“Well, isn’t that grand.” She beamed at me. “We wondered where you’d gone, when you left home. Of course I always knew you’d make something of yourself. You were too good for that cottage. I saw it then. And you have made something of yourself. Isn’t that grand?”

There was something about the innocence of her smile, the lack of that patrician edge to her voice that made me realize this wasn’t the same woman I used to know. Something had happened to her. Something in her mind had gone.

“I must be going, I’m afraid,” I said. “I have friends expecting me for lunch.”

“Well, isn’t that grand,” she said, now stroking the hand she held. “But what a pity you can’t stay and meet my children. Justin is here, you know. And Henrietta. They’re out shopping, but they will be returning soon. Can’t you stay?”

“I really can’t,” I said.

“Then I’ll give them your best wishes, shall I? I know they both remember you fondly. You remember Justin, don’t you? Such a handsome boy. Such a pity he had that terrible riding accident. He had to leave the army, you know. Still, he always would take awful risks when he rode. Just like his father. My husband is dead now, you know. Justin is now lord of the manor. Isn’t that grand? He takes good care of me. And the girls come to visit. And my grandchildren. I wish you’d come back to Ireland and visit me too. You always were such a bright little thing.”

I wondered how I could make her let go of me without causing a fuss. “I really must go, Mrs. Hartley. So lovely to see you again.”

“And you too, my dear.” She patted my hand and I took the opportunity to pull it away. Then she looked up, smiled, and said, “Oh, here they come now!”

I moved away quickly, ducking into a group of people heading for the restaurant. As I left I heard her say, “You’ll never guess who I have been talking to? Little Molly Murphy.”

And I heard Henrietta’s reply. “Have you, Mother. How lovely. See, we’ve brought you your favorite chocolates.”

They didn’t believe her, I thought jubilantly as I moved out of the group and let them pass, eyeing me with strange stares. Justin and Henrietta thought I was a figment of their mother’s fantasy. I stood, watching and waiting, until they went up the stairs, then I slipped out. Thank goodness I’d not have to go to the Ritz again. That had been too close for comfort.