Delaney. Part XXIX

St. Mary’s is packed on the morning of the internment of Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrove’s ashes. Many are there out of civil obligation – the corporate officials, fellow Care Home owners, merchants with whom Mr. Cosgrove worked over the years. And there are those in attendance who have come to curry favor with the important…

Delaney. Part XXVIII

Alex Cosgrove helps his wife into the Oldsmobile, then, lifting a foot to the carriage he says to the driver, “Make haste, Mr. Vadik. We’d like to arrive within the hour if at all possible.” Vadik touches the brim of his hat in acknowledgement and jolts the carriage into action the moment Mr. Cosgrove shuts…

Delaney. Part XXVII

Mr. Byrne has helped Delaney to create a moon garden. “’Tis best to enjoy Foxglove and White Nancy and the like in moonlight. They ‘ave a tender white flower what’s blooming only at night.” And so, Delaney has grown fond of gardening in the moonlight. No one to interrupt her thinking, and a moon garden…

Delaney. XXVI

“Oh, Sister Mary Eunice,” Delaney exclaims, “this morning is glorious. I think I should read to you outside before my shift begins. What do you think?” The Sister lies blank-eyed upon her bed, but Delaney can read the subtle variations in her face. “I thought you might.” She says, and she pulls the Sister into…

Delaney. Part XXV

When the grove of druids is assembled near Blackrock that evening there is a steady rain so that no ritual fires can be lit. It is a small community of not more than 40 druids. Men and women who occupy all stations of life living and work around Dunleer, Dundalk and Drogheda. Most are in…