Mary readily understood Donal’s line of reasoning and began to look crestfallen. “Yes, I certainly comprehend all of it,” she replied.
Donal paused and moved his chair closer to Mary. “Then again, one has to look at each situation in turn and judge its merits accordingly. If one were to come and ask me for a proper meal I would gladly give it. If a person came to me needing help with an eviction I would see what resources were available to combat the situation.
“But alas, no one has ever asked me for such help. Yet here you are seeking to find Peter some assistance. Since I have an emotional and professional interest in Peter’s future, I am compelled to listen closely.
“You may wonder where my emotional interest with Peter comes from. Since we are in each other’s confidence I will explain fully.
“From his first days in our school, Peter has displayed an extraordinary gift for engaging people and lessons with equal enthusiasm. It is every teacher’s wish to have just one pupil in a career that carries such zeal! Are you following me so far Mary?”
She was hanging on every word which spilled from his recollecting lips. “Of course you have my full attention Donal.”
“Good to hear. My emotions are further entangled because of the past. It may be hard for anyone to see now but there was once a beautiful light in my life. Aoiffe Murphy was her name, and it sounds as lovely today as it did back then. We were full up in it all, with big plans for marriage, children and a blossoming union together. We even settled on a plot of land to build our forever home.
“I felt the luckiest man in this county! Both of us believed in the power of education and what it could do to better people’s lives. So we promised each other to do everything we could for making learning available to all. That’s why we both entered the teaching profession.
“Then, perhaps three weeks before we were to be wed, my dear Aoiffe became gravely ill. Hours later she was lost to the world. That was the cholera epidemic of 1832, and though our country knew it was headed this way, many still had no chance. So I went on with my life and a shattered heart. Oh Mary, it still feels like my whole lost its half, never to find its way back to me!
“With Peter I did not want to interfere with anyone’s affairs. But to say I was not puzzled after our talk would be far off the mark. Out of curiosity, did he mention to you they are holding a place at Queen’s College in Galway for him? They are waiting his reply as we speak!
“So what if I was to invest in a mind that could shape potentially hundreds of lives for the better if given a chance? Such a gift should be helpful in uplifting the lot of my fellow countrymen, don’t you think? Even more important, I would be honoring the pledge I made to my dear Aoiffe. Since I could not take her hand and make a promise for life, at least this one I can still uphold in earnest.”
Mary was dumbfounded. The aim of her visit was to avail of other options to pursue educational funds. She never imagined asking Donal for a personal pledge! Her speechless gaze of bewilderment prompted Donal further.
“Dear Mary, I know you did not come here for the purpose of asking me for monies. So please look upon this only as a gift of scholarship deservedly bestowed. In return I do attach one condition.
“If you and Peter were to accept, he must use his special talents in some future service of fellow countrymen. Help to uplift them so not one more has to emigrate. Not one more has to starve. And not one more has to live in the abject poverty that claimed my dearest Aoiffe! All of this will be in keeping with the spirit of my bequest. How say you?”
In regular circumstances Mary would refuse such charity. But pride is a costly vice when there is another one’s future at stake. She would hold fast on her promise to Peter. It would be folly indeed to pass up this golden opportunity.
“Donal, it indeed takes me unawares to hear your generosity. My thanks go beyond anything imaginable. As you know, I was once disadvantaged from an opportunity like the one Peter has. To happen twice in the same family would be an awful curse!
“I will talk it over with him, though I feel his excitement will easily overshadow any doubts.” Mary extended her right hand in gratitude. “I wish only good things for a generous soul as yours Donal. I am in your debt for a rare kindness.”
He took her hand in kind with a warming hold. “Just remind him to sow the seed which may bring forth many flowers next season. When I hear back from you we can make final arrangements. You may think that my motives are altruistic, but in my selfish hope I believe this one act will lead far beyond one boy’s education.”
Mary stood up and prepared to leave. “Well Donal, I must not take any more of your time. Many thanks for offering this gift. God bless, and may peace be with you always.”
“Have a safe journey Mary. Pass along my best to Eamon and Peter.” Donal accompanied her to the school’s entrance. As she walked down the pathway and melted into a distant landscape, Donal felt an unexplained shudder. His lips moved in a bare whisper of wonder. Looking overhead, he witnessed the mercurial seaside sky lifting to reveal a fabulous hue of rainbow.
“My goodness Aoiffe,” he muttered. “Who and where from is that child?”
Mary flew down the roads back to her Harvey homestead. She could not contain the burst of energy which shot through her body after this fortunate turn of events. When she arrived home, her hands sprung the door open in one swift motion. Eamon was looking out the window as she walked inside.
“Da, you would never guess what happened today. It looks like our issue is solved. We have been offered the balance needed to secure Peter’s full tuition at university! Best of all is that this is no loan, but a gift. And we are welcome to it if Peter wants to take advantage.”
Eamon withdrew from the sill where he stood, turning to face his jubilant daughter. “Did my tired ears deceive me? Have you really found an end so quickly to our little dilemma?”
“Yes father, indeed I have. The source is most unlikely; Peter’s head teacher Donal Cleary! I started out in late afternoon to get some advice from him. Then straight out of the blue he offers to do it himself!
“Of course he shared his reasons for it. But I came away from it all with a deep respect for him. More so now I know Donal is a man defined by strong passions for his beliefs. Donal’s candle burns a slow wick from inside.”
Eamon was as dumbstruck as Mary when she first heard the news. “I am truly taken aback by Donal Cleary’s goodness! The west counties have seen too many haggard old men, sickly widowed women and starving children denied opportunities.
“There are times when I think how long it will be before the last person leaves Kilmarnie and all villages like it…then the single action of just one man makes me realize there are others willing to fight. Our battle is to continue the dream that one can survive and prosper unfettered in this country. Otherwise all sacrifices by those before us and ahead will amount to nothing.”
Eamon’s words still hung in the air as Peter entered. “Hello mother; didn’t know you were back already.”
“Yes I’m back with some news for you Peter. The other day I promised to do everything in my power to see if we could get your tuition. My heart and mind were up to the challenge, though circumstances conspired to make long odds.
“But you are in good graces son because we have it all! Thank your granddad and Donal Cleary for making it happen. That is, if you still wish to go away to university this fall?”
Peter jumped for joy. Then he rushed forward to embrace both Mary and Eamon in loving appreciation. Upon separating, he sported a puzzled look on his face.
“I thought we were without means for my tuition. So how did the situation change? Oh no; on second thought I will let the light of good fortune shine on me. I am in debt to three good people and will never forget. Thank you.”
“There is one request attached to the gift from Donal Cleary,” Mary added. “He does expect you t
o study in a discipline which will aid your fellow countrymen when you seek a profession.”
Peter’s subconscious immediately flashed back to those horrific events at the Connolly eviction years before. His revulsion tasted as bitter today as when he first watched it all unfold.
“That will be no issue for me,” he spoke with earnest conviction. “Please make sure Mr. Cleary receives my sincere appreciation.”
Mary positively glowed with adoration. “It is settled. I will make final arrangements with Donal tomorrow. Of course you will have a chance to tell him yourself next week at school.”
“Of course I will. Well, I should be tackling my studies now, though it will be hard to concentrate with all the good news swirling in my head!”
“Go on then. And you relax da. I’m going to get supper started now.” With that the men dispersed from her presence. Mary was thinking of mentioning Queen’s College, though she thought it best Peter told it in his own time.
When days moved into summer, sunshine spilled its happy colors more frequently. Its enabling rays prodded verdant fields and scrubs alike to showcase their individual bounty. Spontaneous well wishes came more easily from townsfolk in such a pleasing clime. And for a fortunate few, only the pure satisfaction of great achievement could rival this natural brilliance.
Months before this senior class at Kilmarnie Schoolhouse anticipated the end of diligent study. Though the remainder were not without memories of past contemporaries, whose footfall faded into absorbing thick stone. Eviction, emigration, finances, hardship, and even death culled the rolls relentlessly each year.
For lost colleagues, chance remained a dream. Though after the infinite ways fate could snatch success, there were a fortunate few. Their graduation capped a pinnacle of accomplishment which had weaned most.
Limitless joy made Peter’s graduation a sterling memory for himself, Mary and Eamon. Each sacrificed in their own way to make it an occasion of shared achievement. Thus his ceremony marked the sweet fruits of deserved reward for the Harvey family.
There was a fourth person, Peter’s benefactor Donal Cleary, who watched on with great satisfaction. He had seen Peter grow from a child into an impressive young man of character. Being a learned man, Donal was not prone to superstition or homespun belief. Yet with each passing of time he often wondered how Peter came to be in their isolated west coast of Ireland.
*****
Today, with great tidings came some sorrow. Having received successful confirmation, Peter informed the family of his pending departure to Queen’s College weeks before. And now the moment had arrived for him to bid fond farewells.
The late summer sun bore witness to Peter’s anticipated departure while he milled about with last minute preparations. When finished, he went outside to where grandfather Eamon was waiting in his beloved garden. The end of another chapter in his young life was drawing to a close.
“Hello granddad. Sure looks like it was a good season out in the patch. I have not seen growth like this in years!”
“You’re so right Peter. What a welcome sight it is. Of course none of us older folk will forget the terrible times back a dozen years or so. You would have been too young to realize, but what you see now would have been so helpful back then. Enough of the bad past; I take it you’re leaving soon to Galway?”
“Yes, the carriage is on its way from town. And I’m packed for the journey ahead.”
Eamon came closer to Peter. “Well son, there are a few words within me that I’d like to share with you. So please humor an old man while it all dribbles out.”
“Granddad, I have all the time in the world to listen to your words. Never doubt that.”
Eamon smiled upon hearing his kind reply. “Well Peter, I have always known this place would never be enough to contain the force of your soul. Here, clouds and sea conspire to mire our landscape in a foggy drift of suspended routine.
“Yet there are other places where skies brighten vigor in our hearts, lifting dreams in our soul! It’s where vibrant green earth dances with mirth in the true greatness of Eire.
“You see Peter,” Eamon continued endearingly. “I can remember three times in my life when I was truly blessed. First was when I took the hand of your dear grandmother to be wed. The next was when your sweet mother was born to us. And then, I was given a third when you were brought to our home.
“All my years came down to three moments that affirmed all would be well for me on this earth. That is the key to life Peter! We wage a quiet struggle every day just to experience such rare moments. I was lucky enough to be granted three, and that made my life richer than most.”
Peter could hardly contain the endearment that pumped out from his heaving heart. He clasped Eamon’s hands firmly in his.
“If they could only say half of the good things about me that they speak of your character, I would have lived a good life indeed! In your wake you leave loving thoughts and caring people.
“Each day you’ve shown others the fruits of living a life of true respect. To have had you as a part of my life will always be a source from which I draw wisdom. I cannot justify in words what my deepest soul feels. So I will just stay quiet while enjoying your company.”
Upon finishing, two generations of Harveys, separated by another, took in the powerful landscape which shaped their ancestors. Together they stood as testament to a mutual bond not separated by years though melded in familial respect. It was truly a moment both would cherish forever.
Soon they were alerted to the approaching sound of horses’ hooves along their path. Peter left Eamon and went off to find his mother. He found her in the kitchen, cleaning up from lunchtime.
“Mother, the carriage is coming,” he spoke softly. “I must leave now. I had a few moments with grandfather in the garden. Now it’s our time to say goodbye.”
Mary came to where her son was standing. A solitary tear stained her soft complexion as she spoke.
“You look such the handsome young man! It’s so strange to think my Peter is now headed off to university…oh I won’t make you squirm by saying those feelings that are churning within me! Just leave here knowing my fondest memories will always be the three of us together at our homestead.
“Today my child is an adult about to make his way in the world. I hope your granddad and I instilled the right values to give you good grounding. But if you ever need us, we shall be here as always.
“I make no apologies in telling you that the power of love and support we gave each other will be less as three becomes two. Though I know in our hearts we are all within each other, regardless of physical distance. That is why we Harveys remain a family undivided.”
Peter derived much inner peace from her words. “Bless you mother. It is too many times people do not hear the worth their lives hold in the eyes of people held most dear. You know I loved you since I first looked up from that basket. And it remains as true today as that first moment. I was just too young to put my feelings into words.”
Mary’s sweet tears flowed freely. “To see how you have grown, my dearest, sweetest Peter. Did you know there were times I cradled you like the entire world’s comfort was not enough to easy my worries for your care?
“I cried in joy when I made you my son. I strained to listen for your first words. I smiled in hope as you were a child full of questions. And now, my fine son, you are going to find your own way in this country.
“But I will never forget any precious memory you placed in my heart. For not a moment will pass that I will not wait to hear you are doing well.”
Their time together was interrupted by the arrival of Peter’s cab driver. A firm rap at the door was followed by a loud greeting.
“Excuse me in there! I am here to pick up a Peter Harvey for travel to Galway. We must be putting off now to make good time. I want to ensure our arrival is at a decent hour.”
“Sounds like my driver has arrived,” replied an emotional Peter as he gave his mother a warm embrace. “Please take care of the both of you. I left the address of my lodgings on this paper. If you need anything, you must send for me at once. Goodbye mother; I love you so much.”
“Safe journey Peter, with all my love,” she replied in streaking tears. It would be the first time since their first day so long ago they had been apart. Yet beginning with his early years of local schooling, it was readily apparent Peter’s destiny would be well outside the small bosom of his provincial home town.
Time had come for expectations to begin that uncertain journey to fulfillment. Peter Harvey would seek his way in the world, like so many before him. It seemed those wispy white clouds above this coastal village held their billowing breath in anticipation. Meantime, from Mary to Eamon to Donal and all others whose lives he touched, not one would forget their time with the Moses of Kilmarnie.
Chapter Ten
A MEETING OF LIKE MINDS
How do you meet someone you have known your whole life?
The heavy set driver loaded Peter’s luggage with ease onto his comfortable coach. When Peter settled inside, he waived a fond farewell to Mary, Eamon and the old homestead. He attempted to frame these last scenes in a collection of everlasting memories. For here was all the life he had known before his first contact with broader land.
Along mystifying stretches of rugged landscape, Peter’s mind escaped into the grand makings of nature’s passing scenery. He observed endless tracts of lakes and inlets which stood in ageless beauty. Contrasting level land were mountains which tempted one to look above as well as around. Sea to sky, earth to heaven, all was fashioned in unspoiled wonder. .
His driver stated the journey to Galway would be eight hours, with a stop for changing of horses halfway along. Knowing this, Peter had unpacked a couple of his favorite novels to relax along the way. Yet the mesmerizing call of stark landscapes and timeless contours kept his eyes returning to outside gazes after each mile. For in these knowing climes, generations of Harveys and others like them forged their livelihoods.
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