The Lighthouse Keeper's Wife: A Heart-Wrenching Story of Motherhood and Survival by June O'Sullivan

Author:June O'Sullivan [O'Sullivan, June]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Poolbeg Press
Published: 2025-01-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Inside Eliza stripped the boys of the extra clothing that had kept them warm on the boat ride and lit the stove. Peter stretched out on the bench beside it and dropped straight off to sleep.

The door flew open just as she was about to serve their tea. It was James with Edmund, whose arm was draped around James’ shoulder.

‘Eliza, give me a hand!’

She rushed to close the door behind him.

‘What’s happened? Is he hurt?’

‘Dead drunk. I found him on the floor of the outhouse with an empty bottle of whiskey beside him. Can you move Peter so I can put him there to sleep it off?’

‘Why didn’t you take him to the lighthouse? Or take him back to his own wife?’

‘It’s against the rules. No person under the influence is allowed in the lighthouse. And I figured I’d better bring him here to sober up or Ruth would be packing her bags again.’ He groaned. ‘Can you just move the child?’

Eliza clenched her jaw. Yes, rules were rules but was it proper for him to be left in her house? In this state? She did not feel comfortable after how he behaved last time but of course James knew nothing of that. She brushed the curls out of Peter’s eyes, gently calling his name. She didn’t want to startle him. Although he’d surely get a shock at the sight of Edmund and the state of him. Her hand went to Peter’s forehead. It was burning hot. She called his name again, louder this time. He opened his eyes for a moment before they sank shut again. Eliza scooped him up into her arms and headed for the downstairs bedroom. He’d be cooler there. It was probably the heat from the stove, she reassured herself. She could hear James groaning as he relieved himself of the dead weight of Edmund who began to snore loudly.

James came to lean in the bedroom doorway. ‘Can you believe this?’ There was a hint of scandalised glee in his voice. ‘The Dutiful Edmund Hunter, drinking on the job! Of course, I’ll have to write an official account – there might have to be disciplinary action. Are you listening to me, Eliza?’

‘I couldn’t care less right now about Edmund Hunter and his blasted wife!’ Her voice was shaking.

‘What’s the matter?’ James moved further into the room.

‘Peter’s not well. He’s burning up and I can’t wake him.’

James placed his hand on Peter’s forehead. ‘Well, let’s not worry. It’s a bit of a fever but you’ve nursed the boys through those before.’

Eliza was close to tears. Yes, she had nursed the boys through fevers before. But never like this. In the middle of nowhere, with a small baby to care for and a man passed out drunk in her kitchen. She felt hopeless and angry and refused to look up as James left the room. She heard the front door shut. Edmund’s snoring was interrupted by the insistent cry of Mary looking to be fed. She pulled a blanket up to Peter’s chin and straightened up.

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