Page 51 of The Granddaughter's Irish Secret
‘As long as it isn’t about Noel,’ Henri remarked drily. ‘I’ve had enough of his virtues for one night.’
‘Okay,’ Rose promised. ‘I won’t mention him again.’
Henri nodded. ‘Good.’
Henri went to get the wine and they had their long-awaited supper on the beach. Henri was so nice to Rose while they prepared to go back, helping her into the rib and driving slowly across the calm water of Dingle Bay, so she could see the sun setting into the ocean in a riot of colours. He even promised to help her with the fashion show, adding little bit of money from the senior apartment funds to the kitty. A peace offering, he called it, saying he enjoyed working with her, because he valued her opinion and thought she had a great head for business, which cheered her up.
‘I hope you’re feeling better,’ he said as he saw her off on her bike after a kiss on the cheek. ‘I enjoyed the outing very much. Hope you did too.’
‘Very much,’ Rose said. ‘Thank you for being so kind.’ She cycled home slowly, thinking he was a good sport deep down and a very kind and considerate man. When he wanted to be.
Rose had kept her promise and not mentioned Noel during the rest of the evening, even if her mind was full of him and the realisation that she was truly in love with him. She wondered how she should behave the next day. She couldn’t possibly let him guess her feelings. She had to find out what he felt about her first – if anything at all except friendship. It was a good thing that they were going on a quest together. The riddle of the necklace would keep her feelings in check and the conversation going. Noel was fascinated by the story and would be anxious to find any clue possible. Rose felt sure they would find out a lot from the Lincolns, whoever they were. The trail was getting hotter than ever.
22
Rose woke up early the next morning, after a restless night tossing and turning, thinking, worrying, her stomach churning. Then she had fallen asleep only to wake up again, stressed about the following day. What was she going to say to Noel? How should she act? Probably as she always had, but now this seemed impossible. She knew Henri was right and that she was truly in love with Noel; she couldn’t get the thought out of her mind. She would have to try her best to concentrate on the reason they were going to Kinsale together, to keep thinking about the necklace, Iseult and the connection with the Lincoln family. Did this Penny Lincoln know the necklace really belonged to the Fleurys, or was it an identical piece that had been made at the same time for them? But it couldn’t be. Iseult was a Fleury and she had once owned the necklace, and it was unique. Rose felt she was so close to the answer she could nearly touch it.
But now here she was in a tizzy, trying to gather her thoughts and get ready for the day ahead. Noel had texted her earlier saying he’d do the driving if she wanted, as he was more familiar with the road.Let’s make a day of it, he wrote,and have lunchsomewhere nice on the way. Don’t forget to bring the necklace and all the photos of Iseult you can find.
After a hasty breakfast, Rose ran up to the attic room and rifled through the pile of photos, sticking the ones of the family group into the album that contained the early photos of Iseult. On her way down the stairs, she bumped into her grandmother, who was carrying a large box.
‘I found some things I thought you’d like to sort through,’ she said. ‘Photos, a diary and a few bits and pieces. Good material for the history page on the website.’
‘Oh, great,’ Rose said. ‘Do you want me to carry them up for you?’
‘We could look through it all together,’ Sylvia suggested. ‘I have nothing on this morning.’
‘Oh, Granny, not right now,’ Rose said apologetically. ‘I’m on my way to Kinsale with Noel. We have an appointment to meet the Lincoln family. You know, the ones in the photo at that country house in West Cork.’
Sylvia looked confused. ‘The Lincoln family from that photo? Wouldn’t they all be dead by now?’
‘Yes, of coursetheymust be,’ Rose said, trying not to laugh. ‘I mean their descendants. What’s left of that family. I want to ask them…’ She stopped. ‘I thought they might know what happened to Iseult. They might even have photos of her.’
Sylvia laughed. ‘Of course. How silly of me. That sounds interesting. A nice trip too. Are you going along the coast?’
‘I think so. Noel said we should make a day of it.’
‘Sounds perfect.’ Sylvia eyed Rose’s summer dress and newly washed hair. ‘And you’ve gone to a lot of trouble to look nice. I’m glad to see you in something other than the jeans you always seem to wear.’
‘Well, it’s a warm day,’ Rose said.
‘And Noel is a nice lad,’ Sylvia said with a wink. ‘But I thought you and Henri…’
‘We’re good friends, that’s all,’ Rose said. ‘If you were hoping we’d get together romantically, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.’
‘I’m not disappointed.’ Sylvia’s eyes softened. ‘Maybe it was not to be. I have a feeling he would make you miserable in the end. I’m glad you’re friends now though.’ She paused and studied Rose for a moment. ‘Do you love him?’ she asked. ‘Noel, I mean.’
Rose nodded, suddenly breathless. ‘Oh yes, Granny, I think I do.’
‘Then tell him. Life is so short. You never know what’s going to happen. If you love someone, you have to tell them. You really do, believe me.’
‘I know.’ Rose kissed Sylvia’s cheek. ‘I will. When the moment feels right. Even though he probably doesn’t love me at all.’
‘Maybe he does and he’s afraid to say it,’ Sylvia suggested.
Rose shook her head. ‘No. I think he might be interested in someone else. But I’ll have a go anyway. What do I have to lose?’
‘Nothing at all,’ Sylvia said. ‘Good luck. And be careful.’
