‘Ah now, was it very hard?’
‘No... I mean, I don’t think it was, because I finished ages ago and... I must have answered them wrong or something,’ Merry sobbed.
‘I doubt that, Merry,’ Miss Lucey said as she collected the papers from the desk. ‘Sometimes, things are easier than you’d imagine them to be. Now then, dry your eyes and eat that biscuit. You’ve done your best and we can only wait and see.’
‘What were you doing all morning in Miss Lucey’s office?’ Bobby asked her that afternoon.
Merry had the answer all prepared. ‘I was in trouble for stealing Bridget’s rubber, so I had to do lines.’
‘Don’t believe you,’ said Bobby, as he waited for her, Helen and Bill to catch him up.
‘I don’t care what you believe, Bobby Noiro,’ she said, too tired to argue with him.
‘Well, I know you and I know when you’re lying, Merry O’Reilly. You an’ me, we’re the same, we are.’
‘No, Bobby, we’re not the same at all.’
‘We are, Merry, you’ll see. We’ll be knowing each other for a long, long time!’ he shouted at her as she took Bill’s hand and, using up the last strength she had left, marched on towards home, not looking behind her.
On a bright March morning, James opened his front door to find Geraldine Lucey standing outside.
‘Hello, Father, sorry to be bothering you, but I’ve news about Merry O’Reilly.’
‘Right. Do come in.’ James ushered her through to his study, then indicated one of the leather armchairs by the fire.
‘From the look on your face, I suspect it’s not good news.’
‘Oh, it is, Father, I mean, Merry has won the scholarship, but...’
James found a lump in his throat. He swallowed hard, knowing it would be inappropriate to show such emotion over one young member of his flock.
‘That is wonderful news, Geraldine! Just wonderful. So, what is the problem?’ he prompted.
‘The problem is, Father, that even though the scholarship covers the school fees, there’s nothing there for extras. Look.’ Geraldine pulled an envelope out of her satchel. ‘Her uniform’s included, but she’ll be needing a whole long list of other things: a gym kit, all kinds of shoes, a camogie stick, nightgowns, a robe, slippers... never mind the train fares from here to Dublin. Oh Father, we both know John O’Reilly barely has the money to feed his family, let alone to buy Merry all this!’
‘No, he doesn’t, but... Listen, would you be so kind as to give me some time to think about it? There may be a way to find the money needed.’
‘Really? From where?’
‘As I said, leave it with me. Don’t say anything to Merry just yet. We don’t want to raise her hopes, only to have them dashed.’
‘Of course, Father. Shall I leave the paperwork with you? We have to tell them whether Merry will accept within fourteen days.’
‘Yes, thank you,’ he said as Geraldine stood up and he walked her to the door.
‘Oh Father, I so hope she can go. She deserves the best teaching there is.’
‘I know, and I shall do my very best to make sure she gets it.’
‘Well, of course I will pay! Good grief, James, you didn’t even have to ask,’ said Ambrose on the telephone later that day. ‘I could not be more delighted Mary has won the scholarship. We should be celebrating her success, not worrying about details.’
‘They might be “details” to you, Ambrose, but to her father and her family, Merry’s possible departure most definitely isn’t. I have to find a way to convince John O’Reilly this is the right thing to do.’
‘I know, James. Forgive me, but I can’t help but be utterly relieved and thrilled. So, how do you plan to go about it?’
‘I’m not sure yet, but I shall pray for guidance as always.’
‘Well, if God suggests you throw in a new tractor to help heal the pain of John losing his daughter, then please do let me know,’ Ambrose chuckled.
