Page 10 of The Widow's Irish Secret
‘I don’t care,’ Tricia whispered back. ‘If Vi and Jack are happy, that’s all that matters.’
‘Of course. Better to sit back and enjoy it,’ Nora said.
A thought suddenly struck Tricia. ‘Sylvia said it could be her last hurrah. What did that mean? Is she ill?’
‘Not at all,’ Nora said, grinning. ‘She’s been saying that for the past twenty years when she wants something to go her way. She’s as fit as a fiddle.’
‘Oh, phew.’ Tricia laughed. ‘I’m glad she’s the same feisty Sylvia. Not always easy to handle, but we still love her, don’t we?’
‘Of course we do,’ Nora agreed. ‘And hey, Violet told me you’ve bought the cottage. That was quite a big step for you.’
‘I know but I felt in my bones that I had to come and live here. My grandchildren only see me occasionally and that’s not a good way to be.’
‘It will be hard work to make the cottage comfortable,’ Nora remarked. ‘But the structure is good and the roof is in good nick.’
‘I realise that,’ Tricia agreed. ‘And I can put up with just the basics for the summer while the work is going on. I like being outdoors anyway, as you know.’
‘Yes, I remember. You and Fred were always doing all that swimming and hiking and cycling.’ Nora looked suddenly awkward. ‘I’m sorry. I hope that didn’t make you sad.’
‘No, not any more.’ Tricia put her hand on Nora’s arm. ‘I like remembering the happy times. And I can’t wait to see old friends again.’
‘They’ll be happy to see you too,’ Nora replied. ‘You seem so much stronger now, ready to face life again.’
Tricia nodded. ‘Yes, I think I am. It’s perhaps the realisation that at my age, I have no time to waste. If I’m to live a full andhappy life, I have to count my blessings and move on. Make the best of every single day.’ She laughed. ‘That sounds far too positive for me. I must have drunk too much of that prosecco.’
‘Have some more,’ Nora suggested. ‘I like the new light-hearted you.’
‘Yeah, why not.’ Tricia smiled and nodded while Nora filled her glass. She shot a look at Sylvia across the table, expecting a cold stare, but all she got back was a benign smile. What a relief. Sylvia had been sidetracked and was happy to organise yet another event and might this way keep her hands off Vi’s wedding. All Tricia’s problems in Donegal felt far away and it seemed as if all the rumours would never catch up with her here, where she was safe in the bosom of her family. All was well and Tricia could look forward to stepping into her new home very soon. She couldn’t wait for her new life to start.
7
The sale of the cottage went through without a hitch on Wednesday. Tricia rushed over to the estate agents to pick up the keys, excited to get into her new home. Then she drove back to Magnolia Manor and parked outside the cottage, happy beyond words to finally step inside. She guessed the house would be damp and dirty after years of neglect. Cleaning it up would be the first step and then getting her son-in-law Dominic to come and go through whatever renovation work needed to be done. She knew the structure was sound and the roof good. The original thatched roof had been replaced with slate, which was sad but meant the insurance was not a problem. The change meant a loss of the old-world charm but there was less danger in case of fire.
When she arrived at the cottage, Tricia took the keys from her bag and entered the garden. She waded through the high grass and then stood at the front door, its red paint peeling in large flakes. There was a hand-shaped brass knocker which made her smile as she inserted the large key into the keyhole. It turned with slight difficulty, the door stiff, emitting a loud creakas Tricia pushed it open, and then, finally, she stood inside a tiny hall that smelled only a little musty.
The door to the corridor was open and Tricia turned left into the living room and stood for a moment looking around in wonder. The dirty, neglected room she had expected was instead bright and clean, the wide oak planks on the floor polished and the fireplace clear of any old timbers or soot. There was a smell of soap and beeswax and the window was open to the sunny back garden. The remnant of a lace curtain fluttered in the soft breeze and a thrush sang in the apple tree just outside the window. It was so lovely and peaceful it made Tricia feel quite tearful.
But who had been in here to clean the house? Nora? Or… There was only one way to find out. Tricia fished her phone from her pocket and called Sylvia’s number. She answered straight away.
‘Tricia? I hope all is well and you got the keys?’
‘I did and I’m here in the cottage,’ Tricia replied. ‘I was expecting it to be damp and dirty but it looks like someone has been cleaning the place from top to bottom. Was it you?’
Sylvia laughed. ‘Not me but the cleaning firm we use at Magnolia. I wanted to hand over the property in as good a nick as possible. Didn’t seem quite correct not to have it cleaned for the new owner. Take it as a housewarming present from me.’
‘Oh. That’s the best housewarming gift ever. Thanks a million,’ Tricia said. ‘That really makes it feel a much happier place, I have to say.’
‘There’s still a lot of work to be done before you can live there,’ Sylvia remarked.
‘I know but I’m not afraid of a bit of hard work,’ Tricia replied.
‘Good for you. But now I have to sign off. I’m doing the invitations for the party and then trying to contact the caterers. Lots to be done,’ Sylvia said, sounding important.
‘Of course. I won’t disturb you any more. You’re brilliant to organise this party.’ Tricia knew heaping praise on Sylvia was the best way to stay in her good books. ‘You’re the most amazing party organiser.’
‘Well, it’s hard work but I think I’m on top of it,’ Sylvia said.
‘Of course you are. Thanks again for having my new house cleaned,’ Tricia said. ‘See you soon.’
