‘Look, I know I’m not handling this very well, Maria. It’s just a bit of a shock to me too. When you get to my age . . . of course this is very good for us. It’s the right thing for you and for me. A little one will change our lives very much for the better.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘I’m certain.’

He got to his feet and opened another bottle of Guinness. Now he understood why Maria had refused her customary glass of port wine earlier. He began to feel better. There were too many uncertainties in his life and in Maria’s. And he had held off on making decisions for too long.

He walked across to her chair and knelt beside her, placing his right hand over hers.

‘Maria Walsh, I know I’m not the greatest catch in Dublin. I’m the wrong side of forty. I’m twenty years a “polisman” and I’ve just made it to detective inspector. But I’ll be loyal and true to you and our child. Would you do me the honour of agreeing to marry me?’

He grinned.

‘And sure, isn’t there a grand pension for us to look forward to when I finish my service?’

Her face darkened slightly.

‘You mean you wouldn’t want to come into the business with me? Full time? Equal partners? Like we spoke of before?’

He sighed.

‘I know we did. But that was before I got the promotion. I can’t just abandon my responsibilities with things the way they are. There’s serious crime to be dealt with. You know, this murder. And now I’m told by Mallon that the English are out to destroy Parnell whatever way they can. Besides, you’re more than well able to manage the business here.’

‘How could I do it with a child to rear?’

‘We’ll get help. A nurse to mind the child and maybe an extra man in the bar. You’ve been saying that Tom needs more help there. He’s getting on too.’

It was not what she wanted to hear, he knew. He tried to change tack.

‘Look, we don’t have to decide on this now, do we? What I need to do is to go down to Friar Lawrence tomorrow and make arrangements for the marriage. Are you happy to have the wedding at Merchants’ Quay?’

She nodded and smiled.

‘So can I take it that you’re accepting my proposal?’

‘Yes, of course I’ll marry you, Joe. And Merchants’ Quay would be perfect. A small wedding would be nice.’

Her expression clouded a little.

‘Remember, I’ve walked up the aisle once already. I’ve been through this before. And it’s the responsibility of the bride’s family to take care of the hospitality. I’m my own family, so I’m looking after the wedding breakfast.’

He kissed her lightly on the forehead.