Read The House by the Liffey Online
Authors: Niki Phillips
The House by the Liffey (24 page)
Tommy brought him home but Isabel and the children were not able to travel with him. According to the MO her advanced pregnancy made it most inadvisable. Tommy never told how he managed the extremely complex arrangements and wouldn't be drawn on the subject, but Milo and Noola realised that, given the conditions and circumstances, it couldn't have been easy.
Grieved as he was Tommy knew that his feelings couldn't approach those of Bill's parents. However, as he had predicted, and in spite of Bill's insistence that he should not feel so, his sense of guilt was devastating. Understandably, after he arrived at Riverside, as soon as the three of them could snatch some time together, Milo and Noola had wanted to know the full details about the whole tragedy. On the phone he had glossed over Bill's reason for being in the area of conflict, saying that, following the Turkish invasion, Bill had gone to rescue a Cypriot family he had become friendly with when on UN duties there. Now he held nothing back, confident that, given what had happened, Bill would forgive or indeed support the betrayal of his confidence. When he had finished the story he was silent for a moment, then, his voice cracking with weariness and emotion, he continued.
âYou can't imagine my sense of guilt. I'll never forgive myself that I wasn't able to dissuade him from going on this mad venture. But I couldn't convince him that it was so dangerous.'
âStop beating yourself up, Tommy. He loved this girl, Androulla, and that was the beginning, middle and end of it. He gave his life to save the woman he loved. She must be quite a girl to have affected our Billy that way. Someday I hope we'll meet her.'
âMilo's right, Tommy. Bill wouldn't want you to feel this way. From what you've told us he made it clear nothing you said would stop him and, like the rest of the Butlers, he was a very strong-minded man.'
Tommy looked at these two people he loved so much and who, in spite of their shock and grief, were trying to make him feel better. Although he had expected them to look pretty rough, when he saw them on arrival at the house he was very shaken. They had always carried their years so well but both had aged a decade since hearing the news.
âHere you are trying to ease my guilt when you're so devastated. Bill was such a supremely unselfish man and it's so obvious where he got it from. Thank you both.'
His parents insisted that Bill should be buried in the family plot in the old churchyard, but did agree that the funeral service should be in the Catholic chapel that he had attended growing up. There was a full military funeral with an Irish Army guard of honour. Father Callaghan was in attendance and had especially requested that he would be allowed to give the eulogy, which was readily agreed to by the family, since they knew how much this would have meant to Bill.
Milo read the lesson, one of his own choice. Knowing it to be a special favourite of Bill's he read from St Paul's letter to the Corinthians all about love, but then added a piece at the end from the Old Testament, explaining it was the passage from King David's lament on hearing of the death of his son, Absalom, and that this expressed so well how he and Noola felt.
âAnd⦠thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!'
* * * * *
Tommy stayed for just a couple of days after the funeral, torn between supporting the family at Riverside and getting back to Isabel, whose condition concerned him. The family assured him that they understood he must return to his wife as soon as possible and in the circumstances wouldn't expect otherwise. He had, however, come to a decision and before he left for Cyprus told Milo about it.
âI've given this a lot of thought, Lo, and I've decided it's time I came home. I'm going to resign my commission and, if you'll have me, join the family firm. I do have experience: those holidays learning the job and making pocket money weren't lost. I'll need to have a refresher period but I don't think it would take long to get back up to speed.'
âNow just a minute, Tommy. This has been brought on by your feelings of guilt. You're blaming yourself for this tragedy and trying to compensate. I would be
delighted
to have you working alongside me but I'd much rather you didn't make this decision now.'
âOh, butâ¦!'
âNo, Tommy, hear me out. Go back and wait at least another couple of years. That will give you time to come to terms with what has happened and will make certain you're not making a life-changing decision for emotional rather than rational reasons. You're still only thirty-six and, from the time you were old enough to think about a career, you've wanted to fly planes. There's plenty of time. You could join me a bit later, just about the time I'll be looking to wind down a bit, when it'll be a real godsend to have you there.'
There was silence while Tommy digested this and Milo didn't hurry him for a response.
âYou're right. I would be making an emotional decision. I'll put it on hold for the moment, but I think I'll be coming home sooner rather than later.' He smiled. âNot only do I miss the family, I really miss Riverside and the old Liffey too with all it means to people like us.'
âWhat about Isabel? Will she be happy to settle here permanently? She might want to be nearer to her parents.'
âIsabel
loves
Riverside and has always made it clear that she would be happy here. You know we're a bit like you and Noola. So long as we're together that's what matters and this is where I would have a job earning our crust! There's the children's education too. Do we upheave them every few years or send them home to boarding school? I'm not that keen on either idea.'
âNo, well I take your point.'
âAnd think about it, Lo! Chuck and Liz will have even more excuse to visit us and imagine the great times we'll have together. I hear Joe's coming back too and will be living in his family home across the river. It'll be like old times.'
âYes, and it'll also be like old times for Joe and Paddy and me. Paddy's highly delighted too that Joe's coming home.'
âThere's something else.'
âYes?'
âI'd love our children to grow up here close to the rest of the family. I suppose I'm being a bit clannish!'
âThere's nothing wrong with that.'
Tommy had hardly returned to Cyprus when Isabel went into labour and on 5 August another little boy was born. They agreed that he should be called Thomas after his father and both grandfathers. He was to be known as Tom to save any confusion, so once more there were Butler brothers called Tom and Milo, but this time they were not twins and not really much alike in looks.
Just nine days later, as negotiations were in progress in Geneva to come to an agreement about the situation in Cyprus, the Turkish Army suddenly and completely unexpectedly renewed its offensive and swept southwards to occupy an enormously expanded sector of the island. When they arrived at Famagusta they found it totally deserted, so instead of stopping at the edge of the existing Turkish enclave, as they had in Nicosia, they took possession of the whole town. The Greek Cypriots, too frightened to stay, had fled, including all the town's officials. Most went to the British base territory in and around Dhekelia for safety. They little realised that they would be refugees for the foreseeable future and indeed too long for some of them, who would not live to realise their dream of someday returning home.
Stories filtered through to Akrotiri about how people had to flee with only what they stood up in and eventually first-hand experiences were told which confirmed this. As the days and then weeks went by and it became obvious that there would be no return any way soon, people started to move westwards, finding accommodation in towns such as Larnaca and Limassol. The RAF offered transport back to the UK for students who were in the middle of university or other higher education courses and this was when Tommy, who was helping with these arrangements, unexpectedly came into contact again with Maria. She was accepting the offer to get her back to Oxford to complete her course of studies. Her family's story was fairly typical of what had happened to the majority of the refugees and she told Tommy that whole story.
âWe had no real warning. Some people heard a booming noise and didn't realise it was heavy gunfire. Whole families drove out to the high ground south of Famagusta to see if they could get a view of what was going on. In the meantime, the Turkish tanks swept in and cut off the town and those families never got back. It was hot so they were dressed in very light clothes. That's all they had.'
âBut what about you, Maria? Is that what happened to you and your family?'
âNot quite. We didn't go out to see what was happening but something said to me by a friend I met in the street bothered me. So I packed up a few of our valuables and hid them “just in case”. We did manage to snatch a few other basic items but then we had to go too â in a hurry!'
âSo you got to the British area at Dhekelia?'
âYes and we lived there under the olive trees at the village of Ormidhia within the safety of the base boundaries for a week.'
âBut where's the family now?'
âWe had relations in Limassol and they contacted us through the broadcasts from the British Forces radio, urging us to join them. My grandmother and my brother's small baby were not well so we were glad to be able to go there.'
âAre the banking restrictions a problem for you?'
âNo! Luckily my father had a fair amount of cash he had taken from his shop. Like others, since the coup he had not left any money in the shop overnight. I've got money in my bank account in Oxford, so for the moment we're all right. We're luckier than some!'
âI'll try to get to see Nick and Tassoula. I'm very glad we're at least able to give you a lift back to Oxford. Is there anything else we can do to help?'
âNo thanks. I'm all right for the moment. I left some things in Oxford so I'll get by. But how's Isabel? Did the baby arrive safely?'
âYes. Imagine you remembering in spite of all your many problems! She had a baby boy just before the Turks started their second offensive. A blond-haired, blue-eyed boy like his parents.'
âCongratulations. I'm so happy for you both. Please give her my love.'
The whole family grieved deeply for Bill, but support from within and from the wider family helped them to come to terms with what had happened. Added to the shock of discovering he had a child, whose mother was dead, the effect on Harry of losing his twin was quite devastating. He withdrew from the social scene completely and seemed to have given up all liaisons with the opposite sex, although there was some speculation as to how long that would last. He spent quite a lot of his free time with Sarah, especially when Dai was unable to be there for any reason, such as being away on field trips. Sarah was having to cope with the double grief of losing a brother, to whom she was devoted, hard upon the heels of her accident and loss of her baby. She and Harry now grew very close.
Harry also spent as much time as possible with Johnny. To his great delight, far from upsetting Sarah, as had been feared possible, she and Johnny adored each other. He was getting an unbelievable amount of pleasure from teaching his son to become familiar with all things to do with the river and watching Sarah doing likewise. The little boy was proving to be crucial to the recovery of both and at Riverside generally a great joy to everyone. He was now more than two years old and rapidly developing into quite a character. The trouble was he was getting thoroughly spoilt, not only being the apple of his father's eye but also the delight of his grandparents as well as Sarah. So there was never any shortage of willing childminders when his nanny was off duty.
Nanny O'Donovan was something of an enigma. She was efficient in every possible way. Johnny adored her and it was obvious that the feeling was mutual. There was no way she could be faulted in her care or affection for the child. What was almost offensive to Harry was her appearance. Anybody less feminine he couldn't imagine and above all he admired femininity in women. Any girl he had ever had a relationship with, however briefly, had been very attractive. Furthermore, the women in the family all presented themselves as undeniably, even aggressively, female.
Cathy O'Donovan was always spotlessly clean, nobody could have argued otherwise, but attractive she definitely was not. Her lifeless, almost dusty-looking hair was always scraped back into a tight bun, held in place with a thick black net, so that its colour was difficult to tell. She wore the ugliest black, wire-framed glasses he had ever seen on anyone and used no make-up. Her clothes were practical in the extreme, which, given her job, was understandable. She always wore wide-legged garments akin to workmen's overalls and thick Aran sweaters, or, in warm weather, what looked like oversized men's shirts. The unattractive outfit was finished off with flat laced-up shoes. This all gave her the appearance of being both frumpy and shapeless. The clothes didn't look exactly cheap but their dull colours enhanced the all-over drab appearance.
Whenever Harry visited the nursery she faded into the background, although always stayed within calling distance. He presumed this was a determination on her part to be tactful and give him time to have his child to himself. She reported to him on a regular basis. During these contacts she maintained a polite, professional distance, always referring to him as Mr Butler or Sir. There was nothing to dislike but there was nothing much to make her appealing either and, given he had never seen her crack more than a small smile, he sometimes wondered at Johnny's deep affection for her.
Cathy had been with the family now for almost a year. She had her own self-contained flat on the top floor next to the nursery, where she could entertain friends or family on her days off, this a clear understanding. She rarely did this, tending to go out visiting instead. She had a large family of her own and seemed very close to them. She was the youngest of seven children and some of her older nieces and nephews were much the same age as herself.
Occasionally Harry had to go away on business trips for the ever-expanding family interests and Cathy was always informed of this, since it meant he would not be visiting Johnny or be present for her to report on the child's progress. Well aware of his reputation, she wondered if he was always alone on these trips, but, she argued to herself, that was none of her business. In spite of being out of circulation on the social scene, the rumours still circulated and the gossip was sometimes quite malicious. There was a certain element that, for reasons of personal gain, made sure this was maintained at particular levels in Dublin society.
On one of these occasions Harry had gone away on the Saturday morning and Cathy was starting a weekend off. Johnny was with his beloved Aunt Sarah and Cathy was expecting one of her nieces for dinner. She had, as always, gone to a lot of trouble, cooking Gill's favourite coq-au-vin and setting a beautiful table, complete with crisp linen, candles and a small arrangement of flowers in the centre. The flat was very tastefully furnished, a budget having been set aside for her to use for this purpose. She had brought in some of her own personal possessions too, such as pictures and ornaments and her favourite Waterford glass. She had also spent her own money on putting the finishing touches, most especially a variety of judiciously selected potted plants, all chosen and cleverly placed to complement the décor of the living area. The ambience she had achieved was remarkable; elegant but relaxing and soothing to the senses.
Having completed all the arrangements for the meal, she had opened the wine and left it to breathe while she showered and changed. She had quite deliberately left the door slightly ajar so that Gill could walk straight in when she arrived. The bell rang and she called out from the bedroom.
âCome straight in, sweetheart, and help yourself to a glass of wine â it's on the sideboard. You're nice and early. I wasn't expecting you just yet but I'm nearly ready.'
There was no answer. She combed her newly washed hair into place, finished her toilette and inspected herself in the mirror. She was content. Then she hurried into the sitting room and without stopping twirled around.
âBought this dress last week and I'm delighted with it! What do you think?'
She stopped and laughingly raised her eyes to look at Gill. But it wasn't Gill. To her absolute horror it was Harry. It would have been hard to say which of them was more surprised. They stared at each other speechless. Harry couldn't believe his eyes. The voice belonged to Cathy but nothing else added up. Standing before him was one of the most attractive women he had ever seen. She had shoulder-length glossy hair the colour of warm, dark chocolate, shot through with russet tints. These caught the light giving the impression of being natural rather than artificially created. The eyes, hitherto hidden behind those hideous glasses, were huge and the colour of spring violets and her make-up, skilfully applied, made the most of this feature. She was wearing a pale blue dress that had a closely fitting bodice and a skirt which fell just below the knees in graceful folds. Shapely legs were enhanced by elegant high-heeled shoes and the whole outfit set off to perfection a beautifully proportioned slim figure. For her part Cathy was taken completely off guard and said the first thing that came into her head and which she realised, the minute she'd said it, sounded so silly.
âBut you've gone away!'
He smiled and found his voice.
âI didn't get away. The flight was grounded and I got tired of hanging around the airport for hours. So I came home. I'll try again tomorrow.'
âOh! But Johnny's not here. He's with Sarah.'
âI know. I've come with a message from your sister. She couldn't get through to you on your private line. It must be out of order. So she rang the house and I took the call. She was most anxious to get the message to you.'
âOh dear! Is something wrong?'
âShe says you're not to worry. Your niece cut her foot quite badly on some broken glass and your sister's taken her to have it stitched up. She doesn't know how long she'll be but she'll call you later on. Your niece won't be able to drive so she'll take her straight home afterwards. She's very sorry about the dinner.'
âPoor Gill. But my phone's not out of order.'
She went over to check to find the handpiece had not been returned firmly on the cradle.
âYou might be sure. The one time it was important!'
They stood and stared at each other for a few seconds. Cathy suddenly remembered her manners.
âThank you. Sorry you had to trail all the way up here with the message. Would you like to have a glass of wine? You'll have heard me invite you to help yourself, but I see you didn't take up the offer!'
The atmosphere relaxed and he laughed.
âEr â yes. Yes, I'd love a glass of wine.'
âWell do sit down.'
He lowered himself into one of the comfortable armchairs and she handed him his wine. She poured a glass for herself and sank into the other chair, crossing those shapely legs. His eyes were now brimming with merriment.
âI didn't answer your question.'
âWhat question?'
âYou asked me what I thought of your new dress!'
âOh, so I did. Well, as you must now realise the question wasn't meant for you so you're not obliged to answer.'
âBut I'd like to. I think it's one of the most attractive I've seen for a long time.'
âThank you, Sir.'
âOh please! You're off duty now. Couldn't you manage to call me Harry? And may I call you Cathy â off duty?'
She hesitated. She wasn't at all happy with where this was going. Knowing his reputation she had worked so hard to make herself look as unattractive as possible, and now it had all been wasted. She wasn't sure whether she wanted to laugh or cry.
âWell I suppose yes, to both â for now.'
âFine, and may I also say I think what you've done with this flat is remarkable. It too is so attractive. You seem to have real flair.'
âThank you again.'
âSince your niece won't be here for dinner would you like to come downstairs and have a meal with me? My parents and Izzy are out and Kitty has been given the evening off because of that, but I'm sure I could find something for us. There's always lots in the fridge.'
âThat's very kind but I won't waste all that work I put into producing the meal. I'll eat it myself.'
She hesitated. After his invitation it seemed almost churlish not to reciprocate. There was plenty of food for two.
âIt won't be up to your usual standard I'm sure, but would you like to share what I've made? It's all ready: even the table, as you can see.'
âThat would be delightful. I'll go downstairs and fetch some wine. At least let me make some contribution to the feast.'
âThat's a kind offer but there's no need to go all the way down to the cellar. As you can see, I've more than one bottle ready there on the sideboard. We were going to celebrate our weekend off in style.'
They were both surprised at how much they enjoyed the evening and, even though it was well into the small hours, were sorry when it came to an end. They had laughed a lot and the first time she relaxed enough to allow herself to smile broadly and without restraint, he suddenly saw why Johnny loved her so much. A smile like that made the sun seem almost redundant.
She was away for the rest of the weekend but when she returned on Sunday evening, ready to resume duties the next morning, there was a bouquet of beautiful flowers in a vase of water outside the door to her apartment. An accompanying card thanked her for a most enjoyable evening and delicious meal. Having written him a formal note of thanks, she kept his card tucked away in her desk, something she made a habit of doing, especially if it was one she particularly liked. In the meantime Harry had left for the busy schedule of meetings planned for the week ahead. Neither mentioned their evening together to anyone else, each with personal reasons for not doing so, but this would prove to be a great mistake and something both would later regret.
* * * * *
The whole week he was away Harry couldn't stop thinking about Cathy. Why on earth did she dress in that appalling way for work and why did she never, when off duty, change into anything less ugly, except in the privacy of her own apartment? The more he thought about it the more he realised he knew very little about her. His mother and Johnny's other grandmother had interviewed her and he knew she came highly recommended as a fully qualified children's nurse. Noola, ever efficient, had made sure that she had spoken personally to those who had written references for her. As she explained, this was essential for someone who was going to have full care of Johnny and also live within their household. When interviewed she had been simply dressed and neatly turned out. Noola too had wondered at her strange way of presenting herself when working in the house and, knowing Harry's reputation, arrived at exactly the right conclusion. She reckoned that Cathy was a very smart girl. Harry would
never
be able to make out that she had set her cap at him.
Now, at last, the truth burst on Harry too. It took him a while for he was unaccustomed to girls trying to keep him at bay. Quite the reverse. He did tend to get chased and, as his parents had commented to each other, he was thoroughly spoilt. For someone to set out to make herself unattractive to him was a new experience: in his eyes akin to outright rejection.
At first he felt quite piqued, then that turned into real annoyance and eventually into full-scale outrage. What a cheek this girl had! Whatever made her think that he might be even
slightly
interested in her? The nerve of her, to go to such lengths to make herself look almost unsavoury to him. The
unmitigated conceit
! She had been
assuming
that he would find her attractive unless she went to such lengths. Well he had news for her! She wasn't his type at all. He wouldn't have been even remotely interested in her, even dressed up to the nines⦠or would he? Wasn't it time to be really honest with himself? When not absorbed in business affairs, he had thought of little else all week. But why? Was it just that she had deliberately set out to deflect his attentions away from her indicating, so clearly, that
she
was in no way attracted to
him
?