Page 31 of A Riviera Retreat
Vicky smiled at her. ‘Depending on flights, I suspect it will be nearer the end of the holiday so we can travel back together. Antibes tomorrow will be good. Just what I personally need to take my mind of things. Santé,’ and she raised her glass in the general direction of everyone before taking a large gulp of her drink.
Day Seven Of The Holiday – June 12
16
After a night where she’d tossed and turned for a couple of hours before sleep finally claimed her, Vicky was bleary-eyed but cheerful when she joined the others in the kitchen for breakfast the next morning. Last night after dinner, she’d managed to get hold of both Tom and Suzie on their phones. Thankfully, they didn’t seem upset by the furore around Anthony – if anything, they seemed to find the whole episode amusing. Tom, with typical youthful honesty, had admitted he thought the antiquated rules governing a relic from the past laughable and completely outdated. Vicky wished she could find it in herself to agree with him, but until the whole episode was over, she couldn’t.
After a quick breakfast, the four of them piled into the car ready for the trip to Antibes. Amy drove through Cannes before joining the bord de mer going east and once again pointed out various things of interest to the other three as she drove. Although still quite early, people were already claiming their places on the beach for a day of sunbathing. Out in the Mediterranean, the last of the early-morning mist was hanging over the Iles de Lérins. Already, a few luxury yachts were anchored in the reach between the two islands, their passengers ready to go ashore to explore one or other of the islands, or to simply spend a relaxing day out on the water.
Matilda, gazing out of the car window, said, ‘I love the abbey on Saint Honorat. Harmonious is the word I think that best describes the island. William and I had a wonderful day there years ago. And Sainte-Marguerite too, has such a serene feel to it, despite the fortress that housed the infamous Man in the Iron Mask in its cells.’
‘It’s a different world over there, isn’t it?’ Amy agreed. ‘Hard to imagine it’s part of the Cote d’Azur really. Aunt Tasha actually used to go on retreat at the Abbey. Said it was a life affirming experience every time she went.’
‘I can imagine,’ Matilda said.
The traffic increased as they drove along the coast road and they all fell silent as Amy concentrated on her driving. As they reached Juan-les-Pins, Amy swung inland away from the crowds.
‘We’ll come back via Cap d’Antibes, but this way will hopefully be quicker for us to get to town.’
A quarter of an hour later, Amy had parked in the underground car park in the centre of Antibes and the four of them were making for one of the nearby cafés.
Over coffee and delicious flaky almond croissants, they decided to stay together in a group, like they had in Monaco, rather than each go off individually.
Amy looked at Matilda anxiously. ‘If your ankle starts to hurt, you must say.’
Matilda nodded. ‘I hope it won’t – it is much better. I’m really looking forward to just wandering around and remembering my holiday with William. Although it is a lot busier these days,’ she said, looking around at the milling crowds. ‘And so much building work going on, but I suppose that is to be expected.’
‘Does anyone want to visit the Picasso Musée?’ Amy asked.
‘I’d like to if there is time,’ Vicky said. ‘But I’m happy to slope off there on my own if nobody else is keen.’
‘Okay. How about we finish coffee, then wander down to Place National, I’ll show you where we’re having lunch and then whoever wants to can make for the museum and the rest of us can mooch around the old town before lunch – there’s lots to see and some great shops hidden away down the narrow streets. Our table is booked for one o’clock. Then, this afternoon, we can walk out to where the larger yachts moor and dream of living a life of luxury before wandering back into town. There’s usually a craft market on at this time of year.’
‘Sounds like a plan,’ Chelsea said.
‘As we missed Cap d’Antibes on the way here, we’ll go back that way and stop off for a glass of wine on the beach at Juan-les-Pins. Is that okay with everyone?’ Amy asked. When the other three smiled and nodded their agreement, she stood up. ‘Come on then. Let’s introduce you to Antibes.’ At least acting as guide for the day was guaranteed to take her mind off her own problems with Kevin.
* * *
Passing a tabac-cum-marchand de journaux as they strolled down the narrow road, dodging both cars and people, Vicky stopped in front of the pavement rack displaying papers and magazines. She glanced at the headlines on several papers before pulling out an English newspaper and going inside the shop to pay for it.
When she came out, Amy was waiting for her. ‘The others are over there,’ she said, pointing in the direction of a small boutique on the other side of the street.
‘You okay?’ Amy asked.
Vicky nodded. ‘I don’t know why I bought this really – I’ve read it all on the internet anyway.’ She sighed. ‘Seeing it in black and white in a physical form though does bring it home to me just how serious it is.’ She pointed to the picture of Anthony halfway down the front page. ‘At least it’s not the main headline.’ She stuffed the paper into her bag on top of her phone that she’d switched off for the day. There had been a few text messages, including one from her mum last night offering support, and she guessed there would be a few more today. She’d answered her mum, but the rest she’d deal with when she got back to Belle Vue. Today she was going to enjoy her day out in Antibes.
‘Has Anthony booked his flight?’ Amy asked.
Vicky shook her head. ‘I haven’t heard yet. I’ll feel better when he’s here and we can talk face to face.’
Together, they crossed the road, and as Chelsea and Matilda left the boutique and joined them, Amy pointed to the restaurant she’d booked for lunch.
‘Looks good. Can you point me in the direction of the musée please?’ Vicky asked.
‘Keep going down here and make for the market. You’ll see the signs then.’
‘Thanks. Anybody want to join me? No? Okay, I’ll see you at lunch,’ Vicky said.
