Page 104 of Thursdays at Orange Blossom House
‘He’s hardly that,’ Patricia says.
‘He wants to be that.’ Grace Maud looks at Sandrine and realises that it’s perfect she’s joined their conversation at this exact moment. Sandrine, of all people, may be able to convince Patricia to abandon fixed ideas of what’s acceptable and embrace what she really wants – just as Grace Maud did herself once upon a time. But Grace Maud did it to stay in place. Sandrine ran away and had adventures, which is exactly what Patricia needs to do.
‘He’s invited her to join him on a trip to India,’ says Dorothy, looking like she’s won a prize – because, as Grace Maud now knows, other people’s happinessisDorothy’s prize.
‘India!’ Sandrine beams. ‘How mar-vel-lous. So, Patricia, why have you not said yes already to this beau?’
Patricia sighs and her shoulders slump a little. ‘Because he’s a lot younger than me.’
Sandrine’s brow furrows. ‘Is he old enough to drink wine?’
‘Yes. He’s in his thirties.’
‘Then what is the problem? This is legal,non?’
‘Sandrine!’ Patricia looks shocked. ‘I’m in my forties!’
Sandrine looks at her as if she’s said something profoundly odd. ‘I do not understand.’
‘I’m too old for him.’
‘Chérie,’ Sandrine says as she wags a finger in Patricia’s direction, ‘clearly he does not think so if he asks you to take a trip with him. So why do you think so?’
‘Because …’ Patricia looks at each of them in turn, her vulnerability so plainly visible that Grace Maud’s heart aches for her. ‘What happens if we’re together for five years? Ten? He won’t want me any more then.’
Sandrine steps towards Patricia and enfolds her into a hug. ‘You are worrying about something that may never happen,’ she says as she lets her go. ‘I am older than you and my boyfriend is younger than you – do you think I am worried about him leaving me? Never! He is lucky to have me! And this man – his name, please?’
‘Dennis,’ Dorothy provides.
‘This Dennis is lucky to have you.’ Sandrine pinches Patricia’s cheeks. ‘You are afraid of being loved, beautiful Patricia, because your whole life you have been told you are not lovable.’
Patricia gasps. ‘How do you know that?’
‘It is written on the body, my dear. Plus I am a witch.’
Sandrine laughs but Grace Maud isn’t sure she’s joking.
‘But I think you can see, Patricia,’ Sandrine says as she takes her hand, ‘that there are people here who find youverylovable. Grace Maud does not strike me as someone who loves easily. Am I correct, Grace Maud?’
‘You are.’ And Grace Maud, like Patricia, wonders how Sandrine could know that. Wonders what else she knows just by observing them. She feels exposed – but also seen and understood. It is an unusual combination.
‘And she has chosen to love you,’ Sandrine goes on. ‘Dorothy has a big heart, does she not? But I think she only gives special attention to very few. So these two love you.’ Sandrine lets go of Patricia’s hand. ‘Why is it so hard to believe that this Dennis could love you? That he will take care of you if you go with him?’
Patricia’s bottom lip is trembling and she sniffs several times.
‘I’m still scared,’ she whispers.
‘That is life,chérie!’ Sandrine throws her hands up. ‘It is scary! It is wonderful! It is strange! Just like this yoga practice, you see? That is why I have been doing it so many years. You do not know what will happen when you arrive on the mat. You do not know what will happen when you arrive in a new country or when you take a new lover. But you do know that it will be an adventure. And adventures are glorious. Do you not agree?’
Patricia’s nods are small but certain.
‘Thank you,’ she says softly. ‘All of you.’
‘Now, if you are going to India you must tell me, because I will have some tips.’ Sandrine smiles and pinches Patricia’s cheeks again.
‘I will.’ Another nod.
‘All right, ladies, enjoy your Saturday.’
