Page 24 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
Anna shook her head. ‘No. I’ve never married. But I’ve recently met a man who makes me happy, like Philippe did all those years ago.’ She twirled the wine in her glass before saying reflectively, ‘I’ve spent my whole adult life regretting my teenage love. It’s so cruel that the year I decide to come back to Cannes and make my peace with Philippe, it’s too late to talk to him.’ She swallowed hard, knowing that once again tears were perilously close.
Bernard handed her a napkin as she fought to control the tears from falling.
‘I did love him, you know, totally,’ she said. ‘I would have done anything he asked me to do.’
‘I believe you,’ Bernard said quietly.
Anna jumped as her mobile phone rang in the silence that followed his words.
‘Excuse me,’ she said, pressing the answer button. ‘Leo, darling. Everything all right?’
‘My flight was early. I’m about fifteen minutes away from the villa – are you there?’
‘No. I’m in Cannes having lunch with… with an old friend,’ Anna said, smiling at Bernard. ‘I’ll meet you at the villa in about twenty minutes.’
Ending the call, Anna turned to Bernard.
‘I’m so sorry, but I’ll have to skip dessert, Leo has arrived early. Listen, why don’t you come to the party I’m giving on Tuesday night? Bring a guest if you like. I’ll get Rick to send you an invite with the details, shall I? We can finish our talk then. Thank you for a lovely lunch,’ and Anna stood up to go.
‘I’m sorry you have to rush off,’ Bernard said, also standing up. ‘We still have a lot of catching up to do. But, yes, I would like to come to your party next week.’
‘Good,’ Anna said. ‘I look forward to introducing you to Leo.’
A serious look crossed Bernard’s face as he studied her before saying, ‘Anna, before you go, was there something in particular you were hoping to talk to Philippe about? Or was it just a question of ending a forty year silence?’
Anna hesitated, torn between telling Bernard the truth now and wanting to tell Leo first.
Bernard, sensing her hesitation, stretched his hand out to hold and squeeze Anna’s in a conciliatory gesture. ‘I feel I must warn you about something that is likely to come to a head in the next few days. Something, as you were once so close to Philippe, you might find upsetting.’
Anna looked at him and waited for him to continue.
‘The Cambone family are investigating a couple of letters that Philippe received in the weeks before he died. Letters relating to his past. Apparently the person who wrote them is here in Cannes for the festival and has asked to meet with Jacques urgently.’ As Anna stared at him, Bernard continued, ‘It seems Philippe’s legacy and integrity are about to be questioned.’
‘His legacy? To the film word? He made some wonderful films. I know. I saw them all.’
Bernard shook his head. ‘Not his professional legacy. His personal one. Rumours are flying around and people are jumping on the publicity bandwagon.’
‘Are you talking about this actor Sean someone or other claiming to be Philippe’s son?’
‘Yes. He was a fraud, but the letters Philippe received in a similar vein do appear to be genuine.’
Anna’s heart skipped a beat. She took a deep breath. ‘Thank you for the warning, Bernard. I sincerely hope for the Cambones’ sake this person, whoever it is, isn’t intent on making trouble for the family. Or besmirching Philippe’s name.’
13
‘Right, I’m off,’ Daisy said. ‘Not sure what time I’ll be back, so don’t wait up.’
‘Not wearing jeans tonight then?’ Poppy said. ‘That dress suits you, by the way.’
Daisy looked down self-consciously at herself and shrugged.
‘Fancied a change. Oh, is this Anna’s partner coming over?’ Daisy said, looking past her sister towards the villa garden.
Poppy turned. ‘Oh dear, I hope nothing is wrong,’ she added anxiously, moving towards the kitchen door to greet Leo.
‘I’m sorry to disturb you, Poppy,’ Leo said. ‘I was wondering if you had an ice bucket? I’ve bought some champagne for this evening and need something to keep it cool on the table.’
‘No problem,’ Poppy answered, taking a silver ice bucket from one of the cupboards and handing it to Leo. ‘This is my sister, Daisy, by the way.’
