Page 53 of A French Adventure
A short bark from Topsy and a ‘Cooee’ from Maxine told them that everybody was arriving at once. Leonie, at Maxine’s side, was looking apprehensive and Maxine quickly introduced her to Olivia and Natalie, as well as Vivienne.
‘How do you like Antibes?’ Vivienne said. ‘And your mother’s cottage is wonderful, don’t you think?’
There was silence for a second or two before Leonie smiled briefly. ‘I like Antibes very much and, yes, the cottage is lovely.’
‘How’s Topsy settling in?’ Vivienne asked, turning to Olivia. ‘I find it hard to believe that anyone could just abandon her. She’s beautiful.’
‘She has us well trained already,’ Thierry said. ‘The words “not on the bed, Topsy” have no meaning for her.’
Topsy, hearing her name, ambled over to Thierry and sat at his side.
‘Especially you,’ Olivia laughed. ‘You’re such a softie where she’s concerned. Do not feed her bits and pieces tonight.’
Thierry gave her a wounded look. ‘As if I would.’
Vivienne and Natalie passed around plates of food and made sure everyone had the drink they wanted.
‘Before I forget to tell you the news, your offer for the villa has been accepted,’ Maxine said.
Vivienne exhaled a big breath. ‘Brilliant news. What happens now?’
‘I’ll bring the intent to buy paper up tomorrow for you to sign, then the owners will sign it, and after that I’ll start organising diagnostics and surveys that are now required – for energy and efficiency – and after all that you’ll need to pay a deposit. I’ll put you in touch with the notaire I use.’
‘Can I appoint him – or you – to act for me? Seeing as how I won’t be here in a few days’ time.’
‘Yes, I can organise that for you too.’
Maxine glanced across at Leonie, who had moved to stand by the balcony with Natalie, looking out at the view.
‘How was Puget today?’
‘Amazing. We found our man. Very briefly – he’d never met a woman called Deidre so he’s not my birth father, but it turns out he was in love with Jacqueline, my adoptive mum, when he was nineteen. The photograph I found was of them both. Keeping my original birth certificate in the same drawer was just a misleading coincidence that sent me off in the wrong direction – something that actually turned out to be good.’
‘Mon dieu, what a story,’ Maxine said. ‘I’m glad you’re happy with the outcome.’
‘How are things with you and your daughter?’ Vivienne asked quietly as Olivia went to join Natalie and Leonie.
‘I had to persuade her to come this evening. She’s shy, but there is more to it than that, I think. We progress, but my ex-husband has a lot to answer for.’
Vivienne looked at her.
‘Alcoholic control freak,’ Maxine said quietly. ‘Who filled her mind with lies about me.’
‘That must be hard to deal with. At least she’s back in your life now,’ Vivienne said. ‘And as she gets to know you, she will realise the truth.’
‘But I not know how long she stay,’ Maxine replied. ‘It is going to take a lot of talking and loving. And if she leaves, I cannot help her.’
Natalie wandered across from the balcony. ‘Mum, Olivia has asked Leonie and I if we’d like to go to Monaco with her the day after tomorrow when she has a flower delivery to make. We haven’t got anything planned, have we?’
‘No. Go, you’ll enjoy Monaco, especially with a local to show you the sights. And I can have a day catching up with a few bits of writing that I need to do before we go home.’
‘Has Leonie agreed to go?’ Maxine asked quietly.
‘Almost. We are both working on her. She says she’s never had a girly day out. That can’t be allowed. Olivia and I are aiming to change that,’ and Natalie picked up a plate of biscuits and cheese and went back to rejoin the other two on the balcony.
Vivienne raised her eyebrows at Maxine, who was staring after Natalie in shock. ‘Sounds promising.’
Maxine took a gulp of her drink. ‘I must ask Olivia not to introduce her to Felicity if she does decide to go. Trent maybe, but definitely not Felicity. Poor Leonie would fall at the onslaught of questions.’
