They’d only just arrived in Dublin three days ago. Through correspondence beforehand, he’d arranged with a land agent to lease a suitable, furnished townhouse large enough to accommodate his entire family. He and Meredith had been pleased with the modern, stately home with its view of St. Stephens Green.
Pulling out his pocket watch, Daniel checked the time again and strode to the bottom of the stairway. “Meredith, what is keeping you, love?” he called.
Their newly hired maid appeared on the second-floor landing. “Mrs. Cavanaugh will be with you in a moment, sir. She—”
“Here I am.” Meredith slipped past the maid and hurried down the stairs.
She still looked pale, and dark circles smudged the undersides of her eyes. Six days traveling by steamship across the Atlantic had not been easy for her despite their first-class accommodations. Through most of the voyage she’d been unwell. A stretch of quiet and rest would do her good, and here he was rushing her out the door.
Guilt pinched at him as he scrutinized her. “Perhaps it might be best if you remained at home and rested a bit more.”
“No it wouldn’t, and don’t look at me like that,” she said as he helped her into her coat.
“Like what?” He wrapped a scarf around her neck and handed her gloves to her.
“All worried and guilt-stricken.” She tugged on her gloves. “I’m tired, yes, but otherwise I’m fine. Nothing you say will keep me from going with you this morning.”
“Are you certain you’re not ill?” he asked, opening the front door. “You haven’t had much of an appetite of late either.” The carriage he’d hired waited in front. Daniel helped his wife inside and gave the driver the address before climbing in after her.
Meredith settled herself on the cushioned seat. “The food here is different than what I’m used to. I’ll adjust.”
Daniel took his place beside her. He knocked on the ceiling, and the carriage started off. “Perhaps my mother can recommend a good physician. We can send for him tomorrow.”
Meredith pursed her lips. “Speaking of your mother, you must be excited about seeing your family today. The vow you made to your family will finally be fulfilled.” She cast him a radiant smile. “I hope the Flynns won’t begrudge your mother time to visit with us.”
“I am ecstatic, and the Flynns are good people. I’m certain we’ll be able to spend some time with our family. I suppose we’ll have to wait a week or two for them to hire a new housekeeper before Mam can join us, but Emily and David can return with us today if they wish.”
“David will be fourteen now, won’t he?” she asked.
“Aye, and wee Emily is nine.” He could hardly believe this day had finally come, and his chest swelled with pride, knowing he could support his family comfortably. By the time he and Meredith had left Garretsville, the goldmine was in full production, proving to be every bit as rich a lode as they’d suspected, and they were still extracting silver ore as well.
“When I left Ireland, David had taken a job as a chimney sweep. He’d be too old to do that now. I wonder if he’s begun an apprenticeship, or perhaps the Flynns might have hired him in some capacity.”
“He should be in school,” Meredith murmured.
“Aye, and he will be as soon as can be arranged.”
The journey to the affluent neighborhood of Clontarf to the north of Dublin took a good hour due to traffic and the twisty streets. During that hour, recollections of the events leading up to his departure from Ireland played through his mind. A lump rose to this throat, and grief for his father and baby sister cut through his heart as if they’d only just passed. By the time the carriage stopped in front of the Flynn’s home, impatience had tied him into knots.
He leapt from the cab and turned to help Meredith down. Looping her arm in his, he led her up the walk to the entry. “I can hardly believe this moment has finally arrived,” he mused as he studied the house with its manicured lawn, wrought iron fence, and porticoed grand entrance.
“Wow,” Meredith whispered. “You didn’t tell me the family lived in a mansion. Should we be going around to the back to the servants’ entrance?”
“The Flynns are wealthy merchants, not aristocrats. From what I’ve heard, Mr. Flynn grew up poor. They don’t take on airs.” He patted her arm. “Besides, we aren’t servants.”
“No, but your mother is. Do the Flynns have a butler? I’ve always wanted to see a real live butler.”
He chuckled. “I guess we’ll find out, aye?” He used the heavy brass knocker. Stepping back, he took in the door’s festive evergreen wreath with its bright red ribbon woven throughout. The manor’s exterior appeared to be well maintained. The family must have continued to prosper.”
The heavy oak door opened to reveal a maid, and Daniel handed her his card. “We’re here to see my mother, Edith Cavanaugh. She should be expecting us.”
“This way, sir, madam.” She opened the door wide. “Let me take your coats. Mrs. Flynn is waiting in the family parlor for you.”
Daniel’s heart dropped to his stomach as he helped Meredith out of her coat before removing his own. Why would Mrs. Flynn receive them? Had his mother left their employ? If so, perhaps the lady of the house meant to direct them to his mother’s new address. He glanced at Meredith to find her brow furrowed as well, and a new fear gripped him.
Meredith hadn’t been able to find any information about his family when she’d searched for news of them. He hadn’t had word from any of them in nearly two years. Could it be his mother had fallen ill and … Oh God. Dread sluiced through him, and he reached for his wife’s hand.
His poor heart pounded, and his mouth went dry as they stood in the grand foyer waiting
