Page 44 of A French Adventure
‘Is she still here?’ Felicity asked, looking towards the cottage.
‘No. She’s returned to her hotel. Tomorrow she is coming back to stay with me and we’re going to talk.’
‘Bring her to lunch next week,’ Felicity said. ‘I’d like to meet her.’
Maxine smiled gently at her friend and shook her head. Far too soon to introduce Leonie to Felicity. ‘We’ll see. I’m not sure how long she will actually be staying,’ she said diplomatically.
Olivia wandered over to stand by Thierry. ‘Sounds like the guest bedroom here could get a bit crowded tomorrow?’ she said quietly.
Thierry smiled ruefully. ‘I’ve told Maxine I’ll move out in the morning, give them some privacy.’ He bent down and stroked Topsy, who was sitting at his feet gazing up at him adoringly. ‘I’ll find a hotel room for a few nights.’
‘My guest room is empty,’ Olivia said. ‘You’re more than welcome to stay with me and Topsy.’
Thierry looked at her, a smile hovering on his lips. ‘That would be great, thanks.’
It was not long before everyone drifted off, Felicity and Trent to drive back to Monaco and Olivia and Vivienne to walk Topsy back to their villa.
Together, Maxine and Thierry cleared the remains of the party away and sat with the last of the champagne under the loggia.
‘I can’t believe Leonie’s here in town. That she and I are going to sit down together tomorrow and talk about everything,’ Maxine said. ‘I’m not sure I’m going to get much sleep tonight.’ She took a sip of her drink. ‘Seeing the grown-up version of Leonie for the first time, actually standing in my house after all these years, was amazing. I just wanted to throw my arms around her, but I didn’t dare. I know we’re a long way from the kind of mother-daughter relationship that does that kind of thing. But I’m going to do my upmost to make sure we get there.’
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Thierry was up early the next morning, packing his things away and changing the sheets on the bed. He refused breakfast but had a coffee with Maxine, saying he’d buy croissants on the way to Olivia’s. He gave Maxine a hug and wished her good luck.
‘Everything will work out, you’ll see.’
‘Please – won’t you stay? I’m a nervous wreck. I’m worried I’ll do or say something that will send her away again. She seemed so diffident last evening.’
‘That’s because she as nervous as you are,’ Thierry said gently. ‘It’s best if the two of you are alone and can get to know each other without anyone else around. You can both talk honestly to each without fear of interruption.’
‘I’m so scared.’
‘If things get heated between the two of you and you’d like me to come back and referee, just text and I’ll be here. But I’m sure it won’t be necessary.’
‘Merci, Thierry. I’m sorry your birthday party was interrupted and ruined.’
‘It wasn’t ruined. I’m happy for you that you now have a chance to reconnect with your daughter. Right, I’m off to Olivia’s.’
‘Make the best of the opportunity,’ Maxine called out, laughing, with something of the old Maxine creeping into her voice. ‘And, by the way, I love your new dog.’
After Thierry had left, a thoughtful Maxine went to the cupboard under the stairs, where, right at the back, she found the plastic container on wheels that she wanted and pulled it out. She lifted the lid and stared at the contents, remnants of a long-ago life. Slowly, she picked up Anatole the knitted mouse and held it tight.
‘Come on, Anatole, let’s see if you can help heal the breach between Leonie and me.’ She pushed the container back into the cupboard and climbed the stairs to the bedroom that Thierry had vacated. Carefully she placed the soft toy on the pillow and left the room.
Sitting out in the yard with Topsy under the table waiting patiently for crumbs, Olivia and Thierry ate a late breakfast of coffee and almond croissants that Thierry had bought on his way from L’Abri.
‘How was Maxine this morning? A long-lost daughter turning up like that must have been one hell of a shock for her last night.’
‘It was. She’s nervous about Leonie returning today.’
‘Did you know she had a daughter?’
‘Yes. Papa told me before he died. It’s a complicated story and not mine to tell, but he wanted me to know so I could help if necessary, in case Maxine ever needed someone on her side andhe was no longer around. She’s got no other family. I hope it all works out between her and Leonie, but if not, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces like Papa would want me to be.’
‘I can be there with you too,’ Olivia said. ‘I don’t need to know the full story. Maxine and I have a lovely relationship, I can talk to her about anything – she’s easier than my maman in that respect.’
‘Do you have any plans for this morning?’ Thierry asked.
