Not that, he muttered in cold voice. He pointed to the bed and Rose. That. Father will be furious when he sees what youve brought home. That filthy wretch should go back to the gutter where she belongs with the rats and the lice and the other Irish rubbish. And she can take her ugly Irish child with her.
Geneva found it difficult to believe that shed given birth to both Malcolm and Edward. Edward was sweet and caring and Malcolm was the exact opposite, spiteful and foul-tempered. Edward had inherited Genevas compassionate streak and Malcolm had taken after his cold and ruthless father, a man who never passed up a chance to give voice to his prejudices. The Bible tells us to be charitable to those less fortunate, Geneva murmured as she pressed a kiss to the girls forehead.
Malcolm scoffed. Is that what you call this, Mother? Charity? Or are you just trying to replace Charlotte again? It didnt work last time and it wont work this time.
No one could ever replace your sister, Geneva said.
It was obvious Malcolm was fully aware of the incident that had sent her to the hospital just six months after Charlottes death. She hadnt meant to just walk off with the little girl in the park, but shed looked so much like Charlotte and Geneva had become confused. When theyd arrived home, the authorities had been called and money paid to silence the parents of the little girl.
Shes dead, Malcolm screamed, and shell never come back and its all your fault. Papa told you not to take her with you to London. He said there was sickness there. But you never listen to him. Youre the one who took her away. He rushed over to Geneva and grabbed the girls foot, giving it a vicious yank.
Ow, Grace cried. Bad boy!
Charlotte was the only one in this family who loved me and you took her away.
Geneva felt the emotions well up inside her and she turned on her son, slapping him across the face. She had said the same words to herself over and over, every hour of every day for the past three years. It had been her fault. They would have been safe in Ireland, but there had been a new exhibit at the National Gallery that shed been certain Charlotte would enjoy, so theyd traveled together.
I am your mother and you will not speak to me in that manner again.
Malcolm laughed. No great loss, Mother. Youve gone so far round the bend that you dont understand half of whats said in this house anyway. He stalked out of the room, brushing by Edward, who had taken up a spot at the door.
Geneva sent her youngest son a wavering smile and he immediately returned it, then came rushing toward her. Dont listen to him, Mummy. I think you did a very fine thing bringing the poor lady and her little girl home with us. Well make them both better.
We will, wont we, Geneva said. Now, you run and see if you can find Mummys maid. Ask her to go to the nursery and see if she can find one of Charlottes old nightgowns in the chest. I believe I saved a few just to have around for my grandchildren.
Ill go look for them, Edward offered.
Geneva had only one ally in the house and that was Edward. Hed always tried his best to make her happy, to take her mind off the dark thoughts that seemed to plague her daily. If it came down to it, Edward would stand up for her against her husband and her older son. Though he was only seven, he was wise beyond his years and knew exactly how to get what he wanted. And that was usually no more than the means to make his mother smile.
Youre a good boy, she whispered as she watched him run out of the room. And I will always love you the best.
CHAPTER TWO
ITS TIME FOR YOU TO WAKE up now.
Rose drifted toward consciousness, following the voice of the child. Was it Mary Grace who was speaking to her? Mary Grace hadnt learned to string many words together yet. And she didnt speak with an English accent. Had she died and gone to heaven? Was it an angels voice she was hearing?
Open your eyes, the child whispered.
She felt fingers touch her face and Rose willed herself to do as she was told. Her eyes fluttered open and she found herself staring into the face of a young boy, his dark hazel eyes ringed with jet black lashes. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
Would you like a drink of water? the boy asked.
Rose nodded and he held a cut-crystal tumbler up to her lips. She sipped slowly at the cool liquid, letting it slide across her parched lips and tongue. And when she could drink no more, she fell back into the down-filled pillows. My daughter, she murmured. Where is she? Is she all right?
The little boy nodded. Mummy has put her to bed in the nursery.
Shes alive? Rose asked.
The boy frowned, then nodded. Mummy was feeding her and then she fell asleep. She ate a little bowl of porridge and her belly got very fat. He held out his hands in front of his stomach.
Rose closed her eyes and smiled. Mary Grace was alive and so was she. Somehow, shed ended up in a beautiful room, in a comfortable bed, watched over by the young boy. And her daughter had been given a meal. God had finally answered her prayers.
Theres food, he said. Would you like something to eat?
Yes, Rose replied. As she tried to sit up, she realized how weak she was. Her head spun and her arms were barely strong enough to support her weight. The little boy helped her tuck a pillow behind her back, then set a tray beside her on the bed.
The porridge is cold. So is the tea. But there is bread and butter and some of the ham we had for supper last night. Ill fetch you something to drink. Would you like that?
Stay here for a bit, Rose said. Tell me who you are and where I am. How did I get here?
The boy sat down on the edge of the bed. My name is Edward Porter. Im seven years old. My father is Lord Henry Porter and my mother is Geneva. And I have a brother named Malcolm. He glanced around. This is my house, Porter Hall. My sister, Charlotte, used to live here but she got a fever and died and now shes gone to heaven.
Im so sorry, Rose said.
He shrugged. Everyone says that.
Do you miss her?
Oh, yes. Terribly. But Mummy says shes with the angels in heaven and she watches over me. Sometimes at night, she comes into my room and talks to me.
Rose nibbled at the bread, taking small bites until she felt the food begin to fill her stomach. How did I get here?
We found you at the church, Edward explained. And we put you in our motorcar and brought you home.
Have I been here long?
He shook his head. It was morning and now its evening. Papa will be home soon and he will be very cross with Mummy. Malcolm says hell send you to the poorhouse. But you mustnt be scared.
Rose pushed the tray aside, then slipped from beneath the bed covers and swung her legs to the floor. She stared down at herself, surprised to find that shed been dressed in a lacy nightgown and her hands and feet were clean. I have to leave then, she said. Will you help me find my clothes?
No, Edward cried. You must stay. Mummy will make it right, youll see.
What is going on in here? A woman, wearing a beautifully detailed afternoon dress, bustled into the room. Her pale hair was pulled back into a tidy knot. Her lovely face was marked by delicate and refined features. Rose had a vague memory of her voice. This must be the little boys mother and Roses savior.
Get back into bed, she ordered, her words spoken in aristocratic English. You are far too weak to be walking about. Edward, I asked you to look after our guest.
This is my mummy, Edward told Rose.
Rose tried to stand, but her legs were weak and her knees buckled. She sat on the edge of bed, a bit dizzy with the effort. Thank you so much for your kindness, maam. But I wouldnt think to impose on you and your family any longer.
The woman frowned, her arms hitched on her waist. Youre educated, she said. You dont speak like a common Irish girl.
I know how to read and write, Rose said. My grandmother taught me when I was just six years old, so that I might Rose stopped and glanced around the room, a sudden panic gripping her. Where are my things? The bundle that I had with me? I must find it. She tried to rise again, but Edward skipped over and handed her the leather-bound diary.
Is this what you want? he asked. I put it in my pocket to keep it safe.
Rose took the diary and clutched it to her chest. Yes, she murmured. Thank you. I couldnt bear to lose this. She sighed. Id like to see my daughter. Could you take me to her, maam?
You may call me Lady Porter, the woman said. And before we do that, you and I must speak. My husband will be home soon and we must prepare a good story for him. Have you ever worked in a house like this?
Rose shook her head. No. But when I first came to Dublin, I worked for a well-to-do Irish family. The Dunleavys. Mr. Dunleavy owned a dry goods store.
And what did you do for them?
I was a laundress. But I also did sewing for Mrs. Dunleavy and her daughters. I made them gowns and I mended their clothes. Im very good with a needle and thread and I can operate a sewing machine. My grandmother taught me well. I can make a dress from any fashion plate you might show me. And I do fine embroidery. She pointed to Lady Porters gown. Like that.
Then when you have recovered from your ordeal, you will work for me as a laundress and a seamstress. That way, you can watch your daughter while you work. We will find a room for you above the carriage house where you might beout of the way.
Rose stared at Lady Porter, unable to believe her good fortune. Oh, maam, that is far too kind. Youve already done enough.
Nonsense. It becomes more difficult daily to find good help and youre motivated to work hard. Youve had an education of sorts, which recommends you as well. And both of us know you would never last another week out on the streets. Now, your wages wont be much, since we will also be supporting your daughter.
I dont need wages, maam. Ill work for food and a warm place to sleep.
Well discuss this when youre well. Now, there is one other thing. And you must be truthful about this. The child. Was she born out of wedlock?
Oh, no, Rose replied. No, I was married. My husband was She paused. If they knew the truth of Jamies political activities, the Porters might not be so glad to have the wife of an IRA sympathizer working in their very English household. He died. Three years ago. It was an accident. He fell while he was helping a friend to repair a roof. She promised herself to say a rosary for the lie.
How tragic, Lady Porter said. And how long were you on the street?
Three months, Rose said.
You must have been quite resourceful to have survived that long. That quality will serve you well in this household. She held out her hand. Lie back now and finish eating. You need a good nights sleep. You can see Grace in the morning.
Mary Grace, Rose corrected. Her name is Mary Grace.
Yes, well, Im sure shell be quite happy to see her mother in better health. But shes sleeping now herself and it wouldnt do to wake her.
Lady Porter took Edwards hand and led him to the door. Come, lets leave Rose to rest. We must see if we can convince Malcolm to take our side in this matter before your father returns.
When Rose was alone, she tried again to stand, holding on to the bedpost for support. She took a few steps, then a few more, feeling her strength beginning to return. She grabbed a small blanket from the end of the bed, and wrapped it around her shoulders, then slipped out of the room.
The hallway was dimly lit and quiet. Her bare feet brushed against the soft wool carpets and she peered in each door, searching for her daughter. When she found what looked to be a nursery, she stepped inside, then realized she wasnt alone. Lady Porter sat in a rocking chair near the window, Mary Grace in her arms.
Arent you my pretty girl, Lottie, she cooed. Youve come home to me at last. And this time, Ill never let you go.
Rose stepped inside the room, ready to correct her. Why was she having such a difficult time remembering Mary Graces name? And why did Lady Porter insist that Mary was napping when she wasnt? But as she watched Lady Porter, Rose began to realize that all was not right with the woman. She continued to talk to the child as if she were much older.
In then end, Rose returned to the hallway, an uneasy feeling settling over her. For now, shed accept the Porters hospitality and her hostesss odd behavior. She didnt have any choice. The dangers out on the streets of Dublin were far worse than any danger she and Mary Grace might face inside the walls of Porter Hall.
GENEVA, THIS IS ABSURD. You cannot bring home an Irish peasant and her brat like they were stray animals. This behavior only proves you still havent recovered fully.
Edward stood in the hallway outside his fathers library, hidden in the shadows as he listened to his parents conversation. Though he knew it was wrong, eavesdropping was the only way he ever really discovered what was happening inside Porter Hall. Most of the servants paid him little heed, for they assumed he didnt comprehend most of what was being discussed by the adults. And Malcolm took great delight in keeping the secrets hed been privy to.
There was only one thing Edward truly didnt understand and thats why he continued to listen. Something was not right with his mother, but no one would say what it was. Shed had to go away after Charlotte had died and though he wasnt sure exactly how long shed been gone, it had been a long time. If she was going to be sent away again, this time he wanted to know why.
What was I to do? she asked. Let them both die? That poor child needed my help. At least there was something I could do.
Theyre Irish. They have their damn free state now. Let them take care of their people the way they always wanted to.
Dont be ridiculous, Geneva said. She was close to death. How was she supposed to care for that little girl?
Do you have any idea whats going on outside this house, Geneva? Have you any conception what this family has had to face in the past ten years? With the uprising and the civil war, we have been teetering on the edge of ruin. Its been all around you and youve been completely oblivious.
I read the papers, Henry. Im aware of the political climate in Ireland.
Well, let me give you a better account of it, just to be certain. We used to have a good life here. A prosperous life, a life that my father blessed us with when we married. I was happy to take over the enterprises in Ireland. But now, we live here inin exile.