Behind Every Cloud

by Lawless, Pauline

  With sadness he recognised that his marriage was well and truly over. He would have a tough time repairing his reputation but if they say a week is a long time in politics then three years is an eternity. Hopefully by the next election he would have reinstated himself in the public eye. It was time to start rebuilding and move on. The Zita episode in his life was now closed.

  The wine group were all mesmerised by the details that had emerged about Zita. To think they’d been friends with a murderess! It was like something out of a movie.

  They had their celebratory dinner in Wong’s Chinese Restaurant in Dollymount that Friday. Although they had all been in touch with each other when the Zita story broke, out of deference to Rachel, nobody mentioned it that night. In a strange way it was as if she was present with them. Sam gave out the results and they were all delighted with them. Everyone clapped Ronan on the back when Sam announced he’d scored 100%. Sam presented him with a copy of Hugh Johnson’s Wine Atlas which delighted him. They cheered Ellie who had scored an excellent 94% and Rachel 92%. Hayley had also scored 92% which surprised everyone but Ellie, who knew she’d studied very hard in an effort to please Sam. The young girl blushed madly when Sam kissed her on the cheek as he presented her with her certificate. They were all looking forward to starting the Higher Certificate course which would run from Septemberto Christmas.

  “As a matter of interest how did Zita do?” Rachel asked. It was the first mention of her name all night.

  Sam grinned. “She failed.”

  As one they all raised their glasses and then burst out laughing. Zita’s presence was gone from the gathering. They had a great night and all of them looked forward to getting back together for the Higher Cert Course.

  Ronan went down to Fiona’s in Blessington the following Sunday. He was looking forward to seeing Oisín again. It was amazing how quickly the baby was changing. He was still a very placid baby and growing at a great rate.

  “I’m thinking of applying for a part-time job in the Lakeside Inn,” Fiona told him. “Mam is willing to baby-sit for me.”

  “Will you like bar work?”

  “Well, not as much as working in a wine shop but beggars can’t be choosers. I just think it might be good to get out of the house and meet people for a couple of hours a week.” She smiled wanly.

  “How about coming to work part-time in the new Naas shop?”

  “Are you serious?” She looked at him hopefully.

  “Deadly! We can always do with experienced staff and you know I’d love to have you working alongside me.”

  She hugged him, her eyes dancing with delight. “That would be fabulous! Thank you so much, Ronan!”

  “To be honest, it was Sam’s idea but I would have asked you anyway,” he grinned.

  She punched him playfully. “I should hope so!”

  He took her down to Naas to see the shop that afternoon, strapping Oisín into his chair in the back seat. Fiona smiled to see how gentle he was with her son. On the drive down he told her all about Zita. She’d read all about it in the newspaper but Ronan filled her in on all the gory details.

  “My God, what a horrible woman! You’re lucky you didn’t get involved with her!”

  “In a way I feel a bit sorry for Carl, although he was an idiot. Anyway, he’s lost Rachel for good now.”

  “She’s very beautiful from what I can see in her photos.”

  “Yes, she is,” Ronan agreed, “and it’s not just her looks. She’s a really lovely person too.”

  “You’re very fond of her, aren’t you?” Fiona asked, cocking her head to one side.

  “Yes, I am. Anyway you’ll certainly meet her soon. I plan to invite some friends down at some stage, after I get the shop up and running.”

  “That’s great! I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

  “You’ll like them,” he told her, “and I know they’ll like you and love baby Oisín.”

  70

  Ellie was very excited about her visit to Bordeaux but not as excited as Marie-Noelle. They were booked into the Grand Hotel and neither wasexpecting the sheer luxury of the hotel. It was very central and Marie-Noelle felt it was like a homecoming, which in a way it was.

  “Just imagine it, my parents walked these streets as children,” she said to Ellie as they explored the beautiful city the first afternoon.

  They had a wonderful time and on Saturday took a tour up to St Emilion where Ellie’s mother was amazed at her daughter’s knowledge of the wines they tasted. On Sunday they were going to lunch with Marie-Noelle’s cousins whom she had contacted. Sam was flying in on Sunday morning and Marie-Noelle asked her cousin, Josette, if she could bring Sam along to the lunch.

  “But of course, we would love to meet him,” Josette declared.

  Meanwhile, back in Dublin, David was calling for Ellie’s sister, Sandrine, to take her to the Chartered Accountants’ Ball.

  “You look nice,” he said, as she slipped into the passenger seat of his BMW.

  She should have, as she had spent all day getting ready and had bought a new very expensive Marchesa gown for the occasion. For the first time in her life she’d had a spray tan and hair extensions. This was the kind of behaviour that she ridiculed when Ellie indulged in it, but she had to admit that she felt a million dollars and she knew she looked better than ever. She was so excited about the coming evening. She thought Ellie was an idiot not to have postponed the Bordeaux trip to be with David tonight. But Ellie’s loss was her gain. Halleluiah!

  They entered the Four Seasons’ ballroom and David introduced her to everyone. She saw a few raised eyebrows but when they heard that she was Ellie’s sisterand that Ellie was away, they made her feel very welcome.

  She had a wonderful evening and got on famously with everyone. These were her kind of people, mature and intelligent, and the jealousy that she’d always felt towards Ellie intensified as the night went on.

  David was a pet and it was obvious that he was very much at home in this environment. She could see how much he enjoyed and admired these new friends.They would all be invited to the wedding, he told her. Towards the end of the night one particular guy who had been flirting with her all night and was now a little the worse for wear, stumbled up to David and said, “I think you’re marrying the wrong sister, Davy boy. This one’s a corker.”

  David laughed, embarrassed, and Sandrine blushed prettily.In fact, David was delighted with the way Sandrine had fitted in with his crowd. He wished Ellie was as compatible with them. He sighed, wishing that his fiancée would take a leaf out of her sister’s book.

  When David dropped her off at her apartment, Sandrine leaned over and gave him a kiss. He held her for a minute.

  “I’ve had the best night of my life,” she told him, her eyes glowing. “I can’t ever thank you enough.”

  “I’m the one who should be thanking you,” he said, slightly embarrassed. “You were brilliant and all my friends loved you. And I really enjoyed your company too.”

  Driving home, he thought that what he’d said was true. Sandrine was very good company. He really had been more relaxed tonight, knowing that she was happy to be there among his friends. With Ellie, he was always on edge knowing that she wasn’t enjoying herself. Maybe Daniel was right. Maybe he had chosen the wrong sister. Sandrine would certainly make a more suitable wife and he felt a strong connection with her. Oh God, too late to do anything about it now!

  Sandrine was unable to sleep. She hadn’t been able to resist sending Ellie a text when she’d come in: You missed a simply fabulous night. Really great! S. She was on a high and flushed with success. She felt like she’d belonged there by David’s side. He was so wonderful. And as for his friends – it was obvious they’d all liked her. More than a few of them had said they thought she’d be much more suitable for David than Ellie was – and she agreed with them.

  “I don’t think she likes David’s friends very much,” one girl had commented.

  “I can’t imagine why not?�
�� Sandrine replied demurely. “I think they’re wonderful.”

  “Men are bowled over by that innocent blue-eyed look,” another girl – whose husband was constantly remarking how pretty Ellie was – sniffed. “They don’t look further than looks in a woman which is not exactly the perfect recipe for a happy marriage.”

  She sounded bitter but Sandrine agreed with her. It was so unfair that Ellie would have this wonderful life when she didn’t even appreciate it. Life was cruel!

  The following morning Sandrine rang David to thank him for the wonderful evening.

  “Yes, it was splendid,” he agreed, “and my friends really took to you.”

  “I took to them too. They’re so nice and such good company.”

  “I wish Ellie felt that way about them,” he remarked bitterly.Before he could stop himself, he found himself saying; “Listen, we’re all meeting in Kitty’s for brunch. Hair of the dog, don’t you know!” He laughed and so did she. “Why don’t you come too?”

  “Oh, David, I’d love that. Are you sure?”

  “Of course. My friends will be delighted to see you again. I’ll pick you up at twelve. Okay?”

  “Perfect,” she said. “I’ll be ready.”

  Gleefully, she ran to her wardrobe to choose a dress that she thought David would like. “Yesssss!” she cried, as she pumped the air.

  She had a wonderful time yet again and the brunch went on late into the afternoon. Sandrine had never been happier and for the first time in her life felt like she belonged. She was reluctant to end the afternoon and, when David suggested that she go with him to see the house in Sandymount, she jumped at the chance. He’d just received the keys the day before and was excited to show it to her.

  “Oh, it’s gorgeous, just gorgeous,” she exclaimed, loving the cool chic neutral colours. “I can’t imagine Ellie living here though. She hates neutral colours. She’ll want red and yellow walls, I’m sure.”

  David grimaced. “I know, that’s what she said when she saw it for the first time, I’m afraid.”

  “No, David, you can’t allow her to do that. It’s so classy and it will just end up tacky, if I know Ellie.”

  “Mmmm . . .” David said thoughtfully. “Ellie and I are not really well suited, are we?”

  “I’m afraid not. I think you deserve someone very special,” she said softly, placing her hands on his arms.

  It seemed the most natural thing in the world for him to reach down and kiss her. Sandrine responded passionately and then, realising with a shock what he was doing, he pulled away.

  “I’m so sorry, Sandrine, that was unforgiveable,” he said, embarrassed.

  “No, it’s what I wanted too, David,” she whispered, looking up at him. “I’ve wanted it for a very long time.”

  “Oh, Sandrine!” he cried, anguished. “What can we do?”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll work it out,” she replied, moving back into his arms. She was jubilant as he kissed her once again.

  71

  Sam arrived at Ellie’s hotel just after noon on Sunday. Ellie and Marie-Noelle greeted him warmly. He had hired a car and drove them to Josette’s house which was just outside the city. To their surprise she had gathered all the relations together and there were about thirty various cousins waiting to welcome Marie-Noelle and her daughter into the family fold. Sam got a warm welcome also.

  It was a beautiful sunny day and the tables were set out in the garden, under the pergola of overhanging vines. Ellie felt so at home and was delighted to see her mother so happy. She was enjoying herself enormously with all these new cousins and Sam had all the females from five to ninety eating out of his hand. He was so easy-going and charming and of course his sultry good looks didn’t hurt either.

  Marie-Noelle watched him as he chatted to her ninety-year-old grandaunt who was actually flirting with him. He was extremely good-looking but seemed to be totally unaware of it. He had a way of looking at you intently with his laughing eyes that women of all ages found irresistible. When he was speaking to you he made you feel like you were the only person in the world. What woman didn’t love that? Marie-Noelle thought, smiling.

  “He’s really got a way with women, hasn’t he?” she remarked to Ellie who had come and plonked down beside her.

  “Yeah, he’s a dote but he gets on really well with men too. He’s great fun.” Ellie looked over to where Sam was laughing at something her great-grandaunt had said. He caught her eye and winked at her.

  Marie-Noelle caught the glance between them. She noticed too that Ellie was positively glowing. She had never seen her daughter as happy as she’d been today. She wondered if it was Sam that was the cause of it.There was obviously a lot of affection between them.

  Later a couple of relatives brought out a guitar and an accordion and started playing and all the young ones got up to dance. Ellie’s granduncle pulled her up and as she tried to waltz with him Marie-Noelle saw Sam’s eyes following her daughter.

  “You’re very fond of her, aren’t you?” she asked him as he came to sit beside her.

  “Yes, she’s terrific. I love her joie de vivre. It’s infectious.”

  “She’s always been like that, ever since she was a little girl. I do hope she’ll be happy with David.” A frown creased her forehead.

  “Do you not think she will be?” he asked, alarmed.

  “I don’t know.LatelyI’ve been thinking that perhaps David is not the right man for Ellie.” She blushed, surprised that she’d voiced her fears to Sam, whom she barely knew.

  “Funny you should say that. Sylvia who works in the office with Ellie has said the same thing to me.”

  Marie-Noelle looked at him, eyebrows raised. “Really? God, I hope we’re both wrong or, at least, if we’re not, that Ellie discovers it in time.”

  Sam patted her hand. “Don’t worry! I’ll have a chat with her if you like.”

  “Would you, Sam? I don’t want to be seen to be interfering. Ellie can be very stubborn, you know.”

  “Who are you telling!” They both laughed aloud.

  It had been a fabulous day and they finally took their leave at ten o’clock that evening.

  “Some lunch!” Ellie laughed exhilarated.

  “That’s lunch French-style,” Sam assured her.

  Sam and Ellie left early the next morning to drive to the Haut Medoc where they would meet with his producers. Marie-Noelle waved them off, looking forward to pampering herself in the hotel spa for the next few hours.

  Ellie was fascinated with what she saw in the wineries they visited and bowled over by the passion for their wines that each producer displayed. They in turn – true Gallic gentlemen – were charmed by the pretty young Irish girl who spoke fluent French and who was so very interested in everything. One after another she had them eating out of her hand.

  Ellie had never had such a good time. Sam was a wonderful companion and they laughed a lot together. He was very impressed with how she handled the producers. He was pleased that he’d suggested she stay on with him as his PA. She was certainly an asset to the business.

  Their last stop was at the famous winery,Château Lynch-Bages which Sam informed her was his favourite Bordeaux wine. When she tasted it, she was not in the least surprised. It felt like silk and velvet on her palate. The owner, Jean-Michel, gave them a tasting of vintages from as far back as 1982. It was the most magical afternoon Ellie had ever spent. He was as charmed by her as the other producers and invited them to dinner at the château that night.

  “We’d love to stay but unfortunately I am driving back to the city tonight and I know if I start drinking your wonderful wine, I will not be able to resist it,” Sam declined graciously.

  “This has been a fantastic day,” Ellie said, as they drove back to Bordeaux. “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”

  “There’s a lovely bistro I know, quite close to the city. Do you fancy stopping off for a bite to eat there?”

  “You had me at ‘bistro’,” s
he grinned.

  He’d noticed that Ellie hadn’t called David all day. This was surprising. Most girls he knew seemed to have their phones practically glued to their ear or otherwise were constantly texting, which infuriated him. Not Ellie.

  “I’ll go on ahead if you want to call your fiancé,” Sam suggested as they arrived at the restaurant. “They don’t allow mobile phones in here, I’m afraid.”

  “Oh no, I don’t have to ring him,” she replied.

  A cloud had passed over her faceas she spoke and Sam noticed it. He had no time to question her further as the patron of the bistro came to greet Sam like an old friend. He showed them to a table and brought them the blackboard menu and a bottle of winewhich he told them came from his brother’s winery.

  “With my compliments,” he said asheopened it. He poured the wine for them and Sam told him that they would eat whatever he recommended.

  “Excellent!” the owner replied, rubbing his hands together. He hurried off to prepare something special for them.

  “Santé,” Sam toasted her.

  “Thank you for the most fabulous day ever,” she smiled at him, raising her glass too. “I feel like I’m in a dream and I don’t want to wake up.”

  He heard the emotion in her voice. “Is everything okay between you and David?” he asked, looking at her with raised eyebrows as he waited for a reply.

  She hesitated and took a sip from her glass. “Well, I don’t know. Things have not been very good between us lately. I feel very disloyal saying this but honestly, I seem to be much happier when I’m not with him than when I am. Does that sound awful?”

  “Well, it doesn’t exactly sound like a recipe for a happy marriage,” he said, his voice gentle.

  “It’s just that David has changed so much since I met him, even just since we got engaged.”

  “Yes, well, relationships are never easy,” Sam observed.

  “I feel like we’ve become . . .disconnected. Do you know what I mean?”