The House by the Liffey (30 page)

As on many evenings, Maggie joined the family for dinner the following day. Noola had told her that she and Milo wanted to have a private chat with her afterwards and she was intrigued. Dramas in this family had become quite a commonplace occurrence and she wondered what had happened now.

They were in the intimate and comfortable atmosphere of the den again and Noola and Milo between them told her the whole story, with Milo still adamant that he wasn't able to come to terms with the situation.

‘No wonder my hair's almost completely grey, Maggie, and Noola's too come to that. I keep hoping that we'll have a break from it all, a lovely, long period with no more problems, but one after another they keep coming.'

‘That's true, Mammy, it can be very depressing sometimes,' added Noola. ‘And although aside from Bill the various other problems have sorted themselves out, I'm afraid now we've an unfortunate first: a young, single girl, pregnant and needing to get married in something of a hurry.
That
hasn't happened before in either family, has it?'

Maggie looked at the two of them for quite a long few moments, making up her mind as to exactly what she should tell them.

‘Sorry, Maggie! We shouldn't have landed it in your lap quite so bluntly. You're obviously shocked.'

‘Well, before answering that, I want to say first how much I admire you both and how you've coped throughout all the problems and difficulties that have been thrown at you, none of which you deserved. As for being shocked, no! Astonished, yes, about who this man is that our Izzy has fallen in love with. It reminds me of that film,
Casablanca
: what Humphrey Bogart said about Ingrid Bergman walking into his bar. Of all the pharmacies in the world that Izzy could have walked into it had to be his! It makes you wonder about “fate” doesn't it?'

‘But you're not shocked about Izzy being pregnant?'

‘No, I'm not. Perhaps it's time to tell you both some of the family secrets and in the circumstances I feel sure I would be forgiven by those no longer with us. You see, Noola, I was pregnant with you before Billy and I got married and we did indeed have to get married in a hurry.'

‘
Mammy!
And I never knew!'

‘Of course you didn't. It's not something I would have boasted about, most especially in those days – complete disgrace for the whole family!'

‘Poor Maggie! That must have been so difficult for you. At least Billy really loved you and did want to marry you. Otherwise what an awful dilemma for you! But, you know, I've a feeling Granny Butler would have stood by you. She was very devoted to you.'

‘You're absolutely right, Milo, she would and once said as much, but that's not the end of the story.'

‘What more can there be to tell?'

‘Sorry if it upsets you, Milo, but your own mother was pregnant with you before she and Tom were married.'

‘
What?'

‘Oh yes! That's why they got married so quickly after he returned at the end of the war and why they went and stayed in the villa at Monte Carlo until after you were born. Ostensibly it was to give Tom a chance to recover both physically and emotionally, having had his twin die in his arms and being severely injured himself.'

Speechless, Milo and Noola stared at her.

‘It probably happened quite a lot in those days. Young people in love frightened, each time they parted, that they might never see each other again and with good reason – I don't need to tell you what the casualty rate was. So, both of you, don't be too hard on Izzy. And, let's face it, although like you I'd prefer it hadn't happened, there's not the stigma that there used to be. Anyhow, don't tell me that you two didn't hop into bed together before you were married, because knowing you both so well I'd find that really hard to believe. So that's that part of the problem out of the way. The rest is a bit more difficult I know.'

‘There's no way I can agree to having any contact with that man, Maggie.'

‘Okay, Milo, fair enough. I can understand how you feel. It's an awful lot to ask of you. But think of this. If Izzy goes out to Minneapolis, gets married and dies giving birth to her child how would you feel if you had refused to have any part of the whole thing? I know it doesn't happen so often these days but it
does
happen. She's only a little scrap of a thing and there could be all sorts of complications. After all, she didn't
ask
or plan to fall in love with this man.'

‘But, Maggie…'

‘Milo, as Izzy herself has pointed out, more than once, if it wasn't for him then she wouldn't be with us today. You and Noola did finally agree with Sean's suggestion that he should be allowed to slip away.'

‘Yes, and to add insult to injury we gave some financial support to help set him up in a new life. The irony of it!'

‘You're angry, Milo, and understandably so. I would suggest that you take a few days to cool down and think this over before you make a final decision as to how you'll play it, a decision you might regret later if made in haste.'

‘Well whatever the decision, in the circumstances we can't spend too long making it.'

‘That's true, Noola darlin', and if it's all right with you I'll have a chat with Izzy myself. The girl needs to know she has somebody who's unequivocally on her side regardless of the circumstances.'

‘That would be great, Mammy, but she does know that, unhappy as I am about it, I will stick by her; go to her wedding and be there when she has her baby.'

‘She knows I'll always stand by her too. I've told her as much, but I do have my limits. You know I feel almost betrayed! Isn't that silly?'

‘No, Milo darlin'. It's completely understandable but something's just struck me that may take any decision out of all our hands.'

‘Oh?'

‘How is Eddie going to complete the details required on a marriage certificate here? Details about his parents' names, his place of birth, etc.? Because of all that I'd say it would be impossible or at the least extremely difficult for him. He can't use his real name, he's supposed to be dead!'

* * * * *

Izzy eventually agreed that, quite aside from all those complications, it would look very strange indeed if she had a “hole-in the-corner” wedding at home. Not only was she too well known to get away with it, but also it would look especially odd considering the big celebrations there had been at Riverside for Mageen's and Sarah's weddings. Milo came up with what, in the end, even Izzy thought was a good compromise. They would go to some exotic location to get married. That was becoming increasingly fashionable and for someone who was a celebrity it wouldn't seem too strange. It would fit the “star” pianist image. It could be done very quietly and the world told much later. They talked it through with Sean and he agreed that Eddie could slip into the country for a quick few days later, perhaps after the baby was born, so that Izzy could at least have a family celebration at Riverside both of her marriage and the birth of her child. They'd have to keep it as small as they dared so as not to raise too many eyebrows, but the big question now was would Eddie agree to the plan?

Izzy tried to break the news of her pregnancy to him gently but he was still very shaken. So far as he was concerned there was no argument that they must get married but he was all too aware of the complications involved and the reservations of her family were completely understandable to him.

‘No wonder they're shocked and shaken, Izzy. I would be in their place. I'm shaken myself, even though the thought of marrying you is wonderful. Don't for a moment think it doesn't give me the greatest pleasure. And then the added delight at the idea of being a father, something that in my wildest dreams I didn't think could ever happen for me, given my history. I just don't deserve all this good fortune.'

‘Well, I'm very relieved to know that you're happy about it. What about this quiet wedding idea?'

‘It makes so much sense. But let's forget about somewhere exotic. How about we go back to Las Vegas? As you yourself pointed out there's ample provision there for spur of the moment weddings. They're not unusual there and would raise no eyebrows around here.'

‘And it's where it all happened! That's a brilliant idea and, don't forget, for us here Las Vegas does sound quite exotic, even really exciting.'

* * * * *

In the end Milo, taking on board the points made by Maggie, did decide to go to the wedding with Noola and Maggie. So far as the world was concerned they were going to meet Izzy's fiancé and even other members of the family weren't put fully in the picture. With excitement and anticipation, all assumed the wedding would be at Riverside. Mageen was quite determined that Jack would take leave and they would all come over for the big day. That put the final seal on the sense of the wedding taking place abroad, for Jack was one of the few people who would, with his training and astuteness, undoubtedly recognize Eddie, however much altered or disguised he might be.

In spite of his deep reservations and prejudices, Milo found himself warming to Eddie. They had a long heart-to-heart during which Eddie made it clear that he understood well how he and Noola must feel and that he had not planned or intended that things would work out as they had. However, he also made it abundantly clear how utterly devoted he was to Izzy and his whole existence from then on would be dedicated to the care of her and their child.

‘I'll do everything in my power to make her and keep her happy. As you know, I would give my life to protect her.'

‘Yes, well you've already proved that, Eddie – I must get used to calling you Jed now.'

Eddie's friends, especially the Earles, were disappointed at the sudden wedding in Las Vegas, but accepted it with a good grace and insisted on giving a huge party for them when they returned to Minneapolis. Izzy and Eddie agreed, on the understanding that there would be no publicity relating to Izzy's celebrity status.

The other members of the Butler family were astonished and, like Eddie's friends, disappointed at being denied a wedding celebration, especially one at Riverside. However, they too accepted with a good grace and when word of Izzy's pregnancy filtered through no more was said. However, they all looked forward to meeting “Jed”.

Androulla arrived at Riverside in October, two weeks after Milo, Noola and Maggie returned home from Izzy's wedding. Wanting to make her feel really welcome, in circumstances which they realized could be quite stressful for her, Noola and Milo both went to meet her at the airport. When they had spoken on the phone Androulla had asked how she would know them and Noola had assured her that she would have no difficulty in identifying Bill's father.

They, in turn, had no problem in recognizing the lovely young woman, described to them in detail by Tommy and Isabel, with eyes so dark they looked almost black and raven-coloured, shoulder-length hair. Both could see at once what had attracted Bill. Milo, in particular, was taken aback at her effect on him and found he had to dampen down his very male response to her.

Even though she had been forewarned, Androulla was surprised at Milo's strong resemblance to his son. He was exactly what Bill would have looked like in another thirty or so years' time. She was touched at the warm welcome given to her and felt comfortable with both of them from the outset.

When they arrived at Riverside, like many before her, on first seeing the splendid old house she was so overwhelmed that for a few minutes she was lost for words. The entrance to the estate was graced by huge, antique, wrought-iron gates where, set slightly back from these, Paddy and family lived in an elegant lodge. The long, almost straight drive gave an unimpeded view of the house, which, although originally a large Georgian edifice, typical of it's kind to be found scattered all over Ireland, had been sensitively extended by different generations to accommodate changing needs. One of these extensions was a large conservatory which, she would discover later, housed a number of specimen shrubs and plants familiar to her from her homeland.

To left and right stretched parkland. On the right this gave way quite quickly to a copse of trees, while to the left horses grazed and ornamental trees were displayed to full effect. Close to the house were beautifully tended and groomed flower beds and although it was October, there were still roses, chrysanthemums, michaelmas daises, begonias, and dahlias, with other survivors of the summer flowering season.

‘What a beautiful place. I've never seen anything quite like it, even in the area where I live in Stratford, and there are some pretty impressive places around there. I feel quite overwhelmed. Its upkeep must take an army of staff.'

Milo laughed in delight at her reaction.

‘Not quite an army, Androulla, but it does take a lot of hard work to maintain.'

She was equally impressed with the interior of the house, like Jack and Bertie noting and appreciating the quiet good taste in evidence everywhere. She too recognized the many valuable antiques in both furniture, furnishings and ornaments, all judiciously placed to display them to best advantage.

She was shown to her room, the windows of which overlooked the beautifully sculptured lawns, sweeping in terraces down to the river. After she had washed and changed she came down for tea in the sitting room where the whole family had assembled to meet her. As well as Milo and Noola, Maggie, Aunt May, Sarah and Dai were there. Harry arrived slightly later, leading Johnny by the hand. When Androulla saw him, again in spite of knowing what to expect, her face drained of all colour. Noola, spotting her distress, put her arm around her.

‘I don't think I need to introduce Harry and this is his son, Johnny. Harry, Johnny, this is Androulla.'

To everyone's keen delight, Johnny, a very sociable child, held his arms out to give her a hug.

‘Hello, Loola, I'm Johnny!'

The slightly strained atmosphere completely relaxed and everybody laughed.

‘Well, Johnny, I'm delighted to meet you and even at such a young age you certainly know how to make a girl feel welcome!' She stooped down and gave him a big hug, which was returned with enthusiasm. She continued. ‘It obviously runs in the family and I do love the name Loola.' She smiled at them all. ‘It sounds very like Noola!'

‘Ah, well I'm really Finoula but when my brother, Paddy, was little he couldn't manage that and called me Noola, which stuck. I'd now feel quite strange if anyone called me Finoula, although I do like the name.'

Harry looked at Androulla with undisguised interest. He gave her a warm smile.

‘Somehow I feel I know you well enough to give you a hug too – that's if you don't object.'

The colour returned to her cheeks and deepened.

‘Of course I don't mind.'

Everyone started talking at once and Androulla immediately felt drawn into the heart of this delightful family. She would have expected nothing less of Bill's relatives, especially having already experienced the kindness and sensitivity of Tommy and Isabel. The likeness between Milo and Tommy also fascinated her, for although their colouring couldn't have been in greater contrast, their facial features were remarkably similar.

So close to Milo and so finely tuned to his every mood and feeling, it didn't escape Noola that he found Androulla fascinating. For the first couple of days it seemed he couldn't take his eyes off her and he concentrated all his attention on her whenever she was in the room with them: much more so than his duties as host would demand. In fact at times, if she wasn't around, he deliberately sought her out. Noola knew she was being unreasonably bothered about it but she couldn't help herself. However much she told herself that she knew she had first place in his heart and always would, nevertheless she fretted. So much so that in the end she
had
to talk to somebody and her mother was the obvious choice. She went to have a cup of tea with Maggie when she knew she would find her on her own. She talked about all sorts of things never quite able to get to the point. In the end Maggie did it for her.

‘Noola darlin', what's bothering you?'

‘Oh, Mammy, you always know don't you?'

‘You're my child, darlin', and we've always been very close. And however long we both live, you'll be my child, even if you're an old woman yourself before I go.'

‘I know, Mammy.' Then she told her exactly what was bothering her.

‘I'm being so silly, but I just can't help it. I suppose if I'm honest with myself, it's real green-eyed jealousy. Trouble is, I still love him so much. That's never faltered and I'm frightened he might be falling for someone else – the younger woman! And I have to say, looking at her, I can't blame him for finding her attractive. The strange thing is I was sure it would be Harry who would fall for her, but so far that doesn't seem to have happened.' She paused for a moment. ‘But I've noticed
she
can't take her eyes off
him
, which is also understandable, given how she felt about Bill.'

Maggie looked long and hard at Noola, obviously thinking how best to respond to her worries.

‘When you and Milo became engaged to be married do you remember what I said to you?'

‘I've never forgotten it, Mammy. You said to remember always that marriage is no insurance policy against ever finding anyone else attractive, but that what matters is how you handle it. If the marriage has a solid foundation, based on genuine, enduring love, it will be nothing more than a passing fancy.'

‘Right! Now are you going to tell me that you've never looked at another fellow and thought he was a bit of all right? Because I can think of a few I thought were dishy, even “fancied” but that was as far as it went. Exactly the same happens to the men I can assure you. Now Milo may be at that sort of age but I don't believe for a second that he's having one of those mid-life crisis things you hear so much about. Remember, I know him almost as well as you do. From the time his natural mother died, when he was eight years old, I took the place of a mother to him.' She paused to take a mouthful of her tea.

‘I strongly suspect what's fascinating him is that this is the woman his son died for. He's curious to find out what it is about her that engendered that sort of feeling in Bill. And maybe he does find her attractive, but you know perfectly well that he's committed to you heart and soul. There was never another woman he was really in love with and there never will be. Anyhow, if he fancies her and still loves you the best, still wants you more than anyone else, that's the biggest compliment he could pay you. Sorry about the long “give out” but I needed to say it to you and I hope it has helped.'

‘Thanks, Mammy. It's helped a lot. I'll just have to be so careful that I don't give myself away and behave like a jealous wife.'

‘You won't. May I make a suggestion?'

‘I'd love it.'

‘Go out of your way to be especially friendly to her – you'd do that anyway! Take her shopping; take her out for lunch; sightseeing; to a show: I bet she'd love to go to our famous Abbey Theatre. There's so much to do that won't be a problem. I can come with you for some of the outings. I'd enjoy that. The three of us could go across to Oughterard for a couple of days. The west of Ireland is always well worth a visit. And talk to Milo about her, but most important encourage
him
to talk about her. At least that will bring everything out into the open: let him get it out of his system.' She paused for another mouthful of her tea, thought a minute and then went on.

‘And don't forget the other side of this coin. I imagine Androulla desperately needs to talk about Bill. Encourage her. After all, you're his mother. Who better for the poor girl to let her hair down to? Especially given she lost her own mother, and indeed her father, at the same time that Bill died. She really has been through it.'

* * * * *

For her part Androulla's feelings were really confused. So much so that she wondered at the wisdom of her visit. She had felt desperately guilty about Bill's death but, in spite of knowing she had been the cause of this, time and again she had been encouraged to visit Riverside and then welcomed with such warmth by the whole family. Milo and Noola had immediately become mother and father figures to her and she couldn't help reflecting what wonderful parents-in-law they would have made if circumstances had been different: if it had been Harry she had met instead of Bill and they had fallen for each other in the same way.

She felt irresistibly drawn to Harry. He was Bill in every possible way – in looks identical: that was to be expected. What hadn't occurred to her was that they would be so alike in every other way. The smile that went all the way to his eyes; the quirky grin; the way he threw back his head when he laughed; his mannerisms in general; the inflexions in his speech; the way he used his hands when explaining something. It was all Bill and it hurt. She had to keep reminding herself that this truly wasn't Bill.

Harry had expected to feel angry and resentful towards the woman responsible for the loss of his twin. Instead he found he felt desperately sorry for her and went out of his way to be kind to her for, aside from all her close personal losses, he was aware that she must carry that awful burden of guilt. And he really respected the courage it must have taken to come here into what could have been the equivalent of the lion's den: right into the heart of the family she was responsible for depriving of son and brother. However, regardless of his feelings of sympathy and admiration, emotionally he was still totally committed to someone else.

Yet another interesting response to Androulla's visit, and the family's reaction to her, was experienced by Cathy. She watched Harry's attention to the beautiful visitor and was surprised at her own feelings about that. To her amazement she found she too was jealous. Whatever is the matter with me? She asked herself. I'm engaged to Sam and he'll be home soon. I really love Sam . . . don't I? Being brutally honest she had to admit that things hadn't gone too well between them towards the end of her visit to Brazil, after she had raced home to be a witness to Harry's innocence. She had told Sam the whole story openly and honestly but since then she had sensed a slight coolness in him. She wondered if he really believed that there had been no intimacy between her and Harry on that now famous evening they had spent together. She supposed she couldn't blame him. He had met Harry and knew he was a very attractive man.

She mused on for a long time questioning her own feelings. Why was I so desperate to race back to his rescue? Why was I so worried that he would be convicted and sentenced to a period in prison? After all, I knew perfectly well he would appeal and I could have come forward then. But no! I completely panicked, dropped everything and flew to his defence. Why? Has Androulla's visit made me face the rather painful truth? Who it is that I
really
love? How would I feel if I had a letter from Sam calling it all off between us? To her astonishment she realized that she wouldn't mind at all. Worse, she would actually be relieved. It would leave her free. Oh, Cathy, Cathy, she agonized. What's the matter with you? Are you really so fickle?

The more she thought about it the more she realized that she had started to feel this way since that New Year's Ball when Harry had declared his love for her. That was when the rot had really set in and maybe even before that. He had never once afterwards referred to his feelings for her by even the slightest hint. Had that disappointed her? Perhaps. But one thing was certain: he hadn't put a foot out of place in his behaviour towards her. He couldn't be accused of “pressing his attentions on her” as the saying went.

Then she had another thought. Had Sam sensed this change in her feelings towards him before she had herself? Quite possibly. Well, now she must do the honourable thing. She must end the engagement with Sam and find another job. There was no way she could openly declare herself free and willing to embark on a relationship with Harry. Much better she should cut her losses and go far away, preferably abroad, where she could view things rationally from a distance. One of her brothers, who was quite a bit older than her, lived in Boston and she knew he and his wife, Maura, would give her a warm welcome if she wanted to stay with them for a few weeks. At least she would know somebody there to start off with, which would make the break from home a little easier. She would write her resignation to Noola and Harry and she would ask Maura about the possibility of a job over there. She had saved enough to tide her over for a while between employments and Johnny would be well catered for within the family.