Redemption - Leon Uris [114]
“I’m all right, I’m fine. You’re certain he got through?”
“That much we know for sure.”
They stood silently, staring at one another curiously, not knowing exactly how to continue the conversation…then, as naturally and gently as you please, they came together with both of them trembling. As Shelley felt Atty’s arms come about her, she let go a bit in jerky sighs and sniffles.
“Sorry,” Shelley murmured.
“It’s a wonder we’re not both insane with fear. God, you’re a good strong girl, Shelley. I’m glad you’re here in Dublin with us. We’ll see to you.” And at that, Atty broke and both of them hung on to each other and sobbed.
This was how Seamus O’Neill came upon them. “I see the two of you have met,” he said.
“You must be Seamus,” Shelley said.
“I’m easy to miss, especially if you’re not looking for me.”
“Any news?” Atty asked.
Seamus shook his head. “Do you have any more luggage?”
“No, Conor told me to leave everything.”
“Aye,” he said. “Well, he is alive and that’s a start. We’ve got everyone working on information, but the Brits have clamped a lid. They’re trying to get their story straight. They’re very confused.”
“I can see that from the newspapers.”
They made down the platform. “I wanted you to stay with me,” Atty said, “but we decided it would be best, for the time being, if we put you in a hideaway with a guard.”
“Just a precaution,” Seamus added quickly. “We don’t believe the British will be watching you, and as soon as things settle down, you’ll be able to move about freely with no problem. The main thing ye must know is that you’re among friends and you’ll be completely safe in Dublin.”
Shelley held herself together until she was safely ensconced in a tidy little flat just a few blocks from Atty’s house. Only then did she allow herself the luxury of fainting.
In the weeks that followed, it was apparent that the Castle was not interested in Shelley MacLeod. Virtually no one in Dublin was aware of her role in Conor Larkin’s life, and she posed no threat to the British.
Nonetheless, the Brotherhood continued to keep a watch on her to make certain that no fanatic from Belfast would come down and attempt harm. She was free to move about Dublin as she pleased.
Shelley stepped right into the dash and vigor of Dublin life. She had been superior in her position, working for Belfast’s only upper-crust couturier, and was able to obtain placement in a fine Dublin salon.
Her life revolved around Atty Fitzpatrick, young Theobald, and Rachael, the most loving of children who seemed to sense the meaning of who was who and what was what without being told in so many words. Rachael watched her mother continue to soften toward Shelley, which was against her mother’s basic nature. Rachael needed no band to blare out that Conor Larkin held great sway over both of them.
As Atty Fitzpatrick came to love Shelley MacLeod against her conscious will, she wondered why. Atty came to realize that Shelley had opened a door within her that had been bolted shut. Atty Fitzpatrick had never thought herself capable of selflessness, not even with her children. Rachael and Theo were there because they fit into her scheme. Emma was given up because she did not.
Atty questioned her flare of passion for Conor Larkin. She had not thrown herself on anyone except Jack Murphy, so long ago, and that was for a limited venture, and only to check out her curiosity.
Her desire for Conor continued strongly after his kind rebuff, and she knew she loved him even though he would command whatever. Without rancor, Atty realized that Shelley MacLeod was the right woman for him…not her…but Shelley. Atty as Atty was incapable of what Shelley as Shelley was.
This became a transcending experience, the knowing that she could love greatly and accept the possibility that it would be unrequited. This love she would carry quietly, for Conor Larkin made her pleased with herself just in the realization.
Once it became settled in Atty’s mind, then loving Shelley as her own sister followed easily. It seemed the stuff of bad plays, Atty believed