Family Divided
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doting grandmother. Assuming I’m still around,’ she said, biting her lip.
Charlotte patted her mother’s hand, fear tightening her stomach. ‘I’m sure you will be. Gillian and Paul seem
confident they can help you and Gillian’s very experienced.’
Annette nodded. ‘They will do their best, I’m sure. And I’m very grateful to you for suggesting I seek
alternative advice. At least now I have a fighting chance,’ she said, smiling at her.
Again Charlotte was taken aback, this time for being thanked. Her mother was definitely changing.
‘I’m glad for you, Mother. It’s what we all want.’
The weather on Monday morning set the mood for the day of the funeral – cold, dull and wet. Charlotte shivered
as she gazed out of the cottage window at the rain bouncing off the car. Turning her back on the dismal scene,
she filled the kettle for another cup of coffee. After all the excitement of the past few days, today she felt a bit low
at the thought of the funeral ahead and hoped the caffeine hit would help. Apart from the weather and the
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funeral there was nothing to make her feel like she did and she was annoyed with herself. Winter had never
been her favourite time of year and she wondered if the SAD syndrome could be at the root of the problem. She
needed sun and warmth, not rain and cold. As she made her coffee her mind drifted back to the conversation
with Andy the previous evening. They were discussing the wedding.
‘How about next month? Before the Christmas madness descends on us all. Business is quiet around then and
I could take a couple of weeks off,’ Andy said, kissing her as he joined her on the sofa.
‘It’s a bit soon! Not sure if I could arrange everything so quickly.’
‘What’s to arrange? I thought we both wanted a quiet do, just family and close friends.’
She asked herself why she was panicking. Andy was right, a few guests and an intimate party after the
ceremony. How long could that take to plan? On her side there was her mother and possibly a couple of friends
from uni and Andy only had his parents and a few close friends, including mutual ones like Louisa and Paul.
‘You’re right, it could be done. What about the venue?’
‘The only option is the Greffe for the wedding itself, but we can have our party anywhere. Only about sixteen
guests can come to the service but we’re not looking at any more, are we?’
‘No, that’s fine. All we’ll need is a restaurant with a private room.’ She snuggled up to him. ‘What about the
honeymoon? I’d like somewhere hot and secluded,’ she said, nibbling his ear.
‘Then hot and secluded it is.’
Charlotte, her hands wrapped around the coffee mug, smiled at the thought of “hot and secluded”. They had
decided to ask Glenn, the owner of Louisa’s travel agency, what he could come up with and Andy was to check
out the Greffe for possible dates for the wedding. With the need to give sixteen days’ notice there was no time to
lose for early December. The happy thoughts of weddings and honeymoons finally pushed away the earlier
mood and Charlotte finished her coffee before sitting down to write a list of potential wedding guests. She and
Andy were going around to Louisa’s that evening to break the news of their engagement. It looked as if they
might be receiving an early wedding invitation as well.
She arrived at the church ten minutes before two o’clock. The rector was at the door greeting a straggle of
mourners keen to get out of the rain. He smiled as she approached and as they shook hands, said he was pleased
she had been able to come.
‘I wanted to pay my respects, Vicar, but I’ll disappear once the service is over.’ She turned to check they were
alone and whispered, ‘The police aren’t going to turn up here, are they?’
‘No, certainly not. I believe they will call round tomorrow morning–’ he broke off as the hearse arrived.
‘I’ll leave you to it,’ she said, vanishing into the church, keen to avoid coming face to face with Harold. The
pews were decently full of mourners, probably acquaintances of Harold rather than Maud, Charlotte thought,
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slipping into a space at the back. The only person she recognised was Sal, the carer, seated a couple of rows
ahead. A blast from the organ announced the arrival of the cortège and everyone rose to their feet. Charlotte
kept her head down, but took a quick peep as the coffin drew level. Harold was the sole mourner pacing behind,
sombre in black. She hugged to herself the knowledge such an evil man was soon to reap his just deserts, and
shivered slightly as he passed.
Without warning the image of her mother intruded into her thoughts. With the results of the scan only days
away, the thought of whether or not the news would be good was never far from her mind. But here, in the
church, her eyes following the progress of Maud’s coffin towards the altar, it seemed an omen. She had to grip
onto the back of the pew in front to stop herself sagging. No, no she couldn’t accept it. Her mother must not die!
The organ sprang into life again as the congregation sang the first hymn and Charlotte forced herself to join in. It
helped to soothe her and she was able to sit down feeling calmer as the rector read out a brief eulogy, explaining
Maud’s widower was too upset to read it himself.
‘Humbug!’ she muttered under her breath, causing a neighbour to glance in her direction. As she listened to a
fulsome description of “a paragon of virtue, wonderful wife and mother”, Charlotte relived the time she had
spent with Maud and decided it was a load of hogwash. She wouldn’t allow herself to wonder what she could say
about her mother if…Forcing her mind back to the service, thinking although Maud had been no saint, she was
not as black as her husband. And Charlotte respected her for wanting to put things right for Jim and was present
solely for that reason.
The service was concluded and the journey of the coffin reversed and as it passed her Charlotte looked up to
find Harold’s baleful eyes on her. A look of puzzled recognition crossed his face and she immediately looked
away, her heart racing. He was obliged to walk on and Charlotte waited until the church had emptied before
leaving. She watched from the porch as the hearse and mourners’ cars left for the interment in the cemetery and
then retrieved her car. Even though she knew Harold could not harm her, she was glad to get in the car and
drive away. And the service had brought up things she couldn’t bear to think about.
The evening with Louisa and Paul washed away the darkness of the funeral. Charlotte and Andy were welcomed
warmly by their friends and as soon as Louisa spotted her ring, she let out a joyful cry.
‘I can’t believe it! You two haven’t wasted any time, have you? But I’m so, so pleased for you both.’ Hugs and
kisses were exchanged again and Andy brought out another bottle of Krug, causing Louisa to have a fit of the
giggles, shortly joined by Charlotte.
Paul raised his eyebrows, but was grinning as he opened the bottle. After the requisite toast to the newly
engaged couple, they sat down to catch up on the events of the past few days. By the time they were leaving,
Charlotte noticed Louisa was looking pensive.
‘Everything all right?’ she whispered as they stood apart from the men.
‘Yeees. But now you’re engaged and getting married ne
xt month, I’m hoping Paul won’t be long popping the
question. I’m always worried–’
‘Hey! Don’t be silly. He adores you, just give him time. Not everyone rushes full-speed ahead like us. He might
even propose at our wedding, he’s such a romantic at heart,’ Charlotte said, giving her a hug.
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Louisa’s face brightened and she agreed it was a possibility. Andy grabbed Charlotte’s hand and as she
shouted goodbye, she hoped she was right. It would be lovely to have a double celebration.
The next couple of days passed slowly and Charlotte struggled to focus on her writing. Her mind continually
wandered off to her mother’s scan and the all-important results due on Wednesday, and also to Harold and his
longed-for arrest. By Wednesday afternoon Charlotte could wait no longer and rang her mother at La Folie.
‘Hello, Mother. Have you had the results yet?’
‘Ah, Charlotte, I was going to ring you. Yes, Gillian’s just informed me the scan shows the tumours have
shrunk a little, which is good news.’
‘It certainly is! Oh, I’m so pleased. What does Gillian say?’ She felt the lead dissolve and she smiled.
‘I’m to start on the new treatment we discussed and will be monitored regularly, and she says it looks
promising for a remission.’ She paused. ‘Now, tell me if there’s any news about the wedding.’
‘We can book the Greffe for the 12th December and we think we’ve got somewhere for the party. I’m just
waiting to hear from the travel agent about the honeymoon, and then it’s full steam ahead.’
Her mother wanted to know all the details and Charlotte, surprised but pleased by her interest, was happy to
oblige. The call ended with her saying she would call round to see Annette the next day. Change was definitely in
the air.
Andy arrived home from work waving a copy of the Guernsey Evening Press.
‘It’s in the paper!’ he cried, swinging her around the hall.
‘What is? Oh, is it about Harold?’ she asked, her own excitement matching his.
‘Yep, front page too. Look,’ he said, handing it over.
Charlotte scanned the headline “Wealthy land-owner charged with murder and fraud”, underneath which a
photo showed a scowling Harold, his arm raised as if to ward off the photographer. She read on for the details.
Looking up she saw the gleam in Andy’s eyes and kissed him.
‘It’s all come right, darling. There will be justice for your family at last.’
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About the Author
Anne Allen lives in Devon by her beloved sea, near her daughter and grandchildren. Her restless spirit has
meant a number of moves, the longest stay being in Guernsey for fourteen years after falling in love with the
island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns.
Another son lives in London, ideal for city breaks. By profession a psychotherapist, Anne has now published four
novels. Find her website at http://www.anneallen.co.uk
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If you enjoyed The Family Divided why not try:
Dangerous Waters – The Guernsey Novels Book 1
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Finding Mother – The Guernsey Novels Book 2
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Guernsey Retreat – The Guernsey Novels Book 3
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COMING NEXT
Echoes of Time – The Guernsey Novels Book 5
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