Page 166 of The Missing Sister
‘So am I! How marvellous,’ she added. ‘I’ve never met a fifth sister before.’
‘Well, I had three brothers, so it’s not quite the same as you.’
‘No, but it feels nice anyway,’ she smiled. ‘One day, we’ll have to talk about our shared mythology.’
‘I already know the legend of Taygete. Zeus pursued her relentlessly,’ I said.
‘He did, yes, and, oh, it’s a long story but...’ Tiggy shrugged. ‘I hope we can speak for longer some time.’
‘Yes. I’d like that.’
Jack looked at me. ‘Mum, you look exhausted. I know I am, and I’ve only sat on the sidelines of all of this. Go and get some rest before Mary-Kate arrives.’
‘Yes, you should.’
Tiggy’s tiny, calming hands were once again placed on mine, and I felt my heart rate slowing. This girl, whatever and whoever she was to me, was magical.
‘Yes, I think I need to sleep,’ I agreed, standing up. ‘Would you excuse me?’
‘Of course,’ Tiggy said as she stood up too, ‘and thank you for trusting me today. I know it’s confusing, but my instinct tells me that everything is as it should be.’ Then she enveloped me in a big hug. ‘Sleep well, Merry. I’ll be here when you need me.’
‘Would you like me to come up with you, Mum?’ Jack asked.
‘No, I’m fine. Why don’t you amuse yourself in the city this afternoon? I can recommend theBook of Kellsin the Trinity College Library.’
‘That’s been on my list forever,’ said Tiggy. ‘Are you up for it, Jack?’
‘I sure am, Tiggy. See you later, Mum.’
By the time I entered my room, I could hardly stand from exhaustion. Having put theDo not disturbsign on, I closed the curtains – I was never one for sleeping during the day – undressed and sank under the duvet.
‘Who am I?’ I whispered drowsily.
For the first time in my life, I realised I didn’t know.
‘Maia? It’s Tiggy here.’
‘Hi, Tiggy! Ally’s here, and CeCe and Chrissie have just arrived from London. Have you found her?’
‘I have.’
‘More importantly, have you managed to speak to her and explain everything?’
‘Yes.’
‘And?’
‘I think I managed to reassure her. I showed her the drawing of the ring and she agreed it is identical.’
‘Fantastic. And what would be your feeling about Mrs McDougal?’ said Maia.
‘Oh, she’s lovely, although I don’t think our rather slapdash undercover tactics helped – her son said she literally thought we were some organisation hunting her down, but I hope I convinced her that’s not what we were trying to do.’
‘What about her daughter, Mary-Kate? Like, how does Merry feel about her meeting us all?’ CeCe butted in.
‘We haven’t discussed it yet. The good news is, Mary-Kate’s landing here in Dublin tonight, so hopefully I’ll get to meet her.’
‘How exciting!’ said Maia.
