Villa of Sun and Secrets

by Jennifer Bohnet

  ‘Joel was at the villa today,’ Carla said to Josette as they sat out in the courtyard under the shade of the parasol eating lunch. ‘He seems to be a nice man.’

  ‘He is,’ Josette replied.

  ‘When I told him I was moving into the villa soon, he told me he’d been planning to ask you if he could rent a room temporarily. He’s having to move and can’t find anything suitable at the moment.’

  ‘It is difficult down here, especially during the summer,’ Josette said.

  ‘I didn’t want to say anything until I’d spoken to you, but I was wondering whether it would be possible to let him stay in the villa until he finds somewhere? I’m going to be back and forwards for a couple of weeks at least, so having someone living in the house might be a good idea?’

  ‘I don’t think Joel would take advantage, so why not? If it helps him. He’s not had the best of luck in the last few years,’ Josette said. ‘I have to admit I didn’t like the thought of the villa being empty for too long. I’ll ring him tomorrow and tell him he can have a room if he still wants it.’

  15

  Carla was busy sandpapering doors upstairs a couple of days later when she heard the driveway gates opening and saw Joel parking his van at the front of the villa. She ran quickly down stairs.

  ‘Joel, can we talk? Did Josette ring you?’

  Joel shook his head. ‘She might have done, but my phone is currently out of charge. Something cropped up she wants me to do?’

  ‘It was about you looking for somewhere to live. We’ve both agreed you’re welcome to a room here until you find something.’

  ‘But what about you moving in?’

  ‘I’m going to be toing and froing from England for a couple of weeks and when I am here I can stay at Josette’s. I’m ordering three beds this week. I’d appreciate a hand with assembling them, but once they’re here you’re welcome to move into one of the downstairs rooms. I’ve started decorating the other bedrooms.’

  Joel looked at her. ‘Vraiment?

  Carla nodded. ‘Yes, truly. We’ll have to sort something out about a little rent, but we can talk about that later.’

  ‘Brilliant news, thank you.’

  ‘I have to warn you, the villa is going to be pretty basic for a bit. Not much more than the furniture that’s here already.’

  ‘No worries. I’m just happy to have a roof over my head. Pas problème helping with the beds – or anything else. Just give me a shout.’ Joel said.

  Carla returned the happy smile Joel beamed at her with one of her own. Returning upstairs, she couldn’t help wondering about him. If she’d met Joel somewhere else, she’d never have guessed he was a gardener, although he did exude a certain attractive sexy earthliness. Maddy would certainly describe him as fit, in more ways than one. Sandpapering the door of the second bedroom, she wondered what had happened in his past. Maybe Josette would tell her more if she asked. But then again maybe she wouldn’t. Carla was learning that Josette kept her own secrets and thoughts tightly guarded. Gossiping about her gardener with Carla, with anyone, was something she was unlikely to do.

  The days leading up to the notaire’s appointment were busy ones. The beds and mattresses, ordered online, arrived and Joel assembled the two for the downstairs rooms and promised to do the third one upstairs as soon as Carla had finished decorating. She painted the walls white with just a hint of sunshine yellow and all the woodwork plain white. In less than a week, the upstairs was transformed and Carla began to think that she might be ready to open her doors to guests during the long school holidays later in the year.

  David rang one evening, asking how she was and when would she be back.

  ‘I’m fine. I’ll book a flight after I’ve been to the notaire’s.’ No point in telling him about her decision to move to France until she was back.

  The appointment with Monsieur Damarcus the notaire went well. Once the formalities were over and all the paperwork signed in triplicate, Carla told him her plans for the villa and he offered to help her with registering both herself and the business with the French authorities. An offer Carla knew she’d gratefully accept when the time came.

  Afterwards, Josette went with her to the large hypermarket on the edge of town, where they literally spent hours choosing bed linen, crockery and the hundred other small things on Carla’s list. She’d decided things like dressing tables, wardrobes and other furniture would have to be bought when she returned after her trip back to the UK. In thirty-six hours, she would be at the place she used to call home, explaining to her husband and her daughter that her future home was going to be in Antibes. Not something she was looking forward with any enthusiasm to doing. Particularly as far as David was concerned. Still, once she’d done it, she could return to Antibes and get on with her new life.

  Joel was at the villa moving in when Carla and Josette got back from the hypermarket and he gave them a hand carrying the shopping into the villa from the taxi before finishing unloading his van.

  ‘I’ll see you back at the cottage,’ Josette said. ‘Pizza for supper okay with you?’

  ‘Sounds great,’ Carla answered. ‘See you later.’

  Pulling two packages out from the pile of shopping waiting to be sorted in the kitchen, Carla went through the sitting room and into the small corridor that led to the downstairs bedrooms. The door was open to Joel’s room and he smiled when he saw her.

  ‘Are you sure you’re going to be okay in here? Sorry about the lack of furniture other than the bed. I bought a clothes rail and a hanging organiser today,’ and she held them out to Joel.

  ‘Thanks. I was planning on living out of my suitcases, but these will definitely make life easier.’

  Carla noticed an upended wooden box at the side of the bed with a bedside light and a framed photograph of a laughing young woman. ‘I’ll find you a cloth or something to go over that. That’s one beautiful young lady,’ she said, looking up at Joel, wondering who she was but not liking to ask.

  ‘Tamara, my sister.’

  ‘Does she live in France?’

  Joel shook his head. ‘No, she lived in the States before she died.’

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ Carla said. ‘I didn’t mean to pry.’ Maybe this was what Josette had been referring to when she’d mentioned Joel having a hard time recently?

  ‘I know you didn’t. I’d better start assembling the rail,’ Joel answered.

  ‘I’d better get back to sorting my shopping,’ Carla said, hoping she hadn’t upset him. He’d clearly been very fond of his sister.

  The next evening, her last before she flew back to the UK, Carla invited Josette, Gordon and Joel too, of course, for drinks and nibbles at the villa. She got the feeling that Josette had accepted reluctantly. Champagne in the fridge, salmon bites, a selection of tomatoes stuffed with various fillings, nuts and crisps were lined up on the kitchen work surface. She’d taken Josette’s advice to go to the artisan stall in the market for the nibbles. Normally, Carla would have prepared the food herself, but the kitchen was not a working kitchen yet in any sense of the word. A kettle and a microwave, glasses, cups, crockery and cutlery were all there now, but baking utensils and ingredients had yet to be purchased. Still so much to do when she returned.

  The sitting room French doors were open and while waiting for Josette and Gordon to arrive Carla wandered out onto the terrace. The low sound of music drifted on the air from Joel’s room, adding to the lovely balmy south of France evening, which was perfect for sitting and relaxing in the garden. Only they couldn’t, she realised. There wasn’t any furniture to sit on. Carla made a mental note to add garden furniture to the list that didn’t appear to be getting any shorter. Tonight they’d have to stand around outside or sit indoors.

  She turned as Joel appeared at her side. ‘The garden is a real credit to your hard work. It’s beautiful. I love the colour of that bougainvillea along the back – it’s almost purple. And what’s the name of that tallish shrub with the blue flower by the rocke
ry?’

  ‘Plumbago.’

  ‘I was thinking some solar lights dotted around would look good. And candles in containers out here on the terrace.’

  ‘But peut ȇtre not too many solar lights as they can confuse the insects.’

  ‘I didn’t realise that. I’ll stick to candles then,’ Carla said, looking around. ‘I can barely believe I’m going to be living in a house with lemons and oranges growing in the garden. It’s like a dream come true. Ah, I can hear Josette and Gordon. Time to pour the drinks.’

  Joel opened the champagne for her and she handed the flutes around. Carla raised her glass in Josette’s direction. ‘Thank you, Tante Josette, for agreeing to let me start my new life in Villa Mimosa so, can I just say, here’s to family and new beginnings.’

  ‘Family and new beginnings,’ everyone echoed.

  Only Gordon noticed that Josette omitted the word family and simply toasted ‘new beginnings’.

  16

  It was raining when Carla landed back on English soil, which put an additional damper on her already low spirits. As the plane had taken off from Nice airport, she’d sighed. Knowing what lay ahead of her for the next couple of days, she’d have given anything not to have been heading back to the UK. She’d emailed David yesterday to tell him she was returning and would see him this evening. She’d refrained from telling him they needed to talk again because she knew he’d only misunderstand and think she’d changed her mind about the divorce. Easier to wait until they were together.

  She also emailed Maddy, inviting her for supper. That way, she could tell the two of them at the same time about her exciting new plans as they ate.

  To her relief, David wasn’t home when she arrived at the house. She took her case up to the guest bedroom before going downstairs to make a cup of tea. A note on the kitchen table told her he’d be home about seven and he’d bring Chinese for them all to share. A few more hours’ reprieve then. Time enough to make a few phone calls to the estate agent and the solicitor.

  The phone call to the estate agent went well. Contracts on No. 29 had been exchanged and completion would be in about three weeks. After speaking to the solicitor, though, about the divorce, Carla was cross. David was apparently dragging his heels over everything, but mainly their financial settlement. Maybe when he heard her news tonight he’d finally realise trying to hold things up in the hope she’d change her mind was a waste of everyone’s time.

  Maddy and David arrived within minutes of each other. Carla returned Maddy’s hug and accepted David’s kiss on the cheek. When David went upstairs to change, leaving the two of them to sort the takeaway food, Maddy whispered to her mum.

  ‘Don’t mention Sam tonight.’

  ‘Why? You haven’t broken up, have you?’

  ‘No, of course not. I just haven’t told Dad about him yet.’ Maddy looked at Carla. ‘You do realise Dad is still hoping you’ll change your mind about the divorce?’

  ‘Well, he’s going to have to accept it when he hears my news.’

  Maddy looked at her questioningly.

  ‘Later.’

  Carla poured the red wine she’d opened earlier and handed a glass to Maddy.

  ‘I hope you’ve poured me a glass,’ David said, coming into the kitchen at that moment. ‘Could do with a drink after the day I’ve had.’

  Carla handed him a glass. ‘Let’s eat.’

  ‘So, how was France?’ David said, helping himself to some sweet and sour balls and savoury rice. ‘Are you now officially half owner of an Antibes villa? I’m looking forward to you showing me around soon. I was thinking we’d go for a long weekend later this month.’

  ‘David, what part of the word divorce do you not understand?’ Carla said quietly, before taking a deep breath. ‘Yes, I now officially own half of the family villa with Tante Josette. And my big news is – I have decided to move to France, so I’ve come to an agreement with Josette that I will live in the villa and – eventually –- run it as a chambre d’hôte.’

  Complete silence greeted her words. Maddy was the first to speak.

  ‘You mean you’re moving to Antibes? You can’t just up sticks and go like that. What about us?’

  ‘Us?’

  ‘Me and Ed.’

  ‘You’re grown-ups living life the way you want to,’ Carla said. ‘Both of you are unlikely to live at home again. Besides, you both know wherever my home is will be your home too.’

  ‘But it won’t be here where we grew up,’ Maddy wailed.

  ‘True, but you’ll always have the memories. Villa Mimosa is a lovely old house with plenty of rooms, not to mention a pool. I know you’re going to love my new home as much as I do already,’ Carla said, injecting an upbeat tone into her voice.

  Maddy turned to her father who, having drained his glass of wine and poured himself another, was now pushing his savoury rice around the plate. ‘How come you’re so quiet, Dad. This is all your fault. If you hadn’t had an affair with that tart, Lisa, none of this would be happening.’

  ‘Actually, I don’t think that’s totally true. The chances are it would have happened anyway,’ Carla said. ‘I think Dad would agree that our marriage has been in trouble for some time. His latest affair was just the catalyst.’ She threw a pleading look in David’s direction. ‘I’m sure we’re all old enough to be civilised about everything. Even when the divorce is finalised, Dad and I will always be there for you and Ed.’

  ‘In different countries!’ Maddy said, pushing her chair back and standing up. ‘I’m going. I half promised to meet S— someone. I’ll give you a call tomorrow, Mum, when I’ve got my head around things. Bye, Dad.’

  David winced as the front door slammed behind her. The two of them sat in silence for a minute before Carla spoke.

  ‘So, we are going to be civilised about things, aren’t we, David?’

  ‘I’ve been a bloody idiot I know, but I do wish you’d think about trying again. No? Okay then,’ wearily David nodded. ‘Civilised it is.’

  ‘Good. I was talking to my solicitor earlier and he said you’re holding things up, particularly my financial settlement.’

  ‘Yeah, well I was hoping… I’ll ring my solicitor in the morning and speed things up.’

  ‘You do that. He’ll want to tell you about a few things I’ve instructed my solicitor to offer. There’s a couple of conditions attached to what I’ve asked him to propose, but he agreed they were fair.’ Carla stood up. ‘I’m off to bed, it’s been a long day. See you tomorrow. Oh, I nearly forgot. I’ve put the necklace back in its box in your room. Night.’

  ‘Night,’ David said, not looking at her as he poured the last of the wine into his glass.

  The next morning, Carla stayed in her room until she heard David leave for work before she got up. She had a busy few days ahead of her. There was so much to organise with a move to another country. She also needed to phone Maddy to check she wasn’t still upset after last night. After breakfast, she picked up the phone to call Josette.

  Standing, looking out of the window at the drizzle, waiting for Josette to answer, Carla thought longingly of the sunshine that Josette would no doubt complain about, saying it was too hot, too early in the day. Carla, though, was looking forward to enjoying a proper summer with lots and lots of sunshine. In truth, she couldn’t wait to get back.

  17

  Josette straightened several of the framed photos she’d hung in the privacy of her bedroom. Photos that were representative of her life for the past fifty years and ones that she was proud to have taken. Hanging them elsewhere in the cottage would have felt like showing off and Josette had never been one for bragging. Placing them in full view of visitors would also encourage questions about her past. Questions that Josette preferred not to answer.

  Most of the photographs were black and white ones she’d taken all over Europe during the course of the last fifty years. Subjects ranged from young children to old women, from deluxe buildings to bombed-out streets in war zones, from
crowds to solitary figures in a landscape. Some had won awards.

  Getting ready to meet Gordon for a day out, her eyes were drawn as ever to a certain photograph. A young child, no more than two years old, reaching out to be picked up by the father. Her camera had captured the father’s look of pure unadulterated love as he bent down towards the child. It had always been one of her favourite photos. Josette closed her eyes as the familiar wave of sadness that had swept through her the day she’d realised how a man’s life had been destroyed by the loss of that simple unconditional love, swept through her again.

  Picking up her bag, a pashmina and putting on her straw sun hat, her hand hovered over her camera on the dresser, where the sun streaming in highlighted the dust particles forming over its case. Once the Nikon would have been an automatic accessory every day, but in recent months the desire to take photographs had died. Today, though, the camera’s neglected presence stirred memories as well as a feeling of sadness at what she had given up.

  Maybe it was time she dusted off the camera, but not today. Gordon had promised her a fun day out and they were off to Monaco. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be late meeting him down by the station. Josette ran downstairs and out of the cottage, slamming the door behind her.

  ‘Sorry, am I late?’ she said as he greeted her with the usual cheek kisses. ‘We’ll have to hurry getting our tickets.’

  ‘Today we don’t need tickets. Come with me,’ and Gordon took her by the hand and led her in the direction of a white convertible MG vintage sports car parked nearby. ‘I thought we’d travel in style today,’ he said, moving round and opening the passenger door for her. ‘If madam would take a seat.’

  Josette did as she was told and fastened her seat belt and waited while Gordon did the same. ‘I didn’t think you had a car?’