by Lucy Coleman
I sigh. There is only one thing left to tell her.
‘On my return I combed through everything in Grandma’s box and found a note she’d written to Fabien, shortly before she returned to the UK. Whether she ever intended him to see it, we’ll never know. Perhaps she realised after it was done that sometimes it isn’t about the words we use, it’s about what we do. I’d like to read it to you, though, if you don’t mind. It begins:
“Dearest Fabien,
Parting is hard; harder than I thought it would be, even. And yet the day is almost here, and I know this is how it’s meant to be. You have taught me so much and my life is richer for having known you.
I have never met a man whose passion consumes him so completely. You opened my eyes to see nature in a way I never had before.
You took me out into the great park and made me listen to its beating heart and I felt at one with it. You taught me that it nurtures us and if we fail to nurture it, then we are lesser beings and the worse for it.
Planting, watering and creating bounty teaches us to respect, to love and to be grateful. You made me understand that we are all a part of creation and yet we are all creators in our own right. And that is the true gift of life.
It is with great sadness in my heart that I leave both you and Versailles, but feeling blessed for the knowledge I now carry with me. I hope in some small way to pass that on to willing ears. In doing so, I will be honouring you until the day I die. You will never be alone. Rose.”
Sorry, Mum, I need a moment here.’
Struggling to control my emotions, I take a few deep breaths until I’m feeling calmer and a sense of peace is instilled within me. Folding the note, I slip it back inside the box, knowing that it’s time to put it away. I now understand why it was so important for Grandma to share the lessons life had taught her. She was upholding a promise and the pupil became the teacher.
Gathering my resolve, I push my shoulders back, sitting straighter in the chair.
‘It’s a poignant, yet humbling declaration, isn’t it, Mum?’
‘It is, Lexie, my darling. But it sums up the very essence of your grandma and for me this has been an unexpected gift and that’s down to you. And Ronan. How is he?’
I wait while she blows her nose again.
‘He’s good – we’re good, and I’m waiting for his call now, Mum. Ronan is right, Grandma’s notebooks succeeded in bringing us both together, but it was the way she lived her life that was the true adventure. We just didn’t understand that until now.’
30
Acceptance and Forgiveness Go Hand in Hand
‘What a mess we made of it, Ronan, didn’t we? I’m sorry for turning my back on you, thinking the worst and not giving you a chance to talk about it.’
‘You have nothing to be sorry about, Lexie. This was all my fault. I couldn’t handle it, pure and simple. George was upset to think he’d come between us, as that was never his intention, either. We finally sat down together, putting old grievances aside to talk openly for the first time. I’ve made my peace with it now, and with him. Explaining it all to my mother was tough, I will admit. But the funny thing is that she simply said she was glad I was finally able to let it go. She’d accepted what happened to her father wasn’t anyone’s fault. Not even his. He was ill, but he didn’t know that.’
That doesn’t surprise me. Eve is a strong woman who had to stand up for herself and her son from the very start. Learning to accept the things you can’t influence is a big part of that. It’s the only way to survive.
‘What did she say when she read the book? My mum cried copiously, as I did.’
‘There is only one copy, Lexie. It’s yours to do with as you wish.’
I’m stunned. I thought he’d at least share this with his mother too.
‘But it’s a part of Eve’s history, Ronan.’
‘That’s as maybe, but I wrote this for you.’
‘So, there is no official third book?’
‘No. Oh, it began that way, but to put a very personal story into context I had to merge the two. Neither part is complete unless it’s whole.’
I gasp. ‘You can’t leave the series unfinished.’
‘I can, because I now understand that there are things which are much more important to me. It’s a story that promises to be never-ending, if you really can forgive me, because we’ll be carrying it on.’
What is it about this man that keeps making me want to cry?
‘You’ve done a beautiful thing, Ronan. And all I need to know is where do we go from here?’
He laughs, softly. ‘I thought you’d never ask. Well, the house is already being marketed as a holiday rental, and it won’t be long before I have to hand over the keys. You are sure about this, are you? I’m not exactly penniless, but with no more paid work in the pipeline I’m a bit of a risk, aren’t I?’
I groan. ‘Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m getting myself into and it’s a risk worth taking.’
‘When is Ronan coming?’ Maisie asks, dipping her cookie into the glass of milk in front of her.
‘Soon. He has to do the packing all by himself and he lives in quite a big house.’
‘As big as Uncle Jake’s?’
Shellie smiles across at me.
‘Not quite, but it’s full of beautiful old things and some of them have to be put into storage in case they get damaged. They belonged to his grandmother.’
Maisie’s brain ticks over as she continues dipping her biscuit.
‘So, when you get married,’ she says with a serious look on her face, ‘can I be a bridesmaid?’
I stifle a laugh and I can see Shellie has to turn away for a brief moment.
‘Well, I’m not exactly sure when that will be, but yes, of course. If I get married, you can most certainly be a bridesmaid.’
‘And will you be having kids, too?’
Eek! I need rescuing.
‘That’s enough questions for now, Maisie. Finish up, as it’s time to tidy the toys that are covering the whole of your bedroom floor. I need to have a quiet chat with Auntie Lexie.’
As soon as Maisie is out of earshot, we burst out laughing.
‘I’m astounded by what goes on inside a five-year-old’s head these days. Seriously, they are hard work to be around even when they’re past the troublesome toddler stage.’
Shellie pats her stomach, affectionately.
‘Thanks sis, for reminding me about what’s to come.’
I grin. ‘Sorry. Everything passes with time. Besides, I know you love every single moment of it.’
‘Yes, but Maisie was a good sleeper and they do say that you never get two the same. I could end up like Brooke; some days she’s a walking zombie.’
‘I’m full of admiration for you both,’ I acknowledge. ‘It all seems rather scary to me.’
Shellie eases herself onto the tall stool next to me.
‘It’s all about routine, to-do lists and organising your brood. They’ll always put a smile on your face and the cuddles alone make it all worthwhile. But hey, following on from Maisie’s question – there will be a wedding, won’t there?’
I shrug. ‘Ronan and I talk all the time, but it won’t seem real until he’s actually here. He’s so busy sorting everything out, although Solange and Philippe have been wonderful. I know Ronan is nervous handing the house over to a management company, but it’s the easiest option for the time being. One day I hope we will be able to afford for him not to have to let it out but keep it just for family use only. You should all go and experience it for yourselves and I know he’d love that. It might take a year or two before we’re in that position, though.’
‘Gosh, that would be wonderful. I’d love to follow in Grandma’s footsteps, and it would really bring Ronan’s book to life for me.’
As the book does the rounds of the family, even Jake admits he shed a few tears.
‘So, Mum’s all caught up in this party of hers that she’s calling a house-warmi
ng. The fact it’s being held in the Forest View room at the local arboretum seemed a little bizarre at first, but the new house is very compact, and it would be a squash. I bet Jake’s a bit miffed she’s not holding it at the farmhouse, but I think she’s sending a clear message to us all.’ Mum is certainly a lot more lively these days and that’s undeniable.
‘Well, it’s her party and she’s never keen to accept our help, is she? I’m sure she’s enlisted someone to organise it for her and I think we should just back off and leave her to it,’ Shellie replies, obviously feeling confident Mum isn’t stressing over anything.
‘Are we taking gifts on Saturday?’ I ask, wondering what on earth Mum would possibly want.
‘No. I don’t think so. The new house is all set up and you know what she’s like. If she needs something, she buys it. I thought we could order her a really nice bouquet of flowers a few days after the party, when she has time to enjoy them, and pick her up a nice potted bay tree for the garden. What do you think?’
‘That’s a great idea. I’m up for it.’
When Mum asked me if I thought the idea of a party was a bit ‘silly’, I simply said that everyone loves a party. But I thought she meant like a little tea party at her house.
‘I suspect the truth is that she just wants to get everyone under one roof to celebrate being the matriarch. I don’t think any one of us thought we’d all be together like this ever again and there’s a lot to celebrate!’
Part IV
August 2018
31
A Truly Glorious Evening
I’ve never been inside the Forest View room before, although I often come to stroll around the arboretum, revelling in the seasonal changes. There’s something about the sense of peace that descends when nature so completely shuts out any sign of the outside world from view, and all you can see is a myriad of different shades of green.
As we stand on the large decked area with the wall of bifold doors open and the rolling lawns extending way into the distance, the sound of a gentle breeze amongst the leafy trees is wonderful. That intermittent little rushing, whooshing sound as a light summer breeze sends the birds fluttering away. And then they settle, squabbling over their preferred spot on a branch.
‘Mum, this is utterly gorgeous and the perfect location. Everything looks amazing.’ Gazing around, I take in the huge amount of effort she’s put into turning this room into an indoor garden. There’s still plenty of room for people to circulate and the kids to run around inside, or out.
‘Oh, it was really only a few phone calls,’ she leans in conspiratorially to whisper. ‘I can’t take the credit for this, although the instructions were rather explicit.’
‘Instructions? What did you say? “Empty the contents of the garden centre and bring it indoors, then turn the outside into a beautifully manicured setting for a garden party?” Which, give them their due, is exactly what they’ve done!’
Originally, I assumed it was going to be a rather more intimate party, but our extended family, friends and neighbours are still filtering in. There are three large circular buffet tables and tall metal planters filled with flowers everywhere you look.
Outside, just beyond the decking area, small bistro tables and chairs are set out within a large rectangular area, bordered by a line of potted bay trees. There is a central island with a collection of hollies, a multitude of shaped Buxus, neatly pruned fir trees and tall rosemary bushes; the smell is wonderful. They must have emptied the greenhouses and the nursery to turn a bland, although beautiful, expanse of grass into a classical little garden setting.
Behind me, the groaning buffet tables are covered in the most delightful array of canapés and the biggest cheeseboard I have ever seen. In the centre of each is a large, tiered, Perspex cake stand in the shape of a tree. It’s so cleverly designed and on each tier is an assortment of little cupcakes, tarts and choux buns. Pretty, tempting and utterly gorgeous.
‘I love the bunting and the bows. And the twinkly little—’
I stop talking and realise Mum hasn’t moved a muscle. She’s staring at me rather awkwardly.
‘You were only passing on the instructions, weren’t you?’ I mutter, my heart fluttering in my chest.
‘Yes,’ the solitary word comes from behind me, and I don’t give Ronan a chance to utter another syllable before I spin around and launch myself into his arms. My lips hungrily seek out his as I hug him fiercely to me. I can hardly believe he’s finally here and the waiting is over.
‘You… you… argh! I can’t believe you did this and kept it all quiet!’
I gaze around at everyone and you could literally hear a pin drop. I always thought that was such a stupid expression, but it’s true. Everyone was in on this, except me, and they’re all nervously awaiting my reaction.
‘You wonderful… family, you!’ I shriek – hardly the most eloquent of acknowledgements, but they have all taken my breath away.
Suddenly everyone is talking at the same time, but Ronan and I are just hugging each other, and we don’t want to let go. I’m speechless and so is he.
After a couple of minutes, Maisie rushes over, tugging at my sparkly new dress. The one I hesitated over buying that day Mum and I went to lunch but am so glad now that I did.
‘Auntie Lexie, is this Ronan?’
‘Yes, it is, my darling Maisie.’
Ronan has no choice but to pull away and he bends, putting out his hand to Maisie, who shakes it rather solemnly.
‘I’m going to be a bridesmaid,’ she announces. I burst out laughing, both mortified and charmed at the same time.
‘Um, that wasn’t quite what I said, Maisie, but—’
Ronan puts up his hand to stop me. ‘I have this, Lexie,’ he says, as he rests one knee on the oak floor so he can talk to Maisie on her level.
‘That’s a rather exciting thought, Maisie,’ he says, giving her a wink. ‘Could you do me a huge favour?’
We’re all listening intently, and I think it’s so cute that he’s humouring her.
‘You see the table over there and the big silver box? Could you bring it to me?’
She runs off, eager to please.
‘It isn’t as heavy as it looks,’ she whispers to him as she hands it over. ‘Mind you don’t drop it.’
He passes the box to me. I look at him, rather quizzically.
‘Just something I thought you might like. A little memento of our time at Versailles,’ he says, looking a little bashful as all eyes are firmly focused on us.
Opening it, all I can see is a mass of pale-pink, shredded tissue paper. Maisie stands on tiptoe and I lower it so she can look inside. Soon Jacob and Reece run over to join in the fun, not wanting to be left out. The circle of people around us begins to draw closer, as everyone is now curious.
‘What do you think it can be?’ I ask, as intrigued as the kids.
As little hands begin to tease out the wriggly strands of tissue paper, nestling at the very bottom is a little box and I gaze at Ronan, who is still crouched on one knee. He raises his eyebrows.
‘You need to open it,’ he declares.
I pass Maisie the big box and flip open the small lid to expose the most beautiful white gold ring, set with a square diamond.
‘Lexie Winters, will you do me the great honour of being my wife?’
As we both stand to hug and Ronan slips the ring on my finger, there isn’t a dry eye wherever I look.
‘I promised you a party full of love and romance; well, this is without doubt a room full of love and I have your wonderful mum to thank for delivering on what was a very detailed list of requirements. As long as we’re together we can always surround ourselves with beauty, and Versailles will always be there to remind us of our beginning.’
I take one step back and wipe away my tears. ‘It’s perfect. You’re perfect and thank you, everyone, for being a part of one of the best evenings of my life.’
It’s a crazy night. Noisy, filled with introductions, la
ughter, and a real sense of new beginnings.
‘Eve and Frank couldn’t make it?’ I ask, when eventually we try discreetly to slip outside into the dusky night together. As we step into the shadows, gazing back at the Forest Room, the proliferation of flickering candles lends that perfect, romantic touch.
‘That’s entirely my fault, I’m afraid,’ he admits as we stroll hand in hand. ‘They’re in Portugal celebrating Frank’s sixtieth birthday and I’d totally forgotten about it. My mother was cross with me, but they are due back in a week’s time and are going to drive down to spend the weekend with us. Elliot has been taking copious amounts of photos, because I promised her that she wouldn’t miss out on a thing. She berated me because I changed the date suddenly at the last minute, but I couldn’t wait any longer. Did I do the right thing? You don’t feel I overstepped the mark by surprising you? I did ask your mum whether she thought you’d prefer to plan the party yourself if we had it a little later on.’
‘What did she say to that, out of interest?’
Ronan steers me over towards a wooden bench sheltered in the nook between a group of tall oak trees, part way between the decking and the old pond. Far enough away that we can hear the faint sounds of laughter and chatter on the breeze, but we can also savour the quiet of a summer’s evening in the semi-gloom.
‘She said that every woman secretly longs to be swept off her feet and I should go ahead and do whatever I thought was right. Mind you, she might have paled a little when I emailed her the vision. I went online to find the venue and it was perfect, but it really was teamwork. We had great fun and she sent me daily updates on how the arrangements were progressing. Lots of photos of plants and bunting and cakes—’
He sounds so happy and so relaxed.