The Gathering

In Veronica’s memories of living with Ada, she realizes that she is confusing her sister Kitty’s stories as her own. She recalls Ada’s garden and Nugent coming over often with his tools. Nugent would bring candy for Veronica and her siblings. Even as a child, Veronica could tell that Nugent was in love with Ada.

Veronica imagines why Ada chose Charlie over Nugent. Nugent, Charlie, and Ada attend the horse races and place bets. Nugent is discouraged and frustrated by his losses. When Ada’s horse wins, Nugent is disappointed and annoyed, while Charlie is happy for her. Ada chooses Charlie because he supported her when Nugent couldn’t.

Veronica remembers that, when she was eight years old and living with Ada, Ada brought Kitty, Veronica, and Liam to St. Ita’s to visit Ada’s son Brendan. Ada left the kids in the gardens while she visited Brendan. St. Ita’s was a psychiatric hospital.