Puzzled, Belinda said, ‘What is it? Have you forgotten something?’
‘No. I just wanted to say, I don’t think you should come to the Vendée with Max and me. Love you.’ Giving her mum a mischievous smile, she drove off, leaving a speechless Belinda staring after the car. What was that all about?
Standing next to Alain, stood waving as Chloe disappeared out of sight, Belinda’s mobile buzzed. Absently, she pulled the phone out of her pocket and, not looking at the caller ID, pressed the receive button.
‘Hello?’
‘Madame Marshall?’
The moment she heard the measured tone of the hospice nurse, Belinda knew what she’d phoned to tell her.
‘I’m sorry to have to tell you that your father, Enzo Belrose, passed away early this morning.’
‘Thank you…’ Belinda couldn’t get any more words out and collapsed against Alain as he put his arm around her, took the phone and spoke in rapid French to the nurse.
Ending the call, he put the phone in his own pocket and pulled Belinda’s shaking body against him in a tight embrace, and let her cry her heart out.
Later that evening, Belinda and Alain were sitting in the cottage garden after supper, although Belinda had played with most of her food rather than eating it. Whatever she’d expected to feel when the end came for her dad, it hadn’t been this huge sense of loss that made her feel even guiltier for all the wasted years.
When Belinda’s mobile rang, she looked at Alain in surprise.
‘My phone sounds as though it’s ringing from your pocket. I expect that is Chloe saying she’s home.’
Alain smiled. ‘I forgot I still had it,’ and he handed it to her. But it was Anouk, not Chloe.
‘Belinda, ma cherie. Sad news today, I’m so sorry.’
‘Thank you.’
‘I have to tell you what I have just heard from a relative of Enzo’s.’
Belinda stilled and waited.
‘There will be no religious ceremony, just a private burial at the cemetery the day after tomorrow, but she, Helena, is not telling anyone what time. Says she doesn’t want anyone there. I ’ave to tell you, this is not normal in France. We like to say a final farewell to our loved ones.’
‘Thank you for telling me,’ Belinda said, switching off the phone and turning to Alain. ‘Dad is being buried privately the day after tomorrow apparently, but Helena doesn’t want anyone there. No service. No nothing.’ Belinda rubbed her eyes. The news had upset her, but she was all cried out. ‘Isn’t that quick for a funeral?’
Alain shook his head. ‘Not here in France. By law, they ’ave to ’appen within six days of a death.’ He looked at her. ‘Would you ’ave gone?’
‘I’m not sure. I wouldn’t have wanted my presence to cause a scene or gossip, so probably not. I would like to pay my last respects though. Will you take me to the cemetery someday?’
‘Yes,’ Alain replied. ‘Whenever you’re ready and want to go, I take you.’
47
For the next few days, Belinda lost herself in work. With the official opening day getting closer, there was a lot of promotional work to do. Belinda updated the website booking form, wrote a press release and sent it out to as many journalists as she could find, both in England and in France. The local paper contacted her when they received theirs and said they’d send a photographer on the day. She created a Facebook page, a Twitter account and an Instagram profile where she uploaded photo after photo of Camping dans Le Fôret.
In addition to all this, she was working with Alain with the preparations for the party he wanted to throw before the official opening when he planned on telling everyone he was the new owner.
Fern was going to open the café a day or two before the official opening. ‘Need to iron out any possible snags without being pressured by a long queue getting impatient,’ she explained to Belinda. ‘And as I’m in charge of the food for the party, it will give me a chance to use the kitchen and also put the staff to work.’
The evening before the party when Alain was out with Bernie putting a slide up in the children’s park area, Belinda phoned Jane.
‘You are still coming tomorrow? I forgot to tell you earlier to bring some party togs with you. We’re having a “before we are open” party tomorrow night.’
‘I’ll throw something floaty and revealing into the case,’ Jane said. ‘Something to catch the eye of the sexy-looking Serge Gainsbourg type you work with.’
‘Behave yourself. Jeans and a sparkly top will be fine,’ Belinda said, laughing. ‘It’s a campsite.’
‘Have you decided what you’re going to do after you leave Milton Hotels?’ Jane asked.
Belinda hesitated. She had yet to tell Jane about everything else that had happened recently. ‘A lot has happened over here and I haven’t had time to give it much thought,’ which wasn’t strictly true, but her time and thoughts had been swallowed up by her dad, the hospice and Chloe’s visit.
‘Ooh, sounds intriguing,’ Jane said. ‘Tell me more.’
‘Too much to tell for now. We’ll have a good catch-up when you’re here,’ Belinda promised. ‘I’ll tell you everything then.’
Thoughtfully, Belinda put her phone down. She had made a decision, but she wasn’t going to share it with anyone until she knew for certain it was the right one. And she wouldn’t have the answer to that until the night of the party.
The campsite was a hive of activity the next day, with bunting and lights being hung and draped around trees and buildings. The tall oak trees and the silver birches that lined some of the paths had coloured uplighters placed at the base of their trunks, ready to throw purple and green lights up into the branches as evening fell. The restaurant had fairy lights hung around its takeaway serving hatch that was acting as the bar for the evening. Tables had been dragged out of the restaurant and covered with white cloths ready for the buffet-style food and crockery to be placed on them. Alain had arranged a couple of speakers around the entertainment area and set up a sound system using the electricity from the restaurant.
It was late afternoon when Jane and Brett arrived, later than expected because of roadwork delays. Belinda took them down to their cabin to settle in, apologised for not being able to stay and chat, but she had to go and change for the party. ‘Just follow the music when you’re ready and you’ll find the party. I’ll see you in a bit.’
Back at the cottage, Alain was already dressed for the party and about to leave.
‘You’re looking… good,’ Belinda said. She’d been about to say hot but couldn’t be sure how Alain would react to her saying that. Maybe later when she’d talked to him and asked him a certain question, maybe then she’d tell him how good he looked tonight. Or maybe not.
‘Merci. The bathroom’s all yours. I go collect my parents,’ and he was gone.
Belinda decided a shower would have to do – as much as she longed to soak in a perfumed bath, there wasn’t time. Half an hour later, she was showered, hair and make-up done. She took a favourite dress off its hanger, slipped her arms into it and did up the buttons that ran down the front from the sweetheart neckline to the hem. A rich blue in colour and ethnic in style with raised embroidery, she knew the slightly fitted waist and flared skirt suited her.
There was already quite a crowd of people as she walked through the campsite down to the entertainment area. Fern was fussing around the food tables and Anouk was sat holding court with some friends from the village.
Fern gave Belinda a big happy smile as she saw her and Belinda could tell she was bursting with some news.
‘Scott sends you and Alain his best wishes and he’ll be back at the end of June. He’s booked his ticket.’
‘Oh, Fern, I’m so pleased for you,’ and she gave her friend a hug. ‘Any idea where I’ll find Alain?’
‘He was just showing a couple into a cabin,’ Fern said. ‘Why don’t you go and find him. It’s his party and he should be circulating.’
‘True. I didn’t thin
k anyone was booked in for a cabin tonight.’ Belinda turned and began to walk towards the first of the cabins, wondering which one had been booked. She had her answer when she saw two people sitting around a table, and Alain pouring them a glass of champagne each. Must be his parents, although they looked familiar.
One of them must have seen her coming because Alain turned and smiled at her, at that very moment she recognised Nigel and Molly and began to run towards them.
‘I don’t believe this. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?’
‘Because it was a surprise,’ Nigel said.
Belinda turned to Molly. ‘How are you? Aren’t you supposed to be resting still? Not travelling.’
‘I’m much better. A change of scenery is good for me,’ Molly said. ‘This place is looking a lot better.’
‘Alain has worked wonders,’ Belinda said.
‘You, of course, didn’t do anything.’ Alain laughed and shook his head at her.
‘How long are you staying?’ Belinda asked.
‘Definitely a week. Maybe longer,’ Molly said. ‘Alain was telling us you’ve had a difficult few weeks?’
Belinda nodded. ‘Emotional, that’s for sure. But I understand why Mum did what she did better now.’
Molly patted her arm. ‘Your mum was wracked with guilt over the way things affected you.’
Belinda took a deep breath. ‘All in the past now, Molly.’
Nigel stood up and held his hand out to Molly. ‘Come on then. Let’s join the party and find some food. I’m starving.’
Alain walked alongside Belinda as they made their way back down to the restaurant. ‘You look beautiful tonight. Lovely dress.’
‘Thank you,’ Belinda said, suddenly feeling shy and uncertain, remembering the decision she’d made. A decision that involved asking Alain a certain question. The answer to which would decide her future. She took a deep breath. She had planned to wait until later but now seemed as good a time as any.
‘I’ve been thinking, as you’re the new owner of the campsite, and I quite like working with you, and I’m going to be unemployed and homeless in a few weeks…’ She paused. ‘That maybe, if you wanted me to, I could come back for the rest of the season and work for you.’ She deliberately kept her voice light and didn’t look at him as she spoke. ‘The only problem is, I don’t know where I’d live.’
She heard Alain’s sharp intake of breath before he caught hold of her hand and held it tightly. ‘Pas de problème. You stay with me, in the house,’ Alain said. ‘And I do my best to persuade you that that’s where you belong.’ As he took her in his arms and bent his head to kiss her, Belinda knew she’d made the right decision. She belonged not only in Brittany but also in Alain’s arms.
Epilogue
A Year Later
Belinda returned to Devon the week after the party and official reopening of Camping dans Le Fôret. Before she left, Alain took her as promised to the cemetery and she said her goodbyes to her dad. As well as placing two white potted roses on his grave, one from her and one from Chloe, she also put a pot of daisies in the middle for her mami. Now Belinda lives in Brittany, she visits the grave once a month and tends the flowers.
Nigel told her not to worry about working a month’s notice, just empty her flat and get organised for her new life in Brittany with Alain.
Chloe received the news that her mum was returning to Brittany and Alain with a grin. ‘I knew that was going to happen. You looked so right together when I was there. I’m so pleased for you. And when we get to the Vendée, you’ll both be just up the road.’ Belinda didn’t point out that it was in fact a couple of hundred miles up the road, but at least it would be the same country.
Alain had the first group of children to stay at the campsite in September at the end of the season. This year, there are plans for at least six group visits.
Bernie still lives on the campsite and there are no plans for him to move. In fact he is helping Belinda with her Breton language skills.
Enzo’s cottage now belongs to Belinda. Currently it was standing empty. The plan was for Belinda and Alain to renovate and decorate it during the coming winter when the campsite closes, and live there out of season. A plan Belinda is surprisingly happy about.
Helena died within nine months of Enzo. Just a week before she passed away, Belinda was surprised to receive a short letter from Helena asking her to visit. ‘There are things that need to be said’ was the cryptic sentence at the end of the letter.
Belinda agonised for hours over whether she should go to see Helena. What could it possibly achieve? In the end she’d gone out of the kindness of her heart not knowing what to expect. It had been a strange feeling driving up the lane to the smallholding and parking outside her former home.
The door had simply been pulled to and Belinda pushed it open and walked in, calling out ‘Hello’. Helena had been sitting at the kitchen table waiting for her.
‘Good of you to come,’ she’d said, indicating a chair. ‘I wasn’t sure you would.’
Belinda had sat and waited for Helena to speak.
‘Although he knew he was dying, Enzo was a happy man for the last weeks of his life,’ Helena had told her. ‘Your mother was the love of his life, not me, and he adored you. Seeing you again meant everything to him.’ She’d taken a deep breath then. ‘I’m ashamed to say it was me who kept the two of you apart. I was the one who lied and convinced him you didn’t want to have any contact with him.’
Belinda had nodded. ‘I’d finally worked that out for myself. Sadly your actions made three people desperately unhappy and I’m not sure you were particularly happy either. Life could have been so different. I hope you aren’t asking me to forgive you, because I can’t.’ She’d given Helena a compassionate look before she stood up to leave. ‘But I do feel truly sorry for you.’
There was nothing more she could bring herself to say to Helena, who was clearly an ill woman, and she’d quietly left, closing the door behind her.
BREAKING NEWS:
Earlier today, Belinda and Alain, with Chloe, Max and the twins, joined Fern’s daughters and their families, Anouk, and four cousins of Scott, to celebrate the marriage of Fern and Scott in the village Mairie.
Their reception is now underway in the newly refurbished campsite restaurant. Fern insisted it was the only place she wanted to hold it. Fabian, Carole and their family have joined them with other local friends.
Scott is soon going to whisk Fern away on a secret honeymoon, and Anouk and Lady are going to stay in the cabin next to Bernie so that Alain and Belinda can keep an eye on them both. The newly-weds have had their first dance together and are now planning on slipping away and leaving everyone to party, but first Fern is determined to throw her bouquet.
Her aim is good and Belinda catches it easily. Alain leans in and whispers something in her ear. She turns and is heard to say, ‘Maybe next year.’
Acknowledgments
As always my huge thanks go to the team at Boldwood Books: Caroline my patient astute editor, Nia and Amanda, Jade the copy editor and proofreader, Shirley – you are all ace and thank you for making my books the best they can be.
Thanks to my online writing friends and fellow Boldwood authors, who boost me up and keep me sane when I have a bit of a wobble!
Huge thanks to my husband who has taken over the kitchen while I write and produces the most delicious meals and naughty treats just when I need them.
My heartfelt thanks also go to you, the reader – without you buying and liking my books I wouldn’t be able to do the best job in the world. Receiving an email from someone who has read one of my books and has not only enjoyed it but says it took her away from all her problems for a couple of hours is a wonderful and rewarding feeling.
Jennie x
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Chapter 1
Carla was not surprised when Tante Josette didn’t come to the funeral. A nondescript wreath arrived – its white flowers already wilting. The words ‘RIP Amelia. Your loving sister, Josette’ scrawled on a black-edged sympathy card by some unknown hand at the florists.
A congregation of fewer than ten had gathered for the service. Carla knew her mother, Amelia, always a difficult person to get along with, would have been surprised at even that number. The owners of the care home, duty-bound to be there, two neighbours from Amelia’s street, Carla, David and Maddy representing the family. Edward had left the week before for South Africa, impossible for him to return so soon. The wreath he sent his grandmother though, was lovely.
Standing in the crematorium watching her mother’s coffin disappear behind the curtains, Carla felt the first stirrings of sadness, and anger. Sadness for a mother for whom she’d never felt good enough and anger for the fact that Amelia and Tante Josette had been estranged for over forty years. She’d written to Josette when Amelia had gone into the home, mainly to let her know about her twin sister, but a little bit of Carla had hoped Josette would visit and the two sisters would heal their decades’ old rift. It wasn’t to be.
A French Affair Page 24