by T A Williams
‘He certainly does. It’s probably his favourite food in the whole world.’
‘How funny. I never really associated dogs and fish.’
‘He’ll eat just about anything – meat, fish, vegetables, even some fruit – but, who knows why, prawns are his favourite. I always give him the very last one and he knows it.’ Claudette glanced up from the sink. ‘So, how did your dinner party go the other night?’
‘Very well, I think. I didn’t manage to poison Miss Beech, which is always good.’ In fact, Faye had definitely got the impression that both of her guests had enjoyed themselves, although Eddie had found the climb up and back down the stairs very hard work. ‘Is Miss Beech up and about?’
‘She is, but now it’s Eddie who’s in bed today. His hip’s really playing up. Anyway, go on through to the study. I’ll bring you coffee and biscuits a bit later.’ Faye knew she should have refused the offer, but her willpower, normally pretty good as far as other things were concerned, always melted away in the face of Claudette’s biscuits. With a silent sigh at her total lack of backbone, Faye walked through to the study, where she found Miss Beech on the telephone.
Seeing Faye, Miss Beech waved her in, cupped her hand over the receiver, and explained. ‘I’m on the phone to a clinic in Montreux for Eddie. He really needs that hip replacement badly, so I’m trying to speed things up.’ She returned her attention to the phone as somebody spoke to her from the Swiss clinic. ‘Yes, hello … You can …? That’s excellent. And you’ll send an ambulance …? Thank you. Au revoir.’
Miss Beech put the phone down triumphantly. ‘They’ll do it next Monday, and they’ll organize transport and everything.’ She glanced across at Faye with a smile. ‘Having money can sometimes be really good when you can use it to help somebody you love.’
It was on the tip of Faye’s tongue to ask Miss Beech just what she meant when she used the word love in the context of Eddie, but she resisted the urge. Instead, she smiled back encouragingly. ‘That’s such good news. I’m sure Eddie will be delighted.’
‘Eddie will be furious.’ Miss Beech noted Faye’s surprise and set about explaining. ‘He hates me paying for things for him. I bought him a new car a few years ago and he didn’t speak to me for a week. He tells me I pay him enough and he doesn’t need any charity. Well, this isn’t charity. I need my PA to be able to do his job, not spend his time lying in bed.’ She was doing her best to sound firm and decisive, probably practising what she was going to say to Eddie, but Faye could sense how concerned she was for him.
‘How long will he be out of commission after the operation?’
‘They’re telling me three to six days in hospital and then he can come home. He’ll be on crutches for a month or two and then that should be that. It’s quite amazing, really.’ She shook her head in wonder. ‘Anyway, look, Faye, I’d better go and talk to him, so it’s probably best if we put off our session until this afternoon. As I’m sure you’ve already worked out, they’re harvesting the lavender down at the farm. Why don’t you and Marlon go down for a look?’
Faye didn’t need to be asked twice. She left Miss Beech to break the news to Eddie about his impending hip replacement and returned to the kitchen where Claudette was in the process of washing her hands and the dog was still licking his lips, presumably having been given the last prawn. Faye collected a very happy Marlon and left.
As they walked down the hill, with each step they took, the scent of lavender became stronger. By the time they reached the field, it really was all-pervading. Faye felt pretty sure she was going to smell of lavender for weeks to come. She didn’t dislike the smell, but would never have chosen it as a perfume. Somehow, after this, she felt pretty sure any possible attraction for the scent would be wiped out. She could hardly breathe and even the dog kept sneezing.
Of course, this could also have been all the dust in the air. As the tractor made its way down the rows, clouds rose up behind it, partly caused by the powder-dry earth and partly as the freshly cut lavender blooms were blown through a chute into the trailer riding alongside the harvester. As the tractors and trailer disappeared over a slight rise towards the far side of the field, Faye marvelled at the precision with which the plants were left, perfectly pruned to a regular curve. The corduroy effect she had noted before was now enhanced, although, with the removal of the flowers, the colour of the cloth had changed from purple to grey.
‘Good morning, Faye. What do you think of our harvest?’ Faye turned to find Dominique coming up behind her, Elise sitting on her shoulders. Her mother had tied a handkerchief across the little girl’s face to keep the worst of the dust out of her nose and mouth. Alongside them, George the dog was renewing acquaintance with his brother.
‘It’s amazing. I can hardly breathe.’
Dominique grinned. ‘We could all bathe in raw garlic tonight and none of us would smell a thing. It is rather overpowering.’
‘Mind you, it’s a hell of a lot better than some of the smells I remember from farms back home.’ The dust was beginning to settle a bit now and Faye found she could breathe more easily. ‘Do you know England well?’
Dominique shook her head. ‘Not really. I’ve only been there a few times. And don’t ask me to speak the language. I’m terrible.’
‘So do you and Gavin speak French together all the time?’
Dominique nodded. ‘Just French. He and Robbie used to speak English with their father and French with their mother. That way, they both grew up quite bilingual.’
‘Absolutely. His English and his French are both impeccable.’ Faye decided not to rake up bad memories. Instead, she decided she had better get back to work. ‘Say hi to Gavin for me, but I’ve got to get back. Bye.’ She gave a wave to little Elise who waved in return. She collected Marlon and set off back to the stables.
***
Faye worked on the manuscript all morning and, by lunchtime, she had managed to make really good progress. A quick word count told her she had already written almost twenty thousand words of the book so she printed off a copy to give to Miss Beech. She handed this over at two o’clock when they met up for their afternoon session.
Miss Beech looked and sounded very pleased to receive it, although Faye was feeling quite nervous, desperate to know what she would think of it. It was, after all, quite possible she would hate it. She sat down across the desk from Miss Beech, wondering how Eddie had reacted to this morning’s news about his impending operation, courtesy of Miss Beech. Miss Beech read Faye’s mind before she had to ask.
‘I was quite right, Faye. Eddie went ballistic when I told him I’d booked him into Montreux, but I managed to calm him down. I told him he needed to be mobile in case anything happened to me.’ She gave Faye a smile. ‘I reminded him how old and decrepit I am.’
‘So, is peace restored?’
Miss Beech smiled. ‘Yes, dear. Peace has definitely broken out again. The doctor came just before lunch and he’s given Eddie a handful of pills and, as a result, he’s sleeping like a baby. Now then, I’m dying to take a look at what you’ve written so far. Would you mind if I get on with that now while you do something else, like going for a swim, for instance?’
It was a beautiful afternoon and Faye followed her employer’s advice, spending the afternoon by the pool, re-reading what she had written, hoping Miss Beech would approve. At half past four, fingers crossed, Faye returned to hear the verdict.
The first person she saw was Claudette, as ever, preparing food. ‘Hi, Claudette. Could I see Miss Beech, do you think?’
‘I’m sure you can. Last time I saw her she was in the lounge with Eddie.’
‘He’s up?’
‘He’s actually using Miss Beech’s wheelchair, but he insisted upon coming downstairs. Go on through. She told me to tell you to go and see her straightaway.’
Faye went through to the lounge, one hand behind her back, her fingers still firmly crossed. Miss Beech was in her usual chair, staring into the empty fireplace, her fait
hful Labrador snoring at her feet. Opposite her was Eddie in the wheelchair, holding what was unmistakably Faye’s manuscript. As she appeared at the door, he looked up, dropped the manuscript into his lap, and started clapping his hands, rousing Miss Beech and the dog. Marlon, seeing his friend, raised his head and whacked his tail against the floor to greet Faye.
Eddie was the first to speak. ‘Terrific, Faye. We love it.’ He sounded remarkably enthusiastic. Faye glanced across at Miss Beech, her fingers still crossed behind her back, but maybe not quite so tightly now, after what Eddie had said. To her surprise, Miss Beech held up her arms and waved her over. As Faye reached her, she saw that the old lady was looking very emotional. At Miss Beech’s insistence, Faye leant towards her so that the old actress could give her a warm hug and a kiss on both cheeks.
‘I couldn’t be happier, Faye. I love it. I told you I was sure you were the right girl for the job, didn’t I? You’ve done brilliantly.’ Miss Beech released a very embarrassed Faye and waved vaguely in the direction of the manuscript. ‘There are a few factual errors, mainly with dates, most probably my fault, but otherwise it’s just what I was hoping for, and more.’ She pointed across the room towards a handsome medieval dresser. ‘There’s champagne in the fridge. This definitely calls for a celebration. Would you do the honours, please, Faye?’
Faye let out her breath in a silent hiss and beamed. Her feeling of relief was palpable. As instructed, she went over to the dresser and opened one of the doors. To her surprise, she found that the whole of the inside had been converted into a wine cooler, and there were dozens of bottles lying in there, tops pointing outwards.
She easily located a bottle of champagne, took it out, and opened it. As she did so, she reflected that it would be just as well if she didn’t develop too much of a taste for the stuff, as this wonderful interlude, living in the lap of luxury, wouldn’t last for ever. As she poured the wine, she glanced across at Miss Beech and Eddie. She knew she was going to miss them a lot when her contract ended. And of course, she would miss Marlon terribly. She looked up from her glass and caught Miss Beech’s eye.
‘I’m so glad you liked it, Miss Beech.’
‘I really did.’ There was genuine affection in her tone and Faye suddenly felt a wave of emotion as she reflected how wonderful it would have been to have had a mother who looked at her and talked to her like this. She dropped her eyes and blinked a few times. Somehow, she knew that she and Miss Beech were forging a real link and this pleased her very much. She looked up again as Miss Beech revealed that she had a surprise in store.
‘To celebrate, I thought we might have a special dinner tomorrow night. I haven’t seen Gavin or Dominique for ages. I know you know them, so I thought I might invite them along.’
Faye looked up. ‘That sounds like a lovely idea. I’m pretty sure Dominique will come. I’ve seen her out with friends, but she told me Gavin doesn’t go out much.’
‘We’ll see about that.’
Chapter Ten
Faye came across to the chateau a few minutes before the agreed time of half past seven, still digesting her surprise that Gavin had agreed to come out for dinner. Miss Beech’s powers of persuasion were truly impressive but, then, very few people of either sex would be likely to turn down an invitation to dinner with a Hollywood star of Miss Beech’s stature. Faye came in through the kitchen, where Claudette glanced up from what she was doing long enough to say hello before returning all her attention to her cooking. Faye stopped to greet Marlon and he followed her through to the lounge, tail wagging contentedly.
Miss Beech was already in her usual seat by the fireplace. She was wearing a charming, and no doubt expensive, evening gown. Her hair was pinned up and there were long, pendant diamond earrings glittering at the sides of her face. She had evidently been at the make-up box and she genuinely looked twenty, maybe thirty years younger. At least from this distance.
‘Miss Beech, you look absolutely amazing. I’ve not seen that dress before. Is it new?’
Miss Beech smiled and shook her head. ‘Thank you, my dear. No, it’s not new. I don’t very often buy new clothes these days. I’ve got so, so many upstairs. Remind me to show you one of these days. There are two rooms just full of clothes … and, believe me, they’re big rooms. Ball gowns, cocktail dresses – you name it, I’ve got it. In fact, I’ve been thinking of giving a load of them to one of those charity auctions for a good cause.’
She took a closer look at Faye, who had chosen a light summery dress she hadn’t worn before. ‘And you, my dear, you look breathtaking. What a lovely dress, and the yellow shows off your tan so well. Eddie, look, isn’t she gorgeous?’
Eddie, too, was looking very smart in a white shirt and freshly laundered jeans. In fact, Faye had never seen him in any other type of trousers. His hair was freshly washed and his ponytail combed. Instead of espadrilles, tonight he was wearing soft leather deck shoes. He wasn’t using the wheelchair, but he was standing awkwardly and Faye reflected that his hip operation would be coming up in only a few days’ time. No doubt he would be delighted to get it done. In spite of his evident discomfort, he gave Faye a big smile.
‘She could be you at the same age, Anabelle. Quite stunning. Faye, how about I fix you that Manhattan I’ve been promising?’
Faye didn’t know what the ingredients of a Manhattan were, but he was obviously keen to show off his cocktail-making talents, so she nodded, while Miss Beech picked up on what Eddie had said. ‘He’s right, you know, Faye. So similar in build, height, everything. I know, how would you like to try a few of my old gowns some time?’ She glanced down at Faye’s sandals. ‘Your feet even look about the same size. I bet we could get you looking better than a lot of these new actresses you see on the screen these days. Would you like that?’
Would she like that? Faye was absolutely blown away at the idea of being able to try on some of the stunning dresses she had seen in the old photos of Miss Beech that lined the wall. ‘I would love that, Miss Beech. I really would.’
Just then, they heard the bell ring and Marlon transformed from amiable companion to ravening guard dog, leaping to his feet and charging out into the hall making a terrible racket.
‘Faye, dear, would you go and let them in. I’m sure Claudette’s got a million things to do in the kitchen.’
‘Of course.’ Faye followed the dog out into the hall and pressed the button to open the gates. She patted Marlon on the head and, mercifully, he stopped barking, but Faye knew it would only be a temporary lull. A minute later, she heard footsteps crunching through the gravel on the drive and the dog erupted once again. Faye was trying to calm him down when, suddenly, Marlon must have worked out who was on the other side of the door as he lapsed into silence and started wagging his tail. ‘Marlon, you really are a noisy blighter; you know that?’ Faye pushed him out of the way with her knee and opened the door.
‘Good evening. Thanks for coming. Sorry about the noisy welcome.’ She stepped to one side, holding Marlon by the collar for fear that he might leap all over the guests, and she let Dominique and Gavin into the house, closing the door behind them.
‘You can let Marlon go, Faye. We’ll be fine.’ Dominique was wearing a very smart red dress that complemented her dark hair beautifully. Beside her, Gavin looked every bit the image of many a Hollywood idol Miss Beech would have known in her time. He, like Eddie, was wearing a crisp white shirt, but with dark trousers, rather than jeans. His hair was immaculately styled and somehow he looked even taller and his shoulders even broader.
As Faye released her hold on the dog’s collar she reflected that they did, indeed, make a great couple. She kissed Dominique on both cheeks and then, rather primly, held out her hand towards Gavin. He took it and shook it.
‘Good evening, Faye.’ He sounded a bit formal and she could see it was costing him some effort to appear comfortable in a social environment, when he clearly wasn’t.
‘Faye, you look lovely.’ Dominique, on the other hand, looked
delighted to have been invited. ‘That colour really suits you.’ She glanced down at her hands. She was holding a big bunch of roses. ‘Shall I give these to you or to Miss Beech?’
‘Definitely to Miss Beech. She and Eddie Marshal are in the lounge, through that door there. Do, please, go in.’ She stood to one side as Dominique and Gavin followed the direction of her outstretched hand and went inside.
By this time, Miss Beech had got to her feet and she looked even more striking, just like one of the photos lining the wall, apart from the minor detail of sixty years having passed. She received Dominique and Gavin effusively, kissing them both and giving Dominique a hug.
‘No little girl?’ Miss Beech sounded disappointed.
Dominique shook her head. ‘No, I managed to get Chantal from the village to come and babysit. She’s done it before and Elise knows her.’ She glanced across at Faye. ‘She tells me she’s doing your English course and they all think you’re marvellous.’
Miss Beech smiled. ‘I’m sure Faye’s wonderful. She’s such a clever girl. But promise me you’ll bring Elise up here for tea one day. I’d love to see her.’ Then, ignoring Faye’s blushes, she turned to Gavin. ‘Eddie’s dying to mix some cocktails. Would you like one?’
‘I’m making a Manhattan for Faye. How does one of those sound?’
‘That sounds terrific for me, thank you.’ Gavin glanced across at Dominique. ‘Dominique, what about you?’ His voice was a bit strained, but Faye was pleased to see him looking a bit more relaxed.
Dominique and Miss Beech opted for glasses of white wine and Faye rather wished she had done the same. What, she wondered to herself, was in a Manhattan anyway? But, by now it was too late. Seconds later, Eddie presented them with their drinks.
‘Here are your Manhattans. I make them fairly strong, so probably best not to gulp them down in one.’ Faye took the tall cocktail glass from Eddie and was then pleased to hear Gavin gallantly propose a toast to Miss Beech.