful when, at some time in the future, he took over the running of the estate. However, at the moment he was desperately keen to become a stockbroker, again following in the Butler family tradition. His younger brother, Alasdair, known as Al, had opted for a career in the army, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the father who was his great hero. He had joined Jack’s Scots Guards regiment and was determined to make a success of a military career. Rachel, at fifteen, was a talented sportswoman and planned to take a degree in a related area. Jack and Mageen were so proud of all three.

  Tommy had retired from the RAF the previous year when he had reached fifty. The family had grieved when Aunt May had died peacefully in her sleep four years earlier, the last of her generation of Butlers.

  Maggie, well into her nineties, had moved back into the main part of Riverside, where Noola and Milo could keep a close watch over her. Dai and Sarah lived in their own home, built on a plot of land adjoining Riverside, which they had jumped at the chance of purchasing when it came on the market. With easy access to the river, Sarah was still able to enjoy her rowing activities and she and Dai were close to the large conservatory that they had continued to tend and develop since their marriage. All this had left the East Wing free and Tommy and family had moved in there.

  Milo, now rapidly approaching seventy, had handed over the running of the stockbroking business to Tommy and Harry. Tommy had settled back into the business with remarkable ease but had, however, insisted that Harry should be the senior partner on Milo’s official retirement.

  ‘It would be so unfair for me to step in and expect to take over, after all the years you’ve spent helping to run and grow the business.’

  ‘I wouldn’t mind, Tommy.’

  ‘You’re generous, Harry, but I would mind. Aside from any other consideration, you’re far more experienced than I am.’

  They had all agreed that Milo should keep a few of his oldest clients, so now he spent just a couple of mornings a week in the office. This also meant he was available as an “eminence grise” when there were tricky decisions to be made, but it was also allowing him to retire in stages which he felt would be important.

  Chapter 51

  Given his ambitions, each year Ewan was encouraged to spend some weeks of the summer vac learning about stockbroking and earning some pocket money in the family firm in Dublin. When they had seen that Ewan had a natural talent for sound and clever investment, Milo, Harry and Tommy had discussed the idea of opening a branch office in Edinburgh run by Mageen and Ewan. This idea was received by all, including Jack, with enthusiasm and the wheels were set in motion for the office to open when Ewan graduated the following summer. Milo proposed that he would spend some time over there to help with the setting up of the business and this was greeted with even more enthusiasm.

  ‘Gosh, Grandpa, that would be so cool!’

  ‘Yes! It really would be – er – “cool”, Dad!’ Mageen grinned at him. ‘Would you come too, Mum?’

  ‘Do you really think I’d let him go off to live somewhere exciting like that, even for a short time, without me? Not a chance.’

  The plan was that Mageen would start looking, at her leisure, for suitable premises to buy, lease or rent. Milo and Noola would then spend some of the following spring and early summer putting everything in place and there would be an opening ceremony after Ewan’s finals around June or July. With plenty of time to plan, there was no urgent rush.

  What was being planned much more immediately was a huge combined seventieth birthday party for Milo, Noola, her brother Paddy and Milo’s old school friend and war-time partner in the RAF, Joe Malloy. The four of them were getting the best kick out of the idea, all eager to repeat their joint celebration for their twenty-first birthdays, nearly fifty years earlier. This time, by mutual agreement, it would be close to Milo’s birthday in June and, as on that previous occasion, would be held at Riverside.

  The children and grandchildren of all four of them had been given plenty of advance warning and told that refusals or excuses would not be accepted. Without any other guests these alone would form quite a crowd but there were lots of other relatives they wanted to invite too, as well as special friends. It was going to be a big party with plans for a large marquee to be put on the lawn between the house and the river. Outside caterers would be employed so that all staff could join the guests. The MacLellans would not be able to come over for it but Jack, Mageen and their three children would be there. Harry and Cathy would also be present with their three children. Johnny, now sixteen, was an outstandingly talented sportsman, often pursuing these activities to the detriment of his studies. Orla was eleven and Hal was ten, both also children of promise in their different ways.

  Sarah and Dai had two boys, Bill aged ten and David, eight, called for his father. David, in particular, was a great musician, strongly encouraged by the whole family, especially by Izzy, although both boys, true to their Welsh ancestry, had good singing voices. Izzy’s daughter, Trisha, now eleven, was a fine pianist, like her mothe
r. However, her absorbing interest was anything to do with medicine. Her favourite game, when she was little, was nurses and doctors and at six years old she had insisted that what she most wanted for Christmas was a toy stethoscope. No one doubted that she would eventually opt to join the medical profession. Uncle Paddy Flynn was thrilled to bits, feeling that this was definitely the Flynn blood coming out but Izzy, her parents and Maggie knew otherwise. Izzy often reflected how delighted Eddie would have been.

  All these members of the family planned to be there. Milo was so pleased that, not only Tommy, Isabel and their four children would be present, but Isabel’s parents, Chuck and Liz, would also be able to get over for it.

  Sean Flynn, much the same age as Milo and Noola, had eventually reached the rank of Chief Superintendent and was also retired. He too was looking forward to the big celebration. He often met his ex-Garda colleagues for a pint after they came off duty and on one of these occasions he was told some news that really bothered him. Freddie Armstrong was out on parole. He had hoped against hope that Freddie would be kept in prison for the duration, but apparently he had never put a foot out of place and, it seemed, had become a reformed character. The word was he had become a very devout Catholic. Sean had snorted with derision at that idea. Crafty bugger, he said to himself, that’s the one thing he knows would soften attitudes and gain sympathy with those in authority. He made an opportunity to have a chat with Milo about it.

  ‘It’s something I feel you should know, Milo.’

  ‘Like you I’m not at all happy about it Sean, but what do you advise? We’ve a lot of children around at the moment. How on earth do we protect all of them all of the time? I’m at a bit of a loss as to how we should play it.’

  ‘Well, I don’t want to worry you needlessly, but there’s something else I feel I should tell you. While Tim Kelly was in there he and Freddie became great buddies, doubtless founded on feeding each other’s grudge against the Butlers. Tim Kelly completed his sentence long ago but, now that Freddie has some freedom, I wonder what the two of them might be hatching – grievance is something that can grow, spreading like a malignant tumour until it eats up the soul. I’m convinced that Freddie wouldn’t have any hesitation in breaking his parole if he thought he could get his revenge.’

  ‘Oh, please God – not again!’

  ‘They may use the opportunity of your party to do something, on the basis that you’ll all be preoccupied with the celebrations. In my view that’s going to be the vulnerable time. So, I’ve asked my old colleagues if they could provide some men to patrol the grounds for the day. You remember Noel, I’m sure! He’s the one who was with us out at Powerscourt that day and knows the full story. He stepped into my shoes as Chief Superintendent and he’s more than willing to help.’

  ‘Thank heavens for that. We’ll keep this as low key as possible. There’s no need to frighten the children but the adults should be warned.’

  ‘It’s what I would have suggested. I may be worrying needlessly but…’

  ‘Yes, Sean, I feel exactly the same way. I wonder if we should cancel the party.’

  ‘I wouldn’t do that if I were you. At least if they decide to do something then, the children will all be here together, with the adults and my men to protect them. It would be almost safer if they were to try something then and be caught red-handed. That’ll end any danger for the children there and then.’

  ‘The devil of it is they both know the house and grounds so well: they know exactly where they can hide away undetected. But you’re right, Sean! Let them come and do their worst and let’s get it over with once and for all.’

  ‘I suggest you move all the firearms out of the gun room and lock them away somewhere. If you and Tommy could very discretely carry small arms, and I will too, then at least we’ll have some cover.’

  ‘Jack and Bertie will be here. They’re both crack shots and I’ll ask them to arm themselves too.’

  ‘Great! I’ll feel even safer with those two on the job. It’ll be good to see them again. Haven’t seen Bertie in years – not since Izzy was abducted.’

  ‘We’re all delighted that he’s able to join us. He’s coming all the way from Israel.’

  ‘Israel?’

  ‘Yes, he’s retired from the army now and is trying to settle into life there.’

  ‘Mossad?’

  ‘No idea, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they felt his training and experiences could be useful.’

  Chapter 52

  The great day approached with the preparations well in hand, both for the party and for very tight security. All the adults had been put in the picture and everyone was determinedly keeping the outward appearance of being relaxed. Noola and Milo had been concerned at the effect of the news about Freddie, in particular on Mageen and Izzy, but knew it would also be of concern to Harry that Tim Kelly could be involved, so they decided to tell their three children first.

  ‘Sorry to have to be the bearer of disturbing news about these two, especially about Freddie, girls.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Mum. It took time but I got over it. As we’ve said before, in some ways good things came out of it for me: I met Jack! I suspect Izzy got over it years ago too?’

  ‘Most definitely.’

  ‘Thank goodness for that. Harry?’

  ‘Yes, I agree with you, Dad. If they’re planning some sort of revenge attack, better it should be now when we’re so well prepared for it – get it over and done with.’

  ‘Well done! Now let’s put all the others in the picture.’

  * * * * *

  On the eve of the party, the actual date of Milo’s birthday, the close family, adults and children alike, were allowing themselves to relax with special celebratory pre-dinner drinks by the riverbank. The only incomplete family was Mageen’s. So far Jack, Ewan and Al hadn’t turned up and Milo refused to open the champagne until all were there.

  ‘Where on earth have they got to? Do you know what’s keeping them, Rachel? When I left our room Jack was almost ready and the boys insisted on helping him to get down here.’

  Rachel hesitated.

  ‘Well it can’t be anything drastic or one of them would have come to tell us.’

  ‘Maybe I should go and look for them.’

  ‘Oh I should give them another few minutes. If they don’t come soon I’ll go myself and have a look.’

  Then they all heard it. Drifting across on the light evening breeze came a sound Mageen remembered so vividly hearing in the same spot on the eve of her wedding. Someone was playing the bagpipes, the sound moving towards them. But then it had been Jack. So far as she knew, since his injury Jack had played his pipes rarely and only with difficulty. So who was playing? It had to be one of the boys. Lovely and with the best of intentions, for they all knew the story, but perhaps not the most tactful thing to do, for it brought home to her very forcibly that Jack would never be able to do such a thing again. This was rather rubbing salt in the wound, but she tried hard to swallow the big lump in her throat. The whole group gathered there had fallen silent, straining their ears. Then around the end of the marquee someone came marching quite steadily and Mageen was rooted to the spot. No! It couldn’t be! But it was! Jack was marching towards her, kilt swinging, playing “Amazing Grace”, with the two boys behind him, also kilted, carrying pipes and ready to join in. Tears poured down her face and she strongly resisted the impulse to run and throw her arms around him. Rachel took her mother’s hand and squeezed it hard. All three men now playing, they reached the riverbank where Jack laid down his pipes and opened his arms. Mageen ran to his embrace, careful not to knock him over, and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

  ‘You sneaky devils all of you! You never let on a word. When? How?’

  ‘All those visits to the physiotherapist in Edinburgh and the exercise bike in the basement! I worked myself into the ground and the boys and Rachel helped, but we wanted to keep it as a surprise and this seemed the perfect occasion to show you what I�
�ve managed to achieve. You know, my love, I can even run!’

  ‘You wonderful, wonderful man. My darling Jack!’

  Ewan, Al and Rachel were grinning from ear to ear and Jack seemed to glow all over albeit with some hint of moisture in his eyes too. The rest of the family had been as stunned as Mageen. The secret had been well guarded. Now they all joined in the delight and congratulations.

  ‘Wow! What a celebration we’re going to have and what a birthday present. Well done! You really are an amazing man, Jack.’

  ‘Thanks, Milo. You’re not so bad yourself – a hard act to follow, as they say.’

  ‘Let’s crack that champagne!’

  * * * * *

  Milo and Noola had alerted all the staff as well as the rest of the family to the possibility that Freddie and Tim might try some sort of an attack. On the morning of the party Mickeen sought Milo out with news that he felt he should tell him.

  ‘I’ve been trying to find out some information about Tim Kelly.’

  ‘Thanks, Mickeen! Any luck?’

  ‘Well, some. It seems he hits the bottle really hard. Actually he’s an alcoholic. This could limit his usefulness to Freddie Armstrong.’

  ‘Or make him even more dangerous? As we all know, some people grow really aggressive when drunk.’

  ‘I’d say if he is persuaded to try anything he’ll make a wreck of it. In Freddie’s shoes I wouldn’t trust him an inch.’

  ‘But Freddie’s clever. He might use Tim’s drunkenness to create a diversion.’

  ‘Oh! Didn’t think of that. Well at least we’re now alert to the kind of tricks Freddie might pull.’

  ‘Well done, Mickeen. I’ll tell Sean Flynn.’