Page 49 of A Riviera Retreat
Anthony. Another hour, two at the most, he’d be here. What kind of mood was he going to be in? Had anything else happened regarding his suspension? His constituency? Were they standing behind him? Would he fit in here for the last forty-eight hours or would the atmosphere between the four of them be spoilt? And what exactly was she going to say to him?
He’d known she was unhappy when she left for the holiday, but had the escalation of his parliamentary problems pushed any thoughts of her away? Had he even missed her? Had she missed him? Well, while she had mixed feelings regarding his coming here for the last few days of her holiday, she was looking forward to his arrival and showing him some of the local landmarks, but had she truly missed him?
Vicky pushed the tap lever to let more hot water flow into the bath and thought about it. Yes, there had definitely been times when she’d missed Anthony terribly, but she’d also enjoyed being alone and able to concentrate on her writing as well as trying to work out what she wanted from the future. Although she still had no definite plans on that score, apart from a vague idea that she needed to run past Anthony. This holiday had definitely helped her sort things out in her own mind. She felt stronger and more determined to, not fight her corner exactly, but to at least stick to her guns about her desires for the future – both personally and career-wise.
Towelling herself dry, Vicky thought about the day ahead. Her plan, once Anthony arrived, was a quick coffee and introduce him to anyone who happened to be around before going down to Cannes for a spot of present shopping and lunch.
She reached for her phone and opened the memo file to start a list of what she needed to do in Cannes. Seconds later, she irritably snapped the phone case closed. She was buying holiday presents for two people, a birthday present for Matilda, possibly a small memento for Chelsea, and looking for a joint thank you present for Amy from them all. Five things. She didn’t need to make a list, for goodness’ sake. Routine and responsibility were already edging their way back into her life and she was still on holiday.
Vicky had just finished dressing when she heard a car arrive. This time it was Anthony and she went out to greet him as he parked alongside the luxury 4 x 4 that had arrived earlier. As he stepped out of the car, Vicky registered how hollow cheeked and tired looking he was. Her heart went out to him and as she stepped into his embrace she hugged him tightly.
‘I’ve missed you. It’s so good to be here. You look different,’ Anthony said, holding her away from himself slightly. ‘The French air clearly agrees with you.’
‘I can’t explain it, but this place has a special, soothing, aura about it.’
‘It is beautiful,’ Anthony agreed, looking around.
‘Come on,’ Vicky said. ‘Let’s put your case in my room and then we’ll have a coffee. Not sure who’s around for you to meet right now, but you’ll see them all at dinner this evening anyway.’
When they walked into the kitchen Amy was on her own and greeted them with a smile and an offer of coffee.
‘I can’t thank you enough for suggesting I join Vicky here,’ Anthony said. ‘The media have been hounding me somewhat. It’s good to escape their clutches for a few private days.’
‘I’m sure it is,’ Amy agreed. ‘And I know Vicky is going to enjoy being your tour guide.’
‘I thought I’d take Anthony down to Cannes today and then tomorrow we could take the train to Monaco rather than drive,’ Vicky said.
‘Don’t forget the party tomorrow night,’ Amy said.
‘One of the reasons for Cannes today. I need to find a present for Matilda, as well as a few take-home presents.’ Vicky smiled. ‘Chelsea all right?’ she asked, eyebrows raised as she looked at Amy. The posh car was still parked outside, so presumably Chelsea’s surprise visitor was still around too. ‘She seemed a bit agitated when she saw she had a visitor.’
As if on cue, the kitchen door opened and the man Vicky had seen arrive earlier walked in, carrying a tray with an empty cafètiere and cups.
‘Oh, I’m sorry. Not interrupting anything, am I?’ he apologised. ‘I wanted to return these and thank you again.’
‘Vicky, Anthony, meet Simon – Chelsea’s father, here on an unexpected visit,’ Amy said, introducing everyone but deliberately not mentioning surnames.
Vicky, sensing that Anthony was uncomfortable in case he was recognised, said. ‘Right, better make a move. Nice to meet you, Simon. See you later, Amy,’ and grabbing hold of Anthony’s hand, she propelled him towards the door. ‘Cannes, here we come.’
Simon looked at Amy in surprise as he placed the tray on the table. ‘Do I smell? They couldn’t have hotfooted it out of here any faster if the place had been on fire.’
Amy bit her lip, wondering what to say – and decided the truth was the best and only option.
‘That was Anthony Penhill and his wife, Vicky,’ she said, waiting for Simon’s reaction. When he didn’t say anything, she added, ‘He’s an MP.’ Perhaps Simon hadn’t heard about the trouble Anthony had got himself into. Not everyone followed the shenanigans of Parliament. ‘His wife was one of the competition winners along with Chelsea.’
‘I know who he is. Bit notorious at the moment.’
‘I invited him so he could get away from being hounded by the press.’ Amy looked at Simon. Was he judging her? Amy could feel her hackles rising. It was none of Simon Newman’s business who she invited to stay. His next remark though, surprised her.
‘That was a nice thing to do,’ Simon smiled at her. ‘From what I hear, he’s a genuine bloke and a good MP. The country needs more like him.’
Amy busied herself emptying the cafètiere and rinsing it before turning to face Simon. ‘I hope your urgent need to see Chelsea wasn’t bad news for her?’
Simon ran his fingers through his hair. ‘I’m afraid it was. Her business partner has done a runner. I wanted to be the one to tell her rather than have her find out when she got back.’
Shock registered on Amy's face. ‘Oh, poor Chelsea. How’s she taken the news?’
‘On the chin, but she blames herself. Says she’d noticed Elsie wasn’t her usual self recently and she should have done something to help her. She had no idea, though, that Elsie had a drink problem.’
