Page 58 of The Missing Sister

‘I’d say they did, yes. Now, where’s my lunch?’

Having had no time to visit Finn, Nuala explained to Philip that he’d get her answer on Monday, for tomorrow was a Sunday, and her day off.

‘But even if he says yes, Philip, I’d be having to take next Friday off for my wedding.’

‘And I’d have thought the day after that too,’ Philip said brusquely. ‘Well, let me know for definite on Monday, and pity me having Maureen as my nurse all day tomorrow.’

Once she’d got that over with, they’d played their first game of chess, which took them straight up to tea time. As Nuala drank her tea, she decided to tackle him.

‘I’ve been thinking...’

‘About...?’

‘Well, what if I was to tell Mrs Houghton that you were wanting to come down to the garden but didn’t want the staff around to disturb you? We could ring the bell to let her know we were coming, then I could take you out by the front entrance and into a place where the gardeners wouldn’t be working. I’m sure there must be somewhere in that great big park outside where you can sit in peace? The weather’s set fair for the next few days.’

‘I don’t know, Nuala,’ Philip sighed. ‘Like you, I’ll think about it tomorrow and give you my answer on Monday.’

‘’Tis up to you, o’course, but for the love of God, you can’t stay up here for the rest of your life,’ she said, trying to keep her voice calm. ‘All the flowers are in full bloom, and the air smells of cow parsley and... I just think ’twould do you a lot of good. We could put your trilby on your head to hide your face and—’

‘Have you been in cahoots with Mother, Nuala?’ he interrupted. ‘I’m afraid you’re beginning to sound just like her.’

‘No, I haven’t, but maybe we’re thinking the same thoughts because we want the best for you.’

‘What’s best for me is if I never wake up again! I don’t know which is worse,’ he continued. ‘The nightmares full of bangs and whistles and then the thud as the shells hit the ground and explode, or this waking hell.’

‘Oh Philip, please don’t be saying such things! You’ve suffered terribly, and it’s understandable you’re feeling like you do, but you’re still here on God’s green earth and I’d say that’s because you’re meant to be.’

‘What use can I be to anyone like this?’

‘For a start, you’ve taught me to play chess,’ Nuala rallied. ‘And maybe, once you’ve braved going downstairs, you could be enjoying more company, like that man who visited your parents yesterday.’

‘General Strickland? Good Lord, I hardly think so, Nuala. The last thing I want is to listen to Father go on about the Boer War and hear Strickland complaining about the uprising down here. Father said that they’re thinking about recruiting a new division of Auxiliaries to help us “crush the Irish”.’ He looked at her quickly. ‘My apologies, Nuala, I meant no offence.’

‘None taken.’ Nuala was far too pleased with herself to care what he said, as she now had information to take home with her.

‘I pray for you and your family’s sake that you continue to stay out of it all,’ he added. ‘I’m only thinking of your safety, because Father said these new men will be highly trained and will stop at nothing to defeat this rebellion.’

‘I will, so, Philip, I swear,’ Nuala said, her best innocent expression on her face.

When she arrived home, Nuala was touched to see that Finn, who always came round to Cross Farm for his tea on a Saturday night, had waited for her so they could eat together.

‘Hello, darlin’,’ he said, standing up to give her a hug as she walked into the kitchen.

‘Where is everyone?’ she asked.

‘Oh, here and there; I’d say they’re allowing us some time to ourselves.’

‘Could you hang on for another few minutes before we eat?’ Nuala asked. ‘I’ve got important information to tell you all. I’ll go and whistle for them.’

‘What’s this about important information?’ said her mammy from the top of the stairs, where she’d obviously been listening in. ‘Your daddy and Fergus are next door at the O’Hanlons’, planning the harvest.’

‘I’ll go and fetch them,’ said Finn, donning his cap and leaving the kitchen.

Hannah followed their mother down the stairs and fifteen minutes later the family was gathered together.

‘So, Nuala,’ said Daniel, ‘what is it you have to tell us?’

Nuala recounted what Philip had told her about General Strickland’s visit yesterday. She tried not to sound big with herself, being in possession of such knowledge before even headquarters in Dublin had sent a dispatch through about it.