Page 10 of The Widow’s Irish Secret (Magnolia Manor #4)

At least she knew for now that she would be able to live in the house as soon as she had some bedroom furniture, kitchen chairs, a sofa, easy chairs for the living room and curtains and blinds for all the windows.

And she could definitely sell it and make a small profit.

Standing in the home for the first time, she felt hopeful that the cottage could indeed solve all of her problems. She thought of Sean’s family, and the angry words she had exchanged with his nephew Terence and shivered.

Everything was going to be fine, she reassured herself, trying to be positive. She just needed a little more time.

Just then, Tricia remembered that there was another bedroom in the attic.

Deciding to just take a look at the room, she gingerly climbed the stairs holding on to the banister, hoping it was strong enough to hold.

But even though it creaked loudly, it seemed solid enough and she arrived at the top without any mishaps.

She’d ask Dominic to check it when he came to inspect the cottage.

Having arrived in the attic room, she looked around in the dim light and discovered it was larger than she had thought and that the pitch of the roof was quite high and could be a nice guest room sometime in the future.

That could certainly add value to the property.

It gave her a few more options. Except for an old pine wardrobe, the room was empty of furniture.

The small window in the gable end had a view over the walled garden and the apple trees in the old orchard.

The room could be turned into a cute bedroom with wallpaper and matching curtains, a rug on the old planks and old-style bedroom furniture.

She lingered in the room for a moment, breathing in the smell of old timbers and apples that might have been stored here once.

This could have been her and Fred’s bedroom if…

If the accident hadn’t happened , she thought, feeling his presence as if he stood beside her.

What fun we would have had doing this house up together…

But I will do it on my own and live here remembering the happy days…

Content with what she had found, Tricia walked back to the car and picked up her phone as soon as she was inside to call Dominic. They decided to meet at the cottage on Monday.

‘I think I can camp here as soon as I have some furniture,’ she told him.

‘Are you sure?’ Dominic asked. ‘I can imagine that there is a lot to be done. What’s the rush anyway? I’d say Vi and Jack don’t mind you staying with them for a while longer.’

Tricia laughed. ‘That’s what they say , but not what they really think.

I lived with my parents-in-law all through my first marriage.

The manor is a big house, but it was still quite tricky.

I always felt quite crowded and there was little privacy.

We couldn’t even have a decent row without everyone knowing about it.

And their cottage is much smaller. No, I don’t want to put them through all that. ’

‘You’re very understanding and considerate,’ Dominic said, sounding impressed.

‘Ah, not really. I want my own space, too, you know,’ Tricia remarked. ‘I’m chomping at the bit to get this cottage restored. There is so much I want to do and I can’t wait to do it.’

‘You’ll be one of those impatient clients,’ Dominic joked. ‘But I’ll do my best to have it done sooner rather than later. I’ve put a few jobs on hold so I can concentrate on your house.’

‘You’re a star, Dominic Doyle,’ Tricia exclaimed. ‘A real mother-in-law’s dream.’

Dominic laughed. ‘Ah sure, it’s all Lily’s doing. She’s a Fleury girl. When they say “jump” we men say “how high?” We should warn Jack before it’s too late.’

‘I’m sure he already knows,’ Tricia replied with a laugh.

Tricia took a long time getting ready for her girls’ evening out.

Having spent a while picking an outfit, she finally decided to go casual.

After all, it was only a pub evening and not some glitzy party.

She told herself sternly to act her age and picked her best jeans and a light blue linen shirt with a navy sweater thrown over her shoulders.

Mascara and a little lipstick completed her look, and she was ready to go.

Martin’s car pulled up outside the gatehouse and Tricia quickly kissed Vi goodbye and ran down the steps, looking forward – with just a little trepidation – to the evening ahead.

It felt a little like a school reunion as she hadn’t met her old friends for a very long time.

Martin got out to give Tricia a hug. ‘Welcome home, Tricia,’ he said. ‘I hear you’re going to be a neighbour.’

‘Thanks, Martin.’ Tricia hugged him back. ‘I’m really looking forward to the next chapter in my life.’

‘You look great,’ Nora told her as she got into the back seat. ‘Rested and glowing already after just a day here.’

‘I’m so happy to be here,’ Tricia said. ‘And excited to start my new life. I’ve ordered a few things from IKEA and once they arrive, I’ll move into the cottage.’

‘You’re very brave,’ Martin said as he drove out through the gates. ‘I don’t think Nora would be prepared to live without a proper bathroom or kitchen. She wouldn’t even let me buy a campervan.’

‘Nah, that’s a very male dream,’ Nora said. ‘The idea of sleeping in a van doesn’t appeal to me at all.’

‘Nor me,’ Tricia agreed. ‘I prefer sleeping in a house, even if it’s rundown.

I know it’ll be a little bit rough at the start, but sure it’s summer and warm and I’ll be in my own house.

I’ll be working hard on whatever I can do myself, so I’ll probably fall into bed completely exhausted every evening. ’

‘Let me know if you need a hand,’ Nora said.

‘Thanks, Nora, I’ll probably give you a shout.

It’d be fun to work together.’ Tricia glanced out the window and saw they were nearly at their destination.

It was a pub called Mulligan’s and she had often been there years ago with friends and later with Fred.

‘Here we are,’ she said as Martin pulled up outside. ‘Thanks for driving us, Martin.’

‘No bother,’ Martin said as Nora gave him a quick peck on the cheek. ‘Have fun, girls. Let me know when you want me to pick you up.’

Tricia laughed as she followed Nora into the pub. ‘Girls? I haven’t been called a girl since I was seventeen.’

Nora shot Tricia a smile over her shoulder. ‘About time someone did, then.’

‘Maybe you’re right,’ Tricia said, laughing as they entered the pub.

She was suddenly shaking with nerves, feeling as if everyone was looking at her.

But then she realised she was wrong and that despite a glance here and there, people were generally more interested in their friends and ordering drinks.

As she pushed through the crowd following Nora, she regained her confidence and started to look forward to the evening.

This was the first night of her new life as a single woman, although a little long in the tooth.

Coming out like this, meeting new people was the best way to forget the troubles she had left behind.

She only hoped the rumours about her would never spread this far south.