‘It was left to the Order, decades ago, by a wealthy landowner, who was very grateful for the nuns’ care of his wife. She’d cancer. Their good deeds prompted his,’ Keelin explained when the driver headed for the kitchen entrance, as per Una’s instructions. The housekeeper didn’t want Brigid seeing the guests arriving and entering through the front door, to spoil the surprise. The kitchen was at the side of the house, out of sight of Mère’s bedroom window.

‘They could have sold it and given the proceeds to charity. Or they could house homeless people in it,’ Imelda retorted, unimpressed with talk of good deeds.

‘Even nuns need a holiday,’ Keelin said mildly, determined not to get into an argument with her mother, as the bus drew to a halt.

Imelda’s lips tightened. ‘ “Nuns need a holiday” indeed, and half the world starving and the Church owning assets worth billions. But then you can’t criticize the nuns to Keelin. She always takes their side.’

Imelda could see that her dart had stung. She hauled herself out of the seat, listening to the excited chatter around her. Felicity, her daughter-in-law, was chatting on her mobile to Cormac, who had stayed at home to run the supermarket and mind the children, telling him they’d arrived at the party. Her brother John with his big booming voice, slagging Willie Sheedy about the fancy waistcoat that Rita had made him wear to the ‘Nun’s Party’.

‘ ’Twas more than my life was worth not to,’ Willie said good-humouredly. ‘And I see you’re wearing a new pair of swanky braces yourself.’

‘They’ll see me to the grave,’ John joked, and the two couples laughed at their good-natured banter.

Imelda had no one to banter with. She was a widowed outsider without the bulwark of a spouse, in social situations. A sharp arrow of self-pity pierced her heart. Why couldn’t she be like all the others, looking forward to a night of fun and laughter? It was because of the secrets that she carried. And the sadness. It was hard keeping it all inside, especially when Keelin lauded Larry and his many great attributes. Imelda had attributes of her own that none of her family would ever give her credit for because they knew nothing of her stoicism and loyalty towards her deceased husband, despite the grief he had caused her.

Why was the past coming back to haunt her so much, these days? Hadn’t she dealt with her demons? She’d got on with life, as she always did, but at moments like these – especially at moments like these, memories would surface and tsunamis of resentment would sweep over her and bring out the worst in her. She would make a real effort tonight. She might even enjoy herself. Now wouldn’t that be something, Imelda thought in a rare moment of amusement, stepping off the bus to follow the Sheedys inside.