An Irish Promise by Isabella Connor

Author:Isabella Connor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fiction, romance, contemporary, Ireland
Publisher: Choc Lit
Published: 2014-09-28T00:00:00+00:00

Sitting alone in her room at Molly’s, Rachel wiped away a few tears. That diary entry had shown a bit of spirit, a bit of fight. Even some optimism that the bullies could be beaten. But how misplaced that hope had been. Ignorance about the future had definitely been bliss.

Chapter Nineteen

The snow had stopped next morning, but it lay deep enough on the ground for boots to give a satisfying crunch on contact. Kilbrook’s children were in seventh heaven – skimming the snow off walls and fences to make snowballs to catch the unwary.

Rachel, Helen and Finn were on their way to the church to watch the unveiling of the Christmas nativity scene, a long-standing tradition at the start of every Advent. It would take place just after morning Mass.

Finn hadn’t wanted to come, feeling his presence would only add fuel to the fire of village gossip. Helen had been adamant, though. ‘We’re not going to hide away, Finn. Then they’ll only think they’re right. We’ve done nothing to be ashamed of.’

Last night, Finn and Rachel had agreed he could tell Helen in strictest confidence about Jenny’s pregnancy, and about Jay. Over their breakfast earlier, Helen had told Rachel she was sympathetic to the girl’s plight. ‘That father of hers is such a bully. And a strict Catholic. He’ll likely pack Jenny off to a relative until she’s due, and then the baby will be put up for adoption. He’ll make her life hell for that.’

Rachel wondered again if she’d done the right thing by going to Daniel. Jenny hadn’t revealed Jay was the father, so what right did Rachel have to force the issue? It might make things much worse. Sean O’Neill was so volatile. He could really hurt Jay, and physical violence was never something Rachel had seriously contemplated in her quest for revenge. Perhaps she’d try to have a word with Daniel after the unveiling.

‘Here goes,’ said Helen.

They were approaching the church. She linked arms with Finn and Rachel on either side of her. A united front.

* * *

As he came out of the church after his parishioners, Daniel shivered in his thin priest’s robes. The snow certainly looked pretty, but it brought freezing temperatures.

There was quite a good turnout. For some of the children, excitedly chattering in groups, it would be the first Advent unveiling they’d seen – or rather, the first unveiling they’d remember seeing, since they’d likely been brought along before as babes in arms or toddlers. Chairs had been set out for seniors and the disabled. Molly had bagged the best seat, front row centre, and she gave Daniel a smile and a little wave. As he scanned the crowd, he saw Mel with Leanne. No sign of Jay, which was probably a good thing. Then he saw Rachel, standing off to the side with Helen and Jody – no, Finn. It was hard to remember his alias. He wondered if Rachel knew his true identity yet, but he guessed not. Best get on with the ceremony before they all got chilblains.

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