Page 151 of The Last Love Song
As Helen negotiated Hyde Park Corner and headed for Holland Park, she considered the implications. Was it possible that she could manoeuvre Con’s estranged, frightened and pregnant wife back into her husband’s arms? If he was reunited with Sorcha, there was a possibility that Lulu would return to Todd, apologies would be made, Con and Todd would be reconciled and the whole thing would blow over as Freddy had suggested. Not only that, but with a baby on the way and a grateful Con by her side once more, she thought that Sorcha had a chance at true happiness. Helenowedher that.
All she had to do now was engineer a meeting.
Sorcha was sitting out on the terrace nursing a glass of wine that contained no more than a sip.
‘Hello. How are you?’
‘Okay, I think. I hope you don’t mind but I opened a bottle. I probably shouldn’t drink, what with the baby, but...I thought I’d have one final glass.’ Sorcha shrugged.
‘I don’t think that amount will hurt. I’ll join you. You look very pale, Sorcha.’
‘Wouldn’t you, in my shoes?’
‘Yes, yes, of course. I’ll just get myself a glass.’ Helen went to the kitchen, returned and poured herself some wine. She sat down and studied Sorcha’s wretched expression.
‘Any idea what you’re going to do?’
‘Have a baby in seven months’ time.’ Sorcha gave a shrug and a half-smile.
‘You won’t tell Con?’
‘No.’
‘Do you not think he has the right to know?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘You’ll bring the baby up alone then?’
‘Maybe I’ll have to.’
‘Well, you could always—’
‘No.’ Sorcha shook her head. ‘I couldn’t. Even if I don’t go to mass any more, I still believe. I could never bring myself to terminate the pregnancy. What Con has done is hardly the baby’s fault, is it?’
‘Can you really say you don’t love him?’
‘No. Of course I still love him, Helen. I’ll always love the rat.’
‘Well, if you’re totally set on not telling Con, you have to think about the future. You’ll have to consider where you’re going to live.’
‘I know. I’ve been thinking about that today. I was wondering if I should go home to Ballymore. But can you imagine the town gossips? I couldn’t take it. I don’t want to overstay my welcome with you. I’ll start looking for a flat tomorrow.’
‘Don’t be silly, Sorcha. You can stay here as long as you want.’
Sorcha felt her eyes filling with tears. ‘Oh, Helen, you’ve been kinder to me than I deserve.’
‘Nonsense,’ said Helen brusquely. ‘As a matter of fact, I’ve really enjoyed the company.’
‘I think I might have gone mad if I hadn’t had you to talk to.’
‘Well then, that’s settled. You’ll stay with me for the time being, okay?’
Sorcha smiled gratefully. ‘Okay.’
Two days later, Sorcha was awoken from an afternoon nap by the telephone. It rang three times then stopped – Helen’s code. Sorcha waited for it to ring again.
She picked it up after the first ring.
