Page 29 of A Riviera Retreat
‘Have you spoken to Anthony?’
‘Not yet. He’s ringing me at seven.’ She glanced at Amy. ‘I don’t know what to do about the kids. They’re both busy with work but are certain to hear the news,’ Vicky shrugged helplessly. ‘And I can’t help but feel I ought to be there for Anthony. That somehow this mess is my fault for not being there.’
‘That’s nonsense and you know it,’ Amy said.
‘But it’s so out of character for Anthony to do something like this. If I’d been home perhaps he’d have talked to me and I could have prevented it.’
‘I don’t think it was a premeditated action,’ Amy said. ‘I think it was one of those spur-of-the-moment regrettable things we are all capable of doing from time to time.’
Vicky nodded thoughtfully. ‘You’re probably right. Anthony has been very frustrated lately over things beyond his control really. I’ll know more when I’ve spoken to him this evening.’
‘Why don’t you tell him he’s welcome to join you for the rest of your holiday?’ Amy said impulsively. ‘Away from all the drama, the two of you would find it easier to talk.’
Vicky looked at her in surprise. ‘Honestly? He’d insist on paying his way though. Thank you. Oh, but…’
Amy raised her eyebrows and waited.
‘What about the others? D’you think they’d mind?’
Amy shook her head. ‘Of course they wouldn’t – they would need to know who he is and why he’s here though.’
‘Would you tell them about his suspension please?’ Vicky said. ‘I’m not sure I can without bursting into tears.’
‘Of course I’ll tell them. Now, can I get you a coffee – or a stiff gin?’ Amy smiled as Vicky shook her head.
‘No thanks. I’d better keep a clear head.’
‘If you’re sure you’re okay, I’ll get back to my paperwork. Try not to worry too much. The media do tend to blow things out of proportion. I’m sure everything will sort itself out.’
Amy left Vicky saying she’d try and do some work and opening her laptop. She made her way back down the garden, via the pool this time. She’d seen Matilda and Chelsea were still sunbathing and reading there as she’d walked to the summer house. No time like the present for breaking the news to them about Vicky’s husband and explaining that he might well be joining them.
Once Amy had quietly explained about Vicky’s husband and the trouble he was in, Matilda voiced the opinion that to talk about them would be to gossip. ‘And gossip can turn malicious very quickly,’ she’d added. ‘So it’s best avoided whenever possible,’ and she’d turned resolutely back to reading her book.
* * *
It was early evening when the three of them met up in the kitchen to help prepare dinner. The menu for the evening was a simple one: Parma ham and endive salad for starters, fish in white wine sauce with asparagus and sauté potatoes, the usual cheese board and chocolate mousse. Chelsea had made the mousses yesterday to give them time to set, so there was very little really to do in the way of preparation.
‘Have you heard how Olivia is?’ Matilda asked as she peeled potatoes.
‘Pierre says she’s on the mend, but it’s going to take weeks rather than days for her to recover completely,’ Amy said, glancing across at Chelsea. ‘I know you’ve got a business to get back to, but it’s a pity you can’t stay on for a couple of weeks. You can’t, can you?’ she asked. ‘I’ll pay you.’
Chelsea shook her head regretfully. ‘Oh, I wish. I’m really sorry, but I can’t leave Elsie to cope on her own any longer. I know we’ve got lots of bookings lined up for the next month.’
‘No worries, it was just a thought,’ Amy said. ‘I’ll organise an agency cook.’
A subdued Vicky walked into the kitchen just then. Everyone chorused out, ‘Hi,’ followed by a slightly tense silence in the air for a couple of seconds with no one knowing quite what to say, before Matilda smiled at her and broke the silence.
‘Sorry to hear about your husband’s troubles. Try not to worry – these things generally sort themselves out.’
‘Try not to let it spoil your holiday here,’ Chelsea said, picking up a large bundle of asparagus and holding it out to Vicky. ‘Need to break off about two inches of stem from each one and put them in the steamer ready for later,’ she explained. ‘Some chefs would have you peel the remaining stalks, but I like to leave them as they are. Okay?’
Vicky nodded.
‘Drop the stems in here,’ Chelsea said, handing her a saucepan. ‘I can make soup for later in the week with those blended together with a couple of potatoes and some cream.’
‘I’ll do these,’ Vicky said. ‘And then I need to go back to my room to take Anthony’s call.’
It was five to seven when Vicky threw the last stem into the saucepan. ‘Sorry, I have to go now.’
