The Missing Sister by Lucinda Riley

Author:Lucinda Riley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Father O’Brien was just about to leave for Mass when he heard a tapping on the front door. He opened it and saw Katie O’Reilly, a diminutive version of her mother Maggie, standing there panting, and dripping wet from the rain.

‘Hello, Father O’Brien, I’ve a message for you. Our new brother was born in the night and Mammy is very tired from the birth and she has to stay in bed to rest and she can’t come up today to clean your house and we’re not to go to school so we can help and Nora’s feeding the chickens but Merry doesn’t know how to make broth and Daddy wanted to know when you could church Mammy and baptise the babe and—’

‘Slow down, Katie,’ James said, putting a gentle hand on Katie’s shoulder, ‘and draw breath. You look soaked to the skin. Come in for a bit and warm yourself by my fire.’

‘Oh Father, I should be getting back to help my sisters.’

‘I’m sure five minutes won’t harm.’

James gave her a slight push and propelled her through the door to his study, where Ambrose was sitting reading the Cork Examiner.

‘This is my friend Ambrose Lister. Ambrose, this is Katie, Maggie O’Reilly’s daughter. Now then, Katie, take off your boots and we’ll put them by the fire to dry out a little. You sit down there.’ James pointed to the chair opposite Ambrose, who was staring at the tiny girl with the flame-red curls.

‘So, your mammy has had her new babe?’ said James.

‘Yes, and he’s going to be called Patrick.’

‘A fine name that is too. And you say Merry doesn’t know how to make broth?’

‘No, Father. Ellen told her to make it, but Ellen’s been too busy taking care of Mammy to help her, and all we know is it’s got chicken bones in it, and that Mammy should have it to make her strong again, but . . .’

James’s heart broke as the little girl wrung her hands.

‘Well now, I’ve Mass at the church, but after that, why don’t I come down and see what I can do to help?’ he suggested.

‘Do you know how to make broth, Father?’ Katie asked, her wide green eyes looking hopeful.

‘I’m sure that I can get some guidance to help you, and also see to having your mother churched and getting your new brother baptised. Have you had breakfast?’

‘No, Father, because Merry tried to make goodie, but ’twas disgusting.’ Katie made a face. ‘I don’t think she’s a very good cook.’

‘You wait there and I’ll be back in a trice.’

‘I’m sorry to be bothering you, Father,’ Katie said as her small feet reached instinctively for the warmth of the fire. ‘And you, sir,’ she said to Ambrose as James disappeared to the kitchen.

‘Oh, don’t worry about me. I’m happy to be bothered.’

Katie looked at him, her little face serious. ‘You have a funny accent, if you don’t mind me saying so.’

‘I don’t mind, Katie. And I’d agree with you.’

‘You’re not from round these parts, are you, sir?’

‘I’m not, no.

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