‘Where did you get hold of that?’ asked Peggy suspiciously.

Ron tapped the side of his nose. ‘To be sure, if you ask me no questions, I’ll tell ye no lies, wee girl. Just enjoy it.’

‘That stuff’s as rare as hen’s teeth,’ muttered Cordelia, holding out her glass. ‘I wouldn’t say no to a drop or two.’

‘And ’tis only a drop you’ll be getting, old girl,’ he rumbled with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘For this is not to be downed the same way you polish off the sherry.’

‘Are you suggesting I drink too much?’ she asked with a glare that didn’t quite match the smile tweaking her lips.

‘If the cap fits, wear it,’ he replied, splashing a tot into the glass. ‘Get that down you, woman. It’ll put hairs on your chest, so it will.’

‘I sincerely hope it won’t,’ she retorted before taking a pleasurable sip.

Ron poured the drinks – making sure Charlie had only a snifter – and then raised his glass. ‘Here’s to the four of you. May you travel safely and keep us always in your hearts as you shall be in ours. Sláinte.’

They drank in silence, each lost in their own thoughts until Sarah stood and called for attention. ‘I’d like to say something to Peggy and Ron and Aunt Cordelia,’ she said. ‘You have given me and Jane a loving home, wise counsel and support, making our transition to a new country so much easier than we ever could have expected. I know I speak for Jane when I say we love you all, and we will never forget the warmth and kindness you have shown us.’ She raised her glass. ‘To Peggy, Cordelia and Ron.’

The toast was echoed by the others, and then their glasses were replenished by Ron who was looking decidedly tearful. ‘If we go on like this the bottle will soon be empty,’ he grumbled.

‘Drinking the evidence is the best way to hide your nefarious dealings, you old rogue,’ said Cordelia before knocking back her tot and offering her glass up for more. Satisfied Ron had poured enough in, she stood. ‘Now I’d like to say something, if I may.’

Ron rolled his eyes and groaned theatrically. ‘Do you have to?’

‘Indeed I do, Ronan Reilly, so keep quiet.’ She sent him a glare which had little effect on him and then looked at those gathered around the table.

‘I’ve lived a long and very comfortable retirement in this home Peggy has made for us all, and I want to thank her for taking me in and making me feel a part of this wonderful family.’

Her gaze swept over Rita, Danuta, Jane and Sarah. ‘As for you girls, I want you to know how privileged I feel to be regarded as your grandmother, and how I’ve appreciated the way you’ve made me feel useful and wanted – even if I do drive you all potty at times.’

Ron grunted and her amused gaze fell on him. ‘For all your shenanigans, you’ve been a rock to both me and Peggy during the war years, Ron, and I will always love you for that.’