Page 45 of Rendez-Vous in Cannes
‘No. It was only after Felicity told him the name on the birth certificate they’d seen was Harriet Ann Carstairs, that he said he used to know someone of that name, and that he believed she was in town for the festival.’
‘Your name isn’t Harriet Ann Carstairs…’ Leo’s voice died away. ‘Of course. Changing your name was one of those precautions you took to ensure you disappeared, wasn’t it?’
‘Yes. I did it all legally, but my parents insisted that Harriet Ann Carstairs died the day I gave Jean-Philippe up for adoption. “Put the father’s name on the certificate – he can deal with it if the boy wants to trace him in the future,” they said, “but you, afterwards you change yours and disappear.” Those were the instructions from my parents. They couldn’t cope with the shame of a daughter who’d “gone bad”, to quote their words. As for acknowledging an illegitimate grandson…’ Anna was silent for a moment before continuing. ‘So, I became Anna Carsons; new name, new beginning, but same old memories,’ she said, biting her bottom lip and starting to shake.
Leo held her close and waited.
‘But now, the worst part is, this Felicity says her husband despises his mother for giving him up and has decided against continuing to try and find her. Says knowing who his father was will be enough.’
‘So, right now, we’re talking about the possibility of you learning your son’s identity, meeting his wife but not getting to meet Jean-Philippe face to face,’ Leo said slowly.
Anna nodded. ‘I’ve got to decide whether to meet Felicity and hope her husband comes with her. Or whether to walk away – and this time it really would be forever.’ She sighed. ‘I don’t know what to do. Bernard said I shouldn’t rush into a decision, that I should sleep on it and talk it over with you.’
‘I agree with Bernard. Sleep on it and tomorrow we’ll decide what’s the best thing for you to do,’ Leo said gently. ‘Right now, I think we should find Poppy and Daisy and say goodnight. Our guests all seem to have left.’
Poppy and Daisy were at the table on the villa’s terrace, enjoying a last glass of champagne and some of the leftover party food. Nat, who’d been wandering around the garden making sure all the candles were safely out, had just joined them.
‘Hi,’ Daisy said. ‘It was a great party, wasn’t it? Are you going to join us for a late snack too?’ And she pointed to the leftover food. ‘Congratulations to you two by the way. May I see the ring?’
Anna held out her hand and smiled happily.
‘Oh, that’s so beautiful,’ Daisy said.
‘Have you set a date for the wedding?’ Poppy asked, admiring the ring too.
‘Not yet,’ Leo answered. ‘I’m trying to persuade Anna sooner rather than later. I have hopes of a summer wedding.’
Anna laughed. ‘Leo doesn’t realise just how much organising even a quiet wedding takes,’ she explained. ‘I think October is probably the earliest, but we shall see. We really came to say thank you for all your hard work and to say goodnight, but I’d love an extra slice of quiche,’ Anna said, suddenly feeling hungry. ‘Need something to soak up all the champagne.’
‘I can’t resist another slice of this wonderful gateau,’ Leo said. ‘Thanks, Poppy, Daisy. We’ll always remember the evening we got engaged, won’t we, Anna?’
Anna smiled. ‘Definitely. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. Must say, you do a good Charleston, Nat.’
‘Thanks. Bernard’s rock and roll routine was spectacular too, wasn’t it?’
‘He’s certainly perfected it from his original attempts,’ Anna laughed.
‘You’ve known Bernard a long time then?’ Daisy said, ignoring the warning look Poppy threw at her.
‘Yes, we go way back, but we hadn’t met for years until this week,’ Anna said. ‘As Philippe Cambone’s lifelong friend, he’s trying to help the family sort out Philippe’s affairs. His unexpected death has created several problems.’ She paused slightly before continuing. ‘The main one concerns his estate. Right now, Bernard’s involved in trying to untangle something complicated with a woman called Felicity Howell.’
‘Felicity Howell?’ Nat repeated, turning to look at Anna.
‘Yes, do you know her?’ Anna asked. ‘She’s written to the Cambones saying she believes her husband is Philippe’s illegitimate child.’
‘You mean there really is an illegitimate son around? It wasn’t just a publicity stunt dreamt up by that actor Sean somebody or other,’ Daisy said.
‘Yes, there really is a son and heir,’ Anna said, but before she could say any more, Leo stood up.
‘Come on, Anna, soon to be Mrs Hunter, I think it’s time we said goodnight.’
‘I’m going too,’ Nat said, pushing his plate away and standing up. ‘Thanks for a great party, Anna – and the introductions.’
‘I’ll come and open the gate for you,’ Daisy offered.
‘Nat, before you go, you didn’t say whether you knew this Felicity Howell,’ Anna said.
Nat looked at Anna and hesitated slightly before nodding and saying, ‘Yes, I know a Felicity Howell.’
