Free The Girl Who Made Good in America by James G. Dow Page A

yet. I just wanted to make sure that I’d prepared the way first.”
    Two months later, Alexander Duff and Theresa were married in St Pat’s. Alex was delighted to adopt young Martin and said, at the reception at Silvertrees, that he hoped to provide him with some playmates.
    Gags asked the guests to give a warm welcome to the Reverend Gavin Hamilton. “Would you care to say a few words, Gavin – perhaps a suitable quotation from your friend Will Shakespeare?”
    “Let joy be unconfined,” said Gavin sitting down at the piano.
    “He means, let’s have a good old knees-up,” said Father Gallagher, leading the way in a chorus of Roll out the Barrel’’
    Later, Gavin provided Theresa with a draft copy of Forbidden Love. She read it avidly but questioned the bit about throwing the fight for money. “Callum would never have done that, Mr Hamilton!”
    “Theresa, we’re not talking about Callum. It’s the character Mickey Ford who took a dive. I told you I was going to change a few things. It’s called dramatic licence. Similarly, your character is Terry Ford.”
    “Oh, I get it. OK, go ahead and publish it and I hope it makes some money for your cause.”
    “Theresa, it’s your story too. Any profits will be put into a trust account and you and I together will administer the funds.”
    “Mr Hamilton, I really should tell Alex about this book. He’s my husband now. I shouldn’t have any secrets. Do you mind?”
    “That’s fine, Theresa. This one, I’ve written under my own name, so my little secret about the other books and my nom de plume is safe.”
    Two months on, Theresa informed Alex that he was a man of his word. “In what way?” said Alex.
    “You remember what you said at our wedding reception about providing a playmate for young Marty? Well, it’s come to pass. I’m pregnant.”
    “Alex was speechless for a moment, then followed a torrent of questions. “Are you sure? Do you feel OK? Have you seen the doctor? Is everything all right?”
    “Yes, yes, yes, and yes. This time I won’t be rushing off to America, though, but I do want to go somewhere.”
    “What do you mean?” said Alex, looking worried.
    “I think we should move from Silvertrees to your house in the town. If we’re going to have a big family, this place is too small.”
    “I think it’s a great idea. So are you going to sell Silvertrees?”
    “No, I thought I’d ask my parents if they would like to live there. Mother loves the place and it would be good for father’s health, away from that smoky estate.”
    “Would that be convenient for young Megan? It’s a fair walk to school from there.”
    “Megan will be starting as a trainee nurse shortly. She’s been accepted by Glasgow Royal Infirmary and she’ll be living there in the nurses’ quarters.”
    “Well, lassie, you seem to have everything worked out. I’m delighted. You’ve made me a very happy man. Me – a father! I just can’t get my head round that.”
    “Alex, you’ve been a terrific father to young Martin for a while now. He’s your boy in every way that matters, and I know you’ll always love him.”
    “Thanks, lass – that’s true. Now, are there any more surprises?”
    “As a matter of fact, there is. I went to see old Mr Pottinger last week to tell him about my plans for Silvertrees, a courtesy I felt was his due. He has now retired to tend his garden and I’ve bought his Rover 75 car. Will Mowbray has been giving me driving lessons on the quiet and I’ve already got my licence. I’ll be too big to walk everywhere soon but with the car I can visit mother everyday if I want. Are you pleased?”
    “Goodness, Theresa, is there no end to your talent? I’m pleased and very proud of you.”
    Six months passed. Martin and Mary enjoyed the vast change in their environment but the onset of a harsh winter took a toll on Martin’s health. He wasn’t able to go to see the big New Year’s Day clash between Celtic and Rangers. He wouldn’t