by Karen Aldous
Satisfied he had most of what he needed in place, he needed to see his business landlord as soon as possible. Caroline, he understood, would probably feel let down but it needed to be done sooner rather than later. Strolling the short distance from the winery, he knocked on the farmhouse kitchen door.
‘Hi Cal, how are you?’ Caroline breezed as she unlocked the door and beckoned him in. ‘I was going to pop over shortly.’ She pecked his cheek. ‘Lizzie rang me last night, her excitement is so infectious, she tells me the launch is a week later than planned but she’s set the date, the twenty first of September which is just two weeks on Saturday. Who’d have thought my daughter would be opening a world-class beauty salon on Rue Antibes in the south of France! I’m so proud of her.’
‘Great news,’ Cal agreed and was now not sure whether his timing was just a little out of sync.
‘Oh, and she will try to get home a week or two after, hopefully the buzz of the opening will have quietened down by then,’ she said floating over to the kettle. ‘Sit down, and have some tea.’ She pointed to the oak table but her eyes caught a tenseness in Cal’s face. ‘I won’t take no for an answer. Michael won’t be long, he’s just gone along to get some fresh bread and milk.’
Cal reluctantly shuffled over to the table and, pulling out a heavy oak chair, he sat down.
‘Cal, I’m so rude, you came to see me and all I’ve done is rattled on, I’m sorry, what do you need darling?’
‘I came over to…’ he felt cruel clouding her sunshine, ‘to have, to tell you…obviously, my timing is bad, and, I hope you won’t be too disappointed but I’ve come to give you notice…’
A heavy frown collected in her forehead. ‘Oh Cal,’ she stuttered pulling herself out a chair. ‘Why…?’
‘It’s not that I planned to go so soon but I’ve managed to negotiate a good price on a vineyard and I’ve decided sooner would be better. I will, of course honour my commitments financially, restore the land, dismantle the winery and transport it.’
‘But you’ve just completed it darling.’
‘I know but it’s really Lizzie’s land and so this way…’
‘Well two things, it isn’t her land yet and to be honest, she’s made her life in Cannes. I will discuss it with her but I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to leave prematurely, not now she’s got to know you.’
‘Look, I appreciate it’s probably a shock, but I’d rather you didn’t mention it, not yet at least. She has enough on her plate and, well, she will I’m sure try to talk me out of it and…’
‘Cal, is it Lizzie you’re running away from?’ Caroline’s eyes widened.
Cal gave a grave smile. ‘Let’s just say, I’ve fallen for Lizzie in a big way, yes, but we couldn’t possibly be together.
‘Anton, I guess?’ Caroline gave him a sad look.
‘Anton, but Lizzie has other reasons. She’s not ready but I would never put Lizzie or Thierry under undue strain so, quite honestly, they can do without any aggravation and me around.’ He stopped there in fear of worrying her too much.
‘I don’t see how he can stop her seeing anyone. It would be a great shame as you and Lizzie make a great couple and Thierry adores you.’ Caroline’s face was almost pleading. ‘What if you both lived in England?’
Cal held his head in his hands and rubbed his hairline ‘Lizzie’s built her life, her business in France,’ he said now becoming uncomfortable with the conversation. ‘Thierry’s her life, not that he would be the issue, I adore Thierry, he’s a great kid and we get along. He reminds me of my own son.’
‘Oh, I do feel for you, Cal. Yes, I don’t know much about your son.’ Caroline jumped up and switched the kettle back on.
‘Yes, Jack, he lives in the States with his mother, he’s fifteen now.’ Cal grinned.
‘Do you see much of him?’
‘Sadly, not enough,’ he said trusting Caroline with the full story.
‘So I bet you’re looking forward to seeing him at Christmas.’ Caroline nodded that she was all ears and went to finish the coffee, bringing two cups to the table. ‘Oh, how sad Cal, not to…’ she stuttered her words, ‘see your…! I’m just so grateful you brought Lizzie back.’
‘Yes, I can appreciate the agony you Grans go through,’ Cal said ‘Anyway, at least Mum had her new husband a couple of years later, she was kept busy.’
‘Well meeting Thierry was life-changing for me. I don’t think I’d have felt so well after my operation if Lizzie hadn’t told me I had a grandson.’
‘And that’s another reason for moving on. Lizzie and Thierry won’t have to worry if I’m not here.’
‘Possibly. You shouldn’t let this Anton come between you both.’
‘As long as you know it’s nothing personal Caroline. I’m really grateful for what you’ve done.’
‘Oh darling, give me credit with some intelligence and you don’t know how much you’ve contributed to my and Lizzie’s reunion.’ Caroline and Cal turned as the back door opened. ‘That’s lots of bread and milk sweetie,’ Caroline said catching sight of Michael’s shopping bags.
‘Michael, Hi,’ Cal stood and reached for Michael’s hand. ‘How are you?’
‘Great thanks,’ Michael said slipping the shopping onto the floor to shake hands.
‘Err, look,’ Cal said, stealing their attention. ‘Now that we know what day Lizzie is opening the salon, I would like to put an idea to you both. I should have a couple of days free after the harvest so what do you think about me driving you both down to the south of France as a surprise for your daughter? Maybe take some time out down there with her and Thierry of course.’
Caroline and Michael’s eyes brightened at each other. ‘Phew, that sounds like a terrific idea Cal,’ Caroline cheered, ‘But, I’m not sure if I can.’
‘Well as long as you stay covered up from the sun,’ Michael moved towards her and gave her an excited squeeze around her waist, ‘You’ll be fine. You have your appointment with the doctor next week, well ten days, you can check it with him.’
‘Yes, I’m a little apprehensive and…’
‘Look, I’ll book a crossing anyway,’ Cal interjected. ‘I can always change it. I have a frequent traveller ticket which is flexible. If we leave the day before, we can stay in a hotel overnight, there are lots en-route, and that will give us an early start for the last part. It will break it up for you so that you’re more comfortable and you can arrive at the launch refreshed.’
‘That sounds like a good plan. I think it’s just what you need sweetheart,’ Michael added. ‘So let’s prepare for it and then see what your doctor says eh?’
‘Are you sure you can spare the time Cal?’ Caroline asked with concern.
‘I’ll take care of that part. You and Michael get yourselves organised and we’ll take it day by day. Is that a deal?’
‘What if Michael gave you a hand? What do you think Michael?’
‘I would love to Cal,’ Michael clapped eagerly, ‘if I can be of any help. I’m not much of a viticulturist, I only know how to drink the stuff, but it’s something that has been on my wish list for a long time – harvesting grapes.’
‘Really, well you’re welcome to lend a hand and learn a bit along the way. I’ve got a few guys coming along; vine pickers, volunteers mostly. When it comes to harvest time, they come for the hell of it, only expect to be fed, sometimes they’ll sleep in a makeshift dorm in a barn, some bring their camper vans, tents even posh motorhomes. Can be hard work though, especially carrying.’
‘Yeah, I’ve heard that actually,’ Michael’s enthusiasm heightened, ’They say it’s long hours, seven days a week but essentially a good ol’ jolly.’
‘Absolutely, did it myself in France. It’s great fun,’ Cal hooted.
‘Now I want to help,’ Caroline piped. ‘What if I do the cooking?’
‘Look I don’t want to put you two to all this trouble, you have…’
‘Nonsense, we’ll have fun.’ Michael put his arm around
her waist and squeezed Caroline.
She looked up at him with excited eyes. ‘It will keep me and my mind busy, honestly,’ she said reaching out and rubbing Cal’s elbow. ‘You’ve been good to us so I can’t imagine anything better to do to repay you.’
‘Ok, as long as you don’t overdo it.’
Cal felt a smile come to his face as he returned to the winery. From knocking on Caroline’s door earlier with a feeling of dread, his spirits had elevated after the warmth he received. They owed him nothing, yet both Caroline and Michael gave so much. It was like having his own family around again as a young lad. He hadn’t realised how much he’d missed that feeling. That unconditional support. His dream was one day to create that within his own family and be there for them – Lizzie, he had hoped, one day, to be part of that plan but now time would have to heal him. The new vineyard would move him on and away.
In the winery, Cal opened the newly fitted storeroom and packed two large cases of his best sparkling wine. He wrapped and labelled them for their journey to Lizzie’s and Sophie’s salon, in the prestigious Rue Antibes in Cannes, and left it on the table to organise the collection. This was his leaving present to them. He hoped with all his heart, he could also deliver Caroline and Michael. He found his mind wandering and wondering instead of forgetting her. How he wished he could just be there with them all to celebrate their big day and share in Lizzie’s dream the day it all came alive for her. How he wished Anton would disappear off the face of the earth; he just didn’t deserve such a lovely son nor the attention of such a wonderful woman. Cal then whacked his forehead with his palm, scolding himself for allowing his mind to slip into useless hope.
In his office, just across the entrance he observed the mayhem of boxes and furniture still waiting to be unpacked but started up his laptop and organised the immediate dispatch of the two crates of wine. Beside his laptop were the details of his new vineyard, his new gamble in life, and a draft contract to dispose of his old. His estate agent had found a buyer for his village cottage within days, four sealed bids in fact which he hadn’t wanted to get into but on the advice of the agent agreed to. The method had in fact given him ten percent over his asking price and the Watkins, the couple who made the highest bid, agreed on a fast exchange with a deferred completion so that he could complete his work at Lambertfields and finalise what was possibly the best time of his life.
Just three days later, and with Michael’s assistance in selecting and testing, the first of the grape berries were ready. The sugar and acidity levels reached optimum, Brian Best, Cal’s consultant confirmed, and the harvest began. With much work to do and people to organise the next week was frantic. Cal really enjoyed teaching Michael all he knew as far as time allowed and Michael was like a giant dry sponge just soaking in the knowledge. Brian popped in and out, vine pickers and carriers arrived, some with their own vans, some with tents, and Caroline offered two rooms out in the farmhouse.
With help from Cal and Michael, Caroline ordered food online and telephoned her friend Helen, who owned a local catering equipment suppliers for trestle tables, crockery, cutlery, some wine glasses and some huge cooking pots. She then set out a schedule with the menus and ingredients she’d worked out, pinned them on her kitchen wall and got to work with the preparation and cooking with, and Cal insisted, some further help from Maggie, a vine picker veteran who gave Caroline the benefit of her experience as well as good company. Maggie was full of praises for her organisation and resourcefulness which gave Caroline a huge boost. Cal had after all gone through all this before, not that she remembered it being as civilised, she had barely taken much notice, nor offered help but realised how much fun it could all be, as well as hard work.
Apart from a few anomalies and a bit of rain, the harvest went well and the new winery was soon operational as the grapes were washed and pressed. The juice soon filled vast sterile tanks waiting for the next process. Caroline had barely thought about her hospital appointment.
Chapter 39
‘Darling, no news yet,’ Caroline said. Lizzie was delighted to hear her mother speak with such a mellow tone in her voice. ‘My appointment is…next week or, I don’t know, Michael has it all in his diary.’
‘Oh, it’s taking a while, Mum.’
‘But I’ve had all the scans and tests. You see, Michael has managed fine and I’m not fretting. I’m now out and about but still waiting to hear if everything is clear,’ she added.
It was heartening to listen to. Lizzie was amazed her mother was so high spirited – with a whole new attitude. ‘Well, I should be able to come back soon. I’ll come as soon as I can after the launch.’ Lizzie hoped to organise the trip soon as guilt was now eating into her. After discussing Anton and chatting to Thierry, Caroline promised to call with her appointment date.
***
The new salon had been fitted out and all the final furnishings were going in ready for the launch. Both Jean-Luc and Annatia were congratulated on the design and build of the refurbishment. ‘A new Beauty Within in Rue Antibes A high-end look for a high-end enterprise,’ the local paper reported. Lizzie and Sophie were thrilled with the report and were extremely impressed with Annatia’s input. She and Jean-Luc had proved what a great working relationship they could potentially make and now it was completed Salon Beaute Dedans would officially re-open the very next day.
In the main salon, the reception and hair styling area gleamed. Glass, mirrors and genuine slate in various shades of black, grey and tan gave the salon a warm but sharp edge. New dark-tan leather chairs covered with sheepskin rugs speckled in matching shades softened the contemporary geometric lines. The treatment rooms were being filled with furniture from the old salon but cleaned and sparkling with Betty’s tender loving care, they looked like new.
‘Wow, what a transformation,’ Sophie said standing back with pride.
‘Look at this,’ Lizzie said showing Sophie her notepad. Every item on their checklist was now ticked; the last being new towels, linen and a large stock of beauty products displayed in each cabinet of each treatment room and, as a special opening touch, they had ordered in some stunning floral displays from one of their regular clients, Madame Rainer. The result was spectacular. A collection of blue, cream and gold floral shades fused and mounted on classic column jardinières. No attention to detail was missed. Betty the cleaner had worked long and hard making every surface glisten. It was the flagship of Rue Antibes. Lizzie’s staff popped in and out during the day to witness the hype and excitement for themselves. Some of the clients from the salon also came along to have a look around and wish them good luck for the launch.
Just as she was leaving, one regular customer, Madame Joubert, waved as she stepped out, missing her step. Lizzie ran after her unable to catch her as she fell. ‘Oh, Sophie, come quick.’
‘Aaghh, my ankle,’ said Madame Joubert. Lizzie grabbed her under her arms and eased her round so she was sitting straight.
‘Are you ok,’ Lizzie asked, ‘apart from your ankle?’
‘Yes, stupid me, I should watch where I’m going,’ Madame Joubert cried angrily.
Sophie dashed to the scene and checked her ankle. ‘Oh dear, painful, could be sprained. Lizzie, can you get some ice and a towel. We’ll take her to her doctor.’
Returning with ice and a glass of water, Lizzie watched helpless as Sophie wrapped the swelling ankle with an ice pack and towel. ‘I’ll get the car,’ she said.
Lizzie and Sophie stood her up and she hopped, with support to the car.
‘You stay here Sophie, I’ll take her to her doctor and get her home safely.’ It was the least she could do even though she could barely spare the time. Madame Joubert was a spirited and entertaining patient though and she and Lizzie exchanged chatter in the car. She was an English ex-pat who had married a Frenchman ten years ago only to be widowed for the second time three years ago.
She was a regular client who Lizzie suspected was in her sixties or possibly older than her trim, graceful
well-kept appearance suggested. She travelled by train from the nearby town of Villefranche at least once a week and was her usual bundle of energy and had just, she told her, had a manicure at the old salon and was full of praise for the beautiful new salon and Lizzie’s achievement. She promised to tell all her friends about the new cosmetic surgery side. Lizzie chatted briefly about the salon, Sophie and Thierry finding it a relaxing diversion from normality and actually enjoyed the journey. Madame Joubert proudly spoke about her sons; one with a family in Canada and one whose first love had taken his son to the United States and married a rich businessman. Lizzie really felt for Madame Joubert not being able to see her grandson. It was a tale so nearly reminiscent of her mother’s. She made sure Madame Joubert got into her villa ok and settled her in. In no time at all, there was a tap on the front door and when Lizzie went to open the door Madame Joubert informed her that it was likely to be Nina her neighbour. On hearing all about her fall, Nina insisted she help out and that Lizzie should get back to her business and family.
Once she’d climbed into bed that night, Lizzie reflected on her day sipping a milky hot chocolate in the hope it would help her sleep. Feeling drowsier, Lizzie sank into the soft white duvet much more relaxed but at the same time excited for what was to come. In just eight hours, they would be opening one of the leading beauty salons in the south of France. It was the dream she and Sophie had created over five years ago. Lizzie looked forward to seeing Sophie’s parents again, who would be arriving for the launch of Beaute Dedans. She hoped that one day her mother would be well enough to witness what she and Sophie had achieved.