AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘What a privilege.’
‘Yes. You’re quite right. It does seem so. And you? You sound Irish?’
‘You’re right. I am.’
‘Also a privilege, I would think.’
‘Ah no, it’s more of a syndrome.’
The young woman seemed calmer now, and Edith ventured an enquiry. ‘When did your baby die?’
‘Last Christmas.’ She looked away, as if she was looking at a scene in her mind’s eye.
‘How old?’
‘At birth. She died while she was being born.’ Her eyes filled again with tears, and she wiped them away. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, touching a hand to her neck, as though her throat hurt. ‘I haven’t said the words out loud before.’
‘Those must be very hard words to say.’
The woman nodded.
‘You’re stronger than you think,’ Edith continued.
‘I hope I am,’ said the woman, with a wry smile. She seemed to come awake to the strangeness of their situation. ‘You’re very kind,’ she said. ‘Can I buy you a cup of coffee or something, to thank you?’
‘Not at all, dear, no.’ Edith considered for a moment how best to proceed. ‘You should buy that little bonnet.’
‘But, why?’
‘Because you’re still her mother.’
* * *
They each completed their small transactions with the stall holder.
‘What is your daughter’s name?’ asked Edith.
The woman seemed taken aback, as if that was the last question she expected to be asked. ‘Mabel,’ she said. ‘My daughter’s name is Mabel MacNamara.’
‘I will keep Mabel MacNamara in my prayers.’
‘I appreciate that – thank you. I’m Claire,’ she said, holding out her hand.
‘Edith.’ Edith took Claire’s hand and held it firmly. ‘You’ll be alright, you know. I feel sure of it.’
‘I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay.’
‘Bon courage, chérie.’
The young woman stepped away, as if to head deeper into the market. Edith deliberately went in the opposite direction, walking briskly towards the exit. At a corner, she turned and watched as Claire MacNamara paused at a stall selling old typewriters. She must have sensed Edith watching, because she looked up and smiled. Edith waved her hand and walked away.
Outside, she tucked the paper bag containing the spool of ribbon into her purse. Noticing her phone, she took it out and tapped the message icon. There on the screen was her last message from Jenny:
Okay, Mom. See you next week if you have time. xoxo
She tappedreply:
Jen, I’m all on my own here. Want to come visit me in Paris?
