Page 69 of A French Affair
‘It’s not that easy.’ Belinda said automatically. Could she really pack up her old life in the UK and come back here and work for Alain like he’d suggested? Was she brave enough to take the leap?
‘It’s not that difficult either. Try turning it on its head and think of it as an opportunity. Once you’ve packed up your flat, given up your job, you can be footloose and fancy free for a few months. You’ve got the chance to do whatever you want, to go wherever you want.’ Fern gave her a quizzical look. ‘And I think you know deep down what you want.’
46
Both Belinda and Chloe were subdued the next morning at breakfast in the cabin.
‘Even though parts of your week have been unexpectedly traumatic for you, I’m glad you came and I hope you are too,’ Belinda said, glancing at her daughter.
‘It’s lovely here and most of the time has been great,’ Chloe answered. ‘As for the traumatic part, well…’ She sighed. ‘Yes, it was upsetting, but I’m glad I was here. I hoped it helped you to have me here?’
‘More than you’ll ever know,’ Belinda said.
‘You’ll let me know when Granddad dies?’
Belinda nodded. ‘Of course. Now, what time do you plan to leave for the ferry?’
‘I thought about half eleven? I can take my time driving up to Roscoff and have a bite to eat in the restaurant at the ferry terminal before we board.’
‘Want a hand packing the car?’
Chloe shook her head. ‘No, I’m an expert at it these days.’
‘In that case, I’ll take Charlie and Aimee for a last walk down to the river. Keep them out of your way.’
‘Thanks.’
The twins were happy to hold her hand as they walked along the river path and stood enthralled to watch a young deer cross the path, making its way into the field adjoining the campsite.
‘Its tail bobbed up and down like a rabbit,’ Aimee said, delighted.
By the time they returned, Chloe had packed the car, moved it up to the forecourt by the office and was standing talking to Alain. The twins promptly let go of Belinda’s hand and ran up to Alain, who picked them both up and swung them around.
‘Say goodbye and thank you to Alain,’ Chloe said.
Belinda watched as both Charlie and Aimee hugged and kissed him goodbye before running over to her.
‘Bye bye, Gangan.’
‘Bye bye, you two. I’ll see you soon,’ Belinda said, watching as Chloe strapped them both into their seats. She gave Chloe a hug. ‘Travel safe. Let me know when you’re home.’
‘Will do,’ and Chloe gave Alain a goodbye hug before getting in the car and starting the engine. She wound the window down and beckoned Belinda over.
Puzzled, Belinda said, ‘What is it? Have you forgotten something?’
‘No. I just wanted to say, I don’t think you should come to the Vendée with Max and me. Love you.’ Giving her mum a mischievous smile, she drove off, leaving a speechless Belinda staring after the car. What was that all about?
Standing next to Alain, stood waving as Chloe disappeared out of sight, Belinda’s mobile buzzed. Absently, she pulled the phone out of her pocket and, not looking at the caller ID, pressed the receive button.
‘Hello?’
‘Madame Marshall?’
The moment she heard the measured tone of the hospice nurse, Belinda knew what she’d phoned to tell her.
‘I’m sorry to have to tell you that your father, Enzo Belrose, passed away early this morning.’
‘Thank you…’ Belinda couldn’t get any more words out and collapsed against Alain as he put his arm around her, took the phone and spoke in rapid French to the nurse.
