Wildflower Girl Read Online Free

frightened about going? About the ship, and America, and being on your own?’ asked Eily.
    ‘No, no. I remember things that were worse, a lot worse,’ said Peggy firmly.
    ‘I’ll talk to the schoolmaster tomorrow,’ said Eily. ‘And do you know Nell Molloy? I heard herself and her family are going to America too. I’ll call up and talk to her, she might keep an eye on you. And I suppose we’d better bake a mountain of oatcakes as they’re meant to be the best thing to last the long journey.’

CHAPTER 3

Farewell
    AT SUNDAY MASS FATHER LYNCH called out the list of names of those who were emigrating and recited a special prayer for them. Peggy fixed her gaze on the carved wooden cross as she felt the eyes of the congregation stare at her when her name was called out. Afterwards many people came to shake her hand and wish her luck. Eily and Nano stood on either side of her like two statues.

    That evening Market Lane was crowded as the neighbours came and went to say their goodbyes. Michael had managed to get a few hours off. The small kitchen was packed and Nano and Eily had laid on a bit of a spread – soda bread, scones and two huge porter cakes. Plates and cups sparkled in the firelight. Two jars of poteen stood on the dresser and a barrel of porter was dripping a cream of froth onto the red tiled floor.
    It was a wake of sorts – a farewell party, andeveryone knew that it was unlikely they would ever set eyes again on Peggy O’Driscoll in this lifetime.
    John Joe Daly’s arrival was greeted with a cheer. He pulled out his fiddle with a flourish and began to play a few notes to warm up.
    Peggy looked at all the friends and neighbours. Hard lives and bad times and yet they could still smile. I’ll never meet the likes again, she said to herself, sealing their faces and stories into her memory. John Joe was now ready and began to send his music tripping across the room. Two little girls from Market Square who went to Peggy’s school got up and began to dance, hopping like two fairy children, their backs straight and their hair bouncing in the air, their narrow pointed feet flying as if they had a life of their own. Their father leant against the door smoking his clay pipe and bursting with pride when loud clapping rewarded their performance.
    Michael, blushing, stood in front of Nano and bowed extravagantly. The old lady got up from the rocking chair and took the floor. John Joe slowed the music so that the audience could appreciate Nano’s intricate steps. Michael guided her gently round the room. Peggy stared at him. He was so handsome. All his gentleness and care seemed to make him stronger. Her brother was turning into a fine young man. Peggy bit her lip. Pinpricks of tears were trying to push behind her eyes – she must deny them. Nano caught her eye and ended her dance with a fine display of petticoat and then collapsed in Michael’s arms laughing out loud.
    A few minutes later half the room was up, joiningin a lively reel. Peggy was spun from one strong pair of arms to another till she was so out of breath she couldn’t even talk. Kate Connolly got up and sang two songs. The time seemed to fly. Peggy knew everyone was talking about her – in some ways it was if she had already gone.
    Eventually all the well-wishers left and it was just themselves again. Michael made a cup of tea for Nano. She looked exhausted. ‘Never did I think, nearly seven years ago when Lena and I found three raggy little ones standing in our kitchen, of the happiness and love you’d bring into our old lives. And now the fledglings are leaving the nest. I can’t help myself feeling sad no matter how proud of the three of ye I am,’ she said.
    Peggy looked at her. The soft grey-blue eyes were misty.
    ‘Come on, Auntie Nano, away to bed, you’re all done in. A good night’s sleep will have you right as rain in the morning. Away up and I’ll sit with you till you drop off.’
    Peggy grabbed her aunt’s shawl and followed