Listen with Your Eyes

LISTEN WITH

YOUR EYES

JENNIE LEA

Copyright © 2018 by Jennie Lea.

ISBN:           Softcover       978-1-9845-0247-6

                     eBook             978-1-9845-0246-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date:   10/29/2018

Xlibris

1-800-455-039

www.Xlibris.com.au

774535

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

I’d like t

o dedicate this book to

Jean Hegarty

For her help and encouragement

and not letting me give up along the way.

Divine life, divine love

For through the eyes of angels

Who on winged flight

Sees the truth of all things

To see into the heart of fire,

A sole as deep as the bluest sea

Of oceans waves topped by rolling foam

Who bring the song of joy to life

Fill your heart with the songs

Lifted up upon the seamless breeze

Whose dreams are found

Deep within the elfin ground

Listen with your eyes

And you shall see with your ears

As you bring home into your heart

All that is true, through timeless years.

CHAPTER 1

"I s she safe fa ther?"

Yes.

Thank you.

So green, it’s just so green; looking about her, her first day in this new land, so far away from the heat and the bright starkness of the unforgiving Australian sun. Everything was just so green. Mary felt like she’d fallen asleep and was walking amid a dream. Everywhere she looked was damp, wet and green.

You right there miss, you look a bit lost?

Yes, lost in the dream-like feeling of her new surroundings.

Startled by the voice beside her, she had no idea anyone else was out here in the rambling grounds and garden of the old Manor.

Oh; um, no, I don’t think so.

The old man standing beside her, his face showing the years spent out in the elements, dressed in simple work wear, mud on his boots and the well-worn cap on his head.

Beggin your pardon miss, I’d not wanted to frighten you so, it’s just you look so lost standing there in the rain.

Rain, oh yes I guess it is. Sorry I was just so deep in thought I hadn’t noticed.

Would you be the new Lady of the house by any chance now miss. Taking a well-used rag from his pocket he wipes a drip from his nose before stuffing it back again, without once taking his eyes from her. Eamon said you’d be coming today.

Feeling very self-conscious all of a sudden, and finding the old gardeners’ accent so heavy she could barely understand a word he spoke, Mary thought that Eamon’s suggestion of first formal introductions with the staff wasn’t such a bad idea after all. But after being cooped up in airports and the almost day and a half in the air, not to mention the drive here in heavy traffic; all she wanted to do was stretch her legs and breathe some fresh air. She hadn’t even set foot inside yet.

I’m so very sorry, yes I think I am. Please forgive me if I’ve wandered somewhere I shouldn’t have.

Heat rising to her face she knew that she must be glowing red with embarrassment, and all she wanting to do was turn and run away, what was she doing here? Only six months ago she knew who she was, and where she was heading in life, her dreams all mapped out and now she had no idea. Oh, why did her aunt have to die? And why hadn’t she been told about any of this?

Aware now of the soft mist-like rain, shivering as she realized how cold she is; Mary quickly retraced her steps back to the Manor. As she rounded the last turn of the wall like conifer hedge, back onto the white gravel of the drive and again feeling confronted by the sheer expanse of the Manor perched up at the topmost part of the rising hill before her. What was she doing here?

Her feet crunching lightly on the gravel drive and Mary again remembers back to the place she believed was her home. Yes, it was home, the home of her childhood, and the sound of her feet as she jogged to keep fit and train for long distance trials; so very different now to this sound.

Ok, she had been convinced by the custodial solicitors that she needed to come here in order to for fill the legal paperwork required in the transferring of the property into her name; her name, not some lord or lady, her, Mary.

Never had she ever felt so lost, so out of place than she did now. Give it some time Eamon had said on the drive here. Give it time. Alright then, she would give it time, time enough to sort out all the legal stuff then she would sell and return back home. Yes, that’s what she would do.

Just then the front door opened and three of the biggest dogs she’d ever seen flew out towards her, quickly followed by Eamon calling out after them. Now Mary knew dogs and had never had cause to fear them, but these three monsters were as big as horses. Instantly the renewed confidence left her and she became rooted to the ground with terror. But instead of jumping up to tear her throat out and ripping her limb from limb as she believed was going to happen, the three monsters bounced around her like puppies.

Looks like they like you. Eamon’s laughing eyes and cheeky grin did nothing to help her feel any safer.

Wha……. what are they?

Irish wolfhounds.

Are there any wolves here in Ireland?

Not anymore. That is if you don’t count Finn’s wolf, that is.

I can see why.

You looked cold so I came out to bring you this and the welcome party couldn’t contain themselves and came bounding out to meet you. They’re not normally this friendly with strangers.

Looking up at Eamon’s teasing face, and accepted the jacket held out for her, Mary wasn’t quite sure what she should believe of this man, after all, she had only just met him a few hours ago at the airport holding up a sign with her name on it.

Come on, you must be freezing, and Tess will have my guts for garters if you get sick.

Tess? ... Oh sorry, yes your wife. It’s been a long few days, and yes thank you I was cold.

Right so, what’ll it be then, front or side?

Looking up there it was the front entrance to the Manor. Struck dumb, all she could do was stare. The curved stairs leading up from either side to the landing in front of a massive carved wooden door, a brass lion’s head knocker in the middle and surrounded by what looked like gold leaf Celtic symbols; the two planters on either side each with a spiralling topiary tree, other pots with shrubs and flowers lined both sides of the stairs, and although she couldn’t see it, Mary knew that there was also a water feature somewhere nearby because she could hear the gentle sound of the trickling water.

Just then one of the dogs nuzzled her hand; its cold wet nose against her only slightly warmer skin broke the spell. Instantly the feeling of ‘this can’t be real’ came flooding over her once again.

Umm, the side.

Right so, this way then.

The path led through the eight-foot-high conifer wall, and they were in a whole new world. Stunned she again stopped, here was the water feature. The water trickled down the rocky face of a small waterfall and into a pond the size of a swimming pool, rocks jutted out from all directions and nestled among them were colorful plants and flowers of all shapes and sizes. Whoever had built this garden and pond had done a wonderful job, it looked so real as if it’d been here all along and that everything else had been built around it.

It’s beautiful isn’t it, but we’d best get on. You must be soaked through to your skin by now.

Hurrying to catch up Mary stopped at the path through the conifer wall for just the briefest of moments; looking over her shoulder to the garden that she knew would be a meditation place, a healing place for her. Somewhere she knew she would be safe.

Coming to the side entrance, it was nowhere near as grand as the main entrance. Just a big wooden door set in a stone wall, no fancy planters or fancy gardens, and Mary could see in times gone by the household staff and tradesmen coming and going, the horse-drawn carts or hand barrows pulling up beside it to unload milk, meat, poultry and whatever supplies were needed. No, this entrance didn’t frighten her; this one was where she would come and go.

After the cold and wet, Mary instantly felt better as she walked into the warmth of the kitchen. There off to one side stood a big wooden table, big enough for a dozen people to sit around it, looking hand tooled and built by a skilled carpenter.

A few years back in school she had attended a field trip to a showroom and workshop of a well-known and sort after carpenter. She loved the smell of the polish and the feel of the timber as her hand gently glided over the top of it. But most of all she loved the workshop; seeing the skilfully trained carpenters take a stick of timber and shape it on the lathe. Or carefully studying the grain to see how best to work with it. Her eyes had been opened to what felt like a whole new world, one that was surrounded by beautifully hand tooled timber.

Oh my god girl, would you look at you! Soaked through and freezing cold no doubt. You just get yourself over here by the fire, that’ll soon have you right. Placing a hand on either side of Mary’s shoulder’s and gently ushering her over in front of the fire, then take a soft clean hand towel, she offered it to Mary.

It had to be Tess; salt and pepper hair pulled back into a bun, her hazel eyes and strong ample features along with her matter of fact way about her had Mary feeling safe for the first time since the death of her aunt five months ago.

The kitchen was the biggest Mary had ever seen, and although the old fuel stove had been replaced with a gleaming stainless steel gas oven and cooktop, it was still easy to imagine the room bursting with people and activity. The iron racks still hung from the ceiling with bunches of herbs, pots, pans, and utensils hanging from it. There was all manner of things that Mary had never seen before and had no idea what they would be used for and cupboards stacked with China, serving vessels and tableware. The sight of it all had Mary worried about just how many people worked here and what would be expected of her? Mary looked up at Tess with tears in her eyes, please forgive me but I have no idea what it is I’m supposed to do. Up until a month ago, I had no idea this place ever existed. It’s just all too much for me. Bringing her hands up to cover her face and the tears flowing from her eyes, Mary felt even more uncomfortable, if that were even possible.

Now there there love, it’ll all be fine, don’t you worry now our Eamon and I’ll see you right; Putting her arms around Mary, Tess takes her in a comforting motherly embrace, It’s been a long trip and you must be bone tired and all. I’ll get Ashling to run you a bath and I’ll send you up a tray with some dinner on it. Then we’ll meet tomorrow when it comes.

Unable to speak for fear of bursting into tears again, Mary leans into Tess’s embrace and wonders how in the world she will ever know what to do in this place. She was sure she will make a fool of herself. Even the staff here knew more than she did. Able to pull herself together Mary looks gratefully back at Tess with a simple thank you. No sooner spoken when a very pretty girl about her own age walked through the door.

Her resemblance to Eamon was easy to see she was his daughter; she had his warm smile and laughing eyes that looked to be finding mischief wherever she could, with her dark curly hair falling loosely about her shoulders, framing her kind and beautiful face, she was dressed in jeans and jumper, showing a soft, but attractive figure.

Hi I’m Ashling, I saw you coming in soaked through from the rain, there’s a bath run for you upstairs, thought you’d be needing it.

With a gentle squeeze, Tess tells Mary to follow Ashling on up to her room and all would be right. Mary silently followed Ashling out into the hall and up some stairs.

These are the servant passages, hope you don’t mind, but it’s quickest this way.

No that’s fine thank you.

The passage was narrow and bright, although two people could pass one another without too much trouble, the simple overhead lights easily lit the passage, there were no curtains on the windows that ran down one side of the passage overlooking the back courtyard, greenhouse, vegetable garden and work sheds. On the other side of the passage was a simple bare wall with off-white paint that although clean, was not far off needing to be redone.

Even though it wasn’t late, no more than six o’clock, it was pitch black outside, when she came inside only half an hour ago it was still light enough to see easily. Ashling noticing Mary’s look cheerfully tells her that this time of year it gets dark very quickly and before the month was out it would be totally dark come four pm. But not to worry once summer returned it doesn’t get dark until almost eleven pm.

Mary could see that Ashling had her parents’ good nature and even though she was still lost in the events of the past five months, she knew that she and Ashling would soon become friends.

As they walked Ashling went on to tell Mary that although it was quiet here in the house this time of year, that come May it would start to see the first of the season’s guests, and by July it would be buzzing with people everywhere. People from all over the world came here to spend their holidays, or get married, and that the gardens were the most beautiful by then also. At the moment there was only the basic staff on over the winter, her father, Eamon, was the manager, and her mother, Tess, was in charge of the household staff. Then there was the cook, Noola, and her husband Mick, who was the gardener, along with a few others who came in each day to help with the grounds and house cleaning.

Mary told Ashling of her meeting Mick as they twisted and turned along the passageway, they were no longer looking out over the back of the house, as they turned this way and that, they had moved away from the windows overlooking the grounds and instead had the simple off-white wall now on both sides of them. Every so often they would come across a door heading off here or there, as well as other passageways leading in other directions and stairs taking them both up and down, in fact it more resembled a labyrinth than hidden passageway within the house where the staff could go about their duties without being seen by the guests.

Away from the warmth of the fire Mary had started to shiver again and wondered how far they still had to go before they reached her room, and if this was the quickest way, her room must be the farthest in the house, then Ashling opened a door and they were in a hallway that had only a few doors leading off from it. As they came to the second door Ashling stopped and opened it for Mary to enter. This was her room.

Mary couldn’t believe her eyes, there was a majestic fireplace that was framed with white marble that had the finest of veins running through it. Above the fireplace on the mantle, beautifully arranged were flowers and candlesticks. There were heavy velvet curtains the color of deep burgundy, which hung from the twelve-foot ceiling to the floor.

Mary forgetting how cold she was now that she was in a room with a fire burning brightly in the hearth, walking to the curtains and drew them back to discover glass paneled doors reaching almost as high as the ceiling. They opened out onto a balcony overlooking the spectacular grounds and gardens. Turning from there to take in her bed, a four poster with the same velvet drapes that could be pulled around to entirely close in the massive king size bed itself.

The coverings and pillows all matching in colour and style to the rest of the room, which included a day bed with a small side table, several easy chairs, a small breakfast table in deep red mahogany and two matching chairs, all the timber matched the uprights and frame of the bed and all beautiful hand tooled early Elizabethan.

On other small tables around the room were vases of flowers all looking professionally arranged, oil paintings of various landscapes and horses adorned the walls that were covered in the most delicate light pink and yellow rose wallpaper. Even the carpet on the floor matched every other part of the room; nothing was out of place or overdone.

Moving to the double doors off to one side Mary discovered a walk-in wardrobe, with all her luggage already unpacked and put neatly away in the draws, hanging space and shoe racks, her belongings and simple clothes looked swamped by the empty shelves that surrounded them; but she was never one to get involved in all the fashion fads that so many of her friends had done. Even her clothes looked as out of place as she felt.

Another door opened into the private bathroom, with a lions’ footed cast iron bath, matching hand basin also set into matching mahogany from the bedroom, off-white tiles with the tiniest flecks of gold on the floor reaching up to shoulder height on the walls, the shower was big enough for two people to easily move around in, two shower heads set evenly from above, as well as two others at different angles so you could be surrounded by the water. All the taps and handles were golden brass with matching burgundy discs set into them, and the screen for the shower a smoky brown, grey opaque glass.

Mary’s toiletries had already been set out in here also, and as Ashling had said, the bath had been run, with the gentle hint of lavender in the air rising up from the water. Towels hung from heated towel rails and Marys’ clothes rested neatly on a chair by the hand basin. Even in here there was a side table with a vase and fresh cut flowers perfectly set out, then a door off from the wall opposite the side table that opened into the toilet.

Ashling had a sweet honest smile as she told Mary that if there is anything not right just let her know and she’ll see to it that it’s put right, and she hoped Mary would soon feel rested and that tomorrow, if Mary wished, she would take her on a tour of the house. With this Ashling was gone, closing the door so quietly behind her that Mary almost didn’t realize that Ashling had left the room.

Standing all alone Mary let the feeling of the loss of her aunt, the discovery of the Manor she felt so out of place here, in a country on the other side of the world. Added by the fact of being wet, cold and drained by the flight and her arrival cam washing over her; her legs gave way as she sunk to the floor of the bathroom and sobbed, her whole body shaking uncontrollably.

It was some time before she could again stand up, undressed and sank into the now cool water of the bath, letting some of the water out she topped it up with hot water and added some more lavender salts. She then laid back, tears still in her eyes but at least she was slowly warming up as she lay there with only her head and neck out of the steaming water.

Sure enough no sooner was she out of the bath and in warm, dry, comfortable clothes, Ashling arrived tray in hand. It was a simple meal of meat and mashed vegetables along with a pot of tea, milk, and sugar. Placing the tray on the small table, Ashling showed Mary where she could find wine, spirits, glasses, bar fridge and other small treats like chocolates, nuts, and ice. There was nothing left unattended.

Just as Ashling was about to turn and leave she looked into Marys’ eyes and asked if Mary would prefer her to stay and Mary quickly accepted the offer, Mary relaxed for the first time since she started to pack for the trip, and enjoyed the meal before her.

Ashling took out a bottle of red wine, some glasses and they sat back into the easy chairs in front of the fire, a small table between them with nuts and chocolates. Mary found that Ashling was easy to talk to and confide in, and they were soon deep in conversation about the house, Ireland, Australia, the death of Marys’ aunt, and her trip here. But now with food in her stomach, the red wine, and fire, Mary started to drift off. Ashling taking her queue wished Mary a good night and again leaving almost silently through the heavy door out into the hallway.

As Mary slid under the covers of her bed she discovered that an electric blanket had been set so she would be warm as toast instantly. Was there anything that hadn’t been thought of for her arrival? Or was this how every guest was treated here? But these like everything else she now knew she only had to ask. Closing her eyes Mary found that she wouldn’t be lying here unable to sleep, the red wine, fire and warm bed soon had her slipping into a deep, restful sleep.

CHAPTER 2

I t was ten am when Mary finally woke to a knocking at her door. It was Ashling with a tray. Still half asleep, Mary sat at the same small table she had the night before to find a simple but satisfying breakfast. Ashling apologized for waking Mary, but Tess said it was best Mary got into her new routine straight away, and like most things, Tess was usually r ight.

After dressing Mary took out the instructions Tess had sent up with breakfast, so she could find own way back down to the kitchen, but this time through the main part of the Manor. Nervous at first, but quickly discovered the directions were so easy to follow Mary relaxed and found herself admiring the paintings hung throughout the halls and landings. And as she walked passed them she instantly recognizing her aunt’s work, the brush strokes and style was unmistakable.

And there was another artist whose style was like her aunt’s, but to her trained eye, having a much softer, gentler, yet lifelike use of shadow and colour that had you looking to see if the characters or trees would move in the breeze or take flight. They represented the gentle landscape of the Irish countryside, or that of horses, both as stills and in motion; and the very sight of them brought a hard lump to her chest, and renewed tears to her eyes. Oh, how she missed her aunt and wished she could again snuggle up in her arms, and turn to her for answers and guidance, as she had done all her life. Right up to…

Pulling herself together, this was no time to fall in a heap she told herself, she had to start behaving like an adult, and stand on her own two feet if she was to get through all this.

It was a different Mary that entered the kitchen now from the night before and although not her usual easy-going attitude to life, at least not one that would fall to pieces the minute someone opened their mouth to speak to her.

Tess met her with a smile and signalled Mary to follow her into her office. It was exactly as Mary expected it to be; warm and welcoming, but very efficient and well set out. The desk like all the timber furniture Mary had seen in the house was expertly made and although not overly large, still had room for a computer, the usual assortment of trays and an unobstructed view for two people to sit in front of it and go over paperwork.

Behind the desk hung an oil painting of a horses’ head, and as Mary looked up at it she was sure it was a painting of the same horse that hung in the hall near her bedroom. It had the unmistakable air of an animal that knew its own value and royal lineage, and with a sharpness of the eye that spoke of intelligence. Under the painting was a brass plate with its name etched into it with ‘Super Nova’ written in a script.

There on the table was a file with her name on it, and as Tess sat down in front of her she pushed it over for Mary to open and have a look at its content. Inside was a floor plan of the house, showing the areas used for weddings and functions, the rooms used for guests and the areas kept for staff and of course now Mary. Another sheet had a map of the staff passageways that Ashling had used the night before. There was also a house staff roster, showing the duties and areas that each staff member was required to perform during each shift.

Another sheet showed the utility sheds used by the gardeners’ and groundskeepers, beside that another staff roster with similar information as with the house staff. Then yet another map, this time of the grounds and gardens, showing which areas where guests have access to, and those areas reserved for weddings and functions.

Mary was amazed at the detail and amount of information the file contained, taking her time to go over it again, stopping to look at the grounds and garden plan so she could see if the garden with the waterfall was open for guests, and as she suspected it was. But there was one good thing, there were no guests booked in for another month, and then only for a wedding. So at least for now, she could have it to herself.

Slowly closing the file Mary was happy that Tess suggested coffee before they went any further, and no sooner had Tess picked up the phone for the kitchen than Ashling was there at the door with her customary tray in hand. So, how’s the study going? Ashling knew exactly what her mother was like, and didn’t need to see the file to know what it contained.

Mmmmm my favourite, no one can make a cake as good as Noola can. Picking up a mug of coffee and a slice of chocolate cake Ashling winked at Mary. Beside each slice presented beautifully was a dollop of whipped cream and on top of that a fan of strawberries with fresh mint leaves, then to finish it all off a dusting of icing sugar over the top.

The fragrance of the cake and coffee had Mary putting her hand out for her own slice and only moments later, the both of them had nothing but crumbs on their plates and empty mugs beside it. Smiling at each other the two girls with cheeky grins gave each other a nod and Ashling ducked out to grab another slice and more coffee. No sooner had she stepped out of the room when she returned. Noola knows me far too well, she had these ready before I even got there. Both girls laughed as Tess looked on with an air of a proud mother hen watching over her chicks. It was good to see Mary laughing and fitting so easily in with Ashling; after all, there was only a year or two between them.

By lunchtime Tess and Mary having gone over everything in the folder were ready to come out and meet a few of the staff. But it was obvious that Mary had never been told her true history, and that it would take some time before she could be shown just who she really was. Until then it was just good to see her smile.

So what’s this I hear you two getting into the chocolate and wine last night and coffee and cake today……. I don’t recall seeing any of that on the schedule…. well what do the two of you have to say about that…… hmmm ... With a wicked glint in his eye and a grin he just couldn’t contain, Eamon followed closely at his heels by the dogs, gives Ashling a nudge that almost knocks her right off her chair. Laughing he sits at the head of the table with Ashling at one side and Tess at the other.

After her time this morning with Tess Mary had started to feel a little of her old self-creeping back again, and although enjoying being included in the closeness of this family; her heart still ached with the understanding that she never had parents or to be a part of a real family. And with her was gone she is ‘no body’s child .…….’ That no matter what friendships she makes, she will never again have the security of belonging to a true family.

Ok then now that lunch is out of the way we’d best look at what we have to do in the next few days. It was Eamon, now straight-faced and all business. We have to go into Dublin on Wednesday, so that’s when we made the appointment for you with the solicitors Mary, with today being Monday that gives you the rest of today and tomorrow to find your feet here and get over a bit of jetlag. Eamon gave Mary a wink before look at Ashling. Ashling, you’ll get about with Mary to help her get lost, Mary I’d take your maps with you everywhere you go, I know my daughter and she could get even ME lost in this place… , I’m sure there are parts of this Manor no one but Ashling has been in for many years, especially in the old section we don’t use any more. Right so I have to be off now until this evening, so I’ll see you all for dinner. Giving both Tess and Ashling a kiss on their foreheads he was off with the dogs scrambling to fall in at his heels.

Right then Mary where will it be first? The house, the grounds, or the pub…….

The pub sounds good, but maybe best if we wait till after the solicitors on Wednesday. Did I see stables and yards on the grounds plans? Are there any horses? I feel lost without my horses and my other pets.

"We do at that, it might be a bit wet to ride today, but we can still go round and