Guernsey Retreat

by Allen, Anne

  ‘Hey, we’ll just have to make sure that doesn’t happen, won’t we? As long as you continue making love to me like you did this morning, there’ll be no problem,’ she said. Then added, with a cheeky grin, ‘Failing that, just remember who’s the boss’s daughter!’

  He aimed a bread roll at her, bringing on a fit of the giggles. They finished their meal happy that plans were advancing for their future together.

  Later that evening, while Paul was preparing dinner at his own suggestion, Louisa curled up in the sitting room to phone Margaret and Charlotte. Her aunt was stunned at her news, never having heard Paul mentioned until now. Louisa explained how their relationship had developed and that her father had given them his blessing. Margaret, still fighting her cough, said she hoped to meet both men as soon as she was fit. Louisa invited her to stay with her in Guernsey as soon as she had found a place to rent. Paul had already hinted that Malcolm was planning to check the availability of open market flats: not being a “local” she was, like him, restricted in where she lived. Her aunt, seemingly mollified, wished her well. Breathing a sigh of relief, Louisa then called Charlotte.

  ‘He’s here!’ she burst out as Charlotte answered the phone.

  ‘He? Who…Oh, Paul! Paul’s arrived at your house? Well, well, well. Tell me everything. And I mean everything.’

  Charlotte’s husky laugh echoed down the line several times as Louisa brought her up to speed. She was clearly delighted that her chats to Malcolm had brought results.

  ‘So, where’s the lovely man now?’

  ‘In the kitchen cooking supper, so I can’t talk much longer. And…and it looks like I’ll be moving to Guernsey as soon as I find somewhere to rent. You will come and visit, won’t you?’

  ‘Will be delighted. I’m booked into La Folie in September, so will see you then if not before. It’ll seem strange you being a therapist and not a guest. You might be too busy to talk to me.’

  ‘I’ll find time. Paul’s assured me that I won’t be working silly hours, probably four days a week at most. He’s taking on another yoga teacher too, so that he can spend more time as the manager. As long as he works out the schedules so that we get time off together, it should be fine.’

  They chatted for a couple more minutes before Paul popped his head round the door to announce supper was ready. Louisa quickly arranged to meet with her friend once Paul returned to Guernsey in a couple of days.

  Before he left, Paul accompanied Louisa to the hospital for her check-up and they were both relieved when the doctor passed her fit. The dressing was removed and the wound had healed cleanly: although there was a scar, the doctor assured her it would be invisible within a few weeks. He also advised her against high-impact sports for a while, but as none figured in her life, it was not an issue. As soon as they arrived home she headed for the shower and Paul joined her, tenderly washing her hair so that she became both soothed and turned on by his fingers massaging her head. They dried each other off before falling onto the bed. After some quick, but satisfying lovemaking, they dressed ready to go to the airport.

  Malcolm had generously organised a car, giving them more time to relax together. During the journey they sat, hands clasped, making plans for when Louisa would join Paul. She had to find a tenant for her house first: not wanting to sell yet, if at all. It would be a good investment, bringing in a substantial income if she kept it. And she had to resolve the issue of what to do with the business. Malcolm had already emailed agents’ details of apartments to rent in Guernsey and Louisa looked forward to sifting through them.

  As they stood entwined outside the terminal, they shared a last, lingering kiss before reluctantly drawing apart, conscious that the chauffeur was keeping the engine running. With a final wave, Paul turned and went through the glass doors. Louisa, already bereft, huddled onto the vast rear seat, lost in the expanse of leather. The driver glanced at her through the rear-view mirror and smiled sympathetically before pulling out from the kerb and driving her home.

  chapter 29

  Over the next few days Louisa barely had time to think. Which was a blessing; whenever she had a breathing space, her thoughts turned to Paul and how much she missed him. They kept in touch by phone and hearing his voice proved a powerful incentive to work through her lengthy to-do list as quickly as possible. Charlotte recommended a top agency to handle a lease on the house, but the hard part was accepting the need to pack up her mother’s precious furniture and personal possessions, such as books, paintings and ornaments. The task seemed overwhelming and again Charlotte came to the rescue. She suggested that a friend of hers, normally hired to de-clutter a home, be asked to help. Louisa thought it a brilliant idea and, once a tenant was found, planned to use her services. In the meantime, she had to discuss the future of the travel agency with Glenn, the manager. She had just put the phone down after arranging a meeting with him for that afternoon, when it rang.

  ‘Louisa Canning.’

  ‘Morning, Louisa. It’s Detective Inspector Wallace, I’ve got some news for you.’ His voice was sombre.

  Her immediate reaction was that something was wrong. That Edward had somehow escaped and was on the run. Coming after her…Taking a deep breath, she managed to say, ‘Right. Has something happened?’

  ‘Yes. Archie Blake died last night. Thought you might like to know.’

  The relief was immense. That horrible old man was dead! Good riddance to bad rubbish, as her grandmother used to say.

  ‘Thanks for telling me, I appreciate that. I’ll let my father know, I’m sure he’ll be…pleased. Will Edward be allowed to attend the funeral?’

  ‘I should think so, if he wants to. But I got the impression there was no love lost between them after he learned the truth. Be assured, if he does attend, he’ll be hand-cuffed and guarded at all times.’ He coughed, as if acknowledging his part in allowing Louisa to risk her life by meeting Edward. ‘Oh, and speaking of Edward, we have a date for the trial: the second week of July. Just got in before the summer recess.’

  ‘That’s good. When will I know if I have to appear?’

  ‘Not until his plea is taken, I’m afraid. Although he confessed, he could retract and plead not guilty. Personally, I doubt it, but we have to assume the worst and arrange background reports as well as collate the evidence.’ She heard an exasperated sigh. ‘All a load of bureaucratic nonsense, if you ask me, but…’ Louisa imagined him shrugging.

  ‘Okay. I’ll pencil it in my diary and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for phoning, Inspector.’

  After phoning Malcolm with the detective’s news, she pushed the unpleasant thought of the impending trial to the back of her mind and switched on her laptop. Her father had said he had emailed details of a new rental property and she was keen to take a look. So far she had not seen anything appealing: mainly apartments in the busy town centre, but she really wanted something with outside space. The rental costs approached those of London and she despaired of finding something she liked at a reasonable price. Opening Malcolm’s link she was pleased to see the property was a 1930s semi in a small close within walking distance of the town centre. It had plenty of off-street parking and a pretty, sheltered garden. And available at the end of May – only a month away. It was perfect! She phoned the agent to arrange a viewing and was told that a let had been agreed within the past hour. Disappointed, she asked to go on the mailing list, explaining her preference for parking and outside space.

  Glancing at her watch and seeing it was time to see Glenn, she left the house to walk the few hundred yards to the office. One of a little row of bijou shops and cafés, not far from Angel station, the agency’s windows bore none of the garish travel posters favoured by the giant travel companies. “Voyages” was started by her mother to cater to the wealthy: those who wanted tailor-made itineraries and absolute attention to detail. Nothing was too much trouble; the clients’ needs were paramount. At the time the business had begun, there were few offering such a servi
ce and Susan quickly cornered the market. Nowadays, there was fierce competition from bigger companies, but the regular clientele stayed loyal. Thanks to the internet, most of their clients now contacted them via email rather than in person. Susan’s death had not, according to Glenn, affected business – a reflection on the high quality of the staff and their training.

  The office looked more like a small, intimate club than a travel agency. Comfortable leather chairs were set round low tables spread with the crème de la crème of travel brochures. A couple of clients were in deep conversation with assistants who, with rapt attention, wrote copious notes of their requirements. Louisa smiled at the girls before going through to Glenn’s office. It had been Susan’s and she still found it hard not to see her mother sitting behind the antique desk, smiling a greeting.

  Glenn looked up from a pile of what appeared to be bank statements. He came round the desk to give her a warm hug.

  ‘How are you? When you told me what that monster had done to you I was ready to go out and kill him!’ he cried.

  Louisa grinned. Glenn was, as ever, a tad theatrical, but he knew his job backwards and the clients adored him almost as much as they had her mother.

  ‘It’s fortunate he’s locked away out of reach, then. I wouldn’t want my favourite manager to end up in jail, too,’ she said, sinking into a chair.

  Glenn chuckled before returning to his seat.

  Then, looking more serious, he said, ‘You wanted to talk about the future of “Voyages”? I can assure you it’s still doing well…’

  ‘I know. I’ve seen the figures.’ She hesitated, wondering how to broach the subject. ‘The thing is, Glenn, I’m planning to leave London and move to Guernsey and…and I don’t want the responsibility of the business any more. You’re doing a brilliant job, but…well, I need a fresh start.’ She hardly dared look at him, afraid of his reaction.

  But, surprisingly, he was smiling. ‘I’ve been expecting this. Particularly after you told me about your father.’ Glenn picked up a sheaf of papers and pushed them across to her. ‘I’ve been giving it a great deal of thought and would like to buy the business from you. Here’s my proposal.’

  Louisa felt a weight lifting from her shoulders. It would be the perfect solution but she knew the business was worth a tidy sum and doubted if Glenn could afford it.

  ‘I know what you’re thinking and I have a plan. I propose to pay you a lump sum now and the rest monthly over the next three years. As long as you were happy with that, of course,’ he said, looking less confident.

  ‘Let me look at the figures first.’

  The proposed offer was based on the valuation produced for probate and the figures looked reasonable. The initial lump sum was about half of the valuation and Louisa was happy for the rest to be paid over time. She knew she could sell to one of the bigger companies; indeed the sharks had been circling since her mother’s death, but she wanted the business to remain as it was. And Glenn was the ideal man to ensure it did.

  ‘Well, this looks fine. I’m happy to accept the terms. As long as you haven’t had to mortgage the wife and kids to raise the money!’ she joked.

  Glenn beamed. ‘As you well know, Louisa, that’s not at all likely! Oh, come on, let’s have a hug to celebrate.’ They embraced, laughing, before Glenn disappeared into the kitchen to make a celebratory cup of tea.

  ‘It should be something stronger but you know the rule, no alcohol on the premises. Your mum was right, but it would have been appropriate for once.’

  ‘Tell you what, let’s go to the pub for a drink once you close the office. The girls can come and we’ll have a proper celebration. I haven’t been able to drink because of this,’ she said, pointing to her head, ‘but am allowed to now. And you’ve just made my day.’

  ‘And you mine! We’ll meet you there in,’ he glanced at his watch, ‘twenty minutes? I’ll tell the girls.’

  Finishing her tea, Louisa left and took her time walking to the pub, enjoying some window-shopping on the way. The happiness she felt at Glenn taking on the business more than made up for losing the house in Guernsey. She would just have to keep looking…

  A couple of days later the agent handling her house called Louisa to say she had someone wanting to view. They agreed a time for later that day and in the meantime she rushed around tidying up. As most of the rooms were not being used, it did not take too long, but it affected her emotionally. It brought home that her life was about to undergo a major change and, although it was what she wanted and longed for, it was scary. Having already effectively sold her mother’s business, she was about to rent out her beloved house to strangers. Oh, Mum, please don’t be cross! Glenn will make a great owner of the agency and I’ll be careful who I choose to live here. And I know you would have adored Paul! I really want it to work for us and so does Malcolm. Oh, I wish you were here, Mum. She had to force back the tears as she gathered up the cleaning bits and pieces and returned them to the kitchen cupboard. It was at times like this that she wished her mother had been buried, not cremated. She would have loved to take flowers to the grave and have a chat. But Margaret, ever practical and forced to organise everything, had opted for a cremation. As she had for Charles. Louisa accepted it was the more eco option, but it still did not feel right.

  Dead on time, the agent rang the doorbell and Louisa made herself smile welcomingly at the couple accompanying her. Introduced as Mr and Mrs Saunders and in their late thirties, she guessed, they seemed nice enough. They needed a home for themselves and their children while the husband took up a new twelve-month contract in London. At the moment they lived in Manchester and would rent out their own house until they returned. Louisa let the agent show them around while she weeded some garden pots.

  They followed her outside after touring the house and Louisa could see how impressed they were. As they should, she thought. She heard them mention her little flat as being ideal for the nanny. Twenty minutes later she showed everyone out and the agent promised to be in touch. Louisa made herself a much-needed cup of coffee and took it outside. About an hour later the agent rang to say the couple loved the house and wanted to take the lease for the twelve months.

  ‘That’s…that’s great. I thought they seemed keen. When do they want to move in?’

  There was a cough on the end of the line.

  ‘Ah, well. I do hope that this will not be a problem, but they want to move in a month from now. Or they will withdraw their offer.’

  chapter 30

  Louisa panicked and phoned Charlotte. Her friend dispensed her usual words of wisdom.

  ‘It can be done. With a lot of help, naturally. When do you have to let them know?’

  ‘First thing tomorrow. They’re due to fly back to Manchester in the afternoon. Apparently they had agreed on a house but the owner changed their mind at the last minute, deciding to sell instead. So, they’re pretty desperate. But so am I! I haven’t anywhere to live.’

  ‘Calm down, I’m sure there’s somewhere you could stay. You can come here if you can’t find something in Guernsey. But I’m sure Malcolm would put you up until you found a place. Either way, it’s not an issue. I think you’re panicking because you realise it’s time to move on. And sooner than you thought.’ Charlotte’s voice was gentle, sounding sympathetic.

  Louisa knew she was right. She had been facing up to moving on since selling the business. It was just happening so fast…

  ‘So, what are you going to do?’

  ‘Accept, I guess. They seem ideal tenants and have glowing references, so the agent said. And they would be happy for me to leave some of the furniture as their own house is smaller. We’d have to agree on which bits, but that should be okay. I’m looking for something small in Guernsey so won’t need to take all that much.’

  ‘Good girl. I’ll give Fiona a ring and tell her to expect your call when you’ve finalised the details. She’ll be a big help, I promise. Several friends have used her to de-clu
tter their homes. Something I’m not in need of at the moment!’ she laughed.

  It was too early to phone Paul, working until seven that night, so she rang Malcolm to get his viewpoint.

  ‘That’s great news, my dear. Can’t say I’m surprised it’s gone so quickly, it really is a beautiful house.’

  ‘It would have been even better if I hadn’t missed that house you sent me details of. Apparently it went that morning and would have been ideal for me.’

  ‘Something will turn up, it always does. Once you’ve got the ball rolling over there, why don’t you come over for a couple of days and look around for yourself? You’ll get a much better feel for the properties in the flesh, as it were. Stay with me and I’ll drive you around. Afraid we’re full at La Folie.’

  ‘Thanks, I’d like that. I should look for myself. Oh, and I’ve sold the business…’ She went on to explain the deal with Glenn and he sounded delighted. He had met Glenn when he went in to tell him about Louisa’s injury and she knew he had liked him.

  ‘That man’s got great people skills and is ideal to take over. That way there’s no outward change to the ownership, which is good. I’ve been thinking I should talk to him about a cross-promotion with La Folie. He could make all the booking and travel arrangements for guests. What do you think?’

  They talked for a while longer before leaving it that Louisa would let him know when she could come over. She felt much more positive after the call so that by the time she phoned Paul, she had convinced herself that moving out of her home in a month’s time was a minor challenge rather than a disaster.

  ‘Hi, it’s me. I’ve got something exciting to tell you…’

  The agent sounded pleased when Louisa phoned to accept the couple’s conditions. Louisa wasn’t surprised; the agency had earned a fat commission for very little work. The wife had asked, if the deal was on, if she could call round to discuss the furniture. Louisa was happy to agree and an hour later a beaming Mrs Saunders arrived. They walked round, each with their notepads, conferring on what could be left behind. It was all very amicable and an hour later they shook hands on what they had agreed. From Louisa’s point of view it had worked well, she would be saved either storing or selling furniture she might not yet need, but may want in the future. It was time to phone Fiona, the “de-clutter” lady.