Page 13 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
‘Are you home this evening?’ Poppy asked as Daisy helped herself to a tumbler of water in the cottage kitchen late that afternoon. ‘Or are you off partying again?’
Daisy shook her head. ‘Not tonight. I’ve got to finish writing up my daily report and send it, do a bit more to the Philippe Cambone feature – which reminds me. I must phone Marcus and see if he’s got a photograph of the floral tributes that are apparently being laid at the door of the family restaurant, to send with my piece.’ She took a drink before asking, ‘Where’s Tom? I thought I’d play with him for a bit.’
‘Anna invited him over for a swim,’ Poppy answered. ‘He’ll be back soon.’
‘She’s really nice, isn’t she?’ Daisy said. ‘Friendly and approachable.’
‘She seemed to be a bit low when I saw her this afternoon. Sad almost. I’ve asked her to join us tonight.’
‘She doesn’t seem to be interested in getting involved in the festivities very much,’ Daisy said thoughtfully. ‘She must know people in the business that are down here, but she did tell me she doesn’t like the limelight.’
‘There’s a big party tomorrow evening that she’s apparently thinking of attending. Anyway, I’ve asked her to join us for supper in the garden later,’ Poppy said. ‘I’ve warned her it’s nothing fancy. No probing journalistic questions from you, mind,’ she added, glancing at her sister sharply.
Daisy smiled. ‘I promise. Now, what about this playdate I said I’d try and arrange for Cindy? I told Nat I’d fix a time and ring him.’
‘How about ice creams in the park tomorrow afternoon, see how they get on. Being the daughter of an actress, Cindy might be a bit precocious for Tom,’ Poppy replied. ‘If they get on, you can bring them back here for tea. Nat too.’
‘Great. I’ll ring Nat,’ Daisy said. ‘Want me to help with supper?’
‘No thanks,’ Poppy said. ‘It’s just the usual quiche and salad, cheese and baguettes. I’ll get Tom to help me carry it out to the loggia table.’ She looked at the kitchen clock. ‘Think I’ll go and fetch him – I’m sure Anna will have had enough of his chatter by now.’
‘Okay. I’ll go and do my report and email it. Might even find time to do some more research on Philippe Cambone,’ Daisy said. ‘See you in a bit.’
* * *
Anna swam another half dozen laps after Poppy had collected Tom before getting out and going indoors for a shower. She was towelling her hair dry when Leo rang.
As always, her heart lifted at the sound of his voice.
‘Leo, darling. How’s your day been? Mine’s been…’ she hesitated, ‘interesting.’
‘Do I detect a note of distress?’ Leo asked, the concern in his voice clear. ‘Has something happened? Are you all right? I know Philippe’s death was a shock to you.’
Anna sighed. ‘No, nothing has happened to me other than a couple of memory-lane incidents that I’ll tell you about when you get here.’
‘Which will be Saturday now,’ Leo said. ‘One of my business meetings has been cancelled, so I’ve rearranged my flight.’
‘Oh Leo, that’s wonderful.’
‘Would you like to book a table for dinner somewhere? I hear Le Moulin De Mougins is excellent.’
‘I’ll see what I can do,’ Anna promised. ‘I’m having supper with Poppy this evening, I’ll ask her if there is anywhere special she can recommend.’
‘Anna my darling, I’ve got to go. Alison wants my opinion on a cradle she’s keen to buy – not that I really have any idea on such things. I’ll ring you tomorrow. Love you.’
Anna smiled fondly at the thought of Alison and the expected baby. She could tell that Leo was already relishing his role of grandfather-to-be.
Half an hour later, taking a bottle of rosé out of the fridge, Anna made her way across the garden to the loggia attached to the cottage where Poppy had said they’d be eating supper.
Tom was busy putting cutlery and glasses on the gaily patterned Provençal tablecloth, before folding the matching napkins and placing them carefully on plates. Oscar the cat was curled up on one of the cushioned terrace chairs and Daisy was typing away at her laptop on a corner of the table. She raised a hand in greeting as she mouthed ‘Hi’ in Anna’s direction.
Poppy came out of the kitchen carrying bowls of salad and a quiche, which she placed on the table. ‘Hi – oh, thank you, but really there was no need,’ she said as Anna handed her the bottle. ‘Daisy will be finished soon and we’ll eat. I must just light some candles before the midges decide to descend en masse. Grab a chair. I’ll pour you a drink in a moment,’ and Poppy took a match to several citronella candles that were dotted around the terrace.
Daisy closed the lid of her laptop with a flourish. ‘Finished. Today’s report sent and my short piece about Philippe Cambone just needs the photo Marcus promised to take of the floral tributes being laid on Chez Cambone’s restaurant doorstep.’
‘Did you manage to uncover much information?’ Anna asked curiously.
‘Not a lot. I did find a film biography site that mentioned his love of sailing, so I put that in, and the fact that his twin brother still runs the family restaurant here in Cannes – not that he’ll talk to me. I decided not to mention the rumours that are floating around. I can keep that snippet for another feature if my editor wants more.’
