‘My dad is dead evidently. She blurted that out too. We had a huge row as she still won’t tell me who he was.’ Star’s voice went low. ‘Not even now he’s gone.’
‘She never told a soul. And for that reason, as hard as it is, maybe it’s better not to know.’
‘But I feel I have the right to. Iwantto know.’
‘I dare say she’s having hysterics about it even though she’s probably not seen him for decades?’
‘Yes.’ Star sniffed. ‘I keep thinking I will tackle her about it again when she’s sober, but she never is sober these days.’
‘If it’s meant to be, the truth will come out when the time is right, my dear.’
‘Do you really believe that?’
‘I do. You’re not ready for it yet. And I will pray for youto find your peace with it, as I pray for your mother every day that she may find hers. Do you love him? Conor, I mean?’
‘He’s a good man. He’s working hard for Billy Dillon now on the ferry and we have a lot of fun.’
‘Clearly you have fun, but you didn’t answer my question.’
‘I’ve only known him seven weeks.’
‘I knew in seven seconds with your uncle.’
‘Load of bollocks!’ came from under the birdcage cover.
‘I just found out today that the priest from the Catholic church up the hill passed away this week too. Cancer. Just sixty-one he was, so very sad. That’s no age at all, is it?’ Florrie said. ‘I didn’t know him personally, but Mrs Beatty, who comes to my WI group, told me he commanded much respect in the community. Rarely took a day to himself.’ The old lady sighed. ‘The Dear Lord takes the good ones first, as they are better served in His world, is my belief.’
‘Now that can’t be true, Auntie, or you would have gone years ago too.’
Florence Sibley tutted, then went to the stove to take out their dinner. They sat at the kitchen table with Star even letting her say grace without a word.
When she’d finished what she could manage of the large portion, Flo put her hand on top of her precious great-niece’s. ‘This old table has seen family present and past laugh, cry, debate, sing and be merry. And it shall carry on doing this, way into the future. When I go, promise me you’ll find a place for it somewhere in your life, where its secrets can soar.’
‘I promise,’ Star said, and she meant it. ‘Thank you for being such a constant in my life, Auntie Flo. But don’t you be going anywhere anytime soon, please.’
‘You were the daughter Jim and I longed for ourselves and I am so very proud of you.’
Star looked sad. ‘Everything will be all right, won’t it, Auntie?’
Florence Sibley nodded. ‘Of course it will. And if it’s not all right, then it is not yet the end.’
‘Amen!’ Boris shouted from under his cover.
