Rufus turned to Claire.
‘I found out by accident through Oliver.’
‘And Kate?’ asked Rufus. ‘How did she find out?’
‘She found out through Layla.’
Rufus rolled her eyes. ‘And you still didn’t tell me?’
Claire sighed. ‘Because I didn’t want you to encourage her to keep the place, which I knew you would.’
‘Of course I would. Her own bloody theatre! That is amazing.’
Claire smiled. ‘Actually, I’ve rather come round to the idea since I’ve been sneaking into the rehearsals. There’ve been so many people there that I’ve managed to stay off her radar. She’s been so busy.’
Reggie said, ‘Although I believe that when the theatre came into her hands, she was told could do with it what she wished, but the anonymous person who gifted her the theatre wanted her to stage a play – just one play. Bridie thought it was the least she could do.’
‘I’ll say,’ said Rufus. ‘So, who is this secret benefactor?’
Reggie shook his head. ‘That’s the point – it’s a secret.’
Isobel said, ‘Clearly, she’s still in the dark because she asked me. Like I said, I haven’t got two pennies to rub together.’
They all fell silent.
Reggie shut the locket tight. He held it up. ‘What are we going to do about this? She now knows about you, Isobel, but what about me?’
Claire stared at the locket. ‘I think Bridie’s always realised deep down she was different to her siblings. Perhaps that’s why she’s taken all this so well, so far.’
Isobel nodded. ‘Some would say honesty is the best policy, but when it comes to matters of the heart …’
Reggie looked at Rufus. ‘That’s why you wanted this conversation to be private. It’s a lot for her to find out about Isobel. But me as well?’
Rufus said, ‘It’s your call, Reggie. You’re her father.’
‘I’m her father, but you’re her parents.’
Isobel put a hand on Reggie’s arm. ‘Yes, you’re right.’
Reggie looked at Claire, and Rufus, and said, ‘What would you have me do? This is complicated, is it not?’
‘Indeed,’ said Rufus.
‘All these years I’ve wanted to be a father. And I wanted a child with you, Isobel. And suddenly, in one unbelievable evening, all my dreams have come true.’
Isobel said, ‘We can’t turn back the clock and change what happened, but she’s here now, and I don’t want any chance she’ll up and leave after all this. I want her to stay.’
‘We all do,’ said Rufus and Claire.
Reggie sat for a moment, staring at the locket. He handed it to Isobel.
She shook her head. ‘It’s yours, Reggie. I’m so very happy that I found you and Bridie again, after all these years.’
‘So, what shall we do?’ Claire asked.
They all looked towards the door. Reggie said, ‘I think we should let her live her life now – don’t you? I’ll always be there for her.’
‘As will we all,’ agreed Rufus, Claire and Isobel.
