Page 18 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
‘Did it become a big film?’
Nat nodded. ‘Oh yes. It did very well at the box office – I wouldn’t have had any money problems for years. C’est la vie,’ and shrugging his shoulders, he smiled at Daisy.
‘Can’t Teddy Wickham help you get started? He must know all sorts of people in the business,’ Daisy said.
‘He’s promised to introduce me to a couple of producers this week,’ Nat answered. ‘Being head of the jury, he’s very busy. It’s Cindy’s birthday next week too. He’s hoping to be able to at least spend a couple of hours with her on the day.’
‘Is Verity planning anything special for her?’
‘Lots of presents and treats here, and then a big party when they get back home to Los Angeles.’
As the carousel glided to a stop, Daisy and Nat helped the two children off.
‘Time for ice creams now,’ Daisy said. ‘Then back to the cottage for tea.’
* * *
When Daisy, Nat and the two children got back to the Villa Flora Poppy was sitting at the kitchen table writing a long list.
‘Hi sis, meet Nat and Cindy,’ Daisy said.
Poppy smiled at the two of them. ‘Hi Nat, nice to meet you. Tea will be in ten minutes. Tom, why don’t you show Cindy your tree house – but stay away from the villa. Anna’s just gone for a siesta by the pool. Try not to disturb her.’
Daisy glanced at the list. ‘You and Anna sorted things for her party?’
‘Yes. She’s decided she’d like a “1920s on the Cote d’Azur” theme. I’ve agreed to do the catering as she mainly only wants nibbles – I can source some of them from the market and make the rest here on the day. She’s also asked me to try to find a pianist for the night – thank goodness I had the piano tuned last month!’
‘Sounds fun,’ Daisy said. ‘As guests, do we get to wear flapper dresses? I’ve forgotten – which evening is it? Must make sure I’m not busy.’
‘Tuesday. Don’t know about flapper dresses – but I’m definitely going to be in a bit of a flap, I think. Can you help me with things? It’s a bigger event than I thought it was going to be.’ Poppy appealed to her sister. ‘I’m already starting to panic at the thought of forty people in the garden. Good job Dan’s well out of the way.’
‘Tom can come and play with Cindy after school for a couple of hours on Monday and Tuesday, if that’s any help,’ Nat said. ‘They seem to be getting on well,’ he added, as a burst of childish laughter drifted across the garden from the tree house.
‘That would be brilliant, thanks,’ Poppy answered. ‘Now all I need to do is work my way through this list before next week.’
‘Don’t worry, sis, it’ll all work out,’ Daisy said reassuringly. ‘Right now, though, we’d better eat before Nat has to take Cindy home and I have to get back down to Cannes for a quick look at the stars on tonight’s red carpet. Eating in the garden as usual? I’ll lay the table and then go and get the children.’
Walking out into the garden, Daisy saw Anna asleep on a sunbed under one of the poolside parasols. Tom waved from the tree house and Daisy beckoned to them to come down, before turning to go back to the cottage.
As they tiptoed past the end of the swimming pool, Tom told Cindy in a loud stage whisper, ‘That’s my friend, Anna. She’s really nice. She lets me swim in the pool with her. She’s come for the festival like your mum and dad.’
‘Is she a film star like Mummy?’ Cindy whispered back.
‘Gosh, no,’ Tom said. ‘She’s too old. I think she helps make the films.’
Anna, smothering a smile, opened her eyes. ‘Hello, Tom. Who’s this?’
‘This is my new friend, Cindy. Her mummy is an actress.’
‘Hello, Cindy,’ Anna said. ‘That’s a pretty name.’
‘It’s what Daddy calls me,’ Cindy said. ‘My real name is Lucinda, but he says I’m his little princess like Cinderella became when she lost her shoe and married the prince. And now everyone calls me it,’ and Cindy gave a strangely resigned grown-up shrug as she smiled at Anna.
‘Is your daddy an actor too?’ Anna sat up as she spoke.
Cindy shook her head. ‘No. I don’t know what he does, but he’s always very busy,’ she said seriously. ‘It’s my birthday next week,’ she said. ‘Mummy says we might go on a boat and see the whales, but Daddy doesn’t know yet if he can come.’
‘How old will you be?’ Anna asked.
