Page 217 of The Missing Sister

‘But she’s old, isn’t she? Far older than you guys anyway,’ Chrissie pointed out.

‘Be careful, Chrissie, Merry and I are only middle-aged these days,’ Ma smiled.

‘Sorry, but you know what I mean,’ Chrissie blushed.

‘Of course. But we must remember the ring was Merry’s originally,’ Ma added.

‘You’re right, Ma,’ Ally breathed. ‘So, do we have two possibilities for the missing sister now?’

‘Maybe, but with two Marys, who have both owned the ring, we need to speak to Georg.’ Maia took a sip of her water.

‘So, do we hold to our invitation and have Merry and her two children on the cruise anyway?’ Ally asked the table. ‘I mean, if the ring is the proof – and Georg was adamant itwas– one of them has got to be the missing sister.’

‘I don’t know,’ Ma said softly. ‘This is a very big occasion for all of you. And these women—’

‘And Jack, Mary-Kate’s brother,’ put in Ally.

‘Well, the three of them are strangers.’

There was silence around the table as the girls ate and thought.

‘Ma’s right,’ said Maia eventually. ‘We knew and loved Pa so very much, and they didn’t know him. It will be an emotional time for everyone.’

‘Does that mean Chrissie and the other partners who didn’t know him aren’t welcome, then?’ CeCe fired back.

‘Don’t be silly, CeCe, of course Chrissie is welcome, as are all the partners of you girls, and the children,’ said Ma. ‘There will be quite a crowd on board.’

‘There’s plenty of room at least,’ said Ally. ‘It’s what the boat was made for, and the McDougals are only a short flight away. Personally, I’d like them to come.’

Maia studied Ally. ‘Why don’t we all think about it? Maybe call the other sisters tomorrow and see what they say?’

‘Tiggy invited them all in Dublin and Star was definitely up for it when I last spoke to her,’ said CeCe.

‘So that only leaves Electra,’ said Ally.

‘Let’s sleep on it, shall we?’ suggested Maia.

CeCe and Chrissie followed Ma upstairs after supper, while Maia and Ally tackled the washing-up.

‘What time does Floriano land tomorrow?’ Ally asked her sister.

‘He and Valentina will land in Lisbon tomorrow morning. As long as they make the connection to Geneva, which they should, Christian and I will pick them up from the airport after lunch.’

‘Fancy a nightcap on the terrace?’ Ally asked as Maia turned on the dishwasher. ‘I think I’ll have a small Armagnac – I have a taste for it since I came back from France. You?’

‘Just water will be fine. I love it here in the evening,’ Maia said as they sat down. ‘It’s always so calm and quiet and safe.’

‘It was only a year ago that you were living here full-time. Look at you now.’

‘I know. Ally, can I ask you something?’

‘Of course you can.’

‘This Jack... You got on well with him, didn’t you?’

‘I did. He was a genuinely nice guy. I mean, he’s still single and in his thirties, so maybe there is something wrong with him.’

‘Excuse me,’ Maia reproached her. ‘I am also approaching my mid-thirties and have only just found the one.’