The black Citroen started on the first try. She drove through the streets and out to the countryside. Rolling down her window, she inhaled. “Nothing smells like Irish rain.”
“I’m feeling a bit peckish. We should have grabbed some fish and chips,” Ciara said. “Shall your in-laws have mercy and invite us to eat?”
“I’m hoping not. I’d rather not stay.” Alanna applied the brakes as she neared the laneway to the Connolly manor. The large house sat back from the lane a fair distance so that only a glimpse could be seen by the common folk Thomas represented in parliament. She paused at the entrance, then stuck her arm out the window and punched in the code to open the gate.
Her heart was beating fast and erratically. She parked in the circle laneway, right in front of the house. Seeing Sheila’s joy in the coming baby would make putting up with Thomas much easier.
“It’s pale you are,” Ciara said. “Are you sure you’re up to this?”
Alanna wet her lips and nodded, though acid churned in her stomach. “We’ll just stay a short time. We can tell them we have plans.”
“I have a date with mash and bangers,” Ciara said, opening her door. “The sooner we’re done here, the sooner I’ll be eating them.”
It seemed a lifetime since she’d last walked this flagstone path to the front door. She rang the bell and tried to compose herself, without success.
The butler opened the door. His expressionless face changed as he looked her over. “It’s sorry I am for you, missus. Come in. I’ll let them know you’ve arrived.”
They followed him into the drawing room, where he left them. Sheila had redecorated since Alanna had been here. The blue wing chairs were quite lovely, as was the camelback sofa and new rug. She heard footsteps on the wood floor and whirled to see Thomas in the doorway. Sheila was right behind him. She usually wore makeup, but today her face was tearstained and strained.
Thomas was slim and tanned, handsome. His gray hair and impeccable navy suit exuded power and prestige. Liam would have looked like him someday. The thought made Alanna’s heart squeeze. Sheila’s blonde hair was perfectly coiffed, and she wore a pale blue suit and pumps. About three years younger than Thomas, she was the perfect wife.
Thomas looked Alanna over. “You should have called us from the airport. I would have sent a driver for you. The funeral director called to let me know he has received our Liam.” He swallowed hard. “We should discuss arrangements.”
He came forward and she raised her cheek for him to kiss. His dry lips brushed across her skin and lifted away as if any prolonged contact would sully him. Sheila waited until Alanna stepped back, then opened her arms. Tears lay tracks down her cheeks, and her face was white.
Alanna went into Sheila’s embrace and touched her lips to her mother-in-law’s cheek, scented with some kind of powder. Liam had gotten his sweet nature from his mother.
“When did you arrive?” Sheila asked as they separated and moved to sit.
“Just this afternoon. I came straightaway. The furniture is lovely, Sheila. I like it very much.”
Alanna knew the precise moment that Sheila realized she was pregnant. The sun piercing through the window highlighted the swell of her belly when she was two feet in front of the sofa. Her mates had seen her every day, so the change was harder to notice. Sheila hadn’t seen her in over a year.
Sheila gasped and rose. “Alanna, you’re expecting?”
Alanna smiled into Sheila’s joy-filled face. “I am. Just four months along. It’s a piece of Liam, Sheila. A boy.” Her eyes welled with tears when she said the words.
Thomas was standing by the drink table pouring a glass of Scotch. He whirled and the liquid splashed onto his hand. His gaze went from her face to her belly. “A child? Liam’s child?” His voice rose, and there was no mistaking the joy in it.
“Yes, Thomas. The little one will be making his appearance in August.”
“This is jolly news, Alanna. Jolly indeed.” He put down his drink and came to embrace her. “I’m so pleased.”
Sheila rose. “Can I get you something? Sit down, dear.”
Thomas set his drink on the sideboard. “Yes, yes, sit down and rest.”
She allowed Sheila to push her onto the sofa. Her helpless gaze found Ciara’s. Her mate had found a seat on an armchair out of the way. She rolled her eyes when their gazes locked.
“I’m fine, really,” Alanna said.
“Any sickness?” Sheila asked anxiously. “I remember when I was carrying Liam how I couldn’t look a blood pudding in the face.” She gave a delicate shudder.
“I had a few mornings of nausea, but it’s not been too bad,” she said.
Thomas frowned. “How long have you known you were pregnant?”