The young women stepped into a glorious spring day after a hearty breakfast and walked along the strand for hours before climbing a cliff west of O’Hara’s Castle. Spreading an old ruby-red rug on the scratchy grass, they enjoyed a picnic lunch and rest. Sitting under a beautiful brilliant sky, they chatted casually about the weather, wondering if it would always be so perfect on days spent together.
Mary turned onto her side, leaning on an elbow as Meg described Annie’s secret—now delayed—wedding. “Ned says they can’t marry now because of his brother John’s illness. The mother and Ned have left their own house and are living in John’s, so they might care for him. Annie can visit John’s house since the mother is there, and it’s right near Queen’s, off the Stranmillis Road, so it’s … conven
