Page 46 of A French Affair
It was late afternoon before things slowed down and Belinda took the opportunity to make some coffee while Alain showed a family of four to one of the cabins.
‘I think we definitely need Marie working weekends from now on,’ Belinda said, when he returned.
Alain nodded in agreement. ‘And probably for most of the week while Chloe is here. You’ll need to spend some time with her.’
‘True, so long as that’s okay with you.’
‘Of course it is. They stay in the cottage with us?’
Belinda shook her head. ‘I thought I’d put them in a cabin.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘I think I’m going to slip off in a moment and leave you to it for any late arrivals. I really fancy a long hot soak in the bath before I head out for the evening.’
‘You’re not home tonight?’
For a moment there Belinda thought she heard a disappointed note in Alain’s voice.
‘I’m having dinner with Fern to meet Anouk, her ma-in-law, and Scott, her American friend.’ She looked at Alain. ‘I’m hoping that Anouk will be able to help me solve a mystery from my past.’
‘Your French past?’
Belinda nodded. ‘Yes. There’s nothing I can do to change it, whatever happened, happened. But I do need to know the truth.’
‘Good luck. I hope Anouk can help,’ Alain said. ‘You’d better go and have that soak you wanted.’
* * *
A quarter of an hour later, the bathroom was steamy and smelt of strawberries from the bubble bath Belinda had poured into the water before she’d stepped in and lowered herself into the hot water. Bliss.
Laying there, she thought about the evening ahead. Would Anouk remember that far back and would anything she remembered be relevant to the questions Belinda wanted answered? Perhaps it would be better to see Anouk on her own, not with other people around, eating and drinking.
Her mobile, which she’d placed within reach on the bath stool, began to ring, breaking into her thoughts. Belinda sat up, reached out for the towel she’d put on the nearby rail, quickly dried her hands and picked up the phone.
‘What’s up?’ she answered Fern’s quiet hello. ‘You sound down.’
‘I haven’t mentioned anything to Anouk yet about the two of you talking, but you are still coming tonight, aren’t you?’
‘Yes of course. Why?’
‘Scott’s leaving on Monday. This evening is in danger of turning into a bit of a tearful farewell dinner for him. I need you here for some light relief.’
‘In that case, do you have room for another guest? Alain is at a loose end,’ Belinda said impulsively.
‘Bring him. There’s lots of food and it will be good to have another man at the table. See you soon.’
As the call finished, Belinda decided if Fern still hadn’t mentioned the reason for tonight’s dinner to Anouk when she got there, then she wouldn’t bring the subject up. Tonight didn’t look like the night to ask questions.
Belinda was drying herself when she heard Alain moving around in his room and quickly pulled on her towelling robe before opening the bathroom door.
‘Alain,’ she called. ‘Your lonely evening has been averted. Fern is in desperate need of another man at the dinner table, would like you to join us for dinner?’
* * *
Leaving the cottage, Belinda automatically had her car keys in her hand and pressed the unlock button.
‘We go in mine,’ Alain said.
Belinda looked at him, surprised, as he held the passenger car door open for her. She shrugged. What did it matter which car they went in? She pressed her key fob again and the lights flashed and the door locks clicked back down.
‘If Anouk tells you something upsetting tonight, peut-être you drink more than is good. This way, I make sure you get home safely.’ Once Belinda was sitting in the passenger seat, Alain slammed the door closed and walked around to get into the driving seat.
