Rose could not think of more beautiful words…and said so.
Chapter 61
There were noises about. Rose turned on her side and opened her eyes. It was nearly dark. She sat up and scanned the room. The baby was still asleep. Captain Riley was in the house. She could hear his deep voice. Stomach growling, she raised up quietly and gathered their dirty clothes.
Soon Carolina Jane must have sensed her movement for she stirred. Rose picked her up and let her stretch her chubby arms and legs. “Oh dear, time for a diaper change.”
In minutes both were freshened and combed. A knock sounded on her door.
“Come dinner is ready.” Ryanne announced from the other side.
Rose opened the door slowly and entered the largest room with the fireplace. It was so homey she wanted to cry. The smell of food wafted toward them and instantly Carolina Jane began to wiggle. Rose hustled to feed her. When that was done and a pallett arranged just the right distance from the fireplace, Rose sat down with Captain Riley and his sister and ate. He lifted his spoon but she noticed he didn’t eat much. Grief settled down on one like a blanket soaked with rainwater. She knew it well.
The meal was eaten mostly in silence, no one looking up. Ryanne picked up empty plates and about that time the baby squealed, causing them all to jump. It broke the silence and all eyes were on the little rascal who kept trying to watch her own fists waving in the air.
Before long Captain Riley retired to a room on the other side of the house. Ryanne cleaned up quietly and whispered,”The little one is asleep again. Perhaps you two should bed down. There’ll be plenty to do tomorrow. Guests are coming from Edinburgh.”
Instantly Rose looked up as she gathered the sleeping baby in her arms. “We must be on our way as soon as our trunks arrive. We can travel by carriage from Dublin tomorrow if we have our belongings.”
“Na, we have two cottages. One in the back for guests who wish to be alone or those with larger families. This one is for overnight travelers who wish to get up and b on their way.” She explained. “You and the babe may stay as long as ye like.”
“Thank you. If I might wash some of our clothes, I would be glad to do any washing you have.”
“Ye are a guest and a guest does na wash their own clothes nor do they wash mine.” Ryanne said firmly. “Besides there’s a special man coming to help repair the roof on the morrow. And I have na seen him in a month.” She winked at Rose.
That’s when Rose noticed how beautiful Ryanne was. When they’d arrived she had been dressed in a gardening frock…a long gray dress with a black apron on top. Today she had piled her thick dark red hair atop her head. It was shiny clean. And she had put on a soft brown dress with a wide colorful print band around her small waist. She resembled Captain Riley only in hair color. He was taller. She was slender and light of foot.
Rose thanked her and excused herself, leaving Ryanne to her preparations for tomorrow. She couldn’t imagine why she should eat and go back to sleep again.
Morning came so soon, she thought perhaps she had not slept an hour. Washing sleep from their eyes, Rose noticed first that their trunks had arrived. Instantly she began digging inside to find clean clothes. She must make her way back to Dublin to find a conveyance that would take them to County Claire. But to what city she had no idea. She unpacked the Bible and sat down at the table. There she found several names with cities, thankful for her mother’s detailed accounts.
The next moment Captain Riley came in wiping sweat from his forehead. “Ah, ye’re up and about.” He spoke quietly. “Sorry for the noise. Rethatching is hard work and it takes daylight to finish.”
“Thank you for bringing the trunks.” She watched him take a good long slug of water. He nodded.
“May I find a ride to Dublin? I’ll stay there, until I find enough information to locate my family.”
“I’ll take ye myself. In about four hours we’ll have more help so I can get back to the ship. There’s still furniture to be taken off and delivered.
“Then it won’t be a bother?”
“Twill not.” He said and was out the door.
Rose knew he needed to work. Hard work cured what ailed a man…so her father said.
Ryanne was scarce this morning, but there was a fine smelling stew bubbling in the black kettle hanging on the arm over the fire. She straightened their things and stuffed the dirty clothes in a flour bag. They would be in Dublin tonight.
Just as Captain Riley said, he came for her and the baby, lifting her up to Rose. “There are good records, the best in Ireland, there in Dublin’s courthouse. It is wise to make use of them before you go looking. And mind, it would be better if ye let me drive ya over. It’ll be no charge. Straight line over to from Galway, half a day’s ride.”
“I would thank you sir for your kindness, but I will pay you same as anyone else.”
“Ye’ll not do that.” He said firmly. “We Irish take care o’our own.”
Rose knew there was no sense arguing with an Irishman.
* * *
Two days later Rose and Carolina Jane were settled into a small house near downtown. They could walk and hustle about getting everything they needed, just as Ryanne said.
Her trunks were even now in the small receiving room waiting to be unpacked. She had paid two month’s rent in advance to be sure there was enough time for research. The hustle and bustle of Dublin was different than Charleston’s. More pubs and fisticuffs were common. It was true the Irish had a penchant for beer and a good shout-down.
Twice she had had to avoid a tussle in front of a pub while she was pushing the baby in her new carriage. Already the little one was too heavy to carry about. But her research work was paying off. She had found the line of the McKensie family and also learned that her father was more Scot than Irish.
The days flew by. Captain Riley stopped whenever he was in town to make sure she was all right. The ship was reloaded with some new furnishings. Next stop was London to fill it up completely. “The shipping business is booming.” He said quietly. Rose noted he still did not have light in his eyes and his voice was always low and quiet. He said very little.
At the end of the second month in Dublin, Rose asked Captain Riley to take them to the place of her parents’ birth. He had just returned from Charleston and brought news that the town was in a building frenzy. Rose knew once he had her settled, he was set to go back. New furniture was in great demand and he was doing quite well for himself.
He found a young man on the street and asked him to heft the heavy trunks into the wagon and paid him. Rose hated to leave the city that she was only beginning to love. Baltimore, Charleston and now Dublin. She only hoped living out in the country would not be displeasing. Once she’d located her father’s family she had sent letters enquiring if there may be land to purchase nearby. It looked as though there were family members who needed to sell several parcels and she may have her choice.
The wagon creaked as they pulled away from the city and ventured out into the softly rolling hills. The sun glinting off the waters made her eyes water.
“Ye’ll need a hat. The sun on the water and the hills reflecting will burn ye’re eyes.”
Rose noticed he’d fallen back into the brogue of the Irish as soon as he returned. It brought back memories of her father and mother when they spoke. She had learned a bit of Gaelic but little enough to get around. The road signs were in English and Gaelic. She tried to memorize the names as they passed. This would be her country now and she must acquaint herself with their language and customs…many of them she already knew. Her parents loved America and the freedom to pursue their dreams. But their sad stories of hardship during the potato famime seemed to be most remembered in her mind.
Indeed the people had been driven apart like a huge axe thrust in a tree until it had come crashing down, splitting entire amilies into pieces. Rose felt sorry and began to understand the reason they wanted to come back home.
She twist
ed around to make sure the baby was still asleep. Satisfied, Rose settled in and made good use of her eyes. Captain Riley spoke very little. Most likely planning his next trip.
Hours later they stopped to use the woods and feed Carolina Jane who was now awake and fussy.
“Won’t be long now.” He said when they climbed back up to continue. “Good land around here. You won’t have trouble making a garden and flowers if you are wont to do that.”
“Oh yes. I love gardening.” Rose began to titter at the idea of lush green, rolling hills. What wonderful walks she and her babe would have.
She was dreaming away when the Captain’s deep voice broke the reverie in her left ear. “Mrs. Lovell.” He stopped to clear his throat. “It may be too soon, both for you and for me…” Pause. “But if you’d give some thought to us joining up in wedlock….”
Rose gasped but corrected herself by placing her fingers across her mouth to keep any foolishness from spilling out. “I’ve lost a wife and a lass…and you’ve lost your man.”
Afraid to move, she waited for him to finish, but the only sound she heard was wheels grinding across the stony roadway and the child gurgling playfully behind her.
Her mind worked. So that means we should replace them with each other? She wanted to say. Indeed her mother’s practicality was at work in her own mind. What foolishness that would be. She was free and did not intend to marry any man for convenience. Captain Wyatt had offered the same. What was it about her that men seemed to want to fix. Was she lacking? Did no man want to be with her because he wanted to, not because he had to? She felt tears come and looked away glad the wind was blowing, because they dried up quicker than they could fall.
When it was apparent he did not intend to speak further, she put him at ease.
“Captain Riley, it is good of you to ask, but I’m afraid Carolina Jane nor I could replace what you have lost. We would no doubt let you down. It is too soon for either of us. And it would be a mistake.” She kept her voice low, soft.
Silence again. Rose didn’t mind it so much when they were on good terms. But now the question hung between them like bad blood.
Then after they had passed a couple miles, he let her off the hook. “Mrs. Lovell, you are most wise. It was from grief I spoke. And too soon at that.”
Rose took a deep breath, and felt the wind washing away all the hurt. “Sir, you are a worthy man. I have benefited from your assistance in many ways. I am honored that you consider me and my child worthy of such an offer.” She gave him a soft smile as they glanced at each other.
“Well, then. I’m thinking about five more miles and you will be home Mrs. Lovell.”
Rose noted the lift in his voice, no doubt because he himself was glad she had declined. She felt joy and sadness all wrapped up in one emotion. Maybe some day she would be loved.
Chapter 62
Captain Riley helped her down and Rose could not take her eyes off the scene that lay before her. White rocks dotted the gently rolling hillsides. Bright blue skies met emerald green and silver streams ran behind the houses. A more beautiful place she had not seen. Cities were alive with people and conveniences, and public places. Here she sensed, a person could be alone and still not be lonely.
Captain Riley was muscling the smaller trunks off the wagon.
“Look CJ, your new home.” She lifted the child and kissed her cheek realizing she’d just given her a nickname like her father had given her at birth. Rosalette.
“Mother disapproved. But when we were alone together he called me Little Rosalette.” She whispered to her daughter. “And I shall call you CJ.”
Rose sighed, overwhelmed with the beauty and a sense of belonging.
“Your mother has brought you to the place where your grandmother and grandfather….” Rose stopped just realizing they would never know they had a grandchild. Tears popped out. Again. She was tired of crying. She swiped at them and made herself a promise.
“We will learn all we can and be satisfied with what we have now. And you, lass, will grow up to be grateful and thankful for what you have…as simple as it may be.” This day she realized the blessings her parents had given her. And she would make the effort to give to CJ what she herself had been given.
Rose smoothed her hair and the wrinkles out of her dress with one hand and whispered a quick prayer, “Lord I pray from this day forward we find a good life.”
She realized she had been musing and turned. Captain Riley’s back was to her. He was looking out at the view himself. Rose felt sad for him and shook the thoughts from her head. One day he would find someone, but she was not the one.
Before she could think another thought an older gentleman, a full head of white hair came out of the cottage; his jaunty walk and smile drew her.
“And ye would be our niece.” He held out his hand in greeting then walked over and introduced himself to Captain Riley. And this be your husband?” He turned to Rose.
“No sir. Captain Riley has been kind enough to bring us from Dublin.”
Rose could not take her eyes off of him. He was so much like her father. She watched him talk, the way he motioned with his hands, his gentle voice. Hawthorn McKensie, her father’s brother.
“I’m Hawthorn, Haw for short. Ye’re father’s eldest brother. Come in for tea. The wee babe will be a welcome sight for me wife. She misses the grandchildren. Come Captain Riley, we shall talk of ships while me good woman serves up the best food in the whole of County Galway.”
Rose walked into a small thatched cottage and blinked. The inside was lit with candles and looked every bit like her mother’s description of their first home when they were newly married. Her eyes took in every nuance. The smell of food reminded her they had not eaten since breakfast many hours ago.
“Come sit down. I’m Elsa McKensie. The men are already busy talking ships and weather.” She smiled.
Rose was completely surprised by his wife. She had beautiful white hair and blue eyes the color of a summer sky. The Scandanavian accent still had a hold of her tongue.
“Ah, a wee babe. My arms are needin’ a little one to hold.” She turned quickly.
Rose heard the waver in her voice. “Would you like to hold the lass? I think she is tired of sitting on my lap. I could use a bit of moving about as well. I’ll set your table if you tell me where to look.”
“Ah, my dishes and cups are in that cupboard.” She pointed and took the baby from her mother’s arms talking and soothing her.
“She is used to people. She will not cry.” Rose smiled and washed her hands at the basin and set the table.
“Wait until she has one year behind her, she’ll cry.” Mrs. McKensie said firmly. “But now she is little and doesn’t mind who holds her. Oh such a pretty little thing. Blue eyes and the blackest hair.”
Rose felt a pain stab her in the stomach. The next question she expected to hear was. “And where is the wee lass’ father.”
“There. Table set for four. Carolina Jane is her name, ma’am.”
“Carolina Jane.” The woman repeated and stood.
“Here she will eat better with her mother.” She handed CJ to her mother. “I’ll call the men.”
Mrs. McKensie called and they appeared instantly. Everyone was hungry, including CJ who was now beginning to fuss. Rose found the spoon in her bag and began to feed her milk.
“What a strange way to feed the lass.” Mrs. McKensie stood nearby and watched.
“This is the way she learned and it has worked quite well.” Rose smiled and commented how good dinner smelled.
“Oh dear, and everyone hungry. Come now let’s say our prayers and have our fill.”
They gathered around the table standing behind their chairs.
Mr. McKensie prayed a blessing upon the food and the guests then everyone sat and filled their plates. Rose loved the lively conversation and the food.
Twice Captain Riley looked at her and then away. Rose felt there needed to be words of gratefu
lness said to him before he left. Before her thoughts were completed she heard his chair as it scooted back on the wood floor. “Tis enough time for me to make my way back yet this eve.”
“Are you in such a hurry then?” Mrs. McKensie inquired.
“Aye. The wagon will be lighter and if I get far enough before the sun sets, my horse will know the way back. I have a ship ready to leave the harbor and must return. Thank ye for your good meal Mrs. McKensie.” He took his hat off a knob and started for the door.
“Sir, may I speak with you?” Rose handed the baby to Mrs. McKensie and followed him out.
He watered his horse and straightened his back. Rose watched him for a few moments.
“Thank you for taking time to bring us to my family Captain Riley. And I thank you for your offer. It is because of your kindness we are here.” She held her hand up to her eyes. The sun was still bright in the sky, but she knew it was well past noon and he must be going.
“Aye.”
Rose saw a slight smile on his face as he tipped his hat and drove slowly away.
Now her life would begin here in Ireland. With family.
Chapter 63
The weeks flew by. Rose met her father’s younger brother Donal and his family. She listened to their stories at the table. The same ones her parents told, except she knew now what happened after they left. While they were starting out in America, Hawthorne, the eldest had already left home and established a life with Elsa. They survived by moving to Denmark with her parents for several years and then coming back to Ireland.
The youngest brother had a much sadder story. He had been lent out to a family in Dublin. They had mistreated him which set him to drinking. He had not fared as well and there was trouble between the brothers. Although Donal and his wife had joined them for dinner one evening, Elsa had said they would probably not come often. Their lives were very different. The reason they did come, was they were the party that had the land for sale.
It seems Haw had come back with savings earned from working at a shipping business in Denmark and bought back the land his father and mother lost during the famine. And, in fairness he had given half to his brother Donal with the expectation of his paying for it over time. From that day to this Donal had not paid a single penny. Yet he built a small cottage on the farthest lot away without asking Haw if he could. There had been bad blood ever since.