Bernadette had to clear her throat again.Jesus, what a heartbreak.But she knew too much about illness and too much about the straight-talking Marge Drummond to lie to her.‘I was, Marge.I’m so sorry we never did that.Would you still like to meet him?’
‘I would indeed,’ Marge whispered.
‘Then, I tell you what, he’s coming over here tomorrow.Our Nina is renewing her vows.I know – no idea what all that’s about.In our day, one wedding to the same man was plenty.Too many in my case.Anyway, Jack is coming over tomorrow and he’ll be here for a couple of days, so I’ll bring him up to visit you if you’d like that?Only if you feel up to it.’
‘I’d like that very much,’ Marge whispered, then Bernadette saw her gaze move.‘Estelle?’
‘She’s gone downstairs to the cafe with Clara for a cuppa.That was a brave thing you did there, Marge, but your lass surprised us all.’
Bernadette had listened, incredulous, as Estelle had explained that she’d known for years that Lester Kelaney was her father.Tears had run down Marge’s cheeks when she’d revealed that.‘I’m sorry,’ Marge had whispered again.
‘Mum, you have nothing to be sorry for.You were protecting me.And I’m glad that you did.Truly.I didn’t want another dad.I had everything I could possibly need in the one I had.’
If it was possible to watch a weight rising from someone’s heart, that was exactly what they’d seen.It was the forgiveness.Not Estelle forgiving Marge, but Marge forgiving herself.Bernadette had to fish into her pocket for her hanky yet again.
‘She did.’
‘You know, Marge, she’s going to be okay.Clara will make sure of that.Whatever Estelle wants, she’ll make it happen.’
‘I know.But she’s going to…’ Marge paused and Bernadette could see that talking was taking it out of her.‘…Be alone.’
Before Bernadette could reply, could reassure her, the door opened and Estelle came back in.
‘I’m glad you’re awake, Mum – I brought someone up to see you.’
30
MARGE
Marge wasn’t sure if she was awake or asleep and dreaming because she could see Amber with Estelle, just the way that they’d been a thousand times when they’d come through her door.But this wasn’t her door.This was the hospital.Wasn’t it?
‘Hi, Marge.’Amber’s smile was beaming.‘Oh, I’ve missed your face.’
Marge felt her spirits soar.She’d adored this young woman from the first day she’d come into their home, so gregarious and always quick to laugh.She and Estelle had balanced each other perfectly – her more serious, thoughtful daughter and her spontaneous friend.
‘And Bernadette.Twice in one day,’ Amber quipped.
So Bernadette and Amber had met already.That could only be a good thing, Marge decided.More people to help Estelle when… She couldn’t finish that thought.
‘You have that chair,’ Estelle said, pointing to the one that she’d been sitting in for what felt like weeks now.Or was it actually weeks?Marge had lost track of time.Amber sat in the chair and leaned forwards towards the bed.
‘It’s so good to see you,’ Marge whispered, wondering if that was a flinch of sorrow crossing Amber’s face.Perhaps not.It passed so quickly and now Amber was grinning again.
‘How are you feeling, Marge?I’m so sorry you’ve been sick.Estelle was just telling me about it.I wish I’d been here to visit you.’
‘That’s okay,’ Marge said softly, meaning it.‘You’re here now.’
‘I am.I only came up for a few minutes because it’s late and I know you need your sleep, but I’m glad I got to see you.’
At the end of the bed, Estelle’s finger grazed the sheet that was covering Marge’s foot.‘Mum, I’ll be back in a sec.I’m just going to let Keli know we’re here and that I’ll be heading home soon.’
‘Okay.’
‘I’ll just nip to the loo while you’re doing that,’ Bernadette said, getting up from the chair.
Marge remembered what she’d been talking to Bernadette about before Estelle and Amber came in.‘Bernadette,’ she said, then watched as Bernadette stopped at the door.Turned.‘You should go to Ireland.Maybe I’ll still get there too one day.’
Bernadette obviously liked that suggestion because her eyes were shining.‘I think I will, Marge.’
