Hush Now, Don't You Cry(85)

I led them up the path and the thatched cottage came into view.

“Good heavens, now why would anyone build an old thing like that,” Mrs. Sullivan said. “No wonder Daniel got sick. I’m sure that thatch harbors all kinds of insects and diseases.”

“Mind how you go,” I said as I led her up the stairs, with Sid and Gus bringing up the rear.

“Look who I found on my way back from town,” I said, ushering them in to Daniel.

Daniel’s eyes widened. “Ma, what are you doing here?”

“Your wife sent me a telegram that you were at death’s door. I came as soon as I could,” she said. She sat on the bed beside him and took his hand. “How are you, my dear? You don’t look well at all.”

“Certainly feeling better than I was yesterday,” Daniel said. “It was good of you to come.”

“I’ll stay and help Molly take care of you now that I’m here,” she said. “You need building up, that’s for sure. What have you been eating?”

“Very little,” I said for him. “He doesn’t want to eat.”

Mrs. Sullivan patted his hand as if he were a child. “Don’t worry, his mother knows what to tempt him with. If your wife will show me to my room, I’ll go straight down to the kitchen and make you your favorite things.”

“I’m really not up for waffles and that kind of stuff, Ma,” Daniel said.

“Then I’ll poach an egg just the way you like it, and some stewed fruit, maybe? With a vanilla sauce?” She nodded with satisfaction when he didn’t answer. “Come on then, Molly. Where am I to sleep?”

“I’m afraid there’s just one small bedroom through here,” I said. I opened the door. It did look dark and gloomy, with the window opening at the back of the house onto pine trees.

“It will have to do,” she said, the disapproval clear in her voice. “I’m surprised they didn’t invite you to come up to the castle when Daniel became ill.”

“They have their own problems at the moment,” I said. “The owner of the castle, Alderman Hannan, was found dead two days ago.”

“God rest his soul.” She crossed herself. “What a shock. Heart, was it?”

“No, a fall from the cliffs.”

“I thought I overheard someone in the train talking about the alderman’s death, but I didn’t realize it was the man who owned this estate. They were saying what a good thing it was for Tammany Hall. Apparently he was supporting one candidate to head up Tammany but the rank and file wanted another man—silent Charlie Murphy, I believe they called him. Alderman Hannan was dead set against this Murphy and everyone feared a rift. The two men opposite me said that his death was a godsend. I thought that was a funny way to put it, don’t you?”

I nodded. “Strange. But then Tammany politics have always been strange, haven’t they?”

“They’ve done plenty for the Irish, so we can’t say too much against them.” She looked up as Sid put her bag on the chair beside the bed. “Thank you, my dear. Now show me where the kitchen is and I’ll get started.”

“We have a local girl who’s been cooking for us,” I said.

“Splendid. Then she can help me.” With that Mrs. Sullivan marched down the stairs and into the kitchen. I pitied Martha. I went back upstairs to find Sid and Gus standing talking to Daniel.

“Don’t worry, Captain Sullivan, we are not about to tire you with idle girlish chitchat,” Sid said. “But do let us know if there’s anything we can do, other than keep dear Molly company.”

“You’re most kind,” Daniel said, “and frankly there’s nothing I do need at the moment. I confess to feeling as weak as a kitten.”

“Well, isn’t this turning into a merry party,” I said, joining them.

“Why on earth did you have to send a telegram to my mother?” he asked with a resigned sigh.

“The doctor told me to prepare for the worst and to notify your loved ones. I thought she ought to know,” I said. “I didn’t expect her to show up here.”

“You obviously don’t know my mother well enough yet.” He managed a tired smile.

“Anyway, I’ve seen the doctor’s wife and he will include you in his daily round,” I said. “Maybe he can make you up a suitable tonic. But in the meantime, what about some fresh air? Could we assist you downstairs, between us, or at least put you beside the open window?”

“I don’t think I could tackle the stairs yet,” he said. “But I could sit in the window if it would make you happy.”