The Edge of Dreams (Molly Murphy Mysteries, #14)

“That would be a good idea,” Gus said. “Better than receiving a letter from two crazy women out of the blue.” And she smiled.

“Oh, and I also came to tell you that I thought we should celebrate Liam’s birthday tomorrow, seeing that it’s Sunday,” I said. “There’s a chance Daniel might have an afternoon off, or at least be able to get away for a while.”

“Lovely.” Gus beamed. “We’ll bring some food with us. And champagne. We have to have champagne.”

“Liam’s a little young for champagne,” I said, and they laughed.

“No, the champagne’s for us, silly,” Sid said. “To celebrate the fact that you’ve made it through a tumultuous year, and to drink to better times ahead.”

“Amen to that,” I said. “But you don’t need to go to any trouble.”

“You know we love parties. We live for parties,” Sid said. “And we love spoiling Liam. You should see what we’ve got him for his birthday! Such fun.”

I shook my head. “You’re too good to us. And I’ll apologize in advance for my mother-in-law. She’ll be polite but distant.”

Sid looked at Gus and they grinned. “She doesn’t approve of us. We know. We’re used to it. But you approve of us. So does Liam. That’s all that matters.”





Seventeen

So now I had to seek out Dr. Birnbaum, and I hoped I’d be able to do it in the morning, before we started preparing for Liam’s party. I was pretty sure my mother-in-law would want to do all the preparation herself anyway, which would give me time to slip away. It felt good to be involved in Sid and Gus’s case, rather than a passive observer. The only difficulty would be escaping the house against the wishes of my mother-in-law. I realized that I was sounding like one of those females I so despised, a meek little woman under her mother-in-law’s thumb, but I knew she’d complain to Daniel, and I didn’t want him upset or worried at this difficult time. And I did acknowledge that I had not returned to full health by a long way. What with dreams at night and my aching ribs and head by day, I was not up to running all over the city.

Luckily Dr. Birnbaum lived only a couple of streets away, and the next day dawned bright and clear with a crisp hint of fall about it. I heard Mother Sullivan and Bridie leaving for Mass, and Daniel himself left soon after, promising to be home at least for an hour or two in the afternoon. I got up, dressed, and to put everyone in a good mood, I cooked us all a grand breakfast. It was ready and on the table as they came in through the door.

“You shouldn’t have been doing all that work,” Mother Sullivan said. “You’re supposed to be resting.”

“It was the least I could do after everything you’re doing for us,” I replied. “And how hard is it to fry bacon, especially now I’ve a nice new stove.”

“I’m not so sure about that gas myself,” Mother Sullivan said. “I’m quite expecting it to explode every time I light the match. Give me a good old-fashioned range any day.”

We ate breakfast, and I was wondering how I could find an excuse to visit Dr. Birnbaum when my mother-in-law herself looked up and said, “That child has been cooped up in the house too long. He needs to be out in the fresh air. Do you think that Bridie is big enough to take him for a walk in his buggy down to the park?”

Bridie jumped up eagerly. “I am big enough,” she said.

“I don’t know about that, Bridie, love,” I said. “It’s difficult to push a buggy over cobbles, and along these sidewalks where there are so many people. Why don’t I come with you? I’m sure I can walk as far as Washington Square. You can do most of the pushing, but it would be good for me to get some fresh air too.” I turned to my mother-in-law. “Won’t you join us? It will be delightful to sit in the square on a day like this.”

Mrs. Sullivan shook her head. “I have to bake Liam’s birthday cake. And I thought I’d make some little scones too.”

“Come for a walk with us and I’ll help you later,” I said. “Besides, my neighbors have said they’ll be bringing food as well.”

I could tell by her expression that was the wrong thing to say. “I doubt that their food will be suitable for the child, and after all, it is his birthday we’re celebrating. And I had my walk to and from Mass this morning.”

Suitably reprimanded, I went to get Liam ready and to put on my hat and gloves.