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her sisters, all of whom seemed to know what they wanted. Kate, one of the first Irish women to gain a place in university, was set on the world of academia; Grace, like Ada, cared only about art and painting; Muriel talked about nursing; and even little Sidney was obsessed with writing. Nellie was the only one with absolutely no clear idea of what she wanted from life or the future.
    â€˜It is a problem that has to be solved,’ Kate decreed wisely. ‘We must try to find exactly the right opportunity for you.’
    A week later Kate came bounding excitedly into the bedroom and passed Nellie part of the newspaper.
    â€˜Read it,’ she urged.
    Nellie glanced at the printed page – details of a concert and a ballet and piano recital.
    â€˜The other side,’ her sister prompted impatiently.
    Nellie read the advertisement over and over again. It was for a course run by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in the School of Domestic Economy in Kildare Street to train as a rural domestic instructress. The course was for six months and participants would attain a qualification linked to a job travelling the country teaching cooking and domestic skills.
    â€˜Do you think I should apply?’ she asked.
    â€˜Most definitely,’ her sister assured her.
    A few days later, Nellie slipped on her hat and gloves and went along to the college. She enjoyed a very agreeable interview and was immediately offered a place on the course, which would start in September. Now there was just the question of breaking the news to her mother and father, and paying the tuition fees. She had absolutely no money of her own and relied on her parents to cover the general costs of her clothes and going-out money.
    Mother had grave reservations about the course, saying she wasn’t at all sure it was suitable for a young lady of her background and means.
    â€˜Don’t come complaining to us if this course isn’t what you expect,’ she warned. Nellie suspected she was put out, as she realized her daughter would no longer be at her beck and call to help with cooking and household affairs.
    As usual, Father said little, but he agreed to pay.
    â€˜I do believe that you will enjoy this, Nellie, and make a success of it,’ he said, handing her a cheque for the fees. ‘Also, the benefit is that you will have a proper qualification.’
    Delighted, Nellie hugged him. This was her opportunity to be independent and perhaps, if she passed the course, to have a career of her own.

Chapter 8
Nellie
    FOR THE FIRST time in her life, Nellie enjoyed her classes. She had a huge regard for the lecturers in the School of Domestic Economy, who constantly reminded their students, ‘Ladies, you will be professional and are expected to always behave as professionals.’
    She relished the practical work and soon learned about hygiene, storage of meat, budgeting, correct and safe use of new household mechanical, electrical and gas stoves and equipment, special invalid diets, sewing and design, catering for large numbers, baking and breadmaking, choosing cuts of meat, and de-boning, gutting and cleaning fish, game, meats and fowl. She had an ability to keep calm and work under pressure that some of her classmates envied. She suspected it had been gained from working with Essie in the kitchens of Temple Villas catering for their large family.
    To her delight, after six months she passed not only her practicals but also her written exams and qualified as a rural domestic instructress.
    Kate took her out for lunch to celebrate.
    â€˜It’s hard to credit that I am now qualified to teach people how to cook, and use new ranges and stoves and equipment, which are safer and far more labour-saving than the way they cooked before,’ said Nellie, laughing.
    â€˜Well done,’ smiled her sister. ‘I am so proud of you.’
    â€˜I’ve been offered a position in Meath already,’ Nellie