Page 52 of A French Affair
She smiled at the woman before pulling a five-euro note out of her pocket and handing it to her. She didn’t really want the chipped ornament but couldn’t find it in her to say so. It had brought back a precious happy memory. ‘Merci.’ Belinda turned and moved away. She’d put it on the table in her room and take it back to the UK when she left.
The car park was filling up and more people were milling around, laughing and joking as they met up with friends and family, all scanning the tables and stalls for that elusive item that could be worth a fortune, or at the very least be a bargain they couldn’t refuse.
Because the café wasn’t open, she and Alain had agreed to Yann setting up his catering van, selling coffee, cold drinks and, later in the day, there would be glasses of wine and beer for sale. She could see Alain was over there, talking to Yann and Hervé, and she wandered over to join them.
‘Something tells me that you were horse-mad when you were younger,’ Alain said, looking at the head.
‘I was. I even made plaster models like this one,’ Belinda confessed. ‘Trip down memory lane. A happy one,’ she assured him when she caught his anxious glance.
‘Peut-être you ride these days?’ Hervé asked. ‘I ’ave two horses.’
‘I haven’t ridden for years,’ Belinda said, shaking her head. ‘But thank you.’ She turned to Alain. ‘I thought I’d go and see if Marie would like a break from the office and have a look round. I’ll see you later.’
Wandering back to the office Belinda delighted in seeing the campsite brought to life with people milling around, searching for bargains on the stalls and generally enjoying themselves. There was even a game of boule being played on the pitch at the edge of the entertainment area. Maybe Alain was right – access to traditional things was vital and that a feeling of community was still important in these days of hi-tech.
35
Fern and Anouk went back into the kitchen after waving Scott goodbye on Monday morning. Wordlessly, Fern made another pot of coffee and the two of them were lost in their own thoughts for a few moments as they drank.
Anouk was the first to break the silence. ‘If it’s all right with you, I thought I’d spend the morning tidying up the pots on the terrace. The tulips have gone over now and need sorting.’
‘We can do it together,’ Fern said. ‘I haven’t got anything pressing to do.’
Anouk gave her a stern look. ‘I’m more than capable of sorting out a few bulbs on my own. If I was still in Huelgoat, I’d be doing my own pots by myself. Besides, this morning you’re taking Lady for a walk to the campsite. Belinda will be pleased to see you, I think, after our talk Saturday evening.’
‘Were you able to tell her much about what happened in the past? Was she upset?’
Anouk nodded. ‘Yes to both questions. I think this morning she will appreciate a fellow countrywoman to talk to. As for you, a walk in the countryside is good for the soul. While you’re there, you can discuss terms and conditions with Belinda for the baking you’re going to be doing this summer.’
‘I haven’t decided yet whether I—’
Anouk’s stern look silenced her in mid-sentence. ‘It will be good for you to have something definite to concentrate on.’
Fern laughed. ‘Okay. I’ll go and talk to Belinda. I shall have a moan to her about this bully I unwittingly invited to live with me.’
‘You think I’m bullying you?’ Anouk said, her eyes twinkling. ‘You wait until I’ve really settled in.’
* * *
Fern took her time walking Lady to Camping dans La Fôret, listening to the birds singing in the hedgerows and enjoying the sight of primroses nestled in the verges. She’d always found this time of year joyous as the countryside burgeoned back from the drabness of winter’s bare branches and started to wear its summer clothes. This year, it seemed to her that the early colours were that little bit brighter.
Belinda was in the office with Alain, both of them intent on some papers spread out over the desk as Fern opened the door and walked in.
‘Hi, you two. Am I interrupting a busy morning? Anouk virtually threw me out of the house this morning for a walk,’ Fern said, looking at her friend and noting the puffy eyes and tiredness etched on her face. ‘Can I drag you away for a walk down to the river?’ She saw Belinda hesitate and look at Alain.
‘Sounds like a plan to me,’ Alain said. ‘You can grab a croissant from the shop too, since you didn’t ’ave any breakfast. This can wait until later,’ he added, looking at Belinda and gesturing at the plan.
‘You sure? Thanks,’ Belinda said. ‘Come on BB,’ and she clipped his lead onto his collar.
Fern waited outside the shop with the two dogs while Belinda bought a couple of almond slices and together they ambled down through the campsite towards the river.
‘Are you okay?’ Fern asked quietly. ‘You don’t look too good, if I’m honest.’
‘Didn’t sleep very well last night,’ Belinda admitted. ‘Did Anouk tell you what she told me?’
‘Just the barest outline of your dad being married before he met your mum.’
‘Did she also mention my father is still alive and living back in our old family home with his wife – the one he was legally married to while supposedly married to my mum,’ Belinda said bitterly before sighing and biting her bottom lip. Fern realised she was struggling to find her next words. ‘The fact that he is dying is another “something” that has added to my angst.’ She was silent for a few seconds. ‘Do I go and see him or not?’ Belinda turned to Fern. ‘Alain has offered to take me but…’ She wiped tears off her cheeks. ‘What do you think?’
