ANGEL

By Eve Wileman

As she attached the flight label to her hand luggage, excitement turned to doubt. Am I bravely facing the future or turning my back like a coward.
Bridie was the youngest daughter and had been exposed to tragedy and loss from early childhood.
On the day she and eleven year old sister Cathleen were placed in the orphanage, Mattie, Bridie's godmother and loyal family friend placed a porcelain figure of an Angel in the child's arms, telling her to imagine the figure was her friend.
At sixteen years of age she crossed the water to Liverpool. The shy innocent Bridie 0'Hara who had never had a boyfriend was bowled over when she met twenty year old streetwise Billy Clarke.
Billy, only son of the bigoted formidable Ivy and timid henpecked Bill, was instantly attracted to the slight red haired girl. When Billy discovered he was going to be a father his immediate thoughts were of Ivy and the expected volatile reaction to his Irish catholic girlfriend.
Their marriage produced two children, Rosie, warm and affectionate and devious, sadistic William.
During the dysfunctional and often lonely years of married life, the serene face of the Angel statue comforted and gave inner strength to Bridie as she confided her darkest secrets.
When the much feared and disturbed William brought heartache and devastating shame to the family, Bridie's spirit was broken.
Then a chance meeting with an old lady provided the miracle that would restore Bridie's willpower and give her the courage to make a life changing decision.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eve Wileman
• Release date: Apr 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781912924882

Book preview

Fifteen

ANGEL

Dublin 1945

Chapter One

When the last order of the morning was delivered and empty barrels and crates securely stacked,

The tall red haired young man tended the horse and returned to the nearby Depot.

Mike O’Hara had been employed at Corrigan’s Brewery for over six years, as well as his popularity with the customers he had the respect and trust of his foreman and workmates.

Mike had two older brothers and a younger sister; all born and raised on a small farm on the outskirts of Dublin. The boys had immigrated to America five years earlier; his sister married her childhood sweetheart and now lived in England.

Mike’s only concern in life was the welfare of his parents who though only in their early sixties, had the appearance of weary, seventy year olds.

Toil and living on a pittance was the cause of their premature aging, so the fortnightly visits from their caring son gave much comfort to the couple.

Mike boarded in a lodging house close to the brewery; the landlady was a cheerful motherly woman whose establishment was comfortable and welcoming. Her other lodgers were single men too, and all agreed it was more like home; than a lodging house.

So at twenty-five years of age he was happy with bachelorhood and often bragged that he enjoyed the single life and, intended to sow his wild oats before settling down to marriage.

***

In a chemists shop on O’Connell St, assistant Rose Flynn was wondering should she take a lunchtime stroll or stay in the warmth of the shop. Deciding on fresh air she ventured out into the biting cold of the January day.

Rose was a shy girl with dark hair and vivid blue eyes. Although she was twenty-six years of age, her small frame and innocent expression made her look much younger. Most Irish girls of her age were married with children, but Rose, an only child, had been a devoted daughter. Her parents had married late in life and after losing her father ten years earlier she had cared for her ailing mother until her death the previous year.

Rose had dated a couple of boys but shyness gave the impression of indifference, so she was seldom invited out a second time.

Pulling up her coat collar she buried her head in its warmth as she turned the corner, suddenly, a huge bulk of a man walked into her knocking her to the ground. For a couple of seconds she was stunned then realised she was being lifted to her feet and found herself looking into the face of the man, feeling uncomfortable, but strangely safe, for the arms felt strong and protective. The red haired man kept apologising and asking if she was hurt; she wasn’t, just shocked; He retrieved her bag and handed it to her, staring as though he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Rose thanked him and hurried off glad to be out of sight of the man’s penetrating green eyes.

Mike O’Hara thought he had been hit by a thunderbolt, and his mother’s old saying came to mind, If you see a falling star catch it.

Rose hurried back to work, relieved to find the shop busy with lunchtime customers, she needed to keep busy and forget the incident with the red haired man but his face intruded into her thoughts for the rest of the day.

Mike willingly relived the incident though for he thought the girl was like a ‘Dresden Doll’, he’d known some lovely colleens but this girl was in a class of her own.

His deliveries all accounted for he decided to have a glass of porter before heading back to the brewery.

Rose finished her days work at the chemist’s shop and headed home, she rented the neat two up two down terraced house where she had been born and raised. She was content with her life, enjoyed listening to her wireless and reading.

Tonight though, she felt very unsettled and wished she hadn’t gone for that lunchtime stroll.

A week later, Rose found herself facing the red haired man once more. Mike, while making his last delivery cut his hand on a broken bottle. Needing a dressing for the wound he searched for a chemist and couldn’t believe his luck when he walked into Rose’s workplace.

The girl had been on his mind all week, though he didn’t think it likely he would ever see her again. Asking how she was after the previous week’s collision he noticed her face colouring as she told him she was fine. Big Mike O’Hara had no problems with women, if he wanted to date a colleen he came right out and asked, now he felt tongue tied; he thanked her and left the shop.

Rose on the other hand felt disappointed as she watched him leave, but why would a handsome fellow like him be interested in me she thought.

Mike walked back to his cart and headed for the brewery telling himself he would ask her for a date next time he was in the area, at least I will know where I stand he told himself.

***

Mike and Rose courted through that year. It was plain to everyone that they were made for each other, he adored her and to Rose, Mike was as precious as life itself. They married just before Christmas 1945 and set up home in the same house were Rose’s father had brought her mother as a bride in 1917.

Their happiness was completed the following October when the baby son Shaun was born.

Two years later Rose gave birth to a baby girl, she was named Cathleen.

Life was very good to them, two lovely children and the love they had for each other.

Mike was earning good wages; the brewery had retired the dray horses and now used motorised wagons for the deliveries.

To Mike’s eyes Rose became more beautiful every day and, she eagerly waited for his homecoming every evening.

Four years later Rose discovered she was again pregnant. They were thrilled with the news and in June 1952 a baby girl was born. From the moment Mike set eyes on her she tugged at his heartstrings, while Shaun and Cathleen had their mother’s dark hair and blue eyes, this little bundle had a mop of bright red hair. Mike and Rose felt their cup of happiness was full, they named the baby Bridget but she soon became known as Bridie.

It was a new midwife who attended Rose at the birth; Mattie Tully was thirty years old and came from England; she had been a student nurse in London during the war, when a bomb fell on her home killing her parents and two little sisters, So when Mattie qualified she left London and travelled to Dublin to be near her father’s relatives. Bridie’s birth had been difficult and Mattie was relieved when the tiny baby was safely delivered. Surprised at the way this red haired scrap had touched her, she shared some of the parent’s joy. Mattie secretly longed for a family of her own, but instead, contented herself with the happiness of the new mother’s she tended.

The O’Hara’s were different though, they were a very close family and she loved being around them. It was obvious Mike and Rose were devoted to each other, Shaun their son was a pleasant well mannered lad, Cathleen was quiet and appeared to be a very intelligent child. Being deeply religious, Mattie was honoured when she was asked to be Bridie’s godmother, and this began a close, sincere friendship with the family.

Chapter Two

Bridie grew into a beautiful little girl with her father’s green eyes and red curly hair. She was a small child with her mother’s petite frame. While her sister and brother were quiet and reserved, Bridie was outgoing with a strong will. Mike loved all his children, but to him Bridie was another Falling Star. He loved his youngest child so much he sometimes felt he didn’t deserve so much happiness. Bridie in return thought her father was king of all dads. She loved Mattie too and listened intently to her stories about England and of the funny situations she sometimes found herself in on her house calls. Mattie was very close to the little girl and couldn’t have loved her more if she had been her very own.

It was August 1956 when Mike took his family on holiday to Bray, a seaside town near Dublin.

The holiday had been planned for months and was eagerly awaited; it was the first time Mike and Rose had been on holiday so they were as excited as the children. They stayed in a bed and breakfast guesthouse it was cheap, but comfortable.

Every morning the motherly landlady made them a picnic; they would buy tea on the beach and enjoy their feast sitting on the sand. Later Mike would treat them to an ice cream or candyfloss; it was a happy time, a week to remember.

Bridie anxiously tried to find a present for Mattie and searched the souvenir shops for something she could afford. Mike had given the children a brand new half crown each, Shaun and Cathleen had spent their money but Bridie still had the shiny coin, waiting, until she found a gift for her friend. Mike and Rose, proud of their daughter’s generous nature, decided they would buy Mattie’s present and Bridie could give it to her on behalf of the whole family. They chose a trinket box made from pastel shells; the little girls thought it was the prettiest thing they had ever seen and Bridie couldn’t wait to give it to her friend.

The week soon came to an end, after an enjoyable and happy holiday the children were suntanned, Mike felt refreshed and Rose was feeling stronger, she had been feeling very tired lately. Even after bearing three children she was still very slim and delicate looking.

They met Mattie at Mass on Sunday morning and invited her back for lunch. After the meal she was presented with the trinket box and, when told how Bridie had searched the shops for the gift, she felt a lump in her throat on realising just how much she loved this beautiful child.

Two weeks later the family received devastating news; Mike’s father had suffered a severe chill, which had turned to pneumonia and took his life within hours. Mike was shocked at the news; they had visited the farm just a week earlier when his father had played games with the children and seemed in good health. Rose was very fond of her mother and father-in-law and the children adored their grandparents.

Mike contacted his oldest brother who lived in New York. His two brothers Danny and Conor had left Ireland together for a better life in America. Danny had gone to the States as a bricklayer, worked hard and now had his own small building business. Conor disliked New York and moved on to California and now had very little contact with the family; they didn’t even have an address for him. Danny, like Mike had tried to be a good son, he had kept in touch and sent money home to his parents every few months. Danny was filled with remorse; He had been in America for sixteen years and not once had he made time to cross the Atlantic and visit his parents, it filled him with pain to be now going back for his father’s funeral. Danny’s American wife Beth wanted to make the trip with him but he needed to make the heartbreaking journey alone.

Mike tried in vain to track down Sheila in England but she and her husband had moved around, she hadn’t written home for almost two years. So it was to be just two of his children to pay respects to their hardworking father.

Three days before the funeral, they were shocked beyond belief when Mike’s mother died suddenly from a heart attack. The family knew she would have been lost without her beloved soul mate; they had shared so much it would be difficult for one to survive without the other. Because of Danny’s generosity they had lived in comfort for the past few years and now they were to be buried side by side in the tiny churchyard, the same church were they took their marriage vows and had their four children baptised.

After the funeral Danny stayed with Mike and Rose for a few days. His brother’s contentment with life was obvious, a lovely wife, three fine children and true friends. Danny was well aware his own life seemed empty compared to his younger brother’s. He and Beth had a beautiful house, exotic holidays and a good social life. Of the many people they knew, there wasn’t one Danny thought of as a real friend, and the one thing he and Beth longed for couldn’t be bought. They both wanted children but after fourteen years of marriage they had given up hope.

Before he left for home Danny invited his brother and family for a holiday in New York telling them if they liked it, there would be a job for Mike and an apartment would be found for them. Rose knew they couldn’t afford for Mike to be off work for a month or so, or the money for the new clothes that would be needed for them all. Nevertheless they thanked him and said they would look forward to it.

Bridie was now five years old. Mattie, still her best friend was flattered when Bridie confided in her. She knew all the child’s highs and lows and her love for the little girl never faltered.

Cathleen was the brainy child; Bridie, a charmer who also had a vivid imagination and zest for life.

A couple of months before Bridie’s fifth birthday Rose had discovered she was again pregnant. She and Mike were overjoyed at the prospect of another child, though secretly Mike was concerned as Rose looked more fragile than ever. She was still the most beautiful colleen he had ever seen even at thirty eight years old she still had that innocent look of a young girl. He often thanked God for the gift of this woman and for the three children who filled him with pride.

It was the middle of October when Rose went into labour, the baby wasn’t due for another six weeks and Mike shared Mattie’s concern. Rose was very weak due to the prolonged labour; her cries frightened the children who were huddled together in the kitchen. Shaun, who had celebrated his eleventh birthday just the day before was being very grown up. With a protective arm around each sister he told them everything would be alright and mam would be better soon, he knew what was going on upstairs but the girls thought their mother was just feeling bad. When their father brought blankets downstairs and told them to settle down on the sofa for the night they huddled closer together for comfort.

Mattie’s concerns for Rose grew; the long painful labour had taken its toll on her already exhausted patient. Deciding to bring in the doctor she told Mike that Rose might have to be taken to hospital. She could feel no movement from the baby now, but kept the sad news to herself.

It was three o’clock in the morning when the stillborn baby was delivered. Rose was so weak she couldn’t even hold her dead son. She was severely haemorrhaging and lost consciousness. The doctor had ordered an ambulance, but it was too late, Rose’s frail body had suffered enough. While the sobbing Mike held his beloved wife, she died in his arms.

The children had slept restlessly until the doctor’s arrival, it was only then their fearful tears started to fall. When they heard the awful cries of their father they rushed upstairs. They thought Rose was asleep; but seeing their father with his head in his hands crying like a child they knew something terrible had happened. Bridie ran to her father’s side but he was oblivious to everything except the lifeless body of his wife.

Mattie tried to help the broken hearted family, but she was suffering too, this family had adopted her as one of their own and Rose had been the closest and most loyal friend she’d ever had.

The day of the funeral arrived and Rose was buried with her baby son in her arms. Mattie prayed for the right words to comfort Mike, but she knew only his faith and time could help with his grief. It saddened her to see the pale faces of the children they looked so lost and bewildered. Mike tried, but was lost in his own sadness and couldn’t provide the comfort they needed.

Shaun busied himself with sports at school he also had a paper round so was out of the house most of the time. Cathleen buried herself in books, she was a bright nine year old who loved to learn and absorbed everything she was taught. A few months earlier the headmistress had told Mike and Rose their daughter was a good candidate for grammar school when she was old enough.

It was Bridie who suffered as much as her father; she missed her mother’s warm smile and loving hugs. At five years of age she couldn’t understand why her mother had to die, she was sure you only died when you were old like her grandparents she was also missing her dad, he never threw her into the air now or laughed when she said funny things and, he smelled funny too like when he had drank a glass of porter. But as always, Mattie was there to listen to her troubles. The kind hearted midwife felt out of her depth when she tried to comfort her small goddaughter. She tried to explain to Bridie that her mother had been a good person and must surely be in heaven watching over her, Bridie asked is that why dad called her his falling star? As tears stung Mattie’s eyes she made a vow that she would always watch over this little girl.

Business prevented Danny from crossing the Atlantic for Rose’s funeral; he wrote an emotional letter to his brother, sympathizing and expressing his shock at the premature death of the gentle, devoted Rose. Danny suggested Mike should make a new life for himself and the children in America, stating there would be better opportunities for the children, and Mike would be found a good position in Danny’s firm. Mike was touched by his brothers concern and generous offer, he replied saying it was too soon to make any plans. He knew he would never leave Rose and his baby son lying in the churchyard with no one to tend the grave.

It would be too hard to leave the home they had shared; he could feel the presence of his wife all around him. The most painful part of the day was waking up without Rose by his side.

It took six months for Mike to realise he would have to pull himself together for the sake of his children. Mattie had been a constant friend, she was the one who had consoled them and listened when they wanted to talk about their mother. Bridie looked so wan and lost, Shaun and Cathleen were coping as well as possible and Mike was now coming straight home every night instead of going to the pub.

Mrs O’Malley lived next door and she offered to watch out for the children while Mike was at work. She cleaned the house and cooked a meal for Mike and the children every evening. Her own family had grown up and moved away so