by Herb Hamlet
“Yes, Henry, t’rough the tears, she told me what you said to her.” He leaned back in his chair and examined the face of his eldest. “Now, my well educated barrister son, himself with the university degree, and himself who is a member of the Bar, tell me, why would such an off-hand comment hurt Elaine so deeply?” He pressed his lips together.
Henry had no idea. “I’ve given it a lot of thought, but I can’t come up with any reason, Dad.” He shrugged.
Liam snorted. “What was the t’ing most missing in Elaine’s life, Henry? You must know that one.”
A small frown etched his brow. “A family, her own, kids...” As the penny dropped, he slumped back down in his chair. “She, she’s pregnant?”
“Yes, my son, go to the head of the class.”
“But, that’s rubbish,” he stammered in disbelief. “I mean, she said she was going through the change of life. That her body clock was running down. Bloody hell, she’s almost forty-four.” He looked bewildered.
“These t’ings happen, Henry, especially when a woman is going t’rough the dreaded change,” he said seriously. “I mean do your own sums, my boy. Your own dear mother was forty-one when she had Michael. You must remember that. After all, you were over twenty years of bloody age.” The Irishman smiled. “No my boy, God has granted Elaine a miracle. She knows that and she’s over the moon about it.”
“Where is she, Dad?” His mind was spinning. “I must go to her.”
“I honestly don’t know, son. If I knew, I’d tell you. It upsets me greatly to t’ink I might not see her again, or the baby.” He grabbed Henry’s arm. “I told her you would not have meant what you said that night. I told her you would welcome a miraculous child with her. She didn’t believe me, son. She wouldn’t tell me where she was going for fear I’d tell you.”
“Bloody hell.” Henry placed his head in his hands.
Chapter Twenty
As a consequence of Elaine’s departure, Henry was forced to employ additional staff to cope with the influx of inquiries his practice received after the much publicised win in the Rankin case. He was entitled to one third of the settlement of three million dollars. With Lisa and Michelle living with him, the townhouse soon became too small. Henry sold the unit and used his share of the settlement to purchase a modest four bedroom home in a south side Brisbane suburb.
To overcome the void created by Elaine’s disappearance, Henry threw himself into his work with renewed enthusiasm, so much so, at times he arrived home utterly exhausted.
Noticing his drawn features, Lisa would castigate him in a stern voice. “Dad, you shouldn’t work so hard. After all, you’re not young anymore.” She would often tease him as she helped him prepare the evening meal.
As Henry moved around the kitchen, he would ask about their respective days at All Hallows, proud of the way his two daughters had turned their lives around. Their school work had improved dramatically, with glowing report cards at the end of the semester. He congratulated himself for bringing them to live with him.
Three months or so after the departure of her grandfather, Lisa looked up from her evening meal one night and asked the question that had been foremost in her thoughts for some time. “That night when Granddad arrived, I heard you arguing over something and you looked so upset. What was the real reason he came, Dad?”
“To see you girls of course,” Henry lied.
“No, I’m sure that’s not true, Dad.” Lisa looked him directly in the eye. “If it was only to see us, he would have brought Nana Flanagan with him. You should know that.”
“Yes, that’s right.” Fifteen year old Michelle joined in.
Henry placed his knife and fork down and looked from one innocent face to the other. After several seconds, he exhaled slowly. “I suppose there’s no reason why I can’t tell you about this.” He was a little surprised he could tell them about his personal life. Elaine coming to work for him; their slowly coming together romantically; her failed marriage and her grief over not having children; his profound love for her and finally, her reason for leaving him. “I said that horrible thing to her just after she discovered she was pregnant.” Henry’s eyes misted over when he told them how sorry he was.
“Oh Dad, we’ll have to find her,” Lisa exploded with excitement. “It’s so romantic, especially with it happening to old people like you and Elaine. I can’t wait to meet her.” She sighed.
“Thanks a lot.” He feigned hurt. “And that’s enough of that old business.”
***
Strolling beside the river, Elaine stopped for a moment to gaze upward and stood transfixed. With night approaching, a few traces of pink bled from the sinking sun. Twilight drifted toward darkness, the first stars blinking into life, the river’s surface like a mirror. She placed her hands on her growing bulge and experienced the usual glow - the hurt hit home again. How could you not want our child? She remembered her phone conversation with Henry’s father. Liam said you wouldn’t have meant what you said. She shook her head. I can’t take the risk. I will raise my baby alone - my precious baby. She felt the glow return. I’ve waited so long for this.
***
Still on the search for Elaine, Dick Argent paid a visit to the busy Flanagan legal practice.
Henry raised his eyebrows at his visitor, daring to hope this time he had good news for him. He was to be disappointed.
“Sorry mate.” Dick lifted his shoulders. “There’s no trace of her, nothing at all. I’ve now been searching for four months and I’ve run out of leads. It’s like she has just vanished into thin air.” He slumped into a chair.
“What about the Taxation Office and Centrelink. Maybe they have a record of where she is.”
“You’re a legal man, Henry, you should know better than that. You know their records are confidential and can’t be released to the public.” He reached for his notebook and opened it. “I was able to track down Elaine’s younger sister, Beverly. She runs her own accountancy business down at Tweed Heads. She’s married with three children; two girls and a boy. I’ll give you her full name, address and telephone numbers, because I think she would be more sympathetic if the inquiry came from you personally, and not from me.”
“Yes, I agree. Thanks Dick.”
Henry reached for the phone and dialed Beverly Carter’s accountancy practice. A business-like female voice answered. “Carter Accounting, Bev speaking.”
“You don’t know me, Mrs. Carter. My name is Henry Flanagan.” That was as far as he was allowed to proceed.
“But I do know of you, Mr. Flanagan.” Bev Carter interrupted. “Elaine told me all about you.” Her tone dripped icicles.
“I didn’t mean to hurt her, Bev,” he said sincerely. “I was having trouble with my own two children at the time. It was just one of those stupid things said in haste, without thinking. Look, I’m trying my hardest to track her down and I’m seeking your help. I’m desperate, I love her so much.”
“Look Mr Flanagan.” Her voice became more conciliatory, “I tried my best to convince Elaine not to leave you, or Brisbane for that matter. I told her in my opinion, she was over-reacting.” Her tone hardened. “She then told me about Keith, the rotten bastard. You know in all those years, she never let on to me she was being abused. After Mum and Dad died, Elaine was like a second mother to me. I’d have shot the mongrel if I’d known!” She hesitated. “I assume you know all about that?”
“Yes, I do.”
She took a deep breath. “You see, she’s frightened of making another mistake. I’m positive she still loves you, but you hurt her deeply. She never thought she would ever have children of her own and now she’s pregnant. I’m so happy for her - I still can’t believe it.”
“And neither can I, Bev. That’s why I need to find her. She doesn’t know how much I love her. I need to take care of her and our baby. Please Bev,
if you know where she is, tell me.”
“I’m sorry, Henry.” Her tone had become uncertain. “I made a promise to her.” The line went dead in his ear.
“No luck?” Dick raised an eyebrow.
“No!” A shaft of gloom darkened his spirits.
“Then go down there and see her personally.” Dick encouraged him. “A face to face meeting might make all the difference. Who knows?.”
The following Saturday, Henry pulled his brand new Volvo to a halt in front of a neat, low-set cottage perched on a hill overlooking the Coolangatta Beach and the Tweed River. He and the girls alighted and stood taking in the beauty surrounding them.
“What a view.” Henry pressed the doorbell.
The front door was opened by a freckled face youth about fourteen years of age.
“Is Mrs. Carter home?” Henry asked softly.
“Mum,” the young fellow yelled at the top of his voice. “It’s for you.”
Watching Bev Carter come bustling down the hallway, the first thing Henry noticed was the sisterly resemblance. A little taller than Elaine and very attractive, Bev’s hair was a few shades darker. No doubt they were siblings.
On seeing a man accompanied by two teenage girls waiting in her front doorway, she looked a little annoyed.
“Yes?” she asked, a faint edge to her voice.
Henry smiled. “I’m Henry Flanagan and these are my two daughters, Lisa and Michelle. They live with me now.”
“Oh.” Henry could see the expression of surprise on her face. “I don’t think coming all the way down here will make any difference, Henry. I made a promise to Elaine and I have to keep it.”
“Please.” A small tear escaped from Lisa’s eye and trickled down her cheek. “You don’t know how much Dad misses her.” Her voice quivered. “You see, the baby will be our little brother or sister and Michelle and I want to help so much.”
“Hey, I thought I was the one who was going to do the talking.” Henry patted her shoulder.
“Oh, what’s the use?” Bev Carter lifted her shoulders and sighed. “You’ll just keep coming back, won’t you?” A wide smile then broke over her full lips.
“You can make book on it, Bev.” Relief swept through him.
“All right, come on in and we’ll have a cup of tea.”
While Bev filled the electric jug, Henry drummed his fingers impatiently on the coffee table.
“She’s in Ballina, Henry,” she told him as she sat in an armchair opposite. “She’s rented a small unit near the Richmond River and is currently working as a legal assistant for a local solicitor.”
“How far gone is she?” He needed to know.
“Just over six months, I think. She phones me every Friday night. In fact I spoke with her last night.” She exhaled another sigh. “I hope I’m doing the right thing here.”
“You certainly are, Bev. You’ll never be sorry, I promise. I’ll take care of Elaine and our baby.” A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “But I’ll have to be honest and say that at my age, I’m well and truly out of practice where babies are concerned. I’ll get the hang of it again, I suppose, changing nappies and so forth.” Everyone laughed.
***
The neatly presented townhouse was situated two streets from Ballina’s bustling shopping centre and only one street from the Richmond River. Henry switched off the engine and turned to his two daughters. “I’d better go in alone. We have private things to say to each other. You understand?” He reached for the door handle.
“Of course, Dad, that’s all right. Take your time,” Lisa said softly, then added firmly. “Just make sure you don’t stuff things up.”
“He won’t.” Michelle grinned.
Striding up the concrete pathway, nerves began to gnaw at his stomach. Her feelings for me might have changed. What if she won’t take me back? What if she doesn’t love me anymore?
He knocked gently at the door - everything inside remained eerily quiet. He checked his watch. Eleven-fifteen.
He knocked again and thought he heard movement inside the unit. A few moments later, the door was drawn back and she stood before him. His eyes immediately honed in on the compact bulge beneath the smock she wore. Her grey eyes shone brightly, her face glowed with the special beauty that only comes with expectant motherhood.
“Henry!” She took a step back in surprise.
“Elaine, at last.” He followed her, arms outstretched.
“No, please. I don’t want to see you.” Her tone wavered. “I can’t afford to be hurt again.”
“I’ll never hurt you again, sweetheart.” He was unable to disguise his delight at being with her again. “I love you and I love our baby. Our miracle, Dad said.”
“That’s not what you said that night in your unit.”
“Please let me explain.” He smiled gently and watched her face; her lovely face.
She breathed deeply and imposed a control on herself she knew she did not feel, the ache in her heart so strong, she didn’t think she could bear it. “I don’t know if I want to hear any explanations, Henry.”
“Please Elaine, it’ll only take a moment.”
“Very well.” She crossed her arms.
Henry went on to describe the intense nervous pressure he’d been under on that particular day - the important developments in the Rankin case, the attempt on his life and the disappearance of Lisa and Michelle. As she took everything in, Elaine lowered her head. Henry went on, “I suppose I cracked under the pressure. It’ll never happen again, I swear, my darling.”
She lifted her head, mist in her grey eyes. A small tear trickled down her cheek. “Oh Henry, I had no idea.” She remained silent for a couple of moments. “I’d only just found out about the baby and I was bursting with excitement. I thought you meant what you said about children, and I just couldn’t bear the pain.” The tears began in earnest.
He reached for her and wrapped his arms around her protectively. “I can’t believe I found you again. It’s wonderful,” he whispered fervently in her ear.
She cupped his face, and gazed at him with understanding eyes. She could see he loved her. “Henry, I...”
“Don’t say anything, just let me kiss you.” His lips descended on hers and it was as if they’d never been parted. They came apart, his words floating into her ear, “I love you, Elaine.”
“And I love you, Henry.” She pressed her face to his shoulder. “How did you find me?”
“Bev capitulated.”
“She was always the weak link.” A small smile broke at the corners of her mouth. “Beverly opposed my leaving in the first place. But I suppose I wasn’t thinking very clearly at the time and after what happened with Keith, I think I was a little frightened.”
“Don’t ever be again, sweetheart.” Henry placed a protective arm around her shoulder and changed the subject. “Ah, I have a question. How does an extended family appeal to you?”
“What do you mean?” She looked perplexed.
Henry told her of the events leading to Lisa and Michelle coming to live with him, all about the new house and Lisa’s and Michelle’s efforts in decorating the nursery.
“It all sounds so wonderful, Henry.” She shook her head trying to take it all in.
“They’re here now, outside in the car.”
“Then bring them in, Henry. I can’t wait to meet them.” Elaine strode excitedly to the doorway, coming to a halt. She looked down at the house smock she was wearing. “But I look so awful. Let me change first.”
“In all the time I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you looking more beautiful.”
An honesty in his voice almost melted her heart. “Alright,” she swallowed, “let’s go out and get them. Then you can all help me pack.”
Chapter Twenty-One
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It was a beautiful, clear sunny day as Henry waited with his family and friends on the green grass of Harborside Park overlooking Newcastle’s Hunter River. He watched his mother, who positively beamed as she lovingly organised her brood of grandchildren. He again checked his watch, nervously waiting for the wedding cars to arrive.
Sidling up to Henry and shaking his head, Liam Flanagan looked dapper in his formal three piece suit. “Doesn’t seem right getting married in a bloody park,” he whined. “We should all be at the Cathedral by now.”
“It’s all right, Dad. Don’t concern yourself.” Henry grinned. “Elaine and I didn’t want to put Father Kelly under any unnecessary pressure. He’s well aware we are both divorced and you, more than anyone, should be aware of the Church’s policy about divorcees getting remarried in a Cathedral.”
Liam’s eyes narrowed. “The church has different rules for different people and they make up rules to suit themselves. Look at that Princess of Monaco. She’d been married before and she was allowed to get married in the Cathedral. Annulment, what a load of hogwash. The Church should be bloody consistent and have the same rules for everyone.”
“Father Kelly is still marrying us, isn’t he?” Henry asked quietly. “And the baby will be Christened in the Cathedral.”
“He bloody well better be.” Liam scowled before he realised his eldest son was teasing him. A sheepish grin played at the corners of his lips as he changed the subject. “‘Tis a fine lass you’re marrying, son.”
“Finally,” Henry sighed when he sighted the three limousines approaching the parking area.
“I better get moving, since I’m supposed to be giving her away.” Liam made a beeline for the cars.
Elaine emerged from the leading vehicle and Henry took in a deep breath. She was dressed in a cream brocade and satin smock fitted around the bust line, the skirt softly falling over her protruding bulge to just below her knees. She wore a tiny snug fitting hat with a small veil that barely covered her eyes. She was attended by her sister Bev, the maid of Honour, and Lisa and Michelle, her bridesmaids. Michelle handed the bride a small bouquet of cream roses. Elaine looked over at Henry waiting in the distance. With the strains of George Gershwin’s, ‘Our Love Is Here To Stay’, playing in the background, she tucked her arm in Liam’s and began walking in his direction. Fixing her eyes on him, her lips parted over a devastating smile. She was soon at his side.
