Page 23 of The Last Love Song
She sank onto the couch and stared at the bare floorboards.
Mary sighed. ‘I see. Well now, it’s no good me telling you what a stupid girl you’ve been, is it?’ Sorcha shook her head. ‘Have you been to confession?’
‘Oh really, Mammy. As if that’ll help me and Con.’
‘Sorcha! I’m doing my best to stay on your side, but I won’t tolerate that kind of talk! It’s best I leave.’
‘Don’t go! I’m sorry, Mammy, really I am. I meant nothing by it but I just couldn’t tell Father Moynihan. Besides, Con and I are leaving for England tomorrow.’
Mary swallowed hard. ‘Are you now?’
‘Yes. I don’t think we have a choice. Daddy will never forgive us. Con is already ostracised in the village and even if we married, it would make things no better.’
Mary stared at her daughter, her face a mask of sadness. ‘What will you live on?’
‘Con has some money saved, and I have a little in the envelope you brought me. As soon as we get to England, Con will find a job. He has a grand voice. He’s hoping he’ll be able to get a recording contract.’
Mary nodded. ‘Well, ’tis true there will be more opportunities for him in London. He has no future here.’
‘Oh, Mammy, I’m so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I can hardly believe it has.’
Mary paused. ‘Sorcha, are you pregnant?’
‘No, Mammy.’
‘Well, I suppose that’s one blessing we must count.’
‘Yes.’
‘So, you love Con Daly, do you?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you think he loves you?’
‘I know he does, Mammy. He tells me all the time. As soon as we get to England, we’ll be married.’
Mary watched as Sorcha’s eyes shone with happiness. She shrugged. ‘I hope you’re right. And I only hope Con Daly realises the sacrifice you’re making for him.’
‘You think I’ve ruined my life, don’t you?’
Mary sighed, then sat down next to Sorcha on the couch and took her daughter’s hand in hers.
‘I’d not be much of a mammy if I wasn’t feeling scared for you, Sorcha. You’re so young. I could scream and shout at you, tell you what a silly girl you’ve been, but what is the point? Your daddy’s already done that and you’re leaving anyway.’
‘We have no choice, Mammy, really, not now.’
‘No, I suppose you don’t, Sorcha.’ Mary stared off into the distance. ‘I once loved someone very much when I was about your age. He too went away but I wasn’t brave enough to go with him. Ah well.’ Mary smiled. ‘I got your daddy instead.’
‘Do you love him?’
‘Of course I do,’ Mary replied briskly, visibly pulling herself out of her reverie. ‘Does he know of your plans?’
‘No. No one does, except you. Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?’
‘I think it’s doubtful. He worships you, always has done since you were small. He still sees you as his baby, which will make the hurt worse. But never mind Seamus for a moment. When you’re settled you must write to me with an address.’
‘Of course I will, Mammy.’
