Page 75 of The Missing Sister

‘I would try my hardest to, Hannah.’ Nuala gave a sad shrug. ‘Love changes everything.’

Sure enough, a week later, the family was alerted to the fact that Hannah had invited ‘a friend’ to Sunday lunch after Mass.

No one was fooled, especially not Eileen, who plagued Nuala, Christy and Fergus with questions.

‘Will you stop asking me! I swear I know nothing,’ Nuala pleaded as her father drove his family back in the pony and trap after Mass. Hannah was following on with her ‘friend’.

When they eventually arrived, Nuala felt sympathy for the pale, slim, curly-headed man who stepped through the door behind Hannah.

‘This is Ryan O’Reilly, whom you all might remember from Finn and Nuala’s wedding,’ said Hannah, a bright red blush travelling up her neck to her face.

Finn – who to Nuala’s delight had arrived home a couple of days ago – stepped forward.

‘How are you, Ryan?’ he said, shaking his friend’s hand. Nuala thought the poor fellow looked as terrified as if he was about to be shot by the Black and Tans.

Introductions to each member of the family were made, and they all sat down to eat. Her father was at the head of the table, silent for once as his gimlet stare fell upon Ryan, appraising him.

After lunch, fortified with plenty of porter from the barrel outside, Ryan cleared his throat and approached Daniel.

‘May I have a word with you in private, sir?’

‘There’s little privacy to be had in here, as you can see, so I’d suggest we step outside,’ said Daniel. ‘The weather’s set fair for a while.’

‘Yes, sir.’

The whole family watched as Daniel led him outside. ‘Like a lamb to the slaughter,’ said Fergus.

‘At least he’s found a wife, unlike you, brother,’ Nuala shot back, only half joking.

‘’Twould hardly be fair to ask a woman to be my wife when I’m not knowing if I’ll see out the year,’ Fergus replied. ‘Besides, I’m thinking I’m happier alone. Some fellows are,’ he shrugged.

‘Your brother is becoming a confirmed bachelor,’ sighed Eileen.

‘Well, at least I don’t have to put myself through all that.’ Fergus indicated Ryan and Daniel talking on the bench outside.

‘Ah sure, Ryan will be fine,’ smiled Finn. ‘He’s a decent sort of a fellow, the quiet type, like none of you!’

Nuala was standing by the window, watching the two men. ‘Ryan’s standing up and—’

‘Come away from that window, girl!’ said Eileen. ‘Give them some privacy now.’

All eyes turned to Hannah.

‘Stop staring at me!’ she shouted, and with that, ran up the stairs to her bedroom. While they were waiting, Finn, Christy and Fergus went into a huddle by the kitchen table. Nuala couldn’t decide whether they were discussing the suitability of Ryan O’Reilly for Hannah, or volunteer business. Both – in their different ways – were equally important.

‘Jesus, Mary and Joseph, will you be seeing the time? I’ll be putting on the tea,’ Eileen called far too loudly to those still gathered in the kitchen. As the water boiled, the back door opened and the two men walked in.

‘I’d like to tell you that Ryan O’Reilly has asked for our Hannah’s hand in marriage. And after some debate, permission has been granted,’ Daniel announced.

With that, a rousing cheer broke out, and as the men shook Ryan’s hand and welcomed him to the family, Daniel went to the pantry to extract the bottle of whiskey.

Nuala and Eileen looked expectantly up the stairs for the bride-to-be, who came down the steps and straight into her mother’s arms.

‘I’m so happy for you!’ Eileen wept. ‘I was worrying you’d become an old maid.’

‘Jaysus, I’m only twenty, Mammy,’ Hannah smiled. It was Nuala’s turn to hug her big sister.

‘Congratulations, sister. And don’t be putting me in a gown that’s pink if I’m to be your maid of honour.’