Page 41 of The Book of Irish Secrets
TWENTY-ONE
Claire sighed happily and turned her attention back to the computer. She had better get back to work or she’d never get through all the stuff she had to do before she could go home. She knew she’d have to try to get back into the room with the archives soon to see if she could go further with her research, but she had no idea when this would be possible. Though it felt good to have an ally in Pierce, and her feelings for him were a welcome distraction, she knew her lies had to continue for a little longer. And that was beginning to terrify her.
Pierce’s words echoed through her mind as she worked. ‘I like you very much, Claire Fleury,’ he had said. It warmed her heart to think about it and the fact that he had used her real name added to her happiness. He knew who she really was, and that was something to build on.No need to lie to him about anything, she thought.We’ll always be honest with each other from now on.
Despite the comforting thought of having Pierce as an ally, Claire felt a sudden urge to discuss what she had found out with her sister, Marian. There was no closer bond than that with a sister, Claire felt, and as she thought about Marian, she realised how much she missed her sister. She had been devastated whenMarian moved to Australia seven years ago and even though they were often in touch through FaceTime, WhatsApp or by email, it wasn’t the same as meeting in real life. Marian was five years older than Claire and her husband, Andrew, around the same age. They lived near Brisbane, where they ran a shop that sold surfboards, wetsuits and other surfing paraphernalia.
Marian, as the older sister, could be a little domineering at times, however. But right now, Claire could do with some guidance and she missed Marian’s older-sister ways. It was high time to call Marian and fill her in on the latest developments too. She calculated what time it was in Australia and made a plan to call Marian tonight, when it would be morning in Brisbane. How surprised Marian would be when she heard what Claire had found out.
Claire had guessed correctly. Marian, who was still in her pyjamas when Claire rang on WhatsApp, was amazed when she heard the story. ‘What?’ she squealed, nearly choking on her piece of toast. ‘Louis was the heir to Magnolia Manor? And he was in love with Cornelius’s wife?’
‘She wasn’t his wife when they met,’ Claire corrected. ‘In fact, it was Louis and Caroline who were supposed to be married eventually. But something happened and Louis left and went to Dublin.’
‘Oh,’ Marian said. ‘Sorry. I just got up and made breakfast. It’s only six in the morning here.’ She peered at Claire on her screen. ‘You look great, though. And here I was thinking you were working too hard. But you look happy and glowing.’
‘It’s the Kerry effect,’ Claire said. ‘It’s very rejuvenating.’
‘You’ve met someone,’ Marian said. ‘You have that look about you. Am I right?’
‘You might be.’ Claire smirked and blushed at the same time. ‘But it’s early days yet.’
‘Is he good looking?’ Marian asked. ‘Please tell me it’s not one of those handsome lads you used to be so impressed with.’
‘Not good looking exactly,’ Claire said. ‘But charming in a nerdy way. We have these lovely chats about everything. Oh, I can’t describe him; you’ll have to come and see for yourself.’
‘I wish I could.’ Marian sighed. ‘But right now, it’s difficult. Andrew has been sick and we have had a bit of a downturn with our business. I was planning to visit you sometime this year, but now we’ll have to cancel, I’m afraid.’
‘Oh no,’ Claire said with a dart of disappointment. ‘That’s terrible. I was so looking forward to you coming over with Andy so I could show you around. And I thought you might help me with the research.’
‘I’m as sorry as you are,’ Marian said. ‘So we will have to try to solve the mystery together this way.’
‘I’m not sure we ever will,’ Claire said. ‘Right now I feel stuck. So I found this diary or whatever it is by accident. I’m not sure I’ll be so lucky again. The room with all the papers is a huge mess. Just piles and piles stacked to the ceiling.’
‘I can imagine. What about Auntie Rachel’s book? Have you gone through it properly? And your own files? Maybe you should put all of that stuff together and go through it again? There could be something you missed in all of that. And then go back into the archives and have another go.’ Marian groaned. ‘Oh God, I wish I could come over. I feel so frustrated sitting here just listening to what you have done.’
‘I know.’ Claire felt sorry for her sister, who looked pale and weary. Her fair hair was flat and her eyes were tired and sad. ‘I will have another go and do what you suggested,’ Claire promised. ‘Just to cheer you up, if nothing else.’
‘Thank you.’ Marian ran a hand through her hair. ‘I know I look a mess but things have been quite tough lately. Your journey into family history is actually a great distraction. Quite exciting, really.’ She stopped for a moment. ‘Oh, wait a minute. I just remembered something that Auntie Rachel said a long time ago. Just before I went to Australia. Something about her father, Louis…’
‘Yes?’ Claire asked, holding her breath while she waited. ‘What did she say about Louis?’
‘He went to Australia for six months on family business sometime in nineteen twelve,’ Marian started. ‘And when he came back, things had changed.’
‘What things?’
‘I don’t know,’ Marian replied. ‘That’s all she said. I tried to find out what she meant but she wouldn’t tell me. I got the distinct feeling she felt she had said too much and I was not to push her further, so I didn’t. She was so sad to say goodbye to me. I think she knew we wouldn’t meet again. And, of course, she was right.’ Marian drew in a ragged breath.
‘I know,’ Claire said, feeling sorry for Marian. She seemed so sad and lonely and very homesick. ‘I was the lucky one to have been with her until she died. She helped me through the sad time when I felt all alone. You in Australia and Patrick in Canada and our parents gone too.’
‘Then Hugh left,’ Marian filled in.
‘That wasn’t really a sad event,’ Claire said. ‘It was a relief even though I felt such a failure at the time. But Finola was really there for me then and she still is.’
‘She’s a pet of the first order,’ Marian said. ‘And now you’re in Kerry and much happier. You seem to have fallen on your feet there.’
‘Yes, if it wasn’t for the fact that I feel such a fraud.’ Claire sighed. ‘When they find out who I am, they’ll hate me.’
‘Of course they won’t.’ Marian smiled at Claire. ‘They’ll love you for bringing the two families together once they get over the shock. But still, I wish I could be there with you. It must be hard to do this all alone.’
