Page 29 of Summer at the Château
Pixie and Gwen decided to walk to the village in the early evening as parking was sure to be difficult. ‘I can always come back and fetch the car if you’re too tired after all the dancing you plan on doing,’ Pixie said as they set off, smiling at the look Gwen gave her. ‘Meant to tell you earlier, Jerome said this evening as he left they’ll be finished this week. It will be good to have the room finished, but I shall miss having them around.’
‘I’ll definitely miss having my elevenses with them,’ Gwen replied.
The sun was still shining as they walked along enjoying the wayside flowers, ragged robins, cow parsley and a patch of tall bluebell-shaped flowers that neither of them knew the name of. Up above their heads, the elderflower trees were in full blossom and blackbirds sang as small birds darted from side to side.
Nearing the village, they heard the distinctive sound of Breton music filling the air. Pixie could pick out the sounds of bagpipes, accordion, guitar and possibly a violin, she thought. Once in the village, they saw a stage had been set up in the school playground and four musicians were playing a lively piece of music. In front of them, a large circle of people holding hands were dancing a traditional gavotte dance.
‘That looks fun,’ Gwen said, starting to clap in time to the music.
They stood watching for several minutes before making their way over to Fern and Scott whom they’d spotted sitting with Anouk on some temporary benches at the side of the playground.
Scott instantly went to get them a drink at the makeshift bar and returned with a tray containing not only small glasses of chouchen but also crêpes, galettes-saucisses and slices of Far Breton.
‘A veritable feast,’ Pixie said. ‘Thank you. May I pay you for Gwen and myself.’
Scott shook his head. ‘My treat. Besides, the food looks delicious, but I can’t vouch for the drink. All they told me was it’s a traditional drink from Brittany, it’s a sort of mead and it’s 14 per cent alcohol.’
Anouk looked at Gwen and winked. ‘And traditionally it makes your head spin.’
Pixie took a tentative sip. ‘It’s, um, different. Quite sweet.’
‘Wouldn’t want too many,’ Fern said.
‘Well, before my head starts spinning, I’m going to dance.’ Gwen looked at them. ‘Who’s joining me? Pixie?’
‘Maybe later.’
‘I have to warn you I’m still a beginner at this Breton dancing, but I’m game.’ And Scott held out his hand to Gwen. ‘Let’s go.’
Pixie sipped her drink slowly and nibbled a piece of the sweet egg custard-like flan, Far Breton, figuring it would go better with that than one of the hot sausage galettes.
‘How’s things?’ Fern asked.
‘Good. The weeks have just flown by. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch – how about coffee one morning next week? I can show you my new library and writing room then. Oh.’ Pixie stopped speaking as she saw Ferdie walking towards them holding his mum’s hand.
‘I’d forgotten my tenant and her son would, of course, be here,’ Pixie said in a quiet aside to Fern.
Justine gave a general ‘Hello’ to everyone as she drew level with them.
‘Justine, Ferdie. Hello. Are you having fun, Ferdie?’ Pixie asked, looking at the little boy rather than Justine.
Ferdie nodded solemnly. ‘We’re going home soon. Mummy says we can’t stay late. Your cake looks nice. I like cake.’ Ferdie looked at her hopefully.
Pixie risked a glance at Justine. ‘Is he allowed some?’
‘Yes, but, Ferdie, it’s really, really rude to ask for cake,’ Justine said.
‘I didn’t ask. I just said I like cake,’ Ferdie pouted.
Pixie held out a piece with a serviette. ‘Here you are, Ferdie. Enjoy it.’ She gave the little boy a tentative smile and was rewarded with a big grin.
‘Before you start eating, say thank you and goodbye,’ Justine said, clearly desperate to move on and not wanting to make conversation with Pixie.
‘Thank you, Mrs Sampson. Bye.’
Justine caught hold of his hand again and led him away, but not before Pixie heard him ask, ‘Mummy, why is Mrs Sampson wearing Frank’s ring?’
Pixie took a deep breath as she realised both Fern and Anouk were looking at her, clearly sensing the awkwardness of the meeting. She rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes. ‘Frank had made a private arrangement with Justine regarding the cottage. It came as a complete surprise to me when I arrived and I still have no idea why it came about. Only Justine knows that and she hasn’t yet volunteered the information.’ Pixie paused. ‘I guess Scott would describe it as Justine invoking the fifth amendment in case she incriminates herself. I know she is hiding something, but I will find out the truth somehow.’
