Heartstones (ebook)

Argumento de Heartstones (ebook)

Kate Glanville's debut novel Heartstones explores love, loss and secrets in the rural coastal setting of Ireland.

Heartstones is a novel about secrets. Set in contemporary Ireland the story is intertwined with one set in 1940?s. In both past and present it seems that everybody has something to hide. When Phoebe's married lover dies in a car accident she dare not openly express her grief for fear of their affair being found out. Heart broken she leaves her life in England to search out the old boathouse bequeathed to her by her Irish grandmother. Enthralled by the stunning scenery of the West Coast of Ireland she soon finds herself swept up by life in the nearby village of Carraigmore. When she discovers a collection of her grandmother?s old diaries hidden beneath the boat house floorboards she becomes immersed in a story of family scandal, repressed sexuality and a passionate affair between her grandmother and a young Irish artist. As Phoebe tries to piece together the truth about her grandmother?s past she begins to realise that the repercussions of what happened all those years before have shaped not only her own life but the lives of those in the small community around her. With many questions unanswered Phoebe sets out to find out more but it seems that no one in Carraigmore is quite telling her the truth.

Youre right. Life hasnt exactly been what I was planning when I last saw you. Sandra got pregnant, I needed a job, we needed a house, teaching was the easiest and quickest option; living life to the full was suddenly on hold.

Are you happy?

Are you?

Im free. I can do whatever I want, go wherever I want.

Run away wherever, whenever you want, said David.

Im not running away.

Then maybe you should try sticking around for once?

There was a thud from up above, followed by the clatter of Amy coming down the stairs. Auntie Sandra, the twins are fighting again.

Phoebe and David both looked upwards. They could hear the high-pitched bickering of little girls. There was another thud, then silence followed by a long, loud wail.

Behave, Sandra bellowed from the kitchen.

Phoebe looked at David.

Maybe youre jealous, she said.

Jealous? Of what?

Of me travelling, taking off whenever I want. She paused and gave him a sideways glance. Living your dream.

David shrugged. Im just saying you could stay here and give it a chance. Get a job doing something that really interests you.

You sound like a schoolteacher.

I am a schoolteacher.

They both laughed again. At last Phoebe could see the free-spirited young man shed met at her sisters barbecue. She remembered the tattoo; beneath the suit and shirt it must still be there. Phoebe stopped laughing and turned back to the website shed been looking at.

David crouched down beside her and looked at the computer screen. Can I just make one more suggestion without being accused of being a teacher ? His hand made a move towards the mouse.

OK, Phoebe could hear the drone of Sandras voice talking to Nola; she tried to block it out and watched David click through Google to a different site.

PGCE, he said, highlighting the word on the screen. Teacher training. You could be a teacher, a primary school teacher.

Like you?

Yes, though the comedy tie is discretionary. Nola says youve been working in an orphanage in Bangkok so you must like children and if youre thinking of teaching English then you cant think teachers are all bad.

Im not sure; I really need to get away from here before Nola drives me completely crazy; she still treats me like a badly behaved teenager.

So? Move out, get a flat, get the qualifications, try it for a while. You can always use it to teach somewhere else Africa, South America. You dont have to stay in this country if you really cant bear it.

Where would I do it? Where would I train?

With me. He smiled at her. You can do it in my school. Theres a teaching post coming up next term and if youve already got a degree you can train on the job, get paid, get a place of your own.

Phoebe was quiet for a little while. Why should I take your advice?

Didnt you take it before? He took his hand away from the mouse to let Phoebe click on the how to apply link. His fingers brushed hers. Phoebe thought of all the years shed spent aching for him, all the boyfriends shed compared to him, all the boyfriends shed found wanting.

Here you are! I wondered where youd got to, Sandra stood in the doorway, her arms folded tight across her chest. The girls and I are ready to go now.

David got up and smiled brightly at his wife. As he followed her out of the room he turned back to Phoebe. Think about it. It could be the start of something really good.0