The Eleventh Commandment

Well, at least you’re only missing one man,’ said Tara, trying to lighten the tone. ‘I’m missing two.’

‘Maybe, but at least you know where Stuart is, and can give him a call whenever you want to. My problem is that I haven’t a clue where your father is.’

‘There’s nothing new about that, Mom. We all know the rules when Dad’s away. The womenfol

k are expected to sit at home dutifully waiting for their master to return. Typically Irish …’

‘Yes, I know. But I have an uneasy feeling about this particular trip,’ said Maggie.

‘I’m sure there’s no need to be anxious, Mother. After all, he’s only been away for a week. Remember how many times in the past he’s turned up when you least expected it. I’ve always assumed it was a dastardly plot to make sure you don’t have a lover on the side.’

Maggie laughed unconvincingly.

‘Something else is worrying you, isn’t it, Mom?’ said Tara quietly. ‘Do you want to tell me about it?’

‘I discovered an envelope addressed to me hidden in one of his drawers.’

‘The old romantic,’ said Tara. ‘What did he have to say?’

‘I’ve no idea. I haven’t opened it.’

‘Why not, for heaven’s sake?’

‘Because he’s written clearly on the outside, “Not to be opened before 17 December”.’

‘Mom, it’s probably just a Christmas card,’ said Tara lightly.

‘I doubt it,’ said Maggie. ‘I don’t know many husbands who give their wives Christmas cards, and certainly not in a brown envelope hidden in a drawer.’

‘If you’re that anxious about it, Mom, I’m sure Dad would want you to open it. Then you might find out you’ve been worrying about nothing.’

‘Not until 17 December,’ said Maggie quietly. ‘If Connor arrived home before then and discovered I’d opened it, he’d …’

‘When did you find it?’

‘This morning. It was among his sports clothes, in a drawer I hardly ever open.’

‘I’d have opened it straight away if it had been addressed to me,’ said Tara.

‘I know you would,’ said Maggie, ‘but I still think I’d better leave it for a few more days before I do anything. I’ll put it back in the drawer in case he suddenly turns up. Then he’ll never know I’d even come across it.’

‘Perhaps I should fly back to Washington.’

‘Why?’ asked Maggie.

‘To help you open it.’

‘Stop being silly, Tara.’

‘No sillier than you just sitting there on your own fretting about what might be inside.’

‘Perhaps you’re right.’

‘If you’re so uncertain, Mother, why don’t you give Joan a call and ask her advice?’

‘I already have.’

‘And what did she say?’