Page 28 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
‘Forecast is for it to clear by midday,’ Leo said reassuringly. ‘Now, what’s our timetable for today?’ he asked, handing her a mug of coffee.
‘Hairdresser for me this morning. There is some jewellery being delivered here this afternoon at about five o’clock, then a limo arrives at seven to takes us to town.’
‘So, nothing major for me to get involved with?’ Leo asked.
Anna shook her head. ‘No. Is there something you’d like to do? We could have lunch in town after my hairdo is finished if you like. The Auberge restaurant in Cannes where I met Bernard yesterday was very good, but you choose.’
‘Okay. I’ll book us a table somewhere.’
‘Talking of Bernard,’ Anna hesitated, not sure how Leo would react to her next words. ‘I’m going to ring and ask him to tell me the name of this person who has contacted the Cambones – if he knows it.’
‘Oh, Anna, d’you think that’s wise? Why not wait until after the premiere at least. After this evening, you’ll be able to relax and deal with… well, deal with whatever the remaining week of the festival throws at you.’
‘I just want to know the name,’ Anna said. ‘But you’re right. I’ll wait until after the premiere. We’ll enjoy the party tonight.’
‘Does Bernard know about the true depth of your relationship with Philippe?’ Leo asked.
‘You’re the first person I’ve ever told about the baby since I gave him away. But from the way he was talking yesterday, I’d say Bernard definitely knows. Philippe obviously talked to him about me – he knew about the letter and the visit. They were best mates after all.’
They both turned as there was a gentle knock on the door. When Anna opened it, Daisy was standing there looking apprehensive.
‘Anna, Leo, I’m sorry to bother you so early, but I wanted to ask you a couple of things.’
Anna looked at her warily. ‘Go on.’
‘First, your party on Tuesday. Could my friend, Nat, possibly come? He’s a scriptwriter trying to make some contacts. At the moment he’s had to resort to taking a nanny job – oh, I think you met Cindy the other day, didn’t you? She’s Verity Raymond’s daughter and Nat’s looking after her while her parents are at the festival; her father’s on the jury.’
‘Of course Nat may come. He should be able to make a few contacts, if nothing else. I’ll try to introduce him to as many people as I can,’ Anna said generously. ‘What was the other thing?’ She found herself hoping against hope that it wasn’t the guided tour of Cannes.
Daisy hesitated. ‘My editor emailed me this morning. He’s heard that Bill Nighy and Judi Dench are both in town because they’re signing up to make a film about older people changing their lives. I think the title isThe Best Exotic Marigold Hoteland it’s going to be set in India. Anyway, he wants me to try and get a personal interview with one of them. As if!’ Daisy shook her head. ‘They’re A-list celebrities – they’re not going to talk to me.’ She sighed and looked at Anna. ‘But he’s definitely putting the pressure on for me to come up with something, so I was wondering if you’d thought any more about walking around Cannes with me and giving me the before and after picture?’ Daisy looked hopefully at Anna. ‘I know you weren’t keen, but I thought I’d ask again. I know you value your privacy.’
‘Oh Daisy, I really don’t know,’ Anna said, sighing.
‘Any reason why I shouldn’t tag along?’ Leo asked unexpectedly. ‘I’d be interested in hearing your reminiscences first-hand. Would you mind?’ he asked, turning to Daisy.
‘No, I don’t mind,’ Daisy answered. ‘Especially if it would make Anna feel better about doing it?’ and she looked at Anna questioningly.
‘Okay,’ Anna sighed. She remembered how hard it had been to make a name for herself in the film industry and suspected it was the same in journalism, ‘I give in. But anonymously. And I’m still not sure that I’m going to remember anything of importance – or even of interest. It was all so long ago.’
‘Thank you so much, Anna. I really appreciate it,’ Daisy said. ‘Twelve o’clock outside the Palais des Festivals tomorrow morning all right for you?’
It was Leo who answered. ‘Twelve o’clock will be fine for us,’ he said. ‘I’m looking forward to it.’ He took hold of Anna’s hand and squeezed it.
‘Enjoy the premiere tonight. Really hope the rain clears up for you. Thank you so much again, Anna.’
As Daisy left them, Anna turned to Leo. ‘I knew coming here would be a trip down memory lane but I didn’t realise it would involve a guided tour.’
* * *
The weather forecast was right. The rain did stop and by the evening, as Anna and Leo prepared for their appearance on the red carpet, it was dry, even if the breeze was on the chilly side.
Anna handed the diamond and sapphire necklace that had been delivered to the villa late that afternoon to Leo. ‘Could you do the catch, please? I’m terrified I won’t do it up properly and I’ll lose it. I dread to think how much it’s worth.’
‘It’s rather lovely, isn’t it?’ Leo said as he carefully did up the clasp and double-checked it. ‘The sapphires match your dress perfectly.’
‘Does my dress look all right?’ Anna asked anxiously. ‘I wasn’t sure when I bought it whether it was too fitted for me. And these sandals,’ she glanced down at the silver strappy shoes with their five inch heels. ‘They’re not too high, are they?’
‘Anna, Anna,’ Leo said as he turned her round to face him and gently kissed her. ‘You look beautiful tonight, my darling. Your dress, your hair, your shoes – everything is perfect. Now, relax and try to enjoy the evening.’
