Page 56 of Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky
She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him even for a week. They were so close now. She knew that Theo wanted her to stay and was acting as if it were already decided she would with the plans he was making for them. Of course, she knew that at some stage she’d have to return to the UK to sort things out but she intended to put it off for as long as possible – and then she and Theo would go together.
In the meantime, she had to tell Francine and Edwin that she wasn’t returning with them to Dartmouth. Assure them she knew her house was in safe hands with them until they all decided what to do with it.
* * *
When Edwin arrived home that afternoon, Francine flew into his arms and held him tightly. ‘I’m so pleased you’re back,’ she said. ‘How was Dartmouth?’
‘Fine – not as warm as here but sunny,’ Edwin said, releasing her. ‘I missed you not being there. Fancy going for a walk? Getting some fresh air? Maybe aglacé?’
‘Yes. I can talk to you as we walk. I can’t seem to sort out how I feel about Oscar not being my father and Theo taking his place. You’re the only person I can really talk to about it.’
By the time they were walking along the Croisette, hand in hand, she was explaining how muddled she felt. ‘I have no difficulty in accepting that Maman and Theo are now most definitely a couple but it’s thinking of them as my parents that I can’t get my head around. Maman is obviously still Maman but Uncle Theo, although I haven’t called him Uncle for years, simply Theo, is different. Him suddenly turning out to be my father doesn’t mean that I can equally suddenly start calling him Papa, even though I love him and am happy that he is my papa. I’m truly glad to be his daughter.’
‘Have you talked to him or Agnes about this?’ Edwin asked.
Francine shook her head. ‘No. I don’t want to hurt him. He’s so proud of me, Maman says he tells anyone who will listen about his newly discovered daughter.’
‘I think you need to talk to him, or at least to your maman,’ Edwin said. Francine nodded. ‘I think you right. I’ll talk to Maman first. Explain that it’s going to take me time to call him Papa but I do love him and hope they both understand.’
‘Zazz, of course, hasn’t got any problem with calling him Grandad – she does it at every opportunity, which makes me feel even worse.’
‘She’s young and the young always seem to accept change easier than us older mortals,’ Edwin said comfortingly. ‘You wait, another few months and you’ll be “papa-ing” all over the place.’
Francine laughed. ‘I hope you are right.’
* * *
‘Maman, Theo, a couple of things. Edwin and I are thinking we will go home either the afternoon of the day when the sale of Oscar’s villa is completed or the day after. It will depend on flights. Are you happy with that? Or is it too short notice for you?’
The four of them were sat around the table in the courtyard at Theo’s enjoying a pasta supper. As Francine asked her question, Agnes sensed Theo tense as he listened for her reply.
‘Non, it is not short notice for me because I am not leaving. Now we are finally able to be a couple I am staying with Theo.’
‘You’re staying for the summer. That’s okay,’ Francine said. ‘We can come down again when you are ready to return.’
‘Theo and I will come to Dartmouth together, when we are ready,’ Agnes said in a voice that brooked no argument.
Francine, finally realising what her maman was saying, looked from her to Theo and back. ‘What about your house?’
‘It is your home for as long as you want it to be,’ Agnes said. ‘Our arrangement doesn’t need to change just because I might not live there permanently again.’
‘Okay,’ Francine said, slowly turning to Theo. ‘The other thing is, we might need a bed for one night. We can always go to a hotel but?—’
‘There’s always room here for you,’ Theo said. ‘You don’t have to ask. This is also your home now. Why not move down in the next couple of days?’
‘Thank you.’ And Francine gave him a grateful smile.
Later, as they walked up to Le Suquet, Edwin said. ‘Do you want to think about moving down here seriously now that your maman seems intent on staying down here. We did see some nice villas the other day.’
‘I know but it is such a huge step – even if all my family turn out to be living down here. I think we need to go back home, give it some serious thought and then decide what we do.’
* * *
Packing their suitcases in readiness to move down to Theo’s was quickly done, which turned out to be a good thing. Monsieur Caumont rang Agnes to tell her they would complete the following day. As soon as they knew, Edwin rang to book their flights and was lucky enough to get seats on an early evening flight for the same afternoon.
As she left the house for the last time, Francine surprised herself by feeling a little emotional and bit her lip. This time in Cannes had made some good memories and whilst she wouldn’t remember this house with a great deal of affection, leaving it today did mark the end of an era in her life, finally giving her closure.
‘Hi Maman,’ Francine said when they arrived at Theo’s. ‘I’ve locked the house up securely – where shall I put the keys?’
