A Woman Undefeated (50 page)

So, what do we know about him? He isn’t married. Why not? Most men are at thirty-one. Why hasn’t he grown through the ranks of a successful shipping company, like my father did? He’s still only the captain of a small cargo ship, after running a cattle boat for so many years. It doesn’t seem as if he has much ambition, but through you, he could give up going to sea and still have it all.

In my opinion, you should nip it in the bud. Even if you are in love with him, you have to tell him of the whereabouts of Jack. It will cause a bit of consternation amongst the church people and the villagers, as I’m sure Madeline’s husband would be the first one that he would tell, but eventually gossip dies down and people look for other things to talk about. You are not in love with Johnny, are you my dear? I can tell. If you were, you’d be constantly dreamy eyed.”

“It’s true, Betty. I’m not in love with him, not that I know what love is, properly between a woman and a man. But I am attracted to him, he’s a handsome man and courteous with it, and I’ll spare your blushes and not go into detail of what he does to my insides. But truth ter tell, I don’t really want a man in my life anymore. Why do I need one? If I were free ter marry and he came ter live here, he would become a drain on our income. He would soon take over and start giving his orders and we’ve already got Mr Arlington, who tries to do that. All we have worked for would feed his fancy lifestyle. He’d want expensive clothes, the best in brandy and even a carriage and pair! If I was destined to have a man in me life again, I’d choose Jack. He’s the father of Mikey and Hannah and the nearest I will ever get to feeling a certain love. But, I never want ter give up what we have between you and me, Betty. Our friendship, our loyalty and the care we have fer one another.”

Both women sat quietly with their thoughts, then tears began to well up in their eyes. What had been said was the truth of the matter, when a chance meeting had drawn together their precious souls.

If you have enjoyed reading
A Woman Undefeated
, look out for its sequel
Dreams Can Come True
. It’s the continuing saga of an Irish immigrant’s story, when she returns to her homeland to lay a few ghosts to rest.