Guernsey Retreat

by Allen, Anne

  ‘Yes, he’s the priority now. Please send him my best when you visit, won’t you? I’ll catch you this afternoon sometime, okay?’

  Louisa wanted to change into her favourite jeans and top for her visit to Malcolm. She also needed to phone her aunt with the news of his fall. Once they had said their goodbyes, it was time to leave for the apartment.

  It felt odd for her to enter Malcolm’s home without him being there, and she quickly made for the bedroom; a room she had not previously seen. As with the rest of the apartment, there was a pre-dominance of maple furniture; from the floor to ceiling built-in wardrobes to the king-size bed covered in a pale grey duvet. Everything was immaculate and she wondered if his cleaner had been in that morning. Tentatively, she pulled out drawers to find the required pyjamas and clean underwear. The wardrobes housed shelves of neatly folded shirts and she chose one at random. She reached up for a small overnight bag from a shelf and packed the clothes, together with slippers and a dressing gown. The en-suite, a shiny marbled wet-room, held an array of toiletries and she grabbed what she felt would be necessary. As Louisa returned to the hall the phone rang.

  ‘Mr Roget’s residence,’ she answered.

  ‘Is that Louisa? John Ferguson. Is Malcolm there?’

  She explained about Malcolm’s accident and that she was only there to collect his things. John sounded shocked, saying he had only spoken to him yesterday afternoon, before booking a ticket on today’s ferry. He was due to leave shortly and was ringing to advise Malcolm of that fact. When he ventured that perhaps he should postpone his trip, Louisa assured him that there was no need, that her father would want him to continue his investigations as arranged. Malcolm was out of danger and would be leaving hospital in the next day or two. The detective, seemingly mollified, asked her to ring him if there was any change and she agreed, noting his number. As she replaced the receiver, Louisa hoped she had said the right thing.

  Malcolm looked better. The colour had returned to his face and his eyes were more focused. He smiled weakly as they entered his room.

  ‘Hey, good to see you. Come to check on the ol’ codger, have you?’ He spoke slowly, as if it was an effort. Normal after what he had gone through, Louisa thought.

  She kissed him, pleased to see he hadn’t lost his sense of humour. ‘How are you? I was told you’d slept well.’

  ‘Better, thanks. And I slept like a baby. Probably thanks to the…anaesthetic and pain killers. The surgeon told me about the TIA,’ he said, frowning. ‘That was…scary, but he seems to think it might not…happen again, as long as I take the meds.’ He took a deep breath.

  ‘Talking of babies, Ben and Nicole’s baby daughter was born here last night. So all in all, an interesting day,’ Paul said, settling on the other side of the bed.

  ‘That is good news. Lovely couple.’ Malcolm turned towards Louisa. ‘Thanks for bringing my stuff,’ he nodded towards the overnight bag.

  ‘No problem. Oh, and John Ferguson phoned while I was there.’ She gave him the gist of what had been said and he nodded slowly.

  ‘Good.’ He shifted uncomfortably, prompting Paul to help him to sit up straighter. ‘Thanks. Everything…all right at La Folie?’

  Paul assured him all was well and that his fall had been played down to the staff and guests. Malcolm looked relieved.

  ‘What has the doctor said about your coming out?’ Louisa asked.

  ‘Should be out day after tomorrow. They want me…to get up this afternoon and start walking. Said something about moving into La Folie. That right?’ He glared at Paul.

  ‘They think it’s best if you’re not on your own and you’ll be well looked after there. Added to which, Louisa can spend more time with you. So, don’t be pig-headed, Malc, and follow doctor’s orders for once,’ Paul replied, calmly.

  ‘Humph, I’m not…an invalid and won’t be treated as such. Okay?’

  ‘Sure thing, Malc. You’re the boss,’ Paul said, straight-faced.

  Louisa suppressed a smile. Talk about male ego! But she was glad that her father had given in; it was the best solution.

  Paul was explaining that there was a room free next to Louisa’s when he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

  A nurse stuck her head in to say that Malcolm had more visitors if he was up to it, and he nodded his agreement. Ben came in first, beaming from ear to ear, closely followed by a young woman Louisa assumed was Nicole, carrying a bundle in her arms.

  Paul stood up and threw his arms around Ben. ‘Congratulations, mate. Great news. And you, Nicole, how are you?’ He kissed her cheek and she smiled, looking tired but happy.

  ‘I’m fine, thanks, Paul. I didn’t expect to find you here, hope we’re not interrupting?’

  ‘No, ’course not. Can I…see your daughter?’ Malcolm said, beckoning her to his bedside.

  Nicole smiled at Louisa, who stood up to give her space. ‘Hi, I’m Louisa, Malcolm’s daughter. Nice to meet you.’

  ‘And you. And this is our daughter, Eve,’ she said proudly, pushing back the blanket. A tiny head, topped by a mop of dark hair, emerged, together with a small curled up fist. Bright dark eyes stared up at them. She was passed around and admired by all. Ben, looking the epitome of the proud father, sat on Malcolm’s other side, asking how he was.

  ‘Oh, I’m fine,’ he said, not really looking it. ‘Thanks for your…help yesterday, Ben. Good of you considering…’ He nodded towards Nicole and the baby.

  Ben grinned. ‘Luckily I didn’t know Eve was on the way when Paul phoned or I might have delegated to another doctor. Glad I was able to help and that you’re on the mend.’ He bent down and whispered in his ear, ‘You’ve a lovely daughter there, Malcolm. I’m pleased for you, as one father to another.’

  Malcolm murmured, ‘Thanks, I…happen to agree with you.’

  Louisa saw them whispering to each other, but was distracted by the beautiful baby she had been allowed to hold. Babies hadn’t figured large in her life and, if asked, she would have said they didn’t interest her. But Eve’s bright-eyed stare and soft downy skin tugged at her heart. Surprised by her reaction, she wondered if she did have a maternal instinct after all.

  Back at La Folie Louisa caught up with Charlotte in the dining room; she was finishing her lunch but stayed to chat while Louisa ordered her food.

  After being filled in with the details of the visit to Malcolm, Charlotte remarked that the story of the real relationship between Louisa and Malcolm was circulating among the guests. ‘But don’t worry, no-one is being unkind or anything. In fact, those I’ve spoken to are only relieved that he will be all right.’ She poured herself a glass of water before continuing, ‘It’s just occurred to me that the reason you didn’t say how long you were staying was because of Malcolm. And how things developed between you.’

  ‘Yes, it was a bit surreal. Within days of arriving on the island, in pursuit of a father I’d never met and who didn’t know I existed, I was living under his roof! Or rather, one he owned,’ she said, pushing her hair back. ‘Although, after the initial shock and the…checking me out, he did seem genuinely pleased to discover he had a daughter. Then I wasn’t sure if he’d go off the idea or I might decide I didn’t like him.’ Pausing to thank the waitress for her food, she then went on, ‘Now I realise that I’ve become very fond of him. It was scary thinking he might die, like Mum. It…it brought it all back.’ She took a deep breath to calm herself.

  Charlotte gripped her hand. ‘Hey, I understand. Déjà vu. I…I lost my father a couple of years ago and I was devastated. We’d been extremely close and everyone said how like him I was. Physically and personality-wise. And then my mother became ill about the time my husband walked out and…and it all became too much.’ Tears glistened in her eyes and she pulled a tissue from her bag, dabbing at them and blowing her nose.

  Louisa’s heart went out to her friend. ‘I’m so sorry, Charlotte. How awful for you, no wonder you needed to get away. And…and
your mother?’

  Charlotte sipped her water. ‘She made a full recovery, thanks. And although it would be fair to describe our relationship as not close, I do love her and was relieved when she was out of danger.’ She grinned at Louisa, adding, ‘She’s now back to being her usual critical self and I can do nothing right, but I can cope with that.’

  They continued to chat as Louisa ate, sharing memories of their formative years. It became clear that Charlotte had enjoyed a privileged upbringing, but it had been lonely and she compensated by immersing herself in books. It was her pleasure in reading that led to her to the world of publishing after leaving Oxford. Louisa sensed the air of sadness exuded by her friend, and wished she could help. It seemed money did not buy happiness; what Charlotte wanted, like most people, was to be loved. The thought prompted Louisa to think about her feelings for Paul. Was it love or lust? Only time would tell.

  Lost in her reverie, she didn’t hear Charlotte at first.

  ‘Louisa, are you there? I said how about we visit St Peter Port for some retail therapy. Might do you good, after the drama of yesterday.’

  ‘Mm, yes, great idea. I can buy a card for Ben and Nicole, and arrange for some flowers. I’ll get their address from Nadine. I wouldn’t mind some new clothes, too; getting a bit fed up of the ones I brought with me. And now it’s warmer…’

  Charlotte laughed. ‘You don’t need to justify buying new clothes to me! Come on, let’s go. I can hear those tills ringing already!’

  Louisa was impressed with the small capital of the island. Even in April the streets buzzed with life. And what a setting! The town rose up majestically from the harbour; glimpses of the sea peeped through the gaps between buildings. And the whiff of sea air always apparent in the mainly pedestrianized streets.

  ‘It’s a Lilliputian London,’ Charlotte declared, after they had sauntered up and down the High Street and Pollet, the central shopping area. ‘Not quite in the same league as Bond Street or Oxford Street, but some decent shops,’ she said, putting her arm through Louisa’s. ‘How about that boutique over there? I love those colours…’

  A couple of hours later, happy with the results of their shopping, they headed to a café-bar for a drink.

  ‘I think the sun must be over the yardarm, by now, don’t you?’ Charlotte asked, grinning. ‘Let’s have a glass of something naughty. To hell with my diet!’ Beckoning the waiter, she ordered two glasses of champagne.

  ‘I had thought tea,’ Louisa murmured, half-heartedly. It did sound more fun…

  ‘We’ll be good tonight to make up for it. Cheers!’ They clinked glasses and took a sip.

  ‘I enjoyed myself, thank you for joining me, Louisa. It’s much more fun to shop with a friend isn’t it? And you have a good eye. I love that trouser suit you chose; trés chic! But there, you have the figure for it, whereas I…’ Charlotte pulled a face.

  ‘Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. That dress you bought really flatters your curves and is so sexy,’ Louisa said, giving her friend a playful tap on the arm.

  ‘Thanks. You’re too kind. But it is rather glam, isn’t it? I plan to wear it for the next black tie event. That’s the thing about publishing, I’m inundated with invites to social events. And it’s tricky without a partner,’ Charlotte said, looking pensive.

  ‘Well, in that dress, you might find that’s about to change. You’ll knock ’em dead!’

  Charlotte flushed and took a sip of her champagne. ‘We’ll see. But thanks for the vote of confidence.’

  Once they had downed their bubbly, they headed back to the car. Flowers had been ordered for the new parents and the florist had agreed to enclose Louisa’s card. Mission accomplished.

  Louisa visited Malcolm again before dinner, and was pleased to see him up and sitting in an armchair. She did not stay long as he looked tired, and offered to call back in the morning.

  The next morning Louisa skipped downstairs, in buoyant mood. She had enjoyed the afternoon’s shopping with Charlotte; it had helped her to loosen up after the drama of the previous days. Her friend was good company and Louisa had been cheered when told she was now staying till the end of the following week. Her grief for her mother was still liable to surface unawares, but it did not feel quite as raw or overwhelming. She recognised that the healing process had been assisted by both the new environment and becoming involved in the lives of others. Moping on her own in London had done her no favours, she acknowledged.

  Stepping into the dining room with a smile on her lips, she faltered at the sight of Paul sitting with Charlotte. She had never seen him at breakfast before, and wondered if they were having a private conversation. Should she sit elsewhere? But Paul spotted her and waved her to the table.

  ‘You don’t mind if I join you, do you? I’d run out of milk upstairs so thought I might as well eat here,’ he said, his eyes twinkling at her.

  ‘Course not. You’re in charge, after all.’

  Paul grinned.

  ‘Right, I’d better order breakfast or I’ll be late for yoga,’ she said, pretending to read the menu when she knew the choice off by heart. It was disconcerting sitting so close to Paul after the intimacy of their dinner in his room. She wished she could be at ease with him, but her insides insisted on looping the loop every time he was close.

  Charlotte, giving her a wink, turned to Paul and engaged him in a conversation about the weather. Louisa wasn’t fooled and left them to it, concentrating instead on her breakfast. He left shortly after, saying he would see them soon and Louisa burst out, ‘The weather! Couldn’t you think of something a bit less…less boring?’

  ‘It was all that came into my head. At least it proved a diversion and a chance for you to recover your composure. Your face was quite pink, you know,’ she replied, smiling.

  Louisa’s hands flew to her face. ‘Oh no! It’s so embarrassing. Do you think he noticed?’

  ‘Probably not, as he was facing me most of the time, remember. I’ll be relieved when you two finally get around to telling each other how you feel. And I hope it happens while I’m still here to see it.’

  ‘But I don’t even know if he likes me–’

  ‘Of course he does! And I suspect it’s more than like. There’s a way he looks at you that speaks volumes.’ Charlotte patted her hand.

  Before Louisa could comment on what her friend had said, she saw from the clock that it was time to leave. They pushed back their chairs and made their way to yoga, Louisa wondering if Charlotte was right and Paul did fancy her. But if he did, why didn’t he say something?

  chapter 18

  The next day Malcolm was safely settled in his room at La Folie, having been given the all clear by his doctor. Not that he showed any inclination to spend much time there; as soon as he had unpacked his belongings, he expressed the desire to go and sit in the garden.

  ‘Are you sure you’re up to it?’ Louisa asked.

  ‘Wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t. I need to breathe in that sea air after that stuffy hospital room. You can accompany me, if it will make you feel better.’

  Malcolm was right. The invigorating air brought a healthy colour to his cheeks as they sat on a bench. The walk downstairs had been slow as he insisted he could do it unaided. Louisa stayed by his side at all times, as she would have done with her physio patients. Guests and staff kept coming up and asking how he was. Louisa quietly observed her father making light of his fall. The occasional curious glance was cast in her direction, but she simply smiled in return. When Malcolm decided he had sat enough they walked the few yards inside for lunch. Fortunately, they were allowed to eat undisturbed before Malcolm was collected for his physio appointment. He made it clear he hated being escorted everywhere, but Paul had made it obligatory if he did not want to spend all the time in his room. Louisa headed off for a massage. She had missed Lin’s soothing touch the last few days and it was not long before she drifted off, lulled by softly playing music and the heavenly scent of the
oils. Bliss!

  The following afternoon, coming back from a swim, Louisa bumped into Paul.

  ‘Ah, Louisa, was hoping to see you. I’ve invited Malc to join me for dinner tonight in my rooms and would love you to join us. And you needn’t worry about my cooking as Chef’s preparing the food again,’ he said, smiling broadly.

  ‘Right, that would…be great, thanks. What, um, time?’ she replied, taken aback. At least it wouldn’t be as intimate as last time, Malcolm providing a substantial chaperone.

  ‘Say seven-thirty? I look forward to seeing you later. Bye.’ He gave her a quick hug and left.

  As she continued her way upstairs, Louisa remembered what Charlotte had said about the way Paul looked at her. His smile had been warm, lighting up his eyes. But didn’t he smile like that at everyone? She couldn’t remember, but would take more notice in future.

  *

  Malcolm did not want to admit it, but he had been shaken to the core by his TIA and the resulting skull fracture. For the past few years he had made a determined effort to become as fit and healthy as possible, not wanting to die of the invidious disease that claimed his mother. His embracement of healthy living informed the ethos behind La Folie. So it came as a shock to be told he had suffered a minor stroke. But he concealed his reaction well, his pride did not allow for any public display of weakness. Although apparently critical of the suggestion he move into the centre for a few days, he was actually quite relieved. The fear of suffering another TIA while on his own sucked at the core of his being. He wanted – needed – time for the meds to kick in before he returned to his apartment. And physically, he was nowhere near up to par. As he sat at his bedroom window, watching the ever-present gulls swooping up over the cliff, then down again to the sea, he felt as vulnerable as he had when a small boy. Then, he had yearned for the support and protection of a father, not understanding why he was absent.