Talking of which, I do like Viola. For a ten-and-a-half-year-old, she is extremely well read, even if a lot of the books she reads have ‘thongs’ and ‘snogging’ in the title. However, I hope I’ve managed to convince her to focus her literary hunger on Jane Eyre, of which there is a very nice copy in my Broom Cupboard Library. I think it will suit her. She is a waif and stray herself.
I digress. Shortly after Dad left, the conversation became even more strained. Jules continued to talk about the house she is going to buy, with no mention of the fact her husband even exists or that he is currently AWOL.
I’ve always rather liked Sacha. Even though he is an alcoholic and bears more than a passing resemblance to Oscar Wilde with all that entails, and everyone in both his family (other than Viola) and mine raise their eyebrows and sigh when they make reference to him as if he were a naughty but indulged toddler, there’s no doubting he’s bright. And under that City suit, an eccentric bursting to break free.
God help me if finance ever becomes my fate. I wouldn’t so much break the Bank of England as shatter it into a million pieces.
Anyway, back to today. Just after we’d arrived home from the beach, I was in the boot clearing out the endless soggy towels, when Mr Fix-it stomped past me looking grim.
He’d obviously been visiting Mum whilst we were all out.
A horrible thought is lurking in the recesses of my mind, but I refuse to acknowledge it. That would make it real and it just can’t be.
It just can’t.
So instead of that, I am focusing my considerable brainpower on my own problem: the successful rescue of my bunny.
The letter is finally complete. I’m taking a chance, I know, but as with all missions of this nature, there has to be some element of risk.
I read the letter back to myself and allow myself a chuckle at its cleverness. Colette meets ‘The Three Little Pigs’ meets Alex the Great.
All in French.
I’ve tested Rupes’ prowess without him knowing. He can’t count to cinq without getting stuck. Chloë, on the other hand, being half French, is fluent.
She’ll understand.
I’ve pushed a note under his door to say the letter’s ready for him to take delivery and designated the swimming pool at eight tomorrow morning for the ‘drop’. I know how these kidnap plots can go horribly wrong, so I’ve suggested he puts the bunny on the floor in front of him so I can see him, and only then will I hand over the letter.
He will read it and the French words will mean nothing to him. So he will be happy.
Just in case of disaster, I’m hiding Immy in the olive trees and priming her to scream her sparkly flip-flops off for ‘Mummee!’ if there is one false move from my adversary. For example, if he recaptures the bunny and makes off with the letter.
It’s cost a fortune in sweeties to bribe her, but who cares as long as it works? Then my dearest and oldest friend will have to suffer the indignity of a Safe (Dog)-House, i.e., an old kennel which I found in the back of the shed, for the duration of Rupes’ stay.
I pull the gusset over my face and switch the light off. I close my eyes but I just can’t sleep. Adrenaline flows through me at the thought of my rescue mission tomorrow, but also at the thought of something else.
Could it be? Oh God, please, I would even – gulp – sacrifice Bee to make it Not Be.
Mum cannot love him.
She just . . .
Cannot.
ιδ′
Fourteen
‘There you are. I’ve been looking all over the place for you.’
Helena turned as Sadie poked her head round the door of the study.
‘Sorry. I was just going through Angus’ desk to see if I could find anything more about this mystery woman I mentioned to you last night, who he seems to have been in love with.’
‘Any luck?’
‘No, but there’s a locked drawer here and I can’t find the key.’
‘You’ll probably have to force it. The key could be anywhere. You must find out who she is, Helena. It’s such a romantic story.’
‘I don’t want to break into the desk if I can help it, it’s so lovely.’ Helena ran her hands over the smooth green leather covering the top of it.
‘Apart from making sure you were okay, I just came to alert you to the fact that something very odd was going on at the pool this morning.’ Sadie perched in front of Helena on the edge of the desk. ‘I was gazing out of my bedroom window earlier, and I saw Rupes and Alex standing on opposite sides of it, squaring up. Looked like pistols at dawn to me,’ Sadie said with a giggle. ‘Then there was a big splash and some shouting, and everything went quiet.’
‘Oh God! Have you seen them both since?’ Helena asked anxiously.
‘Yes. Rupes was marching up the stairs to his bedroom as I was coming down, then I saw Alex disappearing into his broom cupboard. He looked as if he’d been for a swim fully clothed.’
‘Really? I hope Rupes isn’t bullying Alex, but you saw them both afterwards so they’re obviously still alive.’
‘They were, yes.’
‘I’ll go and check on Alex now.’ Helena made to stand up. ‘I’ve been in here since seven and I didn’t hear a thing.’
‘Are you hiding?’ Sadie asked Helena as she reached the door.
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know what I mean. You’re usually at the centre of everything at breakfast-time, not ferreting around in the study. Have you and William had a bust-up?’
‘No. Why?’
‘Last night, he hardly spoke to you. Usually he’s so . . . attentive.’ Sadie crossed her arms. ‘Something’s pissed him off.’
‘Well, I’ve no idea what.’
‘And you . . . sorry, but you look terrible, sweetie.’
‘Thanks.’
‘You seem to have a permanent frown. Helena . . . why don’t you open up and tell me what’s going on? I’m your closest friend, remember? Not the enemy.’
‘Really, I’m fine. I just . . . haven’t felt great in the past few days, that’s all.’
‘Okay, have it your way,’ Sadie sighed. ‘But you could cut the atmosphere in this house with a knife.’
‘Could you? I’m sorry, Sadie. I’m obviously being a terrible hostess.’
‘Nonsense! You’re being wonderful and you know it, so please don’t manufacture a guilt-trip, because that really isn’t the point. It’s nothing to do with Alexis, is it?’
‘Why do you ask?’ Helena’s hand was still clutching the doorknob.
‘William was on great form yesterday afternoon at the beach, then we all came home and he walked round to the terrace to find you. And the next thing I see is Alexis marching away down the path. He’d obviously been here whilst we were all out.’
‘He had, yes.’ Helena sighed in resignation.
‘Which I’m sure didn’t please your husband.’
‘No, but I can’t make him believe there’s nothing going on between us if he chooses to think there is. Anyway, I have to go and see if Alex is okay.’ Helena opened the door and left the room.
After a few moments, Sadie followed suit and found William in the kitchen making toast. ‘Morning,’ she greeted him. ‘Another effing beautiful day in paradise. Did you sleep well?’
‘Fine, thanks. Coffee?’
‘Lovely. By the way, what’s the form for the party tonight?’
‘What party?’ asked William.
‘The engagement “do” for Alexis’ son. Remember? He invited all of us. It might be fun,’ said Sadie.
There was an awkward pause before William spoke. ‘I had forgotten . . . And the fact that it’s our tenth wedding anniversary today. Well, under the circumstances, perhaps the rest of you should all go. I’ll stay here and babysit the kids. It’s going to be far too late for them and they’ll no doubt behave appallingly,’ he added morosely.
‘I think Helena’s already asked Angelina,’ Sadie commented as he handed her a coffee. ‘And of c
ourse you must come. It’s a special night for the two of you.’
At that moment Helena walked into the kitchen. ‘What have I asked Angelina to do?’
‘Look after the little ones whilst we go to Alexis’ son’s engagement party,’ repeated Sadie. ‘And happy anniversary, you two, by the way,’ she encouraged.
‘Oh. Yes, thanks Sadie.’ Helena cast a quick glance at William, who had his back to her.
‘I’m taking my coffee onto the terrace. Coming, Sadie?’ he said eventually, standing up.
Left alone in the kitchen, Helena sank into a chair and put her head in her hands. William had studiously ignored her since the previous afternoon. By the time they’d arrived home from the village last night, he was already in bed, ostensibly asleep. And he hadn’t even wished her happy anniversary just now, or mentioned the card she’d left on his bedside table. How ironic that it was today of all days.
Fighting the urge to pack a suitcase, grab her children and run from a haven that was rapidly becoming a hell on earth, Helena looked heavenwards for inspiration.
And found none.
With Jules, Rupes, Sadie and Chloë tanning themselves by the pool, and William determinedly absorbed in a book, Helena made her escape. She shoehorned her three children and Viola into the car, and headed for Latchi. Sadie was right – despite outward appearances, the atmosphere at Pandora currently felt like a ticking time bomb.
Alex was unusually morose, even for him. He sat silently next to her as they drove towards the coast.
‘Your eyes look red, darling. Are you sure you’re feeling all right?’ she asked him.
‘Fine.’
‘Probably the chlorine from your swim this morning. Is there a problem between you and Rupes?’
‘Mum, I told you earlier there wasn’t.’
‘Okay, if you insist.’ Helena was too exhausted to argue.
‘I do.’
‘Anyway, you’ll love Latchi town,’ she said with false brightness. ‘It’s very pretty, and there are lots of souvenir shops around the harbour. You can spend your holiday money on your usual selection of quality local merchandise.’
‘A euphemism for the crap I always buy, you mean?’ Alex pulled a face. ‘Charmed, I’m sure.’
‘Come on, Alex, I’m only teasing. You can spend your money on whatever you like.’
‘Yeah.’ He turned away and stared out of the window.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘I could ask you the same thing,’ he fired back.
‘I’m fine, but thanks for asking.’
‘Could have fooled me,’ he muttered. ‘I’m as “fine” as you are.’
‘Okay,’ Helena sighed. ‘Let’s call it quits, but in case you’ve forgotten, I’m the adult and you’re the child in this relationship. If you have a problem, please promise you’ll come and talk to me.’
‘Yep.’
‘Good. Now, let’s find somewhere to park.’
Helena sat at the water’s edge, watching the children playing in the sea. Relieved that she’d run from the cloying atmosphere of Pandora, where her life felt as if it was held at the central point of the compass and any direction was a possibility, she did what she always did during difficult moments in her life: counted her blessings.
In front of her were three happy, healthy children. If the worst happened, Pandora was hers and would provide a roof over their heads, with Angus’ financial bequest funding their living costs for at least a few months. Maybe she’d have to sell Pandora, move back to England and start teaching ballet classes – something she’d been thinking about recently. The point was, they would survive, she would survive. After all, she’d done it before. She could do it again. But she hoped with all her heart it wouldn’t come to that.
‘Look, Daddee! Mummy bought a prezzie for me!’
Fred plonked the toy car onto William’s oiled and browning stomach.
‘Wow! Another car! Aren’t you lucky?’ He smiled, ruffling his son’s hair.
‘And I got a sticker book,’ Immy added, promptly sticking a shiny pink fairy onto William’s forehead. ‘That’s for you, Daddy.’
‘Thanks, Immy.’
Immy floated off round the pool to present the other sunbathers with the fruits of her generosity.
Chloë, woken from her slumber by Immy, sauntered across to her father and sat on the bottom of his bed.
‘Hi, Daddy.’
‘Hi, Chloë.’
‘You know this party tonight?’
‘Yes.’
‘Do I have to come?’
‘You do. We’ve all been invited and I’d like you to be there.’
‘’Kay. Then can I bring Christoff?’
‘The guy you met at the airport?’
‘Yeah. He was taking me out again tonight so I thought he could hook up with us.’
‘No, he couldn’t “hook up”. He’s not been invited and this is a family party.’
‘Oh Dad, I’ll tell him not to eat much.’
‘No. And that’s my final word.’
Chloë sighed heavily, then shrugged. ‘Whatever.’ She stood up and wandered off in the direction of the house.
There was a knock on Helena’s bedroom door as she emerged from the shower.
‘Come in.’
‘Only me.’
It was Jules, sporting a badly peeling nose.
‘Hello.’ Helena gave a ghost of a smile and slipped hastily into her robe as Jules sat down on the bed.
‘I was wondering, Helena, whether tomorrow you’d come and look at this house I’m thinking of buying. I did ask William, but frankly he didn’t seem that interested.’
There was a moment’s hesitation before Helena replied, ‘Of course I will.’
‘Thanks.’ Jules nodded gratefully. ‘I’d like another opinion before I sign on the dotted line and put down the deposit.’
‘Which is due when?’
‘Next week some time.’
‘Goodness, that’s fast. Will you tell Sacha before you sign?’ she asked carefully.
‘Who?’
‘You haven’t heard from him, then?’
‘Yes, I have, he’s left a couple of messages on my mobile. But I think it’s about time I made some decisions without him, don’t you?’
‘Jules, it’s none of my business, really it isn’t.’
‘No.’ Jules was studying her nails. ‘I know it isn’t.’ Then she looked up at Helena and smiled brightly. ‘Well, if I do buy it, we’ll almost be neighbours. It’s only on the other side of the village. That would be fun, wouldn’t it?’
‘Yes. Of course it would. By the way, you haven’t forgotten about this party tonight, have you?’ Helena changed the subject.
‘William reminded me. I’m looking forward to it. It’ll give me a chance to meet some of the locals.’ Jules stood up, then gazed around the bedroom. ‘Bet you can’t wait to give this house a decent paint job. The grey colour in here is just too depressing. See you later.’
At six thirty, everyone gathered on the terrace for pre-party drinks. Sadie had alerted the household to the fact that it was Helena and William’s anniversary, and had arranged for Angelina to serve local sparkling wine and canapés she’d made earlier.
‘Chloë, is that a pelmet you have slung round your hips?’ asked William, staring in horror at the tiny leather skirt, which barely covered his daughter’s bottom.
‘Oh Dad, don’t be such a prude. We’re all practically naked during the day here, so why should the evenings be any different?’ She swung her sheet of shiny hair and flounced off to talk to Rupes, who was wearing a lurid pink shirt that only served to exacerbate his sun-enhanced complexion.
‘You look nice, Mum,’ Alex offered, emerging onto the terrace. ‘Happy anniversary, by the way.’
‘Thank you, darling,’ Helena said gratefully.
‘Doesn’t she look nice, Dad?’ urged Alex.
William turned round and studied the cornflower-blue silk dress his wife
was wearing. It was one of his favourites, matching the colour of her eyes. With her freshly washed, sun-bleached hair hanging loose around her face and her skin subtly tanned, William thought with immense sadness that she had never looked more beautiful. ‘Yes.’ He nodded. And turned away.
An hour later, everyone was piling into the cars to take them up to Alexis’ house when a taxi turned the corner and began making its way down the hill.
‘Well, I never! It’s the prodigal returned,’ said Jules, resplendent in a gold top with a matching headband worn Greek-style across her forehead.
‘It’s Daddy!’ Viola shouted delightedly, running towards the oncoming car.
‘Hello, lovely.’ Sacha clambered out of the car as his daughter threw herself at him. He hugged her tightly.
‘We’ve missed you, Daddy.’
‘And I’ve missed you.’ He looked up at the assembled company. ‘Well, this is a nice welcome! You all look smart. Are you off out somewhere?’
‘We’re going to a party, Daddy,’ said Viola.
‘Ahh,’ Sacha responded with a nod. ‘Can I come?’
‘Of course you can, can’t he, Mummy?’
‘Never one to miss a good bash, were you darling? You probably smelt the alcohol from London,’ Jules replied sarcastically.
‘Why don’t the two of you stay here? We’ll take the kids with us, give you a chance to say hello to each other, then you could both follow us up a little later?’ William suggested hopefully, trying to provide the opportunity for Sacha and Jules to talk alone.
‘He can follow us up, if he wants. I’m going now. Come on, you lot. We’re going to be late. See you later, sweetheart,’ Jules drawled as she ushered her children into her car.
Sacha shrugged helplessly as he watched his wife snap the driver’s door shut.
‘Okay, change of plan,’ William said to Helena. ‘I’ll stay here with Sacha, let him change and have a wash, then drive him up. You lead the rest.’
‘Do you know where to go?’ she asked him.
‘Vaguely. I’ll find it.’ William turned his attention to Sacha, ‘Come on, old chap, let’s go and have a chat.’
The Olive Tree Page 18