‘That’s rich, coming from you.’ Imelda’s eyes flashed fury. ‘Do you know what it was like for me, to have to watch all the fuss that Daddy and Mammy made of you, knowing what I knew and knowing that I would be the one left to look after them in their dotage? Oh, you took the easy way out, didn’t you? And never looked back. But that wasn’t enough for you, was it? You took my daughter, brainwashing her with your talk of life on the Missions! And then we had to live with the shame when she left the convent and came down here to have her illegitimate baby. Oh yes, the word got out eventually, after Larry died. The rumours flowed in Ardcloch and Glencarraig. But I kept my head high even though inside I was utterly ashamed.

‘And now you,’ she turned to Marie-Claire, ‘you’re my grandchild, and where do you come and spend your holidays? With your precious Mère, down here in the back of beyond,’ she sneered. ‘And I’m lucky to get a flying visit. And your parents, with their New Age nonsense, couldn’t even be honest with you, while I have to stay silent? Not anymore. I’ve had enough. I might be out of line but Reverend Mother Brigid took you from me, too, and that’s the way it is and—’

‘Now you listen to me, Imelda,’ Brigid said in a tone that brooked no argument. ‘It was never my intention to take anything from you. I didn’t know about you falling for Johnny Larkin. I didn’t know you’d walked out with him, because you never spoke about anything like that to me. And yes, perhaps I was to blame for Keelin entering the Order, but I never took her or Marie-Claire from you – you drove them away all by yourself. I’m sorry that you feel this way and have held this bitterness inside you for so long. But now you’ve had your say, in front of all the ones I hold dear. And you should be very pleased, Imelda, because tonight you have taken everything from me.’ Brigid was wraith white, but she held her head high and turned to her Superior.

‘Mother General, I apologize on behalf of my sister, for the discomfort her behaviour has caused to you and all our guests. Una, I’m so sorry your beautiful party has been ruined. If you’ll all please excuse me, I’m sure you’ll understand that I need to be alone to pray about what has occurred here this evening. Continue to partake of the hospitality of the house. I will be at your disposal tomorrow and we can discuss what needs to be discussed.’ She gave a small bow to everyone and left the room at her usual measured pace.