Mistress of Peacock Wall by Kate Sweeney

Author:Kate Sweeney [Unknown]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Gay & Lesbian, Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Lesbian, Fiction
Publisher: Intaglio Publications
Published: 2014-05-29T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

“Brendan, have a seat, please.” Rose offered the chair by the fire.

Brendan obediently sat without a word. He smiled as he looked around the room. “All right, I’m sitting. It can’t be that bad.”

Rose was about to answer when she saw Meghan’s curious expression toward Brendan. Rose wondered what was going through her mind, but she tore her gaze away and regarded Brendan.

“I don’t think it’s bad at all. And yes, we did get everything settled. I know you’re Donal and Cait’s uncle, and I know you care for them. So being a relative, I figure you have a right to know. Kathleen made me legal guardian over the children.” She left out the part that Kathleen didn’t want Desmond’s family to have any claim over her children. “I hope you understand.”

For a moment, Brendan looked at her, then Vivian; he looked as though he was gauging his response. He then smiled and nodded. “Of course I do. I’ve barely spent any time with them. And with no grandparents and only you and Vivian, I can completely understand why she’d do this. And I agree with it. Anyone can see how they love you and Vivian. And that’s as it should be.”

He sounded sincere enough, but the doubtful look was still present on Meghan’s face; it unnerved Rose as she wanted to know why Meghan looked so skeptical.

“I’m glad you understand,” Vivian said, pulling Rose back into the conversation.

“I do.” Brendan put his head back. “It’s such a sad thing all the way round. First Des, and now Kathleen.” He lifted his head and regarded them. “Seems so fantastic in a way, doesn’t it? I mean, what are the odds of them dyin’ in almost the same way?”

“It does seem odd,” Vivian said absently.

“Yes.” Meghan spoke for the first time. “It does seem coincidental.”

“Ya don’t seem convinced,” he said.

Meghan shrugged. “I suppose I’m not one for coincidences.”

Brendan looked surprised. “You think their deaths are connected?”

“I don’t know. I suppose it’s possible, just…”

“Improbable,” Rose interjected. She wasn’t sure if Brendan should be included on what she knew about his brother, but then again, Desmond was his brother; perhaps he had a right to know.

Brendan seemed lost in his thoughts; Rose took the time to give Meghan a look of “should we tell him?” Meghan responded by pulling at her earlobe, a gesture that Rose had no idea how to interpret.

“Now that you have me thinking about this, the last time I talked to Des, he seemed…I don’t know, preoccupied I suppose is a good word,” Brendan said, looking from Meghan to Rose. “Ladies, is there something I should know about?”

Rose wanted to reach over and slap Meghan’s hand away from her ear and start talking.

“Was there something wrong?” Brendan continued. “Look, I know my brother was a dreamer and not one to hold down a job, but if you’re implying that his death was something other than a horrible accident, I’d like to know how you came to that conclusion. I think I have a right to know.

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