Young May Moon Read Online Free PDF Page A

Ireland, not Scotland!’
    Danny, as befitted his name, sang the evocative
Danny Boy
, which had the female half of the audience wiping their eyes. Brendan played the fiddle, Brigid, seated front stage, plucked a small harp, and Paddy whistled. Each had a solo spot. Paddy whistled
In
A Monastery Garden
, which was so enthusiastically received that he followed this up with something completely unexpected ,
Sweet Georgia Brown
. This set feet tapping in the audience. Brendan sang the popular, romantic
Moonlight and Roses
to his wife, and she responded with the lively ditty:
Tea for Two
. The audience joined in: ‘You for me – me for you – how happy we will be….’
    The fiddle dominated the final number. Brendan announced it with a smile, and the spotlight lit up May’s startled expression in the second row. ‘This one is especially for Young May Moon, who is celebrating turning sixteen!’
    ‘It’s
June
!’ a voice called. A ripple of laughter, then the music began, with clapping to the beat of the jig.
    Bemused, May was nevertheless glad that she was wearing a frock, even if it was rather childish in style as Aunt Min had chosen it. Also that Brigid had taken a brush and brilliantine to her long locks and persuaded her to leave them flowing loose. Inclining her head forward, she hoped her hair would conceal her blushes.
    They remained in their seats while the majority of the audience made their way to the exit, after standing to attention for the national anthem. The house lights dimmed, and it seemed they were on their own, waiting for their friends to take them back to the Swan Inn.
    A hand touched May’s shoulder. Startled, she turned in her seat to see who it was. ‘
Mum
?’ she murmured uncertainly.
    Then Pomona was pushing past her and was clasped in their mother’s embrace. May stayed where she was, as Carmen had a companion: from his looks, a compatriot. He remained silent and aloof, but May had the uncomfortable impression that he was watching her reaction in particular.
    ‘You used to call me
Mama
, not Mum. I suppose that is howyour father referred to me. He wanted to make an Englishwoman of me, when we married, but he couldn’t! I thought I would find you in West Wick, but not so soon – we only arrived this afternoon . I didn’t know it would be here, tonight.’ Carmen’s voice was husky, heavily accented. ‘It wasn’t until they played that tune, and turned the spotlight on you that I realized I was in luck. I’m glad your father isn’t with you, as it will be easier to make my peace, eh?’
    ‘It won’t be easy at all,’ May flared. ‘Dad died a few months ago. We tried to trace you, but anyway, it was too late….’
    ‘Excuse me, is there something I can help you with?’ Brendan asked politely, ‘Who are you?’ Carmen demanded sharply, with Pomona clinging to her arm. Her escort stepped back, but said nothing.
    ‘I am a friend of the girls,’ Brendan said. ‘And you are…?’
    ‘I am the mother of these children.’
    ‘Is this true, May?’ Brendan now addressed May. However, even in the subdued lighting, he could see the strong resemblance between May and the beautiful woman in her shiny white waterproof cape.
    May nodded. ‘It’s all right, it’s just a shock, seeing her after all this time … she didn’t know about Dad. Mum, Mr O’Flaherty and his family
are
friends, they are staying at the Swan, too.’
    ‘This is none of your business,’ Carmen said hotly to Brendan. ‘Please leave us to talk.’
    ‘I’m afraid I can’t do that. We are responsible for their safe delivery back to our lodgings, and it is time to go.’
    ‘May, Pomona, I am staying at the big hotel in the town square. Will you both meet me there tomorrow morning at eleven? By yourselves; we can speak in private, then.’ Carmen disengaged herself from Pomona’s clasp, and signalled to the silent man. She added ‘Carlos is very discreet, I promise.’
    They walked off without a backward