Hidden past

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

She stared up at him, her expression dazed and puzzled. 'Home? I thought I was going home now?'

'I mean home to Ireland and I'm coming with you. I've had enough of London!'

The doctor diagnosed nervous exhaustion and recom mended rest and a complete change of air and agreed that a trip home would be most beneficial. He gave Chloe a sedative and she slept for two days and two nights, during which time Edward made all the arrangements. He had threatened Helen with instant and violent eviction if she disturbed Chloe. He reminded her that Chloe was now earning enough money to more than pay for the flat; she didn't need Helen's contributions.

He told Chloe that they would have time to call and see Ava before they caught the overnight ferry to Dublin and, because she was so weak and depressed, she had begun to cry, blaming herself for neglecting her family so much.

'Pull yourself together, Chloe, this isn't doing you any good! Ava has enough on her mind without you weeping and wailing and beating your breast with guilt. She will want to hear positive things, not a catalogue of your woes!'

So, three days later they boarded the train at Euston. Chloe still looked pale and tired, but Edward was certain that a week in the quiet Irish countryside would work wonders.

It was supper time when they arrived at Ava's and it was Ellen who opened the door to them. Her eyes widened and her mouth formed an 'O'.

'Hello, Ellen, is your Ma at home?'

'Mr Vinetti! Aunt Chloe!' She turned and ran back, yelling at the top of her voice for Ava. Edward smiled. She'd grown. She'd be a pretty young woman one day, when she'd filled out and lost her tomboy ish ways.

Ava appeared from the kitchen, her black mourn ing dress making her look older and paler. She'd lost weight, Edward thought, but she hadn't lost that air of serenity.

Ava threw her arms wide and Chloe ran to her. Edward put his arm around Ellen's shoulder as and Chloe embraced, tears in both their eyes. Ava

Chloe felt a wave of remorse sweep over her. Oh, how I could she have been so selfish as not to have come when Ava needed her? As she clung to her sister, she remembered how they'd clung together in shock and dis belief when Matty had told them of their Pa's death. In her heart she knew that fear of a similar scene was the real reason why she hadn't come.

'Oh, Ava, I'm so sorry. I've been so selfish!'

'Chloe, don't talk like that. You mustn't blame yourself.

Oh, look at us, wailing like two banshees! Come on in.

Why didn't you let me know you were coming? Where are you staying?' 'We can't stay long, I'm afraid. I'm taking her home for a complete rest. She's worn herself out and is under doctor's orders,' Edward answered. 'But we couldn't leave

without seeing you." 'You're going home to Clonmel?' Chloe nodded, wiping her eyes. I'm staying at Kilsheelan with Ma, and Edward is staying at Hearn's. Ava

used to work at Hearn's Hotel, Edward.' 'I wish I were coming with you,' Ava said sadly. 'Why don't you? It would do you good.'

Ava smiled at Edward. 'I have too much to do here.' She led them into the parlour. 'How are things, Ava? We were both so terribly sorry about Lewis,' Edward asked gently.

She touched the gold locket she wore around her neck that held his picture and a lock of his hair. 'I'm managing. Ernest is looking after the business and he seems to be doing well, although he isn't terribly good with the men, so I hear. But life has to go on, and I have the children to think of. Ma told me that was the only thing that kept her going.'

You were always the one who was so calm and rational. I wish I were like you,' Chloe said quietly.

Edward laughed. 'I wish she were like you, too. Then I wouldn't have to drag her forcibly away from London to take a rest!' It will do you good, Chloe, you've been working too hard. 

Ma's been worried about you for a long time. What time does the boat leave?" 'Not until ten o'clock, so we'll have time to catch up on things, won't we?'

Ellen had insisted that she bath Jamie and put him to bed so Ava could spend the time with Chloe. Edward volunteered to help.

'I didn't know you were interested in children?' Chloe remarked in surprise.

'Oh, there are a lot of things you don't know about me, Chloe! I'm a man of many surprises. Besides, I like chil dren. It's only when grow up they acquire the nasty habits of grown ups.' Edward laughed as he hoisted Jamie on to his shoulders and the little boy chuckled with delight.

I'm glad he's going with you, Chloe,' Ava said, as she watched the two of them leave the room. 'He'll take care of you. He's very fond of you.'

'Edward! He's only protecting his investment. You don't know him like I do." 'You always were a bit of a fool, Chloe, and I mean that in the nicest way. He loves you! Even I can see that. Why else would he put up with you? Knowing you, I don't suppose you've changed?'

Now who's being a fool, Ava? Edward is much too cynical, too set in his ways, to love anyone. And there

are times when I absolutely hate him.' Ava smiled. They say love and hate are two sides of the one coin!' You're match-making! Well, it won't work! I don't intend to get married - ever!' 'You should, it can be a wonderful experience."

Oh, I'm sorry! I'm so thoughtless!'

'No, not thoughtless. Impetuous, you always were, but don't waste your life chasing dreams, Chloe! Reality can be much more rewarding!'