Page 25 of Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky
‘I remember hearing that you’d suddenly gone to live in Italy. Ventimiglia, I think.’
Rachel nodded. ‘There was no way I could have an abortion. My sister lived there and she took me in. Helped me. When Serge was nearly three, I met and fell in love with Antonio Cortez who, happily for me, was more than willing to take Serge on as his own child.’ Rachel’s eyes misted over. ‘We had a good marriage. Serge has two sisters whom he adores. Sadly, Antonio, he die two years ago.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ Agnes said.
‘I come back to live in Cannes. Serge still lives in Italy. Inevitably I suppose, I bumped into Oscar. He asked what I’d done about the baby. When I told him I’d had a baby boy he asked if it was too late for him to meet his son. I told him far too late. Not only had he missed out on his son but he also had a grown-up grandson he’d never met. He said he felt bad about the way he’d treated me and his son but he would make amends when he died. Leave them both something in the will.’
‘Did you believe him?’
Rachel shrugged. ‘I wanted to but I had to trust he would remember. I didn’t say anything to Serge when I heard Oscar had died unexpectedly, simply waited for the notaire to contact me. He didn’t. So I knew Oscar hadn’t done the things he said he would. I made a rendez-vous to see Monsieur Caumont and he confirmed there was no mention of Serge in the will. It was then I asked to sign an affidavit naming Oscar as Serge’s papa knowing that the notaire would have to take that seriously. Gave me a huge lecture about the consequences of lying under oath.’ Rachel shook her head. ‘I haven’t lied. But he said he could do nothing until he had spoken to you and the family which was why I left the letter with him to give to you.’
‘I’m pleased you did. I think it better that we talk together away from the notaire. I have no illusions about the kind of man Oscar was. The two of us have both suffered at his hands.’ Agnes paused. ‘Both literally and physically,’ she added quietly and gave Rachel a sad smile as she nodded in agreement.
‘I am sorry I create a problem for you at this time,’ Rachel said. ‘But I believe and hope you would want the right thing to be done finally for Serge.’
Agnes nodded. ‘Yes. But first I want to meet Serge and his son so how do you feel about the seven of us meeting for aperitifs one evening and getting to know each other a little?’
When Rachel nodded, Agnes pulled out her phone. ‘Give me your number and I’ll message you the address. Would next Friday night at six thirty suit you?’
‘Yes,’ Rachel said and called out the number for Agnes to add it to her contacts.
‘Bon. Organised,’ Agnes said. ‘We’ll talk more then.’
Theo was waiting by the wine cave at the side of the market as Agnes and Rachel left the cafe together. Rachel smiled. ‘That’s Oscar’s brother, isn’t it? Was he afraid you and I have an argument?’
‘I think he was a little worried for me,’ Agnes said. ‘He, like your Antonio, is one of the good men.’
She smiled at Theo. ‘You didn’t have to wait. But thank you.’
They both said goodbye to Rachel and she left to walk in the opposite direction down rue Meyandier. Walking back to the cottage with Theo, Agnes told him about inviting Rachel and her family for aperitifs. ‘I hope you don’t mind me inviting strangers to your cottage?’
‘Non.C’est bon. I too look forward to meeting Rachel’s son and grandson.’
Francine was already at the cottage preparing lunch for them all when they got back. ‘Hi, hope you’ve had a good morning. Been out exploring?’
‘Not really,’ Agnes said. ‘I met with Rachel Cortez and we had a good conversation.’
Francine stopped mixing the oil and vinegar dressing she was making for the green salad she’d prepared to accompany the cold chicken breasts for lunch and looked at her mother.
‘I can’t believe you went behind my back and met that woman on your own,’ Francine said. ‘You knew I wanted to go with you.’
‘And I wanted to meet her alone. Theo understood that. I don’t know what you thought was likely to happen between us,’ Agnes answered.
‘I didn’t think anything was likely to happen, I simply wanted to meet her too. She is the mother of this unknown half-brother I appear to have acquired.’
‘You’ll get to meet her soon – with Serge and Albert, her grandson. The three of them are coming for aperitifs here next Friday evening.’
‘What fun,’ Zazz said, arriving at that moment ready for lunch.
Francine gave her mother an exasperated look. ‘Oh, that’s just great. Wouldn’t it be better to all meet formally at the notaire’s office the first time?’
Agnes shook her head. ‘Informal is better.’ She looked at Francine and decided a change of subject was necessary. ‘Have you spoken to Edwin recently?’
‘We text every day but haven’t spoken for a day or two. He’s been busy.’
‘Why don’t you ask him to come out and join us,’ Agnes said. ‘I think we’re going to be here for at least another week, if not ten days. And he did say he would be coming out.’
‘I thought we’d get the will business sorted and at least start to clear the house so that we could relax. And now I’ve got this urgent work to do and we haven’t even decided what to do with the ashes yet,’ Francine said, agitatedly running her hand through her hair.
