Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
“Go open the windows. We need fresh air in this room,” I instructed Nuala, who wore a startled, panicked expression before she nodded and sprang into action.
“He was complaining of a headache earlier,” Tristan said just as Padraig came to, blearily peering about the room in confusion like he had no idea what just happened.
“Okay, I need everyone to give Padraig some space,” I said then looked to Derek. “Is there a medical kit in the house?”
“I think so. I’ll go look for it.”
He left, and I turned to his mother, “Did you call for an ambulance yet?”
“No, I’ll do it now.” Jo started ushering everyone out of the room before going to make the call, leaving me to see to her husband. As I peered down at the man I’d been taught to resent for so many years on behalf of my aunt, I put all my preconceived judgements aside and set about treating him like I would any other patient.
He stared up at me, dazed and confused.
“Hi there, I’m Milly. Remember me?” Very slowly, he nodded. “I’m just going to loosen some of your clothing,” I went on as I undid the first few buttons on his shirt before loosening his belt. “Your wife is calling an ambulance, and they should be here shortly, but in the meantime, I want you to remain lying down and try to relax. Can you tell me your name, today’s date and where you are?”
He appeared to swallow, his brow furrowing as he replied, “Padraig Balfe, it’s May 27, my granddaughter’s birthday, and it appears that I’m lying on my kitchen floor.”
I smiled a little at his dry humour on that last part. “And how are you feeling? Any pain?”
“I’m a little foggy headed. My tailbone feels bruised, and I’m thirsty.”
“All right. I’m going to get you a glass of water, but please stay where you are.”
As I went to the sink to fill a glass, Padraig said, “You’re the one who doesn’t like me.”
I blinked at his blunt statement, turning off the tap as I returned to kneel by his side. Placing the water down for a second, I said, “I’m going to help you sit up, but we need to do it very slowly.”
“Okay.”
Padraig allowed me to manoeuvre him into a sitting position before I brought the glass to his lips. He took a small sip before looking at me again as though waiting for me to address what he said.
“I don’t dislike you.”
Padraig gave a weak chuckle. “I’ve worked in the hospitality sector for over forty years, my dear. I know people and their body language. You, Miss Milly, are deeply uncomfortable whenever you run into me.”
Ah, hell, it was the awkward encounter in the hotel elevator that gave me away, wasn’t it? Releasing a breath, I decided to be candid for a change. “Nell Partridge is my aunt. She told me about your relationship with her back when you were teenagers, about the baby.”
Surprise claimed him before a sad expression passed over his aged features. “Ah, so that explains it,” he said, a hint of sorrow and regret in his voice.
“Yes,” I agreed, lifting the glass so he could take another sip.
“I always regretted how that turned out, but I just wasn’t ready for marriage back then. I was seventeen, barely knew how to do my own laundry, but I was determined to help with the child if she went ahead and had it. I would’ve tried my best.”
“Marriage?” I asked, frowning.
Padraig nodded, his expression faraway like he’d travelled all the way back there. “Your aunt probably told you all this, but when she discovered she was pregnant, she said the only way she’d keep the baby was if we wed. I told her I couldn’t marry her, but that she and the baby would be cared for. I’d get a job, make sure the child wanted for nothing. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t accept that, and I understand now why she didn’t. It was a different time. Having a child out of wedlock was considered a shameful thing by many.”
My gut twisted as I listened to him speak. Was he lying? Surely not. Padraig was still very dazed, and in my experience, it was moments of foggy headedness when people tended to speak honestly. He had, after all, just confronted me about not liking him, and I doubted it was something he’d ever bring up if he had all his wits about him.
I didn’t know how to feel, didn’t know what to think. Why would Nell leave out such a vital part of the story? In her version, Padraig told her outright he didn’t want the baby and that she should terminate the pregnancy. She painted him as the out-and-out villain and said nothing of asking him to marry her, nor of his promise to get a job and care for her and the child after it was born.