The window was partially open, the inky sky was clear and bright, and a breeze brushed her cheeks. ‘I want to do what you did and help people who are sick, like Nurse Brogan helped you. That’s what would make you proud of me, and me proud of myself too. Can you see me? Which star are you, Nicholas? Mammy? I love you both, I miss you both, I do.’ As the tears filled her eyes, a million stars twinkled down at her.

Chapter 24

There was no sneaking away. This time, Mary Kate would leave Tarabeg in daylight and with the blessing of her father and the entire village.

‘Do you have everything packed?’ Rosie asked, and then quickly added, ‘But you’ll be back soon anyway, won’t you?’

Mary Kate placed her case by the back door for Michael to load into the car when he returned. Rosie’s question was easy to answer. ‘I will. Matron said the next training school starts in a month. I’ll be in the school for three months, and then I’ll have my first holiday. I promise I’ll be home then. It won’t be like before, Rosie.’

Rosie wanted to say she understood that this time there was no Nicholas or grand love to hide, but it would have sounded cruel and made Mary Kate sad. This morning, the light was back in her eyes and Rosie recognised it for what it was – hope. The smile on Mary Kate’s face was a joy to see.

‘Is Finn not up yet? I don’t care if it’s a Saturday, I’m off to drag him out of his bed. He can say goodbye to me properly.’ Mary Kate grinned and ran up the stairs.

‘Would you just look at her,’ said Mrs O’Keefe. ‘I reckon she’s going to be just fine.’

Rosie was clearing the breakfast dishes into the sink. Wiping her hands, she turned back to face Mrs O’ Keefe and Cat. ‘She is that, and I couldn’t be more delighted that she has the both of you in her life back in Liverpool.’

Mrs O’Keefe smiled at Cat. ‘Well, I’m not sure how long this one is going to be around. I reckon you might be seeing more of her than me. She’s not coming back to Liverpool until after the dance tonight. Declan is taking her to the station tomorrow – she’s only coming along for the ride just now.’

‘Oh, why is that?’ Rosie looked confused. ‘What delights can Tarabeg offer to keep you here for another day? I’m beginning to think that maybe we should all move to Liverpool.’

Cat blushed and looked at the floor. ‘Honestly,’ she said, ‘trust you.’ She folded her arms and, despite her shyness, jutted out her chin. ‘Declan and I have taken a shine to one another. He asked me to the dance and I said I would go. I’m a big girl, I can find my way back on the boat tomorrow.’

A grin spread across Rosie’s face. ‘Well, would you get you! Peggy is as bad with Pete Shevlin – smitten, they are. The whole incident with Mary Kate threw those two together. He’s been in and out of the shop for months before I guessed. Honestly, I am always the last to know anything around here. I tried to persuade Mary Kate to stay for the dance, but she didn’t fancy it and I can’t blame her, with all she’s been through.’