All Roads Lead to Swatragh - Chapter 20

Peter was very quiet during the short ride. Grace didn't know what to say, so she kept quiet, too. The silence was so very uncomfortable that Grace finally blurted out, “What's the matter? Is there something I should know?”

Peter hesitated in his reply, “It's really none of my business, ya know. But Donavon said you are selling the cottage. Is that true?”

“Peter I can't live and work in Dublin and manage a B&B here in Swatragh at the same time. It's just what has to be done,” Grace replied in such a cavalier way that she surprised herself.

“Guess you'd never consider staying in our little town and running the B&B. Guess you're just a big city lass,” Peter sounded a little put off by Grace's attitude.

“It's not that Peter. I have a good job and a flat in Dublin. All my friends are there. It's where I live,” Grace kept seeming to have to justify herself.

“Guess so,” Peter responded and cut the conversation short as they arrived at the market.

Grace went her own way with her list of things she needed for the next few days. She would be leaving on Sunday to return to Dublin and didn't want to leave anything behind that would spoil, or that she could not take home with her. The cottage needed to be spotless for the property consultant to show to prospective buyers. But there were a few dishes that she wanted to make before she left.

One thing she would really miss from this area were the farmhouse cheeses that could not be found in Dublin. She made sure to get enough so she could take some back with her. Once she had all her items she found Peter waiting for her near the door with his bag of groceries.

“Looks like you are planning a party there,” Peter said as he loaded Grace's groceries in the truck.

“Just still trying out more of Aine's recipes. I don't have a large enough kitchen in Dublin to do this kind of cooking. Which reminds me. Why don't you come to dinner tomorrow evening? I'm making an Irish Lamb pie. Could be very interesting.” Grace thought it only polite to invite Peter to dinner since he had helped her so much.

“I'll only come if you make some of those delicious scones too!” Peter smiled at Grace as he said this and it seemed that the uncomfortable feeling from before was now gone.

“But scones are for breakfast,” Grace protested laughing back. She knew how much Peter loved the scones and they really could be eaten at any time, especially with some orange marmalade laced with some Irish whiskey. She was so glad that she had purchased some clotted cream for an extra treat.

Talk was light and upbeat on the drive back to the cottage. Both Peter and Grace stayed away from the discussion of the sale of the B&B as it was such a sore spot. Mostly they chatted about doing some running together again as this was their common ground.

As they turned into the drive they noticed that Sheila and Peter's car was gone. Grace was glad to see that they had left. Peter helped Grace into the cottage with her groceries. As they passed the sitting room Grace noticed a note on the table. As soon as they groceries were put on the kitchen counter Grace and Peter headed to the sitting room to read the note.

“As we had always done with Aine, we leave a note for the hostess. Our stay was very welcomed in our lives. It was so important at this time to return to that special place we spent on our wedding night as this would be our last trip together. We just knew if we could rekindle the special feeling that we had many years before, it would make what is to come in the near future an easier burden to carry.
It really will be such a shame for the spirit of Aine not to carry on here for she brought so many of us such joy. I will remember that always. We do thank you for the one night we were able to stay. Sheila and Peter”

Grace was dumbfounded. She could not control her emotions after having some of the thoughts that she did earlier about anxiously awaiting Sheila and Peter's departure. The tears came so quickly she could barely stand. Peter put his arm around her and helped her to the over-sized chair in Aine's room.

“I had no idea,” Grace said through her tears. “How was I to know?”

“Grace, I don't think there was any way you would have known. They didn't say anything.” Peter was feeling very awkward about trying to comfort Grace. She seemed to want to be alone, so he headed for the kitchen to make some tea and put away the groceries that needed refrigeration. As he was finishing Grace entered the room and took the cup of tea he handed her.

“This is all just so much to handle. I never expected anything like this. Peter, if you don't mind, I need to be alone.” Grace was trying so hard to hold her emotions in check. “But please do come for dinner tomorrow night and I promise I'll have scones,” she indicated forcing a smile so Peter would think she was okay.

Peter left reluctantly, but knew there was nothing he could do to comfort Grace. He hoped by tomorrow she would have a better perspective on everything.