Page 65 of One Summer in Monte Carlo
‘No. I didn’t believe you’d spend the night with him willingly – I was terrified that he would force you,’ Jean-Claude said quietly.
Hesitantly, she began to tell Jean-Claude about the previous night’s events. She glossed over her terror when she realised they had put to sea. Jean-Claude, she knew, would be furiously protective on her behalf.
‘At least Zac has finally acknowledged the truth about the accident,’ she said. ‘He was driving that night. He lied to thepompiersand thegendarmes. My loss of memory was very convenient for him.’ Nanette took a deep breath. ‘I told him I was going to the authorities to clear my name. Although he reckons I’d be wasting my time because people won’t believe me.’ She bit her lip. ‘Until last night I hadn’t realised how deep the scars were – how much the past was damaging my present. I’ve decided not to try to clear my name. I will walk away from it. I need to relegate it to the past and forget it. Move on with my life. Leave Zac to live his.’
Jean-Claude took her in his arms.
‘I can never forgive him for what he did, but it’s not worth dragging it all up again,’ Nanette said, as he bent his head to kiss her. ‘You, Patsy and those who matter will know the truth and that’s all that matters to me now.’
41
As the taxi pulled into the farmyard, the driver, a local man who knew Patsy and Nanette, nodded in the direction of a battered red Mini parked by the hay barn.
‘Reckon you’m an aunty,’ he said sagely. ‘That’s Dr Owen’s car.’
‘Reckon you could be right,’ Nanette said, fishing in her bag for the fare.
Helen came bustling out of the kitchen. ‘It’s a boy,’ she said, seeing Nanette. ‘I’ve got a grandson, imagine!’
‘Can I go up and see them?’ Nanette asked impatiently. After dropping the twins off with Vanessa and Ralph, the journey to the farm had seemed to go on for ever.
‘Doctor’s with Patsy at the moment. Come into the kitchen and I’ll make some tea. You can take a cup up to Patsy.’
It was half an hour before Nanette opened the bedroom door and peered round. ‘Hi, Mum! Congratulations.’
Patsy, cradling her new son, smiled at her sleepily. ‘Hi, Aunty. Didn’t you time your arrival well, missing all the gory bits? Meet your nephew – all seven pounds, two ounces of him.’ Patsy held out the tiny bundle and Nanette tentatively took the precious cargo into her arms.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t get here in time to be your birthing partner,’ she said, taking the precious bundle and gently cradling her new nephew in her arms, she gazed at him in wonder. Was this the closest she was going to get to having a baby of her own? ‘But it’s your fault, baby boy, for being impatient and coming a week or two early,’ she said. ‘He’s gorgeous. So much hair. Helen told me it was very quick. True?’
Patsy pulled a face. ‘Midwife said that too. Most first babies take longer. All I can say is it was a very painful three hours.’
‘Any names yet?’
Patsy shook her head. ‘Helen is all for Hew Trefor.’ She laughed at Nanette’s expression. ‘Apparently they’re very old family names – Bryan’s middle name is Hew. I fancy Dylan Robert.’
‘The new granny is beside herself with joy,’ Nanette said. ‘I don’t suppose she’ll care what you call him, so long as she’s allowed to spoil him. Dylan’s a nice name.’ Nanette smiled down at the baby boy.
‘Bryan and I are hoping you will be a godmother,’ Patsy said.
‘I’d love to.’
‘Good. Any ideas who you’d like to see in the godfather role?’ Patsy asked innocently.
‘I’m sure you and Bryan can choose someone suitable without my input,’ Nanette said, laughing and refusing to be drawn on the question she knew Patsy was really asking. ‘Shall I put Dylan back in his cradle?’
‘Please. How long can you stay?’ Patsy asked, watching as Nanette gently placed a cover over the sleeping baby.
‘A few days. Vanessa and Ralph have taken the twins to Cornwall and I’m officially on holiday for the next fortnight.’
‘Why can’t you stay longer then?’
‘I’ve promised to return to Monaco and spend the time with Jean-Claude,’ Nanette said, blushing.
Patsy looked at her sister speculatively. ‘Are you going to tell me any more?’
Nanette shook her head. ‘Not right now. I’m sure you need your rest. I promise we’ll talk later when you’re up and about. I could do with some sisterly advice.’
* * *
