The House by the Liffey (31 page)

* * * * *

Noola followed her mother's advice and made a big fuss of Androulla, so much so that a considerable bond developed between them. She became fond of the girl and was genuinely sorry when the time came to say goodbye to her. She felt she would like to give her a memento of her visit. She discussed this with Milo. He was delighted at the idea and suggested that they might give her an item from his mother's collection of valuable jewellery. They chose an antique ruby ring, which they felt complimented Androulla's dark colouring.

When they presented her with this on the day she was leaving, they told her it was something of a family heirloom which they wanted her to have in memory of Bill. She burst into tears.

‘This is the most wonderful gift I've ever been given. I will always value it because of its associations. Thank you both so much for such a generous gesture. I so wish I
was
a member of your family. I'll never forget your kindness to me.'

‘But we feel you
are
a member of our family and we all hope you'll come back and visit Riverside again. There'll always be a welcome for you here.'

‘Thank you, Noola.'

Milo and Noola took her to the airport and waved her off on her journey back to Stratford-upon-Avon, where she had a partnership in a legal firm. She invited them to visit her there and enjoy the interesting town, and especially its famous theatre. She had noticed their keen interest in arts of all kinds, which was evident around the house as well as in their preferred non-sporting leisure activities. They assured her they would accept her offer. Two days later an enormous bunch of flowers arrived with a card that said: “With love and appreciation from Androulla”.

Noola, following Maggie's advice again, had not by the slightest hint betrayed her anxiety to Milo. The evening Androulla left they were getting ready for bed in their big, comfortable bedroom. She had put on her most glamorous nightdress and, relaxed and happy, was looking her very best. Milo had donned his dressing gown after showering. He looked at her with a big, appreciative grin and put his arms around her.

‘Do you know something, Noola?'

‘In particular?'

‘You are still the most attractive woman I've ever known. Even at our great advanced ages I find you the biggest turn-on imaginable. What's more, I've yet again witnessed your kindness to someone who needed sympathy and support. I love you so much I don't quite know how to tell you.'

Her eyes filled with tears. How could she ever have doubted him?

‘Well I can assure you the feeling is absolutely mutual and I can think of one way you'll undoubtedly try to let me know.'

‘Most certainly. But aside from that, I want to give you something. I thought I'd like to get you a special present. You deserve it so much.'

He pulled a small gift-wrapped package from his pocket and handed it to her, with a kiss.

‘That's with so much love.'

‘Thank you, my darling.'

She unwrapped it carefully, trying so hard not to tear the attractive paper, and opened the oblong box. Inside was a dainty, gold Rolex watch, set around with diamonds and with a solid gold strap. Noola was accustomed to being given generous presents by Milo but this took her breath away. For a few seconds she was lost for words.

‘Oh, Milo. I'm not sure I really deserve this.'

‘You most certainly do and I hope you will wear it as often as possible.'

She gave him such a happy smile.

‘You need have no doubts whatsoever about that.'

Cathy waited for a couple of weeks after Androulla had left and then, in late October, handed her letters of resignation to Noola and Harry. She wanted to be certain she wasn't making a hasty decision. She had written to Sam breaking off their engagement as gently as possible. It was something of a bolt from the blue for both of her employers. They hadn't had the slightest idea she was thinking this way. She had asked to see them together to give them the letters rather than leaving them on the hall table, where letters for posting were placed.

‘Cathy! What a surprise. Has the wedding been brought forward?'

‘No, Noola. It's time for me to move on. Johnny will be fine. He'll be off to school before too long and if you feel you need another nanny for him, I've a good friend I can recommend. I'll stay until you get everything settled for him. You know how grateful I was for your offer of a loan so that Sam and I could buy a house, but all that's on hold for the moment.'

‘Have you got another job to go to?'

‘No, but I'm planning to go abroad for a while. I thought I'd try Boston. I've a married brother living there. It would be lovely to be with someone from the family.'

Harry was really shaken. His reaction was much as his mother's: he too assumed the wedding was being brought forward. He listened to the exchange between her and Noola and was puzzled that no real reason for her leaving was being offered.

‘Have we upset you in some way, Cathy? I hope nothing has happened to make you unhappy here.'

‘No, truly I've been so happy with you all from the time I first came here. I just feel it's time for me to have a look at the rest of the world before I finally “settle down” as it were. The visit to Brazil whetted my appetite.'

That was all true. Not the real reason behind it but close enough: she must get away so as she could view everything from a distance. Harry was about to argue further but got a warning look from his mother so said no more. Noola, perceptive as ever, had a pretty fair idea what it was all about.

‘I'm really sorry you're leaving us. But could I suggest a compromise?'

‘Of course.'

‘Why not take six months off, rather like a sabbatical? We'll keep your flat for you and you can leave your belongings here. I know Sarah would be only too happy to take on Johnny for a while. We could get some temporary help if need be. I'm sure Harry wouldn't object to that arrangement.'

‘No, I'd be quite happy with that. Please think about it, Cathy.'

‘You're very kind. It does sound like a good compromise.'

Truth to tell she was delighted. It seemed the perfect solution. It would allow her that break but it wouldn't cut her off completely from the family.

Three weeks later she had it all arranged. She spent her last evening with her own family having put them in the picture, explaining that the romance between her and Sam was over and she was going to America. However, other than to her sister Noreen, she made no mention of Harry. Noreen had been more like a mother than a sister to her, since Cathy's mother had died shortly after her birth. Cathy had shared her whole dilemma with Noreen, who had supported the idea of her going away for a while to clear her mind.

Noola manoeuvred things so that Harry took Cathy to the airport. Carrying her cabin luggage for her he walked her to the departure gate where they stopped to say goodbye. He hugged her and gave her a light kiss on the cheek.

‘I'll miss you but I do hope everything works out for you, Cathy. If ever you find yourself footloose and fancy free, remember I do love you so much. My feelings haven't changed since I first told you that. In fact they've grown stronger. I'll always be here for you if you need me.'

‘Oh, Harry. Thank you. I'll miss you too. In fact I'll miss you all.'

She almost ran to the gate, afraid he would see the tears in her eyes. She turned to wave and stopped. Shoulders slumped, he had such a forlorn look. Unbelievably, Harry Butler looked almost like a lost, small boy, reminding her strongly of Johnny when he was about to cry. She walked back, put her case on the ground, reached up and, hands on his shoulders, gave him the lightest brush of a kiss on the lips.

‘Actually, I've realized I love you too, Harry. Sam and I are no longer engaged. But I'm so confused I need time to sort myself out.'

He folded his arms around her and almost squeezed the breath out of her. His smile seemed to light up the whole departure area. He didn't embarrass her by kissing her passionately in public even though he ached to do so.

‘You've no idea what a happy man you've made me. I'll be waiting but not patiently. Don't make it too long. And don't forget, Johnny will miss you too!'

Now the sunny smile was hers.

‘I promise I'll come back.'

* * * * *

Harry's elation was obvious for all to see. As soon as he arrived back home from the airport he hurried down to the dock at the riverbank with a new spring in his step. Although it was mid November, the weather was mild enough for the family to gather there for tea. Johnny spotted him before anyone else and ran to meet him. Harry swung him up in his arms.

‘How about a row in a boat, Johnny, before it gets too dark?'

‘Yes please, Dad, and Grandpa and Sarah too?'

‘Of course.'

Milo, Noola and Maggie were grinning from ear to ear. They exchanged knowing looks with each other. At long last things had turned the corner for Harry.

‘He's a real sucker for punishment, Harry. He's already been out with his grandpa.'

‘Yes, but I want to go out with you too, Dad. And I want to do some rowing. I want to row in The Liffey Descent with you and Grandpa and Sarah next year.'

‘Good for you, boy!' Milo was so delighted to have such strong evidence of his grandson's love of the river.

‘But you don't know how to row yet.'

‘Yes I do, Dad. Grandpa and Sarah showed me how.'

‘Let's all go then and we'll see what you can do.'

Sarah was smiling happily but declined the invitation to go out in the boat again.

‘I think I'll pass this time, Harry. Uncle Paddy has warned me not to overdo it.'

He looked at her in surprise and noticed there was a special glow of happiness about her.

‘Is there something I don't know about?'

‘I've only just had it confirmed. I'm expecting a baby in about seven months' time, around next June. Dai and I are so excited. But I've been told by all the medics I must be very careful.'

He put Johnny down and gave her a big hug and thumped Dai on the back.

‘I'm so happy for you both. We must all look out for you now, Sarah. Hey, that means two of my sisters are pregnant. I wonder what Mageen's up to – perhaps it's catching!'

Later that evening Milo commented to Noola:

‘For once in a way we're free of crises. At long last all members of our family seem to be happy. I'm almost afraid to say it in case I'm tempting providence.'

‘I know what you mean but let's just enjoy it while we have it. I haven't seen Harry so happy for some time, even happier than after the trial ended so well for him. Clearly something happened when he was saying goodbye to Cathy.'

‘It looks like that. Your manipulation of her departure arrangements obviously worked.'

Harry survived less than a month without Cathy and couldn't stand it any longer. He just had to see her and hear her tell him again that she loved him. He had begun to wonder if he had imagined it. He had written to her and had an answer but both had steered away from anything very personal, other than telling her how much he missed her. He decided he would go to Boston without telling her in advance. He could go first for a quick visit to see Izzy in Minneapolis, for he had missed her too. He realized that her first Christmas away from home would be quite tough for her.

He asked his father if he could spare him for a week or so and Milo agreed without asking any questions. However, later that evening, having their pre-dinner drinks, he decided to come clean and tell his parents the story.

‘So I'm going over unannounced to try and persuade Cathy to come back with me. Apparently she's been doing occasional relief work at the local children's home, as a volunteer, so she wouldn't be letting anyone down.'

‘I don't think either of us would try to dissuade you, Harry, and may I say I would be thrilled to bits to have Cathy as a daughter-in-law.'

‘Hear, hear. And what a good idea to start off with a visit to Izzy. She'll be so excited at the thought of seeing a member of the family. Would you take a few Christmas presents for her?'

‘Of course, Dad.'

Within a couple of days he was off. He did tell Izzy that he was on the way. She was very excited, but curious as to his real reason for a sudden visit to the States so close to Christmas. He was delighted to meet Jed at last, whose true identity he didn't know, since this had been kept strictly within a closed circle. He had a wonderful few days with them and was sorry his visit had been so short. Jed had a heavy cold and chest infection but didn't let that prevent him from giving Harry a warm welcome and being an excellent host. To Izzy's delight the two men got along famously and she was equally pleased when she heard the reason for his visit to Boston. He told her the whole story.

‘Oh, Harry, I'm delighted! I love Cathy and to have her as a sister-in-law would be wonderful.'

‘Thanks, Izzy. I hope she's open to persuasion to come back to Riverside with me. But when are you and Jed coming over to see us? Everyone's dying to meet Jed and I know they'll like him too.'

‘We hope to go across after the baby is born and then everyone can meet both new members of the family. You really like Jed?'

‘Yes, I do, Izzy. I find him a really sympathetic kind of person: there's nothing about him
not
to like!'

‘That means a lot to me, Harry.'

* * * * *

Harry moved across to Boston. He had booked into a hotel quite close to where Cathy's brother lived. Then he called her.

‘Harry! How lovely to hear you. Is everything all right?'

‘Yes. I was calling to invite you out to dinner.'

‘I'd love it but it would be rather a long way to go just for dinner.'

‘It's only a few steps around the block.'

‘What?'

‘I'm just around the corner in the Hilton Hotel.'

‘
Harry!
How?'

‘Oh, the usual sort of way these days. I flew across.'

‘I'm so surprised. I almost don't know what to say!'

‘Well, you could say yes, or I could come over there and abduct you!'

They had an evening together that neither would ever forget. Harry had made prior arrangements with the hotel staff, telling them it would be a special occasion. A table had been prepared in a quiet corner, where the lighting was subdued and the atmosphere romantic. The pianist had been asked to play some of his favourite songs such as “In the Still of the Night”, “I Get No Kick From Champagne” and “The Way You Look Tonight”, songs particularly appropriate from Harry's point of view and he knew Cathy would get the message.

At the end of the meal, little of which either of them ate, by prior arrangement a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne was brought to the table in an ice bucket. After it had been poured and they had toasted each other Harry produced a small box and handed it to Cathy. She opened it to find a beautiful sapphire ring, set in diamonds. It was impressively large without being vulgar. She raised eyes to him that rivalled the champagne in their sparkle. He came around the table and knelt down on one knee beside her.

‘My darling Cathy. This time I trust I'm not embarrassing you by saying if you've nothing else in mind for the next fifty or so years will you marry me?'

‘Thank you, Harry. I can't think of anything I'd rather do for the rest of my life than be married to you. The answer is yes.'

He slipped the ring onto her engagement finger, then took her in his arms and kissed her while the delighted staff in the restaurant applauded enthusiastically. They had waited in anticipation and were not disappointed.

‘It fits as if it had been made specially for me!'

‘Of course. It
was
made specially for you.'

‘But how did you know the size of my finger?'

‘Ah, I've ways of finding these things out. The important thing is do you like it? I took a bit of a risk and wondered if I should have allowed you to choose your own ring.'

‘I love it and it is very much the kind of ring I would have chosen, although I would never have dreamt of being given one so beautiful. Sapphire is my favourite stone. Now you'll tell me you knew that too!'

‘As I said, I've ways of finding out and I was correct in guessing that you would wear a blue dress this evening, not unlike the one I saw you in that famous evening – the time I discovered you were such an attractive woman!'

She didn't take too much persuading to go home with him. Her brother and his wife were disappointed that they weren't going to have her with them for Christmas after all, but were very excited to be the first to be told the news of the engagement. Even better, they took a genuine liking to Harry who exerted all his charm to make himself seem a worthy husband for Cathy. Like Izzy, they were sworn to secrecy. Harry and Cathy both wanted to be the first to tell the rest of their families the news.

* * * * *

Harry had carefully planned their return to Riverside to coincide with pre-lunch drinks on Sunday. He and Cathy had already made a quick visit to her sister to tell her and the rest of her family there the news, but had asked them not to tell anyone else just yet and explained why. Both were concerned at having any publicity about their engagement, since they wanted to avoid, at all costs, any leak to the press that they were going to get married. They didn't want speculation as to whether or not a romantic liaison had started before his trial, which could raise questions about Cathy's evidence, despite the fact that the whole false accusation had blown up in Tim Kelly's face. Now the O'Donovans, but especially Noreen, were jubilant at the news and they all had a celebratory drink together before Harry and Cathy moved on to Riverside.

By tradition Sunday lunch was the main meal of the day at Riverside to leave the staff free for the rest of the day, and also by tradition as many members of the family as were anywhere around the house joined one another for this unfailingly special occasion. As often as not there were additional visitors, friends who would otherwise have had a lonely Sunday. On this particular occasion, as well as Milo and Noola, Maggie, a frail but sparky Aunt May, Sarah, Dai and Johnny, had all gathered in the elegant sitting room, where a roaring fire had been lit, brightening up a rather dull December day.

Harry and Cathy arrived, unannounced, holding hands and radiating a happiness that seemed to add further warmth to the atmosphere. Everyone became aware of their presence at the same moment, but Johnny got to them first. He hurtled across the room.

‘Dad, Cathy! You're home, you're home,' and he promptly burst into tears. Harry gathered him up into his arms where he buried his head in his father's broad shoulder.

‘Hey, I thought you'd be pleased to see us, but here you are crying!'

‘Don't tease him, Harry. Come and give me a big hug, Johnny. I'm so excited to see you too.'

He wriggled down and ran into her outstretched arms beaming through the tears.

‘I was lonely for you, Cathy. I'm glad you're home.' From early on she had asked that he wouldn't call her Nanny and he was comfortable with calling her Cathy.

As she hugged the child, the engagement ring became highly visible and everyone in the room spotted it. All of them were now smiling broadly and the atmosphere became positively festive.

‘What a wonderful surprise! Welcome home you two. And by the looks on your faces and that ring on Cathy's finger I'd say you've got something wonderful to tell us!'

‘We have, Mum. I've proposed to Cathy and she's accepted. Hey, Johnny, how would you like to have Cathy as your mum?'

‘Oh yes please. Can you fix that, Dad?'

‘Thanks to Cathy I can. She and I are going to be married. Are you really pleased?'

To their consternation fresh tears started to flow.

‘So you won't go away and leave me again, Cathy?'

‘No, little one. I promise that if I go away it will be only for a short time. Trust me, Johnny.'

‘But now at bedtime will you sing to me like Sarah and Dai?'

‘I'll try! What have they been singing to you?'

‘The song about all the angels around my bed and sometimes Dad joins in too.'

‘I don't know this song. Could you sing it for me?'

The tears were rapidly replaced by a broad smile.

‘Yes, but Sarah and Dai must start and then Dad and I can join in like we usually do.'

Dai willingly gave the lead with Sarah and Harry quick to join in. Then the child's voice was raised, and he sang the wonderful words set to Humperdinck's haunting music, absolutely in tune and without faltering:

‘When at night I go to sleep Fourteen angels watch do keep Two my head are guarding Two my feet are guiding Two are on my right hand Two are on my left hand Two who warmly cover Two who o'er me hover Two to whom ‘tis given To guide my steps to Heaven'

It brought lumps to the throats of the other adults and was a scene that Johnny would remember until he was an old man.

‘Where did you learn to sing like that, Johnny?'

‘Dai taught me first then Sarah helped. But you can sing too, Cathy, I've heard you.'

‘Not so well as you but I want you to teach me that song. It's lovely.'

‘Well done everyone, but now I think it's time to celebrate. When is the great day to be?'

‘Neither of us wants a long engagement, Mum, so we hope it will be around Easter time. But it will need to be a quiet one with absolutely no publicity and we don't need to explain why.'

‘Indeed not, but congratulations. May you have many happy years together.'

Everyone added their good wishes and Milo went and found a bottle of champagne to toast their future. In a whispered aside to Noola he muttered:

‘He's settled at last! Thanks be to the Good Lord.'

‘Yes, and with somebody we all like so much. What a wonderful Christmas present!'