The Summer Guest

by Emma Hannigan

  As the heavy panelled door opened, Kathleen peered eagerly inside.

  ‘Hello, Kathleen. I’m Lexie,’ the woman said, with a wide smile. ‘Duh, well, obviously!’ She thumped herself on the forehead with the heel of her hand. ‘Come on in! How weird is this?’

  ‘Hi, Lexie,’ Kathleen answered. ‘I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be here.’

  ‘It’s such a pleasure to meet you!’ Lexie said graciously. ‘And you’re so much younger-looking than I expected.’

  ‘Actually, so are you!’

  Both women laughed. Trepidation weighed heavily in the air.

  ‘Thank you! I’m hurtling towards forty, which my mother seems very keen on reminding me lately, but I still feel as if I’m twenty-five!’

  ‘I know what you mean,’ Kathleen agreed. ‘I’m seventy-four and I honestly feel my head stopped counting at forty-five …’ She trailed off and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘Oh, yes. It’s – it’s the strangest feeling being back,’ Kathleen stuttered. ‘The house still smells the same! It’s a mixture of furniture polish and wood. It’s wonderful! You keep it so beautifully, my dear. You should be very proud.’

  ‘I am,’ Lexie said. ‘Sam – he’s my husband – and I, we’ve poured our hearts and souls into this place. When we bought it in 1998 it was kind of ramshackle and nothing looked the way we knew it could. It’s taken us years to reawaken its beauty.’

  ‘Well, you’ve done a sterling job. If I’m totally honest, it was never this gorgeous when I lived here. The only thing I recognise for sure are these black-and-white floor tiles,’ she said, patting them gently with her foot.

  ‘We had them professionally cleaned,’ Lexie said. ‘Sam and I agreed they were worth restoring. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but we knew when we bought the place that it would be an ongoing project. Some day we’ll win the lotto and manage to finish every room.’

  ‘Have you any children?’ Kathleen asked, as she gazed up at the ceiling, then to the oak staircase.

  ‘No, it’s just the two of us. Unless you count Tiddles, our furry boy.’

  ‘Well, I would absolutely count Tiddles.’ Kathleen’s eyes shone. ‘I’m a kitty momma too. I’ve got a furry girl back home.’

  ‘Tea or coffee?’ Lexie offered.

  ‘I’d love a cup of tea, now that you mention it,’ Kathleen said.

  ‘Do you prefer herbal or green or can I tempt you to a good old-fashioned Irish breakfast tea?’ Lexie said.

  ‘A cup of builder’s tea, as my darling mother used to call it, would be lovely,’ Kathleen said, with a glint in her eye.

  As they went into the kitchen the older woman gasped. ‘This is wonderful, Lexie!’

  ‘I’m glad you like it.’ Lexie beamed. ‘It’s the most recent work we’ve carried out and cost a small fortune. We’re utterly smashed now, but it was worth forgoing a foreign holiday and cutting back on silly spending for a while. The porcelain flooring can be a bit of a menace to keep clean, but I had to have it. Come and sit down. I’ll put the kettle on.’

  Kathleen tucked her hands into the pockets of her linen trousers and walked to the window. ‘Who maintains the park? It’s like something from a fairy tale. It’s perfectly manicured yet it’s not stuffy.’

  ‘We have a little rota going. Each house contributes in some way, whether it’s to cut the grass, sand and varnish the wooden benches or to plant one of the beds. We all do our bit so it never becomes a chore.’

  ‘How wonderful,’ Kathleen said, as she gazed out.

  As Lexie placed the teapot on the table, Kathleen turned to sit down, with glassy eyes. ‘I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to come here today. I don’t think I anticipated quite how special this was going to feel. To be in a position to revisit my past like this is quite simply a gift.’

  ‘That’s fantastic,’ Lexie said. ‘I’m more than happy to be the facilitator.’ She poured the tea and gestured for Kathleen to help herself to milk, sugar and a cookie. ‘How long are you planning to spend in Ireland?’

  ‘My return ticket is for September first,’ Kathleen said. ‘It sounds like quite a long spell when I say it now, but I know it’s going to fly. There are so many places I want to see and things I want to do. I’d like to revisit some of the places I used to love as a child. I have a proper schedule drawn up in my mind. It’s going to be joyous.’

  ‘Where are you staying?’ Lexie asked, and bit into a cookie.

  ‘I’m at the hotel right now, as you’re aware, but I’ll go to a local letting agency first thing in the morning and try to find a suitable apartment.’

  ‘Would you like to see the rest of the house?’ Lexie offered. ‘You can take your tea with you.’

  ‘I’m longing to see every nook and cranny,’ Kathleen admitted. ‘I don’t want you thinking I’m a nosy old woman, though – I’m trying to be polite!’

  Lexie laughed. ‘I’d be exactly the same in your shoes. I’m actually a little nervous of your reaction,’ she divulged. ‘I’d hate to upset you. You might think what we’ve done is horrendous.’

  ‘I doubt that very much, Lexie. I’ll tell you what – how about I promise not to explode and throw myself on the floor in a wild tantrum?’

  ‘Deal!’

  They took their cups and Lexie led the way. First stop was the living room, which housed the second bay window to the right of the front door.

  ‘Oh, my goodness,’ Kathleen exclaimed. ‘This is to die for! I love the duck egg blue tones in here. The tiny birds in the curtain fabric are like an extension of the park. And the floorboards look better than I remember them.’

  ‘They were quite stained, so we had them cleaned and treated. It’s a wax finish. All the wood in the house was done. It was tedious but we feel it’s worth it.’

  ‘I’ll say,’ Kathleen agreed. ‘The cream leather couches are divine. I’d never have thought of putting something so modern in here but they look great.’

  ‘All the original chandeliers were gone when we bought the place, but we sourced some at auctions. Are they anything like the lights you had once upon a time?’

  ‘This one is very similar, although I reckon it’s a lot prettier. My mother would’ve loved it. Her crystal was her pride and joy.’

  As they made their way into the hall, Lexie explained that they’d closed off the entrance to the basement. ‘We thought we’d convert it and rent it out to help pay the mortgage. We’ve installed a kitchenette and bathroom, but the living area has no furniture and neither does the bedroom. I know it’s a waste of space, really, but we never got around to finishing it.’

  ‘Well, given the choice, I don’t think I’d relish the thought of a stranger in my basement either,’ Kathleen said.

  Lexie continued, ‘So the door you once knew is gone from here.’

  ‘It always caused massive draughts if I recall,’ Kathleen said. ‘The small room at the back was our den. My mother used to chase us in here when visitors were in the living room.’

  ‘That’s a makeshift studio now,’ Lexie said, showing her. ‘Excuse the mess.’

  ‘It’s charming,’ Kathleen said. ‘So peaceful. I love this room. I always came here of my own accord. It’s very serene and I can totally appreciate how you love to paint in here. What sort of art do you do?’

  ‘I used to do very intricate portraits. They were my passion. But I had an accident and shattered my wrist, which meant I couldn’t paint the things I truly wanted to do – I was forced to change career too. So, this room only gets sporadic use now. I was advised by my physiotherapist to use the wrist and try to regain some of my former control, but it became intensely frustrating and used to put me in terrible form so I stopped.’

  ‘What a pity,’ Kathleen said.

  Lexie didn’t answer, but continued with the tour. ‘The back door leads to the garden, as you know. Come on upstairs and we can sit outside once you’ve finishe
d looking.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  Lexie went up the staircase and decided to show Kathleen the spare room first.

  ‘Too much order without so much as a sniff of disarray always makes me suspicious of folks,’ Kathleen said, peering into the dishevelled room.

  ‘Yeah, that’s like my parents’ house. Every single thing has a place and woe betide anybody who doesn’t conform,’ Lexie said. As they walked towards the master bedroom, she hesitated. ‘I’m a little nervous of your reaction to our room because this is where you were born,’ she said. ‘You’ll remember there were two rooms on this side of the house?’

  ‘Of course,’ Kathleen said, as they paused outside the closed door.

  ‘We’ve created a suite instead. So it’s slightly different,’ she said.

  As they walked in, Kathleen’s hands flew to her mouth. ‘Oh, Lexie, it’s fabulous!’

  ‘It was a labour of love, for sure.’ Lexie laughed. ‘My best friend Maia teases me, saying our bedroom is the size of a football pitch. But we love it.’

  ‘So you should. It’s gorgeous.’

  ‘There’s a bathroom and dressing room too,’ she said, leading the way.

  ‘Oh I’m so envious!’ Kathleen said. ‘Every girl dreams of a walk-in closet, right?’

  ‘I do adore it.’

  ‘I’m sure everyone says this but you’ve such an eye for design.’

  ‘Thank you. I suppose this place was my biggest canvas. I own an art gallery too.’

  Lexie showed Kathleen the one remaining spare bedroom before the final large one. ‘This is Amélie’s room. She’s my niece. She’s seventeen and currently hates the entire world and all its inhabitants bar me!’

  ‘Oh dear! Poor Amélie. I can’t say I’d like to be a teenager again.’

  ‘Me neither. I know I’m almost forty, but I still remember very clearly how awful it can feel.’

  ‘I do too, actually. I thought everyone was against me. It’s a confusing and lonely time. Lucky Amélie to have an auntie like you.’

  The room was any teenager’s paradise. The walls were cream but they and a corner of the ceiling were adorned with neon images.

  ‘It’s not exactly classical in style,’ Kathleen said, bursting out laughing.

  ‘Isn’t it like walking into a migraine? The day Sam and I helped Amélie do this was just such fun. She wanted her room at home to look like this but my brother and his wife were having none of it. It was cheap as chips to do and Amélie adores it.’

  ‘I’d say she does. No wonder she thinks you’re cool.’

  ‘Well, it took a bit of persuasion on Sam’s part to get me on board. Ordinarily I love all things French and chic. I spent a year in France a long time ago, so I must have inadvertently carried back some of the décor with me.’

  ‘That’s the wonderful benefit of travel. We learn so much,’ Kathleen said.

  ‘Oh, yes!’ Lexie was leading the way back down the stairs towards the garden. ‘Come and sit for a while. I’m sure your brain needs time to catch up with your eyes. Can I get you a glass of lemonade or some wine perhaps?’

  ‘I’d love a glass of wine if you’re having one,’ Kathleen said.

  Lexie showed her to the garden and settled her on a comfy chair.

  ‘I’ll be back in a jiffy,’ she promised.

  ‘Take your time, dear.’

  Kathleen’s eyes darted from one corner of the garden to the next. The dividing walls were the same, but none of the rest was. When she’d lived here there had been a lawn and that was about it. There weren’t half as many cobbled areas and cleverly designed features. She loved what the couple had done with the house – she liked Lexie too. Kathleen was certain the place had never looked as good.

  ‘Here we are,’ Lexie said, reappearing with two glasses of wine and a little bowl of olives on a wooden tray.

  ‘Thank you. This is a fantastic treat,’ Kathleen said.

  They clinked glasses and toasted: ‘To number three Cashel Square!’ Lexie said.

  ‘To number three and her welcoming owner!’ Kathleen responded. ‘I appreciate your kindness more than you’ll ever know.’

  ‘The pleasure is all mine,’ Lexie said. ‘I hope we’ll get to know one another while you’re in Ireland. You’re welcome here any time. I’d love to show you my gallery too. I think you’d enjoy browsing.’

  ‘I know I would,’ Kathleen said. ‘Mm, this wine is delicious.’

  ‘Glad you like it.’ Lexie smiled. ‘Another little throwback to my time en France,’ she said, with a perfect accent.

  ‘The artwork throughout the house is stunning, but I’m especially taken with the smallish painting at the top of the stairs. The one of a little girl with curly hair wearing a pale pink summer dress.’

  ‘Really?’ Lexie said, looking pleased. Kathleen cocked her head to the side. ‘I painted it,’ she said shyly. ‘It’s Amélie when she was three. I did it from memory, which is probably against the rules when making a portrait, but I felt inspired after she’d spent one of her many weekends here.’

  ‘Well, it’s delightful.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Lexie looked down. When she raised her head again, the light had gone from her eyes. ‘I miss painting so much sometimes it’s like a physical ache.’ She took a sharp breath. ‘Still, I’m fortunate to have the gallery to keep me occupied.’

  ‘I can’t wait to see it. I’m sure it’s a treasure trove of fabulousness!’

  They continued to chat and Lexie refilled their glasses, the early-evening sun adding to the warmth that was growing between them.

  Chapter 6

  The sound of Sam’s voice, coming from inside the house, made Lexie jump.

  ‘We’re out here, darling,’ she called.

  Kathleen got to her feet and wobbled slightly. ‘Oh, my goodness, I’m acting like a drunken old fool.’ Sam was much taller than she’d expected. In the couple of photos she’d seen around the house, he was either sitting or leaning against something. He reminded her of an auburn-haired version of Liam Neeson.

  ‘Sam, this is Kathleen, the lady I told you about earlier.’

  ‘I guessed as much,’ he said, with a warm smile. Kathleen held her hand out for him to shake. Ignoring it, he hugged her, then kissed her on both cheeks. ‘Lovely to meet you,’ he said.

  ‘The pleasure is all mine,’ Kathleen answered. ‘It’s not every day I get hugs and kisses from gorgeous young men. Apologies for the staggering. I’m blaming the jet lag – it has nothing to do with the wine!’

  Sam laughed and gestured for her to sit down again. ‘When did you arrive in Ireland?’ he asked, as he pulled Lexie into a hug. He kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair.

  ‘Just today,’ she said. ‘I came straight from the airport, delivered my little note and my lovely taxi driver recommended the Caracove Arms Hotel, so I checked in there. Lexie texted me right away.’

  ‘Great.’ Sam nodded. ‘She told me you lived here once. What do you think of it now? I hope you approve of what we’ve done with number three.’

  ‘Gosh, how could I not? It’s just stunning. As I said to Lexie, it’s a damn sight better than when my family lived here.’

  ‘Some day it’ll all be shipshape and perfect.’ Sam grinned. ‘How long are you staying in Ireland?’

  ‘For the whole summer basically,’ she said. ‘Florida is stifling at this time of year, so it’s a relief to get out. I’ve been meaning to come home for aeons, but it never happened. The years seemed to roll by and there was always a reason not to make the trip.’

  ‘I never asked, have you many family members here still?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘Sadly not.’ Kathleen shook her head. ‘Any family that remained here are long gone and my siblings are all in the States.’

  ‘You’ve certainly got an American twang when you speak, but you’re undeniably Irish still,’ Sam commented.

  ‘You’ve no idea how thrilled I am to hear that, dear.’

&nbs
p; ‘My folks are in a similar situation,’ Sam said. ‘They moved to Sydney twenty years ago. To me they sound pretty Australian, but their friends all love their Irish accents.’

  ‘It’s funny what different people hear,’ Kathleen mused.

  ‘I’m going to grab a glass of wine and a top-up for you two,’ Sam said. ‘I hate to sound all caveman here, but I’m famished. Seeing as there’s no sign of dinner on the go, how about I do my usual form of cooking?’

  ‘Oh, please don’t let me interrupt,’ Kathleen said, attempting to get to her feet again.

  ‘You’re not interrupting and we’d love you to join us,’ Lexie said. ‘Sam’s idea of cooking is to phone the local Chinese restaurant and have food delivered!’

  ‘Ah, I see!’ She grinned. ‘You sound just like my husband, Jackson. He can manage on nibbles and itty-bitty food for so long but then he needs a proper feed.’

  ‘Is he here with you?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘No, dear. Sadly not. He organised this junket for me as a little trip down Memory Lane. As he said, there’s nothing more boring than reliving the past when you weren’t there to begin with. It’s like looking at other folks’ holiday photos.’

  ‘So you’re here alone?’ Sam asked.

  ‘Yup!’ Kathleen said. ‘How grown-up is that?’

  ‘Very,’ Lexie agreed.

  ‘I also have some unfinished business to attend to while I’m here,’ Kathleen said. ‘I won’t bore you with the details right now.’

  ‘Please stay and eat with us,’ Lexie begged, changing the subject.

  ‘I actually ate earlier,’ Kathleen said. ‘I got room service as soon as I arrived. I can never eat while flying – it makes me queasy. But I’m hungry again so I’d love to have something with you.’

  ‘Most airline food is enough to make anyone ill,’ Sam said. ‘So that’s settled. Will I order a selection of dishes and we can all share or do you have a preference?’