A Keeper(76)
Elizabeth looked at Mrs Lynch. ‘Will you be all right getting around there?’
‘She has her stick. She’ll be fine,’ Cathy answered for her mother.
Under the castle walls, Elizabeth unscrewed the lid of the plastic urn and then hesitated.
‘Would everyone like to take a handful?’ She held out the container.
The ladies looked a little uncertain, but did as they were told.
Five handfuls of dust were released into the air and the wind picked some of it up, lifting it high and out towards the sea, while some of it just landed on the grass at their feet.
Mrs Lynch sighed and crossed herself. ‘Poor Edward. He is released.’ The adults nodded sombrely in agreement.
As if to lighten the mood, Foley began to flail his small plump arms and laugh as the dark cloud of ash floated away. Smiling, Elizabeth turned and looked at her grandson. Tiny fragments of dust had begun to settle on his skin.
Acknowledgements
The aspect of writing that I enjoy the most is its solitary nature and yet to reach the point where you are holding this book in your hands has taken the talent, effort and patience of so many.
First and foremost I am hugely indebted to my editor Hannah Black. She has just the right mix of discipline and indulgence to get me past the finishing line. Her notes are unerringly useful and earning her praise makes all the days of doubt and despair worthwhile.
The whole team at Hodder provide wonderful support and make me feel like a fully fledged novelist. Heartfelt thanks to Carolyn Mays, Lucy Hale, Alice Morley, Louise Swannell, Emma Herdman and Ian Wong. Claudette Morris made this book. Alasdair Oliver and Kate Brunt made it beautiful. Dominic Gribben held my hand while I read it aloud and if you discovered this book outside of the UK, then we both need to thank Joanna Kaliszewska.
I must thank my early readers, Gill, Jonothan, Niall, Paula and Rhoda. Their eagle eyes and rational brains were invaluable.
As always I am so grateful to Melanie, Dylan and Hannah at Troika for keeping me busy but not so busy that I don’t have time to write a novel.
Becky and Kelly for managing my life so seamlessly.
And finally I must thank my mother, well, for so many things, but in this instance for giving me the seeds of the story that grew into this book.
I’ve loved spending time in Muirinish and Buncarragh and I really hope you have as well.