Page 55 of The Missing Sister

As Nuala cycled up the drive towards Argideen House, she prayed that one day shewouldsee Major Percival, or identifyanyonethat visited Argideen House. But apart from Lucy, Maureen and Mrs Houghton, she’d not seen a single soul other than Philip since she’d arrived three weeks ago.

Parking her bicycle against the wall, she entered the quiet kitchen, feeling even more sorry for poor Philip. Nuala thought of when Christy had had his accident with the thresher, and had been laid up recovering for months.

In the heart of our home, being fussed over by everyone, not stuck upstairs with a stranger like me, she thought as she walked straight through the kitchen and up the staircase towards Philip’s bedroom. It was a week ago since she’d been allowed to take herself upstairs, without waiting for Mrs Houghton or Maureen to escort her.

‘That means you’re trusted,’ Mammy had said with a smile. ‘Well done, Nuala.’

So many times she’d been tempted to dally on the grand staircase; to take in the big windows back and front that let light flood into the hall, the glass chandelier that had once held candles, which Philip said had recently been adapted for electric light. Still, to see them lit; she could hardly wait for the winter, when surely they’d have to have it turned on so you could climb safely up and down the stairs.

In truth, despite the guilt over her ‘easy life’, Nuala was glad of it. What with the wedding just around the corner, and all the preparations to be got on with, not to mention her household chores and her volunteer work, her hours up at the Big House were a welcome break.

‘It’s Nuala here, Philip, may I come in?’ she called as she knocked on the door. A female voice answered that she could. Opening the door, she found a woman that she recognised to be Lady Fitzgerald standing in the room. She’d seen her occasionally at the dressmaker’s in Timoleague, stepping out of a big car to choose some material or have a fitting. Even Hannah had said that she was ‘not too grand with herself’ considering, and spoke to the staff like they were human beings, not animals.

‘Good morning, Nuala. Do come in and sit down.’ She spoke in a low, warm tone, despite her crisp English accent.

‘Good morning, Lady Fitzgerald.’ Nuala bobbed a curtsey and did as she was bid. She looked up at the woman, who, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, was fierce pretty for an older lady. Compared to her own mammy, who must be of similar age, she looked twenty years younger. She had earrings with little pearls dangling off them, and her dress was made of a soft blue silk that matched her eyes. Nuala could only imagine what she wore for best if this was just for an ordinary August afternoon.

‘Now, Philip here has been telling me how much he’s enjoyed having you as his nurse over the past month.’

‘I have indeed,’ said Philip. ‘I told Mother how you’d become quite the thing at playing chess. She’s close to beating me now, Mother, she really is.’

Lady Fitzgerald gave Nuala a smile. ‘It’s obvious that you and Philip get along famously, but he also says you care for his medical needs too. As you know, we were looking for a fully trained nurse—’

‘Mother, we’ve had this discussion over and over,’ Philip butted in. ‘I don’t need a nurse anymore. My wounds are healed, and my overall health is stable. All Ineedis someone to push me to the lavvy, wash me, help me into bed and dole out my night-time medicine.’

‘Yes, my dear, but you know the doctors have said you’re at risk of seizures because of your head injuries and—’

‘I haven’t had one so far and it’s been over two years since the whole bloody nightmare happened. What I need most is company that I enjoy.’

‘I know, Philip.’ Lady Fitzgerald turned back to Nuala. ‘You can see how persuasive my son can be when he wants something. And he’s persuaded me that he wishes to offer you a permanent position here as his nurse. How would you feel about that, Nuala?’

‘I...’

‘Dosay yes, Nuala,’ Philip pleaded. ‘I mean, we can’t have you leaving before you’ve won at chess, can we?’ He gave her one of his lopsided smiles that always melted her heart.

‘I’m honoured that you would offer me the position, given that I’m not fully qualified. May I ask my parents if they could spare me from the work on the farm? ’Twas the reason I came home from Cork in the first place and didn’t complete my training.’

Nuala realised she was becoming more adept at lying every day.

‘Of course you may.’ Lady Fitzgerald gave her another of her sweet smiles that reminded Nuala so much of her son’s. Even disfigured, the physical similarity between mother and son was pronounced.

‘I presume you’ll be wanting references?’ asked Nuala.

‘Mother already has those, don’t you?’

‘I do indeed. Your reference from the North Infirmary in Cork was glowing, although they did mention they’re eager to have you back as soon as possible.Isthat what you’re planning, Nuala?’

‘Oh no, your ladyship, things have changed since I left. I’m to be married this month to a teacher at Clogagh School, so I doubt I’ll be leaving my husband to fend for himself.’

‘Isn’t that wonderful news, Philip?’ Lady Fitzgerald’s smile became even wider. ‘About Nuala’s marriage?’

It didn’t look like it was much, as Philip tried his best to hide a frown. ‘Then perhaps you should be asking your intended whether you’re allowed to work here? He’ll be in charge of you very soon.’

‘I’ll do that too, and have an answer for you tomorrow, I promise,’ Nuala replied.

‘Very good,’ said Lady Fitzgerald. ‘Now, doesn’t your sister Hannah work in the dressmaker’s in Timoleague?’

‘She does, so, yes.’