IRISH FIRE

by Jeanette Baker

  Lanas cheeks were a bright pink. Of course I dont mind. Its up to the poor peasants of Kilcullen to give the princess whatever she wants. Isnt that right, Caitlin?

  Brigid felt her daughter stiffen. Her hackles rose. She reached up and pried away the fingers clutching her shoulder. Leave off, Caitlin, youre killin me, she grumbled. Then she turned to Lana and without raising her voice, pitched it for all those around them to hear. Will you watch your mouth, child, or will you be needing a good bar of soap to wash it clean?

  Lana sucked in her breath and looked to her family for support. The Sullivans were there in full force but no one stepped up to defend her. Without a word, she turned and walked away.

  Kathleen sighed. Im not sayin she didnt deserve it, Brigid, but how will I manage without any help?

  Caitlin spoke up. Ill help you, Kathleen. Let me walk home with Mum and then Ill be back.

  Barbara OShea, Johns youngest daughter, stepped forward. Theres no need for that, Caitlin. We know what its been like for you and Mrs. Keneally with the fire at the stud farm nearly taking our Annie. Ill help Kathleen tonight.

  Brigid relaxed. Despite her Claiborne marriage, Caitlin wasnt without friends in Kilcullen.

  Does anyone know how it happened? Caitlin asked after shed checked on the children and come back downstairs to find her mother and Davy Flynn sharing a pot of tea.

  Brigid was unusually silent, her eyes on the flickering flames and the curling squares of new peat shed added to the fire.

  I hear they couldnt get his heart to start up again after the bypass surgery, Davy volunteered. Imagine, a man like Father Duran, strong as a horse, dyin on the table like that.

  I wonder why he did it? Caitlin said.

  Her mother looked up. Did what?

  I wonder why he took such a risk at his age.

  He was just past seventy, Caitlin, the same age I am, Brigid admonished her. Im not ready t step one foot into the grave. Most likely they promised him a few extra years. Anyone starin death in the face would take such an offer.

  I suppose so. Caitlin looked unconvinced.

  Brigid patted the space on the sofa beside her.

  Caitlin sat down beside her mother. I knew him all my life, she mused, yet I dont feel like Ireally knew him.

  He wasnt an easy man to know, observed Davy. I dont think he had a real friend in all of Kilcullen for all his bein the pastor of Saint Patricks for forty years.

  Thirty-seven, Brigid corrected him.

  Whats that, lass? Davy turned his good ear in her direction.

  Hes been at Saint Patricks for thirty-seven years, she repeated.

  I didnt think you liked him, Mum.

  What makes you say that?

  Caitlin shrugged. Nothing concrete, really. Its just that when we ran into him you made excuses to leave.

  Brigid laughed through stiff lips. I suppose it looked that way.

  Davy drained the last of his tea and stood. Ill be on my way, Caitlin. Thank you for the tea, Mrs. Keneally. Dont get up. Ill find my way out.

  Brigid turned down the lamp so the room was dim and shadowed with firelight. She liked to watch the flames leap and dance. Wood snapped. Rain slanted down through the chimney, sizzled, smoked, and rose again something else entirely. She loved the smell of turf, the popping wood, the hiss and crackle and smoke, the anonymity of her face in the shadows, her hands empty and idle in her lap. He had blocked arteries, she said into the darkness. He was a smoker when he was young. We all were. But he waited too long to stop.

  Maybe something was wrong with his heart as well, said Caitlin. He should have come out of it.

  Michael Duran couldnt be counted on to behave predictably.

  I cant imagine why you would say that. There was an odd note in Caitlins voice. Hes never been anything other than the consummate parish priest, only more intolerant and superior.

  Brigid couldnt help defending him. You liked him well enough.

  Only lately. He lightened up a bit during the years I was gone.

  Hes gone now. Its bad luck to speak ill of the dead.

  They sat in silence for a while longer. Caitlin spoke first. Are you all right, Mum? Youre unusually quiet tonight.

  Brigid intended to assert that she was well enough for seventy-one and lay her daughters suspicions to rest but the words wouldnt come. Instead she surprised herself. I feel like a drink, somethin bubbly and dry.

  Champagne? Well have to drink the whole bottle.

  If we dont finish it, Im sure you can find another use for whats left. Didnt you say somethin about salmon with champagne sauce?

  The cheapest champagne Ive seen in your cellar is forty pounds a bottle. I cant pour that over fish.

  Why not?

  Mum. Now Caitlin sounded exasperated. You cant have changed that much.

  Im seventy-one years old, Caitlin. If I cant drink good champagne with my daughter before I pass on, what have I worked for all my life?

  So, thats what this is about. Father Duran is dead and you think you havent much time left.

  Brigid stood. Somethin like that. Dont go anywhere. Ill be right back.

  The champagne she preferred was a Blanc de Blanc from California, a dry, small-bubbled, crisper version than the more traditional French variety. Her gnarled hands struggled with the cork but at last she managed it and the satisfying pop exploded in her ears. A misty residue escaped from the bottle, hovered around the top and disappeared. Brigid balanced on a foot stool and chose two Waterford flutes from the top cupboard. Carrying the bottle and a towel in one hand and the flutes in the other, she returned to the sitting room and poured two glasses. Small bubbles, she noted with satisfaction. A good champagne guaranteed to make the following morning a pleasant one.

  Caitlin sipped from her glass. Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. This is delicious, she said, reaching for the bottle to check the label.

  Its been around for some time, only not so much in Europe. I dont believe it had a market outside of the United States until a few years ago.

  You like this, dont you, Mum?

  Brigid could barely see her daughters face in the firelight. Like what?

  Caitlin waved her hand to encompass the room. This life. Running the pub and the store, sampling new champagne, living here in Kilcullen.

  Brigid thought a minute. It was true, with provisions. I like it much more now that youre here. I was goin through the motions until you came with the children. Now I have the three of you t look forward t. She bit her lip. Vulnerability made her uncomfortable. She plunged forward anyway. You will stay the night, wont you? The children are already asleep.

  Caitlin nodded and rested her head on her mothers shoulder. I wish I could tell you for sure whether or not we can stay here in Kilcullen. The hearings coming up. I should know after that.

  When do you leave for Kentucky?

  The day after tomorrow.

  I thought it wasnt until next week.

  Mr. Marston wants me to meet his associates in Lexington before we go to court. I think its a good idea since theyll be handling most of the case. He thinks a lawyer from Kentucky will have an advantage over one with an Irish accent.

  Brigid watched Caitlins fingers tighten around her glass.

  I cant lose this one, Mum.

  Closing her eyes, Brigid sent up a silent prayer of thanks. Shed been granted a reprieve. You didnt say whether youll take the children.

  Not this time. They have school and I dont want to disturb them unless I absolutely have to. Besides, Graybeards Lady will be racing in Newry and Annie is determined to be in the owners box. Brian said he would take her if you cant.

  I didnt see him tonight, Brigid said casually. Why do you think that is?

  He had a meeting with Hillary Benedict. Shes concerned about the reputation of the Curragh after the fire. Im sure hell be at the funeral tomorrow.

  The champagne gave Brigid courage. She poured herself another glass and topped off Caitlins. May I ask you a personal question?


  I suppose theres no harm in asking.

  Exactly what is your relationship with Brian Hennessey?

  Caitlin leaned back into the couch and closed her eyes. Once again Brigid was struck by the delicate beauty of her daughters face, something that even weariness and worry couldnt diminish.

  Im not sure, Caitlin said at last. I cant be sure until I know where this is all going to end. Brian is Irish. He belongs here.

  Brigid could have told her that love waits for no one, that there is no perfect time for it, that happiness is measured in moments, not days or years, and that wisdom lies in knowing when to reach for it and when to step back. But as usual, with this particular daughter, she did not. Instead, she said, What about you, Caitlin? Do you belong here?

  She shook her head. I cant let myself think that way, Mum. If I have to keep Annie and Ben near Sam, then Ill belong in Kentucky.

  What will you do there?

  Breed and race horses, she said without hesitation. Thats all I know how to do.

  Then why not do it here. If Hillary Benedict can do it, you can. She doesnt have any schoolin at all.

  She inherited her business, Mum. Starting from the ground up isnt so easy.

  Youll manage.

  Caitlin smiled and lifted her champagne glass. Firelight gilded the bones of her cheeks. Shed had too much to drink. Tonight, anything seemed possible. To the future of my training yard.

  Brigid saluted her daughter. T your future, she said. Caitlin approved of her. It was a heady feeling and an unusual one. She would hold on to the memory of this night, save it in her mind, bring it out and relive it when she needed it most.

  26

  Lexington, Kentucky

  Lucy Claiborne happened to look up at the exact moment Caitlin walked into the courtroom and her face lit from within. She smiled and beckoned, then remembered what had brought them together again, and hesitated.

  Caitlin saw the conflicting emotions pass over her mother-in-laws face. She understood the older womans dilemma. There was no precedent in Lucys life on which to pattern her behavior.

  Recognizing that it was up to her to set the standard, Caitlin moved swiftly across the space that separated them and, before she could change her mind, drew her mother-in-law up out of her chair and into her arms. Lucys embrace was long and painful, genuine and healing.

  Ive missed you so much. The older womans voice broke. Clearly embarrassed, she stepped back, pulled a tissue from her purse and pressed it against her nose. How are my grandchildren?

  Looking forward to seeing you again.

  Lucy looked startled. Will that be soon?

  Theyll be coming back in the spring when they have a break from school, unless were forced to come back sooner.

  I understand.Lucy was obviously uncomfortable with their present circumstances.

  Sam broke away from his lawyers and joined them. Hello, Caitlin.

  She nodded cooly.

  He slid his hand under his mothers elbow. Its almost time. I think we should sit down.

  Charles Malone, Caitlins American attorney, a fourth generation Kentuckian, opened his briefcase and removed a manila file. He was busy examining the contents when Caitlin sat down beside him. She knew better than to interrupt. Mr. Malone was a stickler for perfection. After leaving his office the first time shed felt more hopeful than she had in months.

  He finished his perusal, put away his pen and smiled at her. Remember, no matter what happens here today regarding the children we can always appeal.

  She blanched. Has something happened?

  Custody cases are never predictable, Caitlin. They bring out the worst in people.

  Is there something youre not telling me, Mr. Malone?

  Your husbands attorney has taken a deposition from a woman named Lana Sullivan. Do you know her?

  Her heart sank. Yes.

  Mr. Claibornes attorneys will assert that you are an unfit mother.

  She gasped. Why?

  According to Miss Sullivan you have entered into a relationship with a man in Kilcullen, a Mr. Brian Hennessey. She claims that you left your children to go away with him overnight.

  Rage consumed her. A vein throbbed in her neck. She felt the hot dry heat of injustice sear a path from her chest down to her stomach. Closing her eyes, she drew a deep breath. Mr. Hennessey is the manager of the stud farm where my horses are stabled. My foal had a debilitating birth defect. Together we took him to a veterinarian in Galway. We did not spend the night together. I came home on a late train. He drove the colt back.

  Malones face softened. Dont look so terrified, Caitlin. We encounter this type of thing many times.

  Her voice was bitter. Im amazed that Sam has the nerve to accuse me after his years of philandering.

  Imust ask you this question and Ineed you to answer honestly. Have you ever at any time during your marriage had an affair that you kept from your husband?

  No.

  Will Mrs. Claiborne support your claim?

  Yes.

  Charles Malone smiled. Good.

  But

  He held up his hand. Dont say anything more. Thats the question Ill ask you after your husbands attorney has finished. Respond exactly the way you did for me.

  The bailiff ordered all to rise. Judge Phillip Rutherford entered the room. Court was in session.

  Sam had been well coached. Did you ever beat your wife, Mr. Claiborne?

  No, sir.

  Did you verbally abuse her?

  No, sir.

  Did you mistreat her in any way?

  No, sir.

  Isnt it a fact, Mr. Claiborne, that you denied your wife absolutely nothing that her heart desired, even down to a prize-winning broodmare of considerable reputation.

  Yes, sir.

  Elery Hayes, the Claiborne attorney for more than two decades, was in rare form. Can you think of one, single, solitary reason that your wife deserted you, taking your two children, and stealing two horses from your stable?

  Charles Malone rose halfway out of his chair. Objection on two counts. Speculation and Mr. Hayes has already conceded that the broodmare was a gift to Mrs. Claiborne.

  Sustained.Judge Rutherford peered through his glasses. You arent practicing before a grand jury, Mr. Hayes. Im the only one you need to impress.

  Mr. Hayes regrouped. Ill rephrase. Mr. Claiborne, do you consider yourself to be a good husband?

  I do.

  Did your wife explain to your satisfaction why she left you?

  No, sir, she did not.

  No further questions.

  Charles Malone stared down at his file. Then he turned, winked at Caitlin, stood and buttoned his coat.

  Isnt it a fact, Mr. Claiborne, that you were not faithful to your marriage vows?

  Sam appeared outraged. It is not.

  Caitlin watched the blood pound in her wrist and willed herself to remain calm.

  Mr. Malone picked up his file and flipped through several sheets of paper. Isnt it true that on the night of October 17, 1994, you checked into a Charleston hotel with a woman who was not your wife?You are under oath, Mr. Claiborne.

  Sams fists were clenched and his face was an alarming shade of red. I dont remember.

  Let me refresh your memory. Her name was Rachel Willoughby. Does that ring a bell?

  No.

  What about June 23rd of the same year?You appeared with the same Rachel Willoughby at a hotel in Paris and signed the guest register as Mr. and Mrs. Claiborne.Malone waited. Still no recollection, Mr. Claiborne?What about May 16th, 1995, and a Mrs. Catherine Downing?

  Hayes leaped to his feet. Objection. Mr. Malone is badgering the witness.

  Overruled.The judge sounded amused. Mr. Claiborne, answer the question and remember that you are under oath.

  I dont recall.

  Charles Malone sighed. Very well, Mr. Claiborne. I have no further questions.

  Several witnesses were called to vouch for Sams character. At last Elery Hayes addressed
the bench. This concludes my clients case, your honor.

  So noted. Rutherford lifted his head and looked through the bottom half of his bifocals. Mr. Malone. You may proceed.

  I call Caitlin Claiborne to the stand.

  Later, when asked to recall what kind of a witness shed been in her own defense, Caitlin couldnt say. She remembered explaining why shed returned to Ireland and why, in her opinion, divorce was her only option. The one about Annie and Bens state of mind had been harder. Somehow shed managed it. The rest of the attorneys questions and her own responses passed in a blur, leaving her feeling weary, defeated, and powerless, emotions she hadnt experienced since shed walked out on Sam Claiborne eight months before.

  And then it was Lucys turn. For the rest of her life Caitlin would never forget how her mother-in-law stood up in front of them all and defied her son. No one knew better than Caitlin what loyalty meant to the Claibornes. For Lucy to take a stand against Sam was a testimony to the womans courage and character. Charles Malone was a genius. Caitlin had no idea how hed known that Lucy would do what she did. Somehow he had seen something in the woman that no one else had.

  Mrs. Claiborne, he began in his most courteous voice, would you say that your daughter-in-law is a good mother?

  Caitlin is an excellent mother.

  Have you ever known her to do anything that was not in the best interests of the children?

  Never.

  To the best of your knowledge, was your daughter-in-law ever unfaithful to your son during their marriage?

  Lucys contemptuous gaze flickered over her son and moved on. No, she was not.

  Malone looked down at his shoes. One hand was in his pocket. This may be difficult for you, Mrs. Claiborne. Your answer is very important. Take as much time as you need before answering. He smiled. Are you ready?

  She drew a deep breath. Yes.

  Did you ever caution your son about his extra-marital affairs?

  Yes.

  To what end? the attorney gently prodded her.

  Lucy lifted her head and once again leveled her son. He disregarded my advice completely.

  Do you want your grandchildren back in Kentucky, Mrs. Claiborne?