“But I had an appointment with her at this time,” he explained quickly.

“Can I give her a message when she gets back?” the woman asked, offering him a smile. She looked him over quickly, and probed, “What’s your name?”

“Shane O’Neill,” he answered. “I’ll try ter come back later.” He glanced up at the darkening sky, and said, “It’s starting to drizzle.” As he gave her a quick smile, he moved away from the wall, then paused and turned around. “Can ye tell me where to get a sandwich, please?”

“The best place is Hettys Café, just down the hill from the Stray. Do ye knows the Stray?”

“I do, sure and I do. I be thanking ye, missus. Yes, thanks very much.”

As Blackie walked down the street, a myriad of thoughts rolled around in his head. Why hadn’t Angela been there? She had said twelve o’clock at her aunt’s house. Had she forgotten? Got caught up with her Saturday shopping? Changed her mind?

He had absolutely no idea and was suddenly irritated. This was the second time something strange had happened. Perhaps they were fated not to get together again. Or she had decided to drop him, perhaps? But why?

He had no answers for himself and felt angry at being made a fool of. He shifted his small bag to his other hand and increased his pace as the drizzling rain splashed on his face. He felt a rush of relief when he saw the Stray ahead of him. He began to run.

He was heading down the hill toward a clutch of shops, where he could see Hettys Café slap in the middle, when he heard his name being called.

“Blackie! Blackie! Wait for me!”

He came to an abrupt halt and swung around. Instantly, his face lifted with incredulity. It was none other than his cousin Siobhan flying straight toward him, and he dropped the bag and opened his arms to catch her.

As she fell against him, gasping, he gripped her tightly and held her close to him. “Whatever are ye doing in Harrogate, mavourneen? Of all places, I should come here today. But I’m so happy I did. Faith and ye are a long way from home.”

Stepping back, she said, “I’m here with Her Ladyship, Lady Lassiter. You know I became her lady’s maid earlier this year, after Alice died.”

“I’d forgotten that, sure I had. A great chance for ye. Why didn’t ye let me know ye were coming over?”

“I did. I sent you a note, but I don’t suppose you’ll get it now ’til Monday if it hasn’t arrived yet. I posted it to your uncle’s address in Upper Armley.”