Page 66 of The Missing Sister

Nuala sat there, staring at him. Eventually she said, ‘You know I’m as committed to the cause as you are, Finn, but if that means losing you in the process, then I’d even get on a boat and cross the sea to America to start a safer life there. And you know how much I fear the sea.’

Finn put out a hand to caress her face. ‘I do know, darlin’. But this is a fight we have to win, whatever the cost. Oh, and before I forget, Tom Barry was asking whether you’d seen Major Percival up at the Big House recently?’

‘There’s been a few fine cars, but I haven’t heard Philip talk of anyone else since General Strickland.’

‘Percival’s the bastard we want more than any other. And we’ll have him, Nuala, we will. Tom Barry’s put out the word in Bandon for his movements to be watched day and night. Once we know his routine then—’

‘You’ll attempt to shoot him?’ Nuala looked at her husband in horror. ‘Holy Mother of God... You’d murder him?’

‘’Tis not murder in a war, Nuala. Now, I must be getting off to school.’

‘You’ll be here when I get back tonight?’ Nuala asked as she watched him dress in a smart shirt, trousers and tie.

‘’Twas agreed we all needed a rest this week, but... I can’t be promising anything any longer. And remember to put it round the village I’m still suffering from the effects of my illness, and that you’re worried for my health. Bye, darlin’, I’ll be seeing ye.’

‘Will we go for a walk and a sit in the gardens today, Philip?’ she asked later that afternoon at Argideen House. She had just read the Wordsworth poem he’d given her and he’d pronounced her ‘word perfect’.

‘No, Father has that ghastly Major Percival coming round. Mother and I can’t stand him – he’s an arrogant arse, if you ask me. The very worst of the British here in Ireland.’

‘Have you met him?’

‘No, but Mother says he’d have every Irishman – and woman – dead if he could. He’s never lived here, you see, doesn’t understand how you’re all needed around the place, to help run our farms and houses. And that up until a few years back, we’ve all rubbed along together quite well. Like you and I do, eh, Nuala?’

‘Yes, Philip, o’course.’

Even though Nuala knew Philip meant well, the fact he took British superiority as his God-given right irritated her.

‘So, will we go out to the garden or not?’ she asked him brusquely.

‘Major Percival was up visiting the Big House today.’

Finn stared at her across the table, where they were eating tea. ‘Did you see him? Hear him?’ he asked.

‘No, Philip refused to take a walk in case the major saw him. He’s too embarrassed about how he looks.’

‘You make sure you try and find out what the two of them were talking about. Major Percival is the number one target and is under surveillance as we speak.’

‘I’ll try, Finn, but Philip’s never even met the fellow. He only hears bits from his mammy. His daddy hardly speaks to him.’

‘Perhaps he’s ashamed of his son, if you say he’s so disfigured.’

‘Perhaps. How were things at school today? Did you speak to Principal O’Driscoll?’

‘I did, yes. We went for a glass at the pub after school. Christy was serving and looked out for anyone overhearing the conversation.’

‘And?’

‘O’Driscoll’s said he’ll help me cover my tracks. There’s a doctor down in Timoleague he knows, a supporter of us volunteers. He’s going to send him to me tomorrow so that the village can see I’ve had a real doctor come to visit, so it must be serious.’ Finn gave a weak smile, took her hand and squeezed it. ‘We’ll get through this, Nuala, I know we will. There’ll be happier days to come for our small ones.’

‘Ah, sure, but with the both of us up to our tricks and living here where everyone wants to know our business, ’tis dangerous, Finn, there’s no denying it.’

‘Well, we’re both here and together tonight. One day at a time, eh, darlin’? ’Tis the only way to deal with it.’

With no visitors the next afternoon, Philip was happy for her to take him back into the garden. She decided it was time to press him on another point that might help in his rehabilitation.

‘Philip?’

‘Mmm?’ he replied as he sat next to her in his chair, eyes closed as he enjoyed the glorious scent of the flowers.