Page 55 of Summer at the Château
‘I told her the facts about why it ’appened and afterwards said I hoped she could forgive me and we could become friends again. She didn’t immediately fling her arms around me and cry all is forgiven. In fact, I’m not sure she will ever forgive me.’
‘I think Ferdie will turn out to be the key in all this,’ Justine said thoughtfully. ‘Frank’s grandson is a new generation. Every time Pixie sees him, she’ll see Frank in him and in time it will become immaterial who is his mother or who his grandmother was. He will simply be Frank’s grandson whom she loves irrespective of who gave birth to him.’
Brigitte brushed a tear away. ‘When did you get so wise? Let’s ’ope you’re right, and also that it doesn’t take too long to ’appen.’
‘I hope I’m right too,’ Justine said. ‘I like it here. I like Pixie too.’
‘How do the two of you get on?’ Brigitte picked up a pillow and squashed it into a case.
‘Warily at the moment. We sort of skate around each other. She says she wants to talk to me and the two of us to get to know each other, so at least the threat of eviction has been removed, but I don’t know how long for now she’s met you. I suspect it depends on how much she dislikes you and the fact you’re the woman who gave birth to me.’
‘She told you to leave before she knew who you were?’
Justine nodded. ‘She was pretty upset to find Ferdie and me living in the cottage, but once I’d screamed at her I hadn’t had an affair with Frank, she seemed to thaw a little towards me and definitely towards Ferdie. Now she knows you’re my mother, how she reacts is anyone’s guess. Charlie was saying only this afternoon that she wouldn’t make us leave, but now, I don’t know what to expect. Anyway, Mum, how long are you planning on staying?’
‘No definite plans. We want to see Ferdie on ’is birthday and to spend some time with you both. We were ’oping we could take Ferdie out if you were busy. I suspect we’ll have to see how Pixie is tomorrow. She might want us off her property. If she does, we’ll find somewhere local to stay and you and Ferdie can see us there.’
‘Whatever happens tomorrow, if you could look after him for the morning that would be good. I can go and collect his present then.’
‘You have a party planned for the afternoon?’
‘Lola, his best friend, and her mum are coming for tea, so not really a party, although Charlie is baking a cake.’
‘Charlie, he is nice, no?’
‘Yes, Ferdie adores him already.’ To Justine’s relief, she heard the cottage door slam shut, saving her from any more of Brigitte’s probing questions. ‘Dad and Ferdie are back. I’d better get Ferdie something to eat. You can bathe him if you want while I do that. He’ll be tired after all the sea air this afternoon. I’ll fix us some supper once he’s in bed.’
36
The next morning, Justine waved Ferdie off with Brigitte and William before going across to the château to look for Charlie.
He was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches to an intricate chocolate fortress cake under the admiring eyes of Pixie and Gwen.
‘Wow. That’s brilliant. Ferdie is going to love it,’ Justine said. ‘I came across to see if you wanted to come to the farm this morning and pick up the puppy with me? But I guess you’re busy, so no worries.’
‘Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready,’ Charlie said. ‘I’m not going to miss out on that.’
‘Have a coffee while you wait,’ Pixie said, moving across to the machine and popping a capsule in. ‘How is Brigitte this morning?’
Justine looked at her, surprised. ‘A bit subdued, but she seems fine. Whether she will be when they return is anyone’s guess. Ferdie is a bit hyper this morning, so I suspect she and Dad are going to have their hands full.’
Pixie handed Justine her cup of coffee. ‘When Ferdie knows me better I hope you’ll let me take him out?’
‘Of course. What do you want him to call you? I’ve not told him that Frank was his grandad yet. I know Frank planned on you being with him when he told him so that he’d know you were both another pair of grandparents like my mum and dad.’
‘I’ll settle for grandma,’ Pixie said quietly. ‘It’s not something I ever thought I’d be called, even if it’s not strictly true.’
‘Grandma it is. We’ll tell him together soon. Knowing Ferdie, he’ll take it all in his stride.’ Justine hesitated. ‘Can I ask you something? You said you wanted to talk about my staying on in the cottage so you could get to know Ferdie and me better. Does the fact that my mother turns out to be an old friend who made a mistake, shall we say, make any difference to you letting me stay here?’
‘No. I heard Ferdie say that Frank promised he could live here forever, so I intend to keep his word,’ Pixie said. ‘But we do have to have a talk at some stage. Probably after Brigitte has left.’
‘Do you mind her and Dad staying in the cottage? I think Mum is convinced you’re going to insist she gets off your property.’
‘Your parents are welcome to stay with you any time.’
‘Thank you,’ Justine said, giving Pixie a puzzled look. Something was different about her this morning. She was about to make a comment when Charlie called out.
‘Right, I’m ready. Cake’s in the pantry ready for this afternoon. Let’s go collect a puppy.’ And he caught hold of her hand and led her out of the kitchen towards her car. ‘See, I told you she wouldn’t throw you out on the street.’
