Page 24 of The Widow’s Irish Secret (Magnolia Manor #4)

The café in the old orangery sat in the middle of the walled garden which, now in the height of summer, was especially lovely.

The herbaceous borders were full of shrubs and flowers in full bloom; peonies competed with roses and hydrangeas, their colours vivid against the backdrop of the mellow stones of the old walls.

The gravel paths had been newly raked and the lawns mowed to velvety perfection.

Tricia’s heart swelled with pride as she walked down the path to the orangery, where the little terrace had been furnished with small round tables under the oaks.

The tables were nearly all occupied, but Tricia spotted a free one near the entrance door and headed for it before anyone else would take it.

Vi was joining her when she had left the bags with their shopping in the gatehouse, so Tricia draped her scarf on the back of one of the chairs to show it was occupied.

Tricia and Vi had spent a wonderful mother–daughter morning shopping in the vintage boutique in town and had been lucky to get two perfect outfits for the party the following day.

Vi had found a dark green silk shift dress that had real nineteen twenties vibes.

Tricia, after going through practically the whole stock, finally struck gold with a black chiffon dress that came down to just below her knees.

She added a long string of fake pearls and a velvet headband with a feather to wear in her hair.

They had tried on their outfits and laughed as they saw themselves in the mirror, Vi declaring that Tricia’s bobbed hairstyle was the perfect jazz girl ’do.

Tricia looked around for Lily and spotted her in the café at the till where there was a long queue of customers waiting to pay.

She realised then how hard Lily worked and what a huge success she had made of the garden and the café.

Waiting for the worst of the rush to be over, Tricia turned her face to the sun, her eyes closed, enjoying the warmth and the soft breeze against her skin The air smelled of flowers, and the birdsong and the murmur of many people chatting added to the feeling of calm and enjoyment.

‘Tricia? Do you mind if I sit down?’ a voice said beside her.

Tricia opened her eyes and discovered Mary standing there with a tray. ‘Oh, hi, Mary. I’m waiting for Vi, but do sit down on one of the other chairs. The café is very busy today.’

‘It always is at this time of year.’ Mary put her tray on the table and sank down on one of the chairs. ‘Gosh, it’s warm.’ She blew a lock of hair out of her eyes. ‘Hey, I see a friend from town over there looking for a seat. Do you mind if she joins us?’

‘Of course not,’ Tricia said. ‘I only want to keep one chair free for Vi. Don’t know what’s keeping her.’

Mary waved at a woman coming out of the café with a tray. ‘Come and sit here, Theresa,’ she shouted.

The woman, who was small and stocky with shiny black hair, smiled and started to walk towards them.

‘I can’t believe how packed this place is.

Thank goodness you got me somewhere to sit.

’ She smiled at Tricia, put her tray down and held out her hand.

‘Hi, I’m Theresa Coyle. And you’re Tricia Fleury, of course.

You don’t know me but I know your mother-in-law Sylvia.

She often comes to our salon to have her hair done. ’

‘Which salon is that?’ Tricia asked.

‘Foxy Locks just around the corner from Lidl.’ Mary took a bite of her slice of carrot cake.

‘Great name for a hair salon,’ Tricia remarked. ‘I have to say you do a wonderful job with Sylvia’s hair. It’s always immaculate.’

‘She has amazing hair, so it’s easy,’ Therese said. ‘And she knows what she wants.’

Tricia smiled. ‘Oh, yeah, I can imagine.’

‘I saw that the good-looking woman from Germany was in your salon the other day when I nipped in for a blow-dry,’ Mary said. ‘Did you manage to find out anything from her? She’s been here since the beginning of June and I heard she’s here for work.’

‘Oh, yes,’ Theresa said. ‘Her name is Ilse. She told me she’s involved in historical research and works for a German firm. No idea exactly what they do, though.’

‘Historical research?’ Tricia asked, suddenly intrigued. ‘Like archaeology?’ Her heart beat faster as she waited for a reply. Could this have something to do with Cillian?

‘Something like that,’ Theresa replied. ‘But then when I asked what exactly they were doing here, she clammed up and changed the subject, looking as if she had accidentally revealed some big secret and was worried about it. Couldn’t get a word out of her after that.’

‘Maybe your friend Cillian has something to do with it,’ Mary suggested, echoing Tricia’s thoughts. ‘Isn’t he in that line of work?’

‘Cillian O’Malley?’ Theresa said, looking interested.

‘He’s that great-looking older guy, isn’t he?

From around here originally but he’s been away a long time.

’ She looked at Tricia with interest. ‘So you’re old friends?

’ She looked around and then leaned forward and said in a near whisper: ‘Do you know if he’s single? ’

Lost for words, Tricia hesitated. ‘Well,’ she started, ‘he’s not married anyway.’

‘Yeah, but is he seeing anyone? Or in a relationship?’ Theresa insisted. ‘Is there a girlfriend or a partner?’

‘We have only just met after a long time not keeping in touch.’ Tricia squirmed, trying to hide how she really felt.

She didn’t want to admit that anything but a casual friendship was going on between her and Cillian.

That would lead to a lot of gossip and discussions about their supposed relationship.

‘We haven’t had much time to talk about… things like that,’ she ended.

‘He’s single, as far as I know,’ Mary cut in.

‘And he was at the speed dating thing, so he must be looking for company. But…’ She stopped and glanced at Tricia.

‘I have a feeling he and Ilse are… very friendly. I saw them in town having coffee yesterday, chatting and laughing. No idea how close they are, though. Could be just something to do with his work.’

Tricia looked at Mary while she tried to digest what she had just said.

Cillian had been seen having coffee with this German woman…

He hadn’t said anything about this to Tricia during their chat on the phone last night.

But it didn’t necessarily mean anything.

He could just be talking to someone connected to the project he was working on.

She smiled and shrugged. ‘Well, whatever. I have no idea who he’s seeing – or not. ’

‘Oh. Okay.’ Theresa looked disappointed. ‘I’ll just have to find out myself, then. Where is he staying?’

‘He lives in a campervan,’ Mary said. ‘Parked at the back of his sister Orla’s house.’

‘Really? How come I didn’t know that?’ Theresa laughed suddenly. ‘That must annoy Orla big time. She is so into appearances and style. Never knew a woman with such notions.’

‘Hi, Mum,’ Vi’s voice interrupted them. She had suddenly appeared at their table and pulled out the empty chair.

‘Sorry I’m so late but Jack called to say he’s on his way.

He’ll be here this afternoon. And he said he had a great outfit for the party.

Can’t wait to see what he’s come up with.

’ She held out her hand to Mary and Theresa in turn.

‘Hello, I’m Violet. Nice to meet you. Is this chair for me? ’

‘Yes,’ Tricia said. ‘The place is packed so I thought I’d keep it for you.’

‘Great,’ Vi said. ‘But you didn’t get anything to eat. It’s nearly lunchtime so I’ll go in and get sandwiches and water and coffee. Lily will help me get something. Won’t be a sec.’

‘Lovely girl,’ Theresa said when Vi had gone inside. ‘You must be so proud of her. I don’t have any children, but if I did have a daughter, I’d like her to be just like Violet. So talented, pretty and kind. You’re a lucky woman.’

‘I know,’ Tricia said. ‘My two other daughters are also wonderful. So I feel very blessed.’

‘You really are,’ Mary agreed. ‘But back to Ilse. Maybe she could be invited to the party? Just to make her feel welcome here, I mean.’

‘And give us a chance to ask her about her work and if she and Cillian are an item.’ Theresa winked at Mary.

‘Yes, that too,’ Mary confessed. ‘But we can be discreet and just make it come up during a conversation or something.’

‘Well,’ Tricia started, ‘maybe it’s not fair to grill her if she wants to keep her work under wraps.

Could be something to do with security or company policy.

But asking her to the party is a good idea.

I’m sure Sylvia wouldn’t mind if I invite her.

She loves meeting new people. Do you have Ilse’s phone number, Theresa? ’

Theresa nodded and delved into her handbag and pulled out her phone. ‘Yes. She made the appointment to the salon on her mobile, so I’ll get it from the receptionist straight away.’

Vi returned to the table with a tray loaded with sandwiches, water and coffee. ‘What are you talking about?’ she asked.

‘Theresa mentioned that this very nice German woman is in town,’ Tricia replied. ‘So I suggested we invite her to the party. Very short notice, but…’

‘That’s already been done.’ Vi put the tray on the table and sat down. ‘Granny met her when she went to the hairdresser’s last week and they started to chat. Granny took a great liking to Ilse and I believe she has already had dinner at Granny’s.’

Mary laughed. ‘I’m not surprised. There are no flies on Sylvia, always one step ahead of everyone else.’

‘Such a stylish woman, always on the ball.’ Theresa smiled and held up her coffee cup. ‘Cheers for Sylvia, our very own Joan Collins. A cocktail in her hand and a mischievous smile on her face, that’s her.’

‘Great image,’ Tricia agreed. ‘And now we don’t have to be devious and invite someone under false pretences.’