Chapter 38
The Christmas lights that were hung along the main street twinkled merrily and the majestic fir tree stood proudly in the churchyard at the top of the village.
The warm amber glow from The Anchor spilled onto the street, cosy and inviting.
Although Inishbeg Cove was sprinkled with Christmas magic, neither sister was feeling particularly festive.
Lucy still hadn’t heard from Kyle. Bar getting the terrible news that he was in a coma in hospital or something equally awful, it didn’t bode well for a reconciliation in their marriage.
Faith was still disappointed by their mother’s hasty departure back to Dublin.
They hadn’t heard a word from her since she left.
Faith knew that Madeleine had probably got stuck into her new job and was too engrossed to think about them.
Faith was also reeling after what she had learned about Jack’s brother today.
The loss of James had clouded her mind all day, infiltrating her thoughts like smoke and tarnishing her mood.
They entered the packed pub, where the loud hum of chatter buzzed in the air.
The céilí band were setting up in the corner, warming up and tuning their instruments.
The pub was full; céilí night always attracted a good crowd.
The tables had been pushed against the walls to make room for people to dance.
‘I’m not feeling very sociable at the moment,’ Lucy admitted.
‘Come on, let’s just stay for an hour. We can leave if you’re not enjoying it. It’ll help take your mind off everything. You go find a seat and I’ll get us a drink,’ Faith said, heading up to the bar.
Lucy walked through the crowded pub, greeting villagers she knew as she went. She eventually found two low stools beside the fire and sat down on one, putting her bag on the other to keep it for her sister. The bar area was crowded and Faith waited in line to be served.
After a few minutes the fiddle player stood up and played the first few notes of a tune, then the bodhrán and tin whistle joined in with the lively beat. It wasn’t long until everyone was up on their feet dancing.
‘You’re not dancing?’ Lucy heard a voice ask.
She turned around and saw Jack standing there.
‘It’s early yet, the night is young.’ She paused for a beat. ‘Faith told me about your brother. I’m really sorry to hear that.’
Jack nodded sadly. ‘It’s been a rough few months. Anyway…’ He looked around, clearly wanting to change the subject. ‘Where is Faith? Is she here?’
‘She’s up at the bar.’ Lucy pointed over towards her sister.
He nodded. ‘I … er … I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is … do you know if she’s seeing anyone at the moment?’ He sounded sheepish.
‘That’s hardly any of your business!’ Lucy was outraged by his audacity.
Yes, it was terribly sad that he had lost his brother so young, but Jack was a married man.
And she didn’t want to be cynical about something so tragic, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Jack had used his brother’s death as a sob story to get her sister to feel sorry for him.
Faith was one of those people who tended to see the good in everyone; she never seemed to see the red flags that Lucy spotted a mile off until it was too late.
It resulted in people taking advantage of her trusting nature and previous boyfriends had treated her badly.
By contrast, Lucy was more reserved; she tended to keep her guard up and was wary of new people.
She felt she was a good judge of character, and her protective nature had served her well in life so far.
He nodded, chastened. ‘I’m sorry, you’re right.’
‘I’m sure your wife would have something to say about this,’ Lucy continued, feeling all her fury at life, and men, rising up inside her. She wasn’t going to let Jack mess her little sister around. They had enough problems right now without him upsetting her too.
Jack’s brows hiked up towards his hairline. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘Where is she tonight, anyway?’ Lucy asked snarkily. ‘Did you leave her at home in case she cramps your style?’
‘My wife?’ he repeated.
‘Yes, you know, Heidi.’
He wrinkled his brow in confusion. ‘Heidi isn’t my wife—’
‘Well, girlfriend, life partner, whatever she is,’ Lucy replied dismissively.
‘She’s not my girlfriend or life partner,’ he went on stonily.
‘So what is she then?’ Lucy was growing tired of his evasive answers.
‘Heidi is my sister-in-law. She was married to my brother James.’
Lucy gasped and cupped her hand over her mouth.
Everything she thought she knew had been rewritten.
‘I’m so sorry. I got it completely wrong…
’ She stumbled, trying to make sense of it all.
‘Th-that day we met at the farm … I was sure you introduced her as your wife and Rosie as your daughter… Then when I saw you at the carol service, I just assumed you were there to watch your little girl.’
‘No, Heidi is most definitely my sister-in-law and Rosie is my niece. You thought they were my wife and child?’ he asked incredulously.
‘We have spent a lot of time together since James passed away. Heidi is from Australia – it’s hard on her being so far from home, so my family try to help her out and be there for her and little Rosie as much as we can. ’
‘I’m so sorry, Jack. I owe you an apology.’
‘Wait—’ Jack said as it suddenly all clicked into place for him. ‘Is that why Faith was being off with me?’
Lucy nodded. ‘I need to talk to her!’ she dashed off leaving him looking bewildered by the exchange. ‘I’ll be right back…’