Chapter 16 #2
“If only all law firms were the same.”
Siobhan arched a brow. “I know you have legal expertise. Has this not been your experience?”
“Treating others as I would hope to be treated has always been my personal goal, and one I endeavour to exhibit professionally. But unfortunately it’s not always been my experience with those I have worked with.”
She half-smiled. “That was part of the reason my partners and I began this practice. We’re driven by honesty and integrity, and wanting to make a real difference in the world.”
He nodded, sharing a little about his own work with sufferers of domestic violence.
“That’s exactly the kind of work we wish to support.
It’s a scourge in society, all across the world.
” She gave him her card. “If ever you find yourself back in Ireland and in need of a job, you should call me. We’d be more than happy to help you do the things one needs to transfer qualifications so you can practice here. ”
“Really?”
“Haven’t I just made it clear that we don’t mislead or lie to our clients?” She smiled.
“I don’t know what to say. Except thank you.”
She nodded. “We’re always on the lookout for those who align with our values. Please keep in touch, in case there’s a job opening here.”
“I’ll certainly do that.”
He exited, then went and sat in a café, toying with Siobhan’s business card as he sipped his coffee.
Siobhan had just provided an option he’d barely dared contemplate.
Could he one day move here? Be closer to Rory and her family?
He didn’t want to think about it too much, as it would inevitably have meant the loss of the woman who had been a mother figure to him nearly all his life.
But it did fuel hope that perhaps one day he might find a way forward.
If he and Rory were still together, that was.
His thoughts dipped. He knew that she’d be excited. She’d sent a message asking for him to call, and she probably even right now was wanting to call him, but hesitating. And to be honest, he probably needed a few more minutes to not let his disappointment show.
Lord, if this is the end of the line for Gran’s quest, then that’s okay. But please help me have grace so it’s not the end of the line with Rory, too.
He finished his coffee and exited outside, to a seat in a park where he could see Ross Castle rising in the distance.
Castles. History. People. Life. It seemed so strange that some castles stood the test of time while others faded into obscurity.
Those with money, those with connections always seemed to topple the little guy.
He’d seen it countless times before in his work, and now here, on the other side of the world, he’d seen it happen again.
Elbows on knees, he placed his head in his hands. “God, I don’t understand. You’re a God of justice. Why do bad people keep getting away with things?”
He was relieved to know it wasn’t the Griffins’ fault. He liked Maeve, and had hated being the person who had caused her pain. But the Clotworthys… His hands clenched.
He forcibly relaxed. What was the point in getting upset? What had been done was done. And had been done hundreds of years ago. And as various people had warned him, even if he had been proved right, it wasn’t like he could easily sell the land.
So just why had he allowed himself to get caught up in all of this?
He knew exactly why. And it might be late there, but she deserved to know.
He dialled the numbers, then waited for her to answer.
“Hi Gran.” He waved on the video call.
“Aidan! I was not expecting a phone call at this hour.”
“Yeah, sorry about that, but I figured you’d like to know.”
A beat passed, then, “It’s not ours, is it?”
“No.” He explained what Siobhan had said, about the grant and the clause and the selling off. “I’m sorry it’s not better news.”
“But you’re saying it once actually was our castle.”
“Yes.” That was something at least.
“So it wasn’t all in vain.”
Still felt that way, though. “I’m sorry, Gran. I feel like I’ve failed.”
“You didn’t fail, Aidan. From what you’ve told me it seems that the Quinns were ripped off by this Clotworthy fellow.”
The sense of injustice still ran deep. At least it wasn’t against the Griffins anymore. “I gotta admit I’m kind of glad that the Griffins are innocent, and just the beneficiaries of someone else’s greed.”
“It sounds like they’ve been quite kind to you.”
“They’ve all been really generous. I have to admit I was surprised at how understanding Maeve Fairall was. She’s Rory’s mum, and the last of the Griffins.”
His grandmother’s eyes widened. “Is this Rory your Aurora?”
Looked like it was about time to spill the truth. “Yes.”
She didn’t say anything for long seconds, long seconds that left him wondering what she was thinking.
“Gran? This isn’t upsetting you too much, is it?”
She shook her head. “I’ll admit it is a surprise, but you’re a grown man. And if, despite everything, they are willing to accept you then that says a lot about them. And probably a lot about you, too.”
It might say a lot about Rory as well, and how much she was loved by her family as well as by him.
He swallowed, his heart tipping. It seemed awfully soon to be using such a big word as love , but this wasn’t just about feelings.
This wasn’t just instant attraction. He recognised and appreciated qualities in her that he’d long considered important in a woman he’d want as his future partner in life.
And yes, they’d take their time and get to know each other more deeply, but he sensed this connection could lead to something vitally important.
And the thought of leaving Ireland without her made him contemplate staying.
But he couldn’t do that. Especially not to the woman on the other end of the phone.
“I wonder,” Gran mused. “What if this quest was never actually about finding land, but about finding love?”
He shivered. “Gran.”
“No, hear me out. I wonder if my foolish wonderings all these years, and this quest I sent you on, was part of a deeper purpose. Part of God’s purpose.”
“What are you saying?”
“It just seems too much of a coincidence that the first woman I’ve heard you mention in recent years is connected to the family I’ve spent far too long despising. If nothing else God is showing me not to judge others.”
“Especially when they were basically innocent all this time.”
“Right?” She sighed. “I might be an old foolish woman, but I think it would be remiss of me not to say that it sounds like God might have had His hand in all of this.”
His skin prickled again. “I agree.”
“Then please know this has been worth it. For your sake, and I suspect hers. And keep trusting God that He knows what He’s doing and will make a way for you to be together.”
He’d already shown Aidan some ways that could possibly happen, one day.
“And I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you, Gran.”
“Love you, too, Aidan. Good night.”
“Sleep well.”
He ended the call, but her words had ignited within.
He was returning soon. His flight left on Sunday. Which meant making the most of what time he had left. So he quickly sent a message then got back in his car and drove back to the Castle Griffin Hotel.