The Delaney Woman by Jeanette Baker

they turned away and began to talk once again. Her cheeks burned. They were insufferably rude. Even Heather had defected, in search of her grandmother in the kitchen. If this was what passed for manners in the Whelan family, she was better out of it. A surge of adrenaline rushed through her veins. She lifted her chin. If need be, she would wait here all night until someone spoke to her.
    Tom’s hand slipped beneath her elbow. Gently, he maneuvered her into a small group seated near the fireplace. “Kate, Tim, say hello to Kellie,” he said.
    Kate, a black-haired, green-eyed beauty smiled warmly and held out her hand. “Welcome, Kellie. It’s lovely to have you.”
    Some of the tension left Kellie’s shoulders. “Thank you. It’s wonderful to be here.”
    â€œKate is from Dublin,” Tom offered. “She teaches at Heather’s school.”
    A slim blond with cool blue eyes spoke up. “I’m Maggie, Tom’s sister.”
    â€œHello, Maggie,” Kellie said politely.
    â€œTom has never brought home a woman before.”
    â€œHe’s not bringing one home now, at least not in the context to which you’re referring,” she replied quickly.
    They stared at her in astonishment.
    She blushed at her rudeness, took a deep breath and resolved that nothing else tonight would rouse her temper.
    â€œWhat is it that you do, Kellie?” the lovely Kate asked.
    â€œI’m a teacher, on leave.”
    â€œWhat are you doing in Banburren?” It was Maggie again. “Were you sacked?”
    â€œFor Christ sake, Maggie, give over.” Tom shook his head. “Where have your manners gone?”
    â€œNo,” said Kellie. “I wasn’t sacked. My reasons for leaving were personal, but you can rest assured your children are safe with me. I didn’t molest anyone or anything like that. I intend to return to my position and will definitely be welcomed with open arms.” She wanted to strangle the woman. Instead she turned her back to her. “What level do you teach, Kate?”
    â€œSixth,” replied Kate. “I love it. It’s what keeps me here in Banburren, that and the Whelans. They’re my family now. I’ve no one left in Dublin.”
    â€œIt’s a lovely school. It must be wonderful to teach there.”
    â€œYes.” Kate nodded. “We’ve no problem.”
    â€œProblem?”
    â€œYou know. The Catholic-Protestant thing.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear it If only everyone could forget.”
    â€œWe can all raise a glass to that sentiment,” said a sandy-haired man who stood beside Maggie. “We never got over James and Martin dying the way they did. It took the rebel spirit out of us. Now we’re staid old men and women.” He wrapped his arms around Maggie. “Aren’t we, love?”
    â€œSpeak for yourself,” said Maggie. “I’ll not admit to being old.”
    He winked at Kellie. “Why, then, all that pulling at your eyes and patting the soft spot under your chin every morning?”
    â€œI do no such things, Danny Sheehan.” His wife slapped his arm playfully. “Shame on you for spying on me.”
    â€œNow, love, you wouldn’t be denying me a good laugh, would you?”
    â€œWhat will Kellie think of us, you with your mouth flapping and me vain as a queen.”
    â€œShe’ll think we have a sense of humor.”
    Kellie laughed. She was beginning to relax. “I’ll check and see if Susan needs help in the kitchen.”
    Conscious of eyes watching her back, Kellie walked down the hallway and stood at the entrance to a well-lit kitchen. Susan stood at the sink, speaking to Heather. Kellie stepped back into the hallway before they could see her and breathed deeply. She placed both hands on the wall, bracing herself. She didn’t particularly want to isolate herself in the kitchen with Tom’s mother but the room