The Summer Guest

by Emma Hannigan

  ‘You’ll get there, darling girl. Just take your time. Be patient with yourself. You have all the time in the world. You’re very young.’

  ‘I’m nearly forty!’

  ‘I repeat, you’re very young!’

  Lexie grinned. She watched Kathleen as she crossed the room to put the empty tea mugs in the sink. When she reached seventy-five would she be as content as Kathleen if her life continued the way it was going? Somehow she doubted it. In fact, Lexie had a terrible feeling she’d peaked and, unless she did something drastic, her life would be on a downhill slide from here on in.

  ‘I’d better get to work,’ Lexie said. ‘Thanks for sharing your amazing rainbow story. If you’re free later, come and choose your birthday picture.’

  ‘I’ll try. It might be another day, though. I think I’m going to pop to the library and use their local records to look up an old pal.’

  ‘Really? Who?’

  ‘Betty Clarke. She was my best friend as a child.’

  ‘Aha!’ Lexie twigged. ‘You’re on your mission to find someone from the past, just like Jackson instructed. Am I right?’

  ‘I feel ready to do it now. Lord only knows if Betty is still around or what became of her. But she’s someone I’ve always wondered about. I missed her dreadfully when we emigrated. You know what it’s like when you’re a kid? Your friends are so important.’

  ‘Indeed I do. Maia and I are like sisters. I would’ve been heartbroken if we’d been separated. Where did Betty live when you left?’ Lexie asked.

  ‘Literally around the corner,’ Kathleen said. ‘In one of the cottages on the road just behind the gallery.’

  ‘Those houses have looked exactly the same since I’ve lived around here. Would it be worth knocking on her door to see if anyone knows of her whereabouts? Who knows? Maybe she still lives there.’

  ‘Gosh, that’d be something, wouldn’t it?’ Kathleen said. ‘I never thought of that.’

  ‘I’ll be in the gallery all afternoon. If you’re at a loose end, call in, okay?’

  ‘I will, thank you, Lexie.’

  As she walked towards the promenade, Lexie tried to imagine what it might feel like to wheel a pram. Gulping in sea air, she worked on convincing herself that becoming a mother was the answer to all her problems. Her phone rang.

  ‘Hi, Maia,’ she said.

  ‘Ugh,’ she answered. ‘I’m as sick as a dog. Holy shit, Lex, I think my body’s attempting to turn itself inside-out. If I puke once more I swear my intestine is going to shoot out my nostril.’

  ‘Nice,’ Lexie said. ‘Where are you? It sounds noisy.’

  ‘I’m on the side of the motorway. I had to get out of the car. I’ve filled the space between the seats with vomit so I’ve rung the AA to come and rescue me.’

  ‘They won’t take your car unless you’ve broken down, surely,’ Lexie said. ‘I’ll come. Wait there.’

  ‘No, it’s cool,’ Maia said. ‘I had a pocket-knife in the glove box so I slashed a tyre. The AA will drag me to a garage and Josh is going to rescue me.’

  Lexie grinned. ‘You’re a total nutcase. How did you even think of slashing your own tyre?’

  ‘Hormones. Crazy bat-shit pregnancy things zooming round my body. Anyway, I was calling to say that you’re not a cold bitch. I love you and I’m worried you’re losing the plot. If you feel like topping yourself or any other insane notion, call me, okay?’

  Lexie started laughing. Really loudly, with snorts.

  ‘What’s so bloody funny?’ Maia yelled, as a whooshing sound passed her.

  ‘You’re on the side of a motorway puking and slashing your tyres and you’re giving me advice on being a Mad Mary?’

  As Maia joined the laughter, Lexie felt a tiny spark of hope spring to life, somewhere deep in the recesses of her mind.

  Chapter 34

  Kathleen hummed as she washed the mugs. Poor Lexie was certainly at a major crossroads in her life. She was young enough to start a family yet old enough to decide she didn’t want one.

  ‘You know, Jackson, it’s taken me seventy-five years to see it, but there’s no such thing as perfect,’ she said, to the closed laptop. ‘If that tumour hadn’t claimed you, things would have been perfect. Having said that, I’m beginning to notice a pattern here, my darling. There’ll always be a flaw or a snag or an “if only”, won’t there? Is that just human nature, d’ya reckon? Does it all go away when we die? Is that what Paradise really means? That we no longer feel we’re missing out on one thing or another?’

  Of course Jackson didn’t answer. But Kathleen had grown used to their one-sided conversations. The silence didn’t tug at her heart quite as much as before. Jackson’s physical absence wasn’t quite as shocking now that she’d realised she could get through a day, a week and even a month without him. She felt an odd sense of pride that she was surviving on her own.

  ‘I’d still give everything I own to have you back, my love,’ she said, as she gathered her things to go out. ‘I’d sell my soul to the devil for five minutes with you. But I’m still here and I’ve got to do this living thing while I have the chance. You know me better than I know myself, honey. Bless you for giving me this mission.’

  Bolstered, she set her sights on searching for Betty Clarke.

  Lexie had had a point when she’d suggested Kathleen should start at Betty’s old home and work from there.

  Moments later, she felt like a little girl again as she pushed open the small waist-height black iron gate at Betty’s childhood house.

  The place was very neat and tidy. The small garden left and right of the narrow cobbled path that led to the front door was so immaculately kept it made the place look almost like a doll’s house.

  Mrs Clarke might have been green-fingered but Kathleen didn’t remember the garden being so neatly manicured or so many pretty plants in window boxes.

  She knocked on the door, stood back and waited. The sound of a small yappy dog burst forth from the back room. Kathleen squinted and tried to look in through the mottled glass panel in the door. She could see a smudge of white bounding up and down excitedly.

  A dark-haired man who looked to be in his late thirties opened the door with a white terrier in his arms. ‘Hello there,’ he said, smiling.

  ‘Hi,’ Kathleen said. ‘My name is Kathleen and I was wondering if you could help me. It’s a long shot, but I’m trying to trace an old friend, Betty Clarke. Would you happen to know anything about her?’

  The man’s eyes lit up. ‘I certainly do,’ he said. ‘She’s my mother. I think you’d better come in.’

  ‘Oh, my!’ Kathleen said in shock. ‘I guess I didn’t expect to get any information on her. This is a wonderful turn-up for the books.’

  The man stood back and beckoned her in. The layout had completely changed since Kathleen had last been there. The old façade was literally all that remained of Betty’s childhood home. The downstairs was now one bright, open space, with a metal spiral staircase leading to the upper floor.

  ‘This looks awesome,’ Kathleen said.

  ‘Thanks. I’m Ben, by the way. Mum doesn’t really share your opinion but, as I’ve pointed out to her on numerous occasions, it’s not her house any longer.’

  ‘Where does she live now?’

  ‘Connemara in the wild west!’ he joked. ‘She’s been there for the last five years since Dad died.’

  ‘I see,’ Kathleen said, trying to take it all in.

  ‘I’ve two older sisters, both of whom live in Connemara with their kiddies. Hence the draw for Mum. She minds Ruth’s two while she works part time.’

  ‘Good for Betty.’

  ‘She’s a fantastic gran and I know the little ones have kept her going since my father passed away.’

  ‘I can imagine.’

  ‘She still comes to stay with George, my partner, and me from time to time,’ Ben said. ‘But she hates the minimalist look we’ve injected into this old place.’

  ‘That’s a pity,�
�� Kathleen said. ‘I guess it must be kind of tough on her to see her old home torn apart, though.’ She gazed around. ‘I have to tell you, Ben, you’ve done a wonderful job on the place.’

  ‘Ah, I can’t really take the credit. It’s all down to George. He’s an architect and has a great eye.’

  ‘Clearly,’ Kathleen agreed. ‘Would you give your mother my cell number? I’d dearly love to speak with her and possibly arrange to meet her.’

  ‘Why don’t I call her now?’ Ben suggested.

  ‘Oh, gosh. That might put her on the spot?’

  ‘Well, had she been here when you knocked she would’ve been put on the same spot. There’s no difference. Besides, I’ve got a strong suspicion she’s going to be thrilled to hear from you, Kathleen.’

  Before she could argue, Ben had hit speed-dial on his phone. ‘Mum, how’s it going? Great … Yes, Mum, everything’s fine. Hold the line, I’ve got a surprise for you.’

  Ben handed her the phone and did a little excited dance. Biting her lip, Kathleen’s throat was suddenly dry. ‘Hello,’ she ventured.

  ‘Hello?’ the voice at the other end answered.

  ‘Betty, this is Kathleen Williams, née Walsh.’

  There was a short pause.

  ‘Well, I’ll be damned!’ Betty said. ‘What a fantastic blast from the past! Oh, my, I’m delighted to hear your voice, lovie. How on earth have you ended up in Ben’s house?’

  ‘It’s a long story, but I’m staying in the locality for the remainder of the summer and I was wondering if you might like to see me?’

  All of a sudden Kathleen felt incredibly vulnerable. This was a person she’d played with as a small child. Who was to say they’d have anything at all in common as adults? They mightn’t have two words to say to one another.

  ‘I’d love to, Kathleen,’ Betty answered immediately.

  ‘You would?’

  ‘Of course, girl! Now, we need to work out the logistics. I mind my daughter Ruth’s children while she works. Two boys aged three and one. Unfortunately they wouldn’t fare too well in a car all the way to Dublin.’

  ‘Why don’t I come to you?’ Kathleen said, as excitement sparked. ‘I’m just a party of one and I’ve all the time in the world. If you tell me where you are, I could find a hotel and we could meet in the evening, if that’s easier for you.’

  ‘Well, now, wouldn’t that be lovely?’

  ‘Let’s do it,’ Kathleen said. ‘I can find out from Ben where to go and the rest is easy. He mentioned you’re in Connemara, right?’

  ‘Yes – it’s so beautiful here, Kathleen. I think you’ll love it.’

  ‘I know I will. How would you feel about me coming tomorrow? We could have dinner together at my hotel. Would that work for you?’

  ‘There’s a fabulous country-house hotel close to me owned by a dear friend. Ben knows the details. I don’t think you’d get better.’

  ‘Perfect. I’ll give them a call.’

  ‘Do indeed. Ben will give you my mobile number,’ she said.

  ‘I’ll text you later once I have my accommodation organised.’

  ‘Terrific!’ Betty said. ‘And thank you so much for calling me. I’m really looking forward to seeing you again.’

  ‘Me too, Betty. ’Bye for now.’ Kathleen handed the phone back to Ben.

  She left twenty minutes later with the country-house hotel booked, including dinner for two, and her train ticket reserved.

  Kathleen walked to the promenade where she perched on a weathered paint-peeling bench and gazed out at the ebbing and swelling, glistening aqua mass before her.

  ‘I’ve done it, Jackson,’ she said out loud. ‘I brazenly knocked on her door. I’d never have done something like that if you hadn’t set me that task.’

  Although it wasn’t cold, Kathleen suddenly felt chilled. Standing up, she decided to walk into the village and try to buy a small suitcase. The enormous one she’d arrived with was too cumbersome to take to Connemara.

  A few minutes later, a pretty leather-goods shop caught her eye. Although knowing she should probably go to a chain store or somewhere with less luxurious stock, Kathleen decided to have a quick look. One bag caught her eye instantly. ‘How much is this, please?’

  ‘Ah, you’ve good taste!’ said the assistant. ‘It’s a hundred and twenty euro. It’s small enough to be used as cabin baggage and it weighs practically nothing. Although it’s rather expensive, it’s a good one.’

  ‘I’m sure it’s fabulously functional,’ Kathleen said, ‘but it’s the zebra print that’s selling it to me.’

  ‘It’s gorgeous all right,’ the woman agreed.

  ‘I probably shouldn’t, but I’m going to take it,’ Kathleen said, with a giggle. ‘It’ll make me smile every time I use it.’

  ‘Good for you! Will I pack it for you?’

  ‘Gosh, no! I want to wheel it.’ Kathleen laughed.

  She paid and left pulling the bag behind her. Needing to share her fabulous new purchase with someone, she decided to pay Lexie a visit.

  ‘Oh, seriously! I’ve seen it all now,’ Lexie exclaimed. ‘You’re a scream!’

  ‘Don’t you just love it?’ Kathleen asked.

  ‘It’s the hot pink click-up handle and wheels that do it for me.’

  ‘You’re too arty and tasteful to appreciate this fully,’ Kathleen said, with a snigger. ‘Personally, I’m in love with it.’

  ‘You won’t lose it too easily and you won’t be mugged with it as nobody else would even steal that bag it’s so awful,’ Lexie continued. ‘In fact, I’ve come around to thinking it’s probably a fantastic buy.’

  ‘You’re jealous!’ Kathleen laughed.

  ‘Where are you planning on taking it?’

  ‘Don’t look so worried, I’m not asking you to accompany it,’ Kathleen joked. ‘I went looking for my friend Betty and guess what?’

  ‘You’ve found her?’

  ‘Yes, ma’am, I certainly have. It turns out her son Ben is residing in her house with his partner, and Betty has moved to Connemara to be near her grandchildren. I’m going there on the train and staying in a country house.’

  ‘Good for you! When are you going?’

  ‘Tomorrow! I’m so excited.’

  They chatted for a little while longer, but there were quite a few customers milling around the gallery. ‘I’m going to leave you to it,’ Kathleen said. ‘I may not see you tomorrow, but I’ll catch you when I get back.’

  ‘How long are you staying?’

  ‘Two nights, possibly more. Who knows? I’m a lady of leisure and my own boss, so anything could happen.’

  ‘Would you text me when you arrive so I know you’re safe?’ Lexie asked. ‘I don’t want to fuss, but I’ll worry if I don’t know you’re all right.’

  ‘Bless you, darlin’,’ Kathleen said, kissing her. ‘I’ll be delighted to know someone’s thinking about me and it’ll spare me that awful lurching sensation when I’m standing in my single room as I realise I have nobody to share the moment with.’

  Lexie rubbed her arm affectionately. ‘You’ll always have me from now on.’

  ‘Thank you, dear.’

  Kathleen left her and, pulling her new suitcase, headed for Cashel Square. ‘Look at me now, Jackson,’ she said. ‘I think I’ve finally lost the plot. I’m dragging an empty wheelie-bag, which looks like one of your former patients styled by Barbie, and talking to the sky.’ Giggling, she noted she was also laughing at her own jokes.

  Chapter 35

  Things couldn’t have been better at the gallery, business-wise. In fact, Lexie could barely believe the jump in figures from the same time last year. She knew everyone was very keen to point out that they were still in a recession, but it didn’t seem to apply to her gallery.

  Her mobile rang and Sam’s name popped up. ‘Hi,’ she said evenly.

  ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘I’m fine.’

  ‘O-kay,’ he said, sounding unconvinced. ‘Liste
n, I’ve to go to London for three days. I know it’s short notice but I only found out this minute. Why don’t you come with me? We could do with a break away from everything.’

  ‘When are you going?’

  ‘Tomorrow evening. I’ve two flights held at the travel agent’s. I can put mine through the company along with the accommodation, so it’ll only cost us the price of your flight. What do you say?’

  ‘I don’t think so, Sam,’ she said. ‘I can’t leave Kate in the gallery at such short notice and there’d be nobody to mind Tiddles.’

  ‘Can’t Kathleen feed him?’

  ‘She’s going to Connemara to visit an old friend she looked up.’

  ‘Then we’ll ask Ernie and Mary in number two, like always.’

  ‘I can’t leave my business at the height of the busiest season without prior arrangement. Kate is going to a wedding on Saturday too.’

  ‘Couldn’t you close the shop for one weekend?’ Sam sounded tired.

  ‘Sam, there are so many shops closing for ever right now, and I don’t need my customers thinking I’ve gone belly-up. All it takes is for a few people to see the shutters down and assume I’ve gone. Word spreads, especially when it’s bad news. People mightn’t come back.’

  ‘It was just a thought,’ he said. ‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you at home later.’

  ‘Sam, you’re making me feel as if I’m being difficult here. You wouldn’t close your entire computer firm for three days and jet off for a break.’ There was a pause. ‘Furthermore, I wouldn’t ask you to. Please afford me the same consideration.’

  ‘Lexie, I’m not my own boss. So your scenario is out of the question. But if you asked me to beg for some time off so we could spend some much-needed time together, I’d at least try.’

  Lexie hung up, feeling torn. Was she being unreasonable? She hadn’t much time to contemplate it as Amélie burst in like a lightning bolt. ‘I’ve just come from Grandma’s house,’ Amélie spat. ‘She told me what you did to her and Granddad last week. How could you upset them like that? I admired you and looked up to you. But obviously I had you all wrong.’

  ‘Amélie—’

  ‘Don’t speak,’ she said. ‘According to Grandma, you couldn’t think of anything worse than having a child of your own. Well, I’m here to let you know that I won’t be bothering you any more. I won’t invade your privacy and wreck your buzz by landing in on top of you. I’ll take all my stuff out of your precious house and you won’t see me again.’