Page 14 of The Widow's Irish Secret
‘Oh, eh…’ Suddenly drawn back into the conversation, Tricia, squirmed, trying to find a plausible explanation. ‘I wanted to spend the summer here to be with the grandkids. And then Vi announced she and Jack are getting married so that was an added reason to come here and settle down for a bit.’ She hoped Mary would stop asking questions. It reminded her of the legal problems she had left behind. She had hoped it wouldn’t catch up with her but if people started asking questions, it would be difficult to avoid revealing what was going on. But to Tricia’s relief, Mary seemed to accept her explanation and didn’t pursue the subject. They all began talking about other things while Tricia tried to maintain a cheerful façade.
Nora’s voice broke into Tricia’s musings. ‘How about that, Tricia? I’ve never done it but it would be fun to have a go.’
Tricia blinked. ‘Do what?’
‘Karaoke,’ Maggie said. ‘There’s a pub in Killorglin that has started that kind of thing. We could all go together just for the craic.’
Tricia laughed and shook her head. ‘You’re all mad. But hey, why not? I’m rubbish at singing but that’s not important, is it?’
‘Of course not,’ Maggie said. ‘It sounds like fun, though. I’ve always wanted to do it.’
Nora finished her drink and looked at the far side of the pub. ‘I think the band is ready to start.’
‘But we have time to order another round,’ Tricia said and waved at a waiter. ‘What’ll you have?’
They ordered their drinks which arrived just as the band started up and then they were silent, listening to the music, smiling and clapping in time with the jigs and reels while some people got up and danced. Tricia looked around the group of her new and old friends and felt a growing sense of contentment andbelonging, something she hadn’t experienced since she had left Kerry all those years ago. She knew then that she had been right to come back here to her roots. The memories, sad or happy, could no longer chase her away.
Later, in the car on the way home, Tricia thanked Nora for inviting her to join the group of friends. ‘It was such a fun evening,’ she said. ‘What a nice gang. They made me feel so welcome.’
‘I could see that you were enjoying yourself,’ Nora said from the front seat. ‘And they liked you immediately. Of course you knew Mary already but not Colette and Maggie. They’re a bit mad but great company. I think you’ll have fun with them.’
‘I’m sure I will even if some of their suggestions were a little daring. Especially the speed dating. But sure why not? As they said, we’re not dead yet. Not that I’m looking for a man or anything. I’m over that kind of thing. Except…’ She paused. ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a boyfriend just for company now and then? I mean, like Sylvia with Arnaud. They aren’t always together but when they are they’re very happy.’
‘Seems to work for them,’ Nora said, turning to smile at Martin. ‘But I have the best man any woman could ask for.’
‘You’re very lucky,’ Tricia said.
‘We both are,’ Martin cut in.
‘Of course,’ Tricia agreed. ‘I think you’re the best-matched couple ever.’
‘Like you and Fred,’ Nora said. ‘Such a tragedy that it had to end so soon.’
‘Yes, it was. But I still feel privileged to have known him, and I was so lucky to meet Sean,’ Tricia said. ‘I’m enjoying the happy memories at last and not feeling so sad any more. The cottage happened just at the right time. I’m going to make it live againand that’s where Fred will be. Our grandchildren will enjoy the house and garden and it will be the best thing I’ve ever done.’
‘You’re so brave, Tricia,’ Nora said, turning to squeeze her hand. ‘Fred would be proud of you.’
‘Yes, I think he would,’ Tricia replied, tears welling up in her eyes. ‘He will be with me every step of the way.’
‘He will,’ Nora said as they neared the gates to Magnolia Manor. ‘I’m so glad you came back, you know. I’ve missed you.’
‘I missed you too,’ Tricia replied. ‘It’s great to be together again.’
Martin pulled up outside the gatehouse. ‘Here we are.’
Tricia opened the door. ‘Thanks again for being the chauffeur tonight, Martin.’
‘No problem,’ Martin said. ‘I was happy you girls had a good time.’
‘Sleep tight,’ Nora said. ‘See you soon. Give us a shout if you need any help.’
‘I will,’ Tricia promised. ‘But I’ll be talking to Dominic at the cottage on Monday and we’ll draw up a plan. Then we’ll see what I can do myself. Goodnight, you two. Thanks for a lovely evening, Nora.’
When Martin had driven off through the gates, Tricia walked up the steps to the front door of the gatehouse. There was a light on in the hall and the spare bedroom upstairs. Vi must have left them on before she went to bed. Tricia mounted the stairs, smiling as she thought of the conversations in the pub. Speed dating and karaoke? Seemed a little strange to do that at her age. But why not? She wasn’t that old yet. Who knew what would happen? Life suddenly seemed to be full of promise and the way forward full of exciting things to do and people to meet.
Tricia’s phone rang as she was getting ready for bed. It was Nora.
‘I hope I didn’t wake you up,’ she said. ‘I just wanted to tell you something I saw the other day that worried me. I didn’t want to talk about it in front of Martin. He thinks I’m being silly. And I don’t want to upset Sylvia. But…’ Nora stopped.
