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Paris

March 1975

Dearest Cathy,

Bonjour ma sœur chérie! How are you, baby sister? And how are Mam and Dad, and Gerry and Paddy? Even though I miss you all very much, Joe and I are having a fantastic time. How can I describe it here? Fun. Sophisticated. Deliciously foreign.

We are settling in well and making a new circle of friends. You should see the other embassy wives with their glitzy dresses and glittering jewels – they sparkle from a mile away and I feel like Cinderella by comparison! I’ve already told Joe that I need a bigger shopping allowance. You should visit us, Cathy, and help me upgrade my wardrobe – you have such a good eye for fashion. We have plenty of rooms in the house; so many, in fact, that the entire family could stay and we’d hardly notice! Did I mention that we have a maid? Anna is Polish, and has adequate English (when she chooses to speak!). She lives in – which seems to be de rigueur in Paris – and she is so quiet and mousey that I sometimes forget she’s in the house. Last week I was walking up the stairs when she appeared out of the shadows on the landing above me and I screamed, frightening the wits out of the both of us.

I have some news, Cathy, really good news, but you must promise to keep it to yourself for now. I’m pregnant! Isn’t that wonderful? Moving here was clearly the right thing to do. Both of us were so jaded from the disappointments and stress, a change was just what we needed. I’m quite certain that I’m having a little girl. So certain that I’ve already picked out a name, something Irish, of course, but I’m not going to tell you what it is, not until I’m cradling my baby in my arms and I can see her precious little face for myself and whisper her name to her. In a few weeks, I’ll announce the news to Mam and the boys and whoever cares to listen. By then the baby will be bigger and stronger, and I’ll want the world to know that she’s here to stay.

I’m writing this letter in one of the many local cafés. The smell of croissants and freshly brewed coffee makes me feel inordinately content and happy within myself. Dublin seems very far away, worlds apart from here, not just in miles but in every possible way. The food, the people, the frantically fast traffic on the street outside, the overall vibe and beat of the city – everything is so different. We both feel a strange sense of belonging in this city, as though this is where we are meant to be. Our pale skin and Dublin accents are irrelevant, because belonging is something you feel in your heart, and I’ve realised it has nothing to do with what you look like, or where you are born and raised. Don’t tell Mam and Dad that I can’t see us coming home. I know they’ll be devastated, but Joe and I have to do what’s right for us. There are any number of positions that Joe can apply for when his term at the embassy is over. He’s so happy here. We both are.

Do consider coming over, Cathy, and not just for a few days. The city is thriving, and there are so many jobs for typists you could have your pick. As I’ve said, you are more than welcome to stay with us. We’d be there for you if you needed us (including Anna – imagine, a maid at your beck and call!) but you could have your independence, too.

Write back soon and tell me all about the family, your work and, of course, the latest man on the scene. One of the few things I miss is being able to hear firsthand about my baby sister’s escapades!

Lots of love always,

Moira