Page 19 of The Book of Irish Secrets
‘For me?’ Claire asked. ‘Was it in the post?’
‘No, I found it under the sofa just now. It’s a very old letter that’s a bit torn and stained.’
‘It must have fallen out of Auntie Rachel’s book when we unwrapped it,’ Claire said, frustrated. Was this another clue to the mystery? She’d been wondering why the book hadn’t given her more information. ‘Can you see who it was sent to?’
‘Yes,’ Finola replied. ‘It’s addressed in beautiful handwriting to Louis Fleury at Villa Magnolia in Killiney.’
‘Oh, wow,’ Claire said. ‘That’s where my great-grandparents lived when Auntie Rachel and Granddad grew up. A lovely house overlooking the sea. Louis called it after his old home here in Kerry. We went to look at it when I was around twelve, but it had been sold by then. That letter must have been sent there and Auntie Rachel would have come across it when they moved or something.’
‘Could be,’ Finola agreed. ‘I only just found it. That’s why I called you so late.’
‘Oh,’ Claire exclaimed. ‘Can you see who it’s from?’
‘It’s very faint but I can just about make out what it says,’ Finola said. ‘C.F., Magnolia Manor, Dingle, County Kerry.’
‘How exciting. It could be from Cornelius, my great-grandfather’s brother. Can you send it to me? By express mail?’
‘Yes, of course. I’ll do it straight away tomorrow morning. Just give me the address to the B&B.’
Claire did as she was told, excited about what Finola had found. ‘Can’t wait to read it. Thanks, Finola, you’re a brick.’
‘No problem,’ Finola said, stifling a yawn. ‘But now I’ll say goodnight. All is well here and the bookings of the Airbnb are good. Goodnight, Claire. Take care.’
‘Bye, Finola, thanks a million again.’
Claire hung up and put the phone away. She drifted off to sleep only minutes after turning off the light and slept soundly for a few hours. But then, in the middle of the night, she woke up, startled by the memory of what Finola had said about the sender. C.F., Magnolia Manor… As she had suggested to Finola, that letter must have been from Cornelius to his brother, Louis. Had he asked for forgiveness? She suddenly couldn’t wait to get her hands on that letter. It had to be nearly a hundred years old. Strange how what happened so long ago could still cast a shadow over a family today.
That letter still played on Claire’s mind as she arrived at Karina’s house the following morning. But she tried to forget about it as she sat down in front of Karina’s computer to tackle her emails. Claire decided to create a new email address for Karina that was separate from her personal one, which Karina thought was a brilliant idea.
‘Why didn’t I think of that before?’ Karina asked, looking over Claire’s shoulder. ‘I was wading through a huge mess every time I looked up my messages trying to sort the invoices and bookings and then answering emails from my daughters and my friends.’
‘I can imagine,’ Claire said. ‘Lots of people who run their own businesses do it that way. But now that I’m here, I can handle your work email and you can then have the personal file all to yourself. Better for both of us.’
Karina nodded and straightened up. ‘That leaves me with a lot more time. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.’
‘Perfect,’ Claire said and turned back to the computer screen. ‘I’ll set up your new email address and then we can go through your client list and email them your change of address.’
‘Fabulous. I’m sure you think I’m an awful klutz when it comes to organising my business. I usually get it together in the end, but it takes a long time and a lot of effort.’
‘You’re such a talented cook and you have wonderful screen presence,’ Claire said. ‘Aren’t those things the most important aspects of your career? Business administration is another matter. You can’t be good at everything.’
‘You’re an absolute treasure,’ Karina said, beaming. ‘But now I must get going. Let me know if you need anything or if you get stuck in the pile of bills and invoices.’
‘I will.’ Claire turned her attention to the business of setting up a new email account while Karina went into the kitchen. Claire could hear her turn on the sound system, and soon Pavarotti belting out the first aria fromToscaechoed around the house.
‘She loves opera and it has to be loud,’ a voice said from the open door.
Claire turned around to discover Pierce in the doorway. ‘Hi,’ she said. ‘Hope your Zoom meetings went well.’
Pierce walked into the room. ‘Yes, all okay. No problems. I didn’t really drink much last night, so I wasn’t too bad this morning. I enjoyed your company and the chat.’
‘Me too,’ Claire said, feeling as if the sun had suddenly shone straight into the room. Pierce had that effect on her, she realised. He made her feel happy by just standing beside her. ‘It was nice not to have to eat alone.’
‘You have to find your own place,’ he said. ‘Then you can invite friends or get yourself a little dog or…’ He stopped. ‘Sorry, didn’t mean to tell you what to do or pry into your private life.’
‘What private life?’ Claire said with a wry smile. ‘I don’t have one.’
‘You must get one, then.’ Pierce grinned. ‘A fun private life with lots of parties and friends. Won’t take you long. You’re in Kerry, after all.’
