Page 35 of Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky
‘Merci beaucoup,’ Piers said as the queue finally dwindled away. ‘A Sunday morningexceptionel. Andre asked for the day off and I did not think we’d be so busy. The festival doesn’t begin until Wednesday, when it will be like this every day, but then I have extra staff and Mel helps.’
‘I’m happy to help too if you’re desperate again,’ Zazz said. ‘Reminds me of working in cafes when I was a student.’ She smiled as Dominic handed her a cup of coffee. ‘Thanks.’
‘Supper tonight as a thank you from me?’ Dominic said quietly as Piers moved away to serve a customer. Zazz hesitated.
‘I think you are going to say it’s not necessary but it’s just an excuse for me to ask you out again. So please, have supper with me tonight?’
Zazz smiled at him. ‘Merci. That would be lovely.’
* * *
‘It was supposed to be a family outing,’ Francine said when Edwin told her Zazz wasn’t coming with them to Saint Honorat. ‘I suppose she blames me.’
‘Not directly, no,’ Edwin said diplomatically. ‘She just feels that every time she says something she upsets you. She didn’t want to spoil the day. There will be other family outings. Right. Are we ready for this boat trip?’
Francine nodded. ‘Yes. It’s a lovely day so hopefully the sea will be calm.’
As the four of them walked along the quay towards the tourist boats at the far end, Francine pointed out Piers’s boat to Edwin. ‘He was always sailing mad. I’m pleased he’s done well and has his dream yacht.’
The tourist boat was crowded but they managed to find seats on the outside deck and were soon travelling across the bay to the Îles de Lérins. Francine sniffed the sea breeze and enjoyed feeling the occasional spray as the boat cut through the water. Fifteen minutes later the boat was skilfully manoeuvred alongside the landing stage and people started to disembark.
‘If we walk along this path,’ Theo said, pointing. ‘We should be in time to catch Mass in the Abbey. Only if you want to, of course. The doors are closed while the Mass is happening and no-one can leave during the celebration. Afterwards you can wander in at will for a private moment. You can hear the chanting from outside a little.’
‘I’d like to be in the church for the chanting,’ Agnes said quietly. ‘It’s so long since I heard the monks chant.’
‘I’m happy to do that with you,’ Theo said.
‘I’d rather wander in later for a private moment,’ Francine said.
‘I’d prefer to do that too,’ Edwin agreed.
The four of them walked along the path Theo had indicated and were soon standing by the pathway leading into the Abbey. Clumps of lavender that would perfume the way later in the year were interspersed with shrubs and bougainvillaea that bordered the path. Signs with the single word ‘SILENCE’ written on them were dotted at intervals down the length of the long path.
‘We’re in time for Mass,’ Theo whispered. ‘Catch up with you two by the boutique in about an hour?’ And he and Agnes began to walk down the path towards the open door of the Abbey.
Feeling intimidated by the silence signs Francine looked at Edwin, caught hold of his hand and pulled him in the direction they should go. Once they were away from the demanded silence near the Abbey she relaxed. ‘Come on, let’s walk and soak up the atmosphere of the place. And I’ll try and remember what I know about the history of the island.’
‘I know there have been Cistercian monks living on the island since 410. I think they follow the rule of Saint Benedict. The vineyard is small, about eight hectares but the wines and the liqueurs they produce are world famous.’
By the time they’d explored several small coves, roamed down paths lined with olive trees and Aleppo pines, gazed at the hectares of vines being tended by monks in their white robes, Edwin too had fallen under the spell of the island.
Agnes and Theo were waiting for them when they reached the cluster of boutiques by the restaurant.
‘We were wondering about lunch in the restaurant,’ Agnes said. ‘It has a very good reputation.’
‘Why don’t we buy some food from the snack bar over there and have a picnic?’ Francine said. ‘I still feel full after last night’s lovely meal. There are some picnic tables not far away.’
‘Good idea,’ Theo said. ‘Pan Bagnats all round? A bottle of rosé between us?’
Francine pointed out the direction to Edwin where she remembered seeing picnic tables a few metres away hidden by the pine trees. ‘We’ll go and bag a table,’ and she and Agnes left the men to buy the food.
Sitting there, looking across the Bay of Cannes towards the mainland, Agnes sighed happily. ‘It feels so good to be back,’ she said, glancing at Francine. ‘Are you happy to be back down here?’
‘Yes. I’m starting to feel as though I’ve never been away. Edwin and I will certainly visit now whenever we can. You can come with us.’
‘I can, can’t I?’ Agnes said thoughtfully.
‘When the house is sold we could use our share to buy a lock-up-and-leave apartment? I’m sure Theo would keep an eye on it for us. We could all come down then whenever we wanted.’
