The Vineyard (38 page)

‘Hmmm, me too, I have to admit,’ he agreed.

‘How are you anyway? Excuse my manners,’ Sophie grabbed a serviette and wiped her mouth.

‘Yes, fine. Busy, the usual. You?’

‘Yes, same.’

‘Good,’ he said and they continued to eat in a quiet comfort. Sophie, feeling full, offered her leftover slices which Charles eagerly munched his way through.

‘Have you heard from Cal?’ Sophie asked.

‘He’s over here in the next day or two, I believe. He’s collecting Caroline and Michael and driving them home.’

‘Hmm, yes, good of him to go to all that trouble,’ Sophie said.

‘He’s a great bloke. Big, loyal heart. He’s pretty upset about Lizzie not wanting to see him anymore though,’ Charles said, taking a mouthful of beer and coughing into his palm

‘Really, she told him that? I thought it was just temporary until she’d sorted things out…oh, she didn’t say well, not exactly. She said we were celebrating being single, do you know, I was so pre-occupied that night, I didn’t question it, so that’s what she meant then.’

‘So you didn’t know?’

‘No. I wonder what happened then, she’s really keen on him,’ Sophie told him wrinkling her brow. Was she responsible feeding her information about Cal’s past? She told her to get to know him before she…
oh blast
.

‘Maybe she got cold feet like me?’ Charles said.

‘Lovely cold feet,’ the words shot out of Sophie’s mouth. ‘Sorry, not appropriate,’ she said screwing up her face. Their eyes locked for a while before Charles lowered his to his feet.

His chest rose and he let out a long slow breath. ‘I thought I was over Kate but it was guilt more than anything. I became riddled with guilt. She didn’t want to die. She was full of life. I was feeling like she was watching me and I felt I was betraying her. I was becoming happy again and it didn’t seem right, even after two years. I’m sorry that I hurt you.’

‘I respect you more for the honesty and that you felt that way. If I was Kate, I’d feel honoured you felt so loyal. It’s an admirable quality. It reveals your sensitivity and integrity and I find that adorable.’ Sophie slanted her eyes down to a furry cushion, ran her fingers through it. ‘You will, I’m sure, sometime in the future, confront your guilt and understand that there’s nothing you could do or have done to have made things right. It takes time and it takes guts, I imagine.’

Sophie tried to imagine but how could she? She’d never lost anyone close. Yes, she’d dealt with grieving relatives in her profession but only on one level. She’d heard Lizzie speak about losing a father, which at her age must have been a staggering blow, and grandparents who had practically raised her, but to lose a person you loved and you’d committed your life to, and shared intimacy with, it was really difficult to appreciate the spectrum and enormity of all those emotions when, one day, they are gone.

‘I wasn’t, am not dealing very well. I don’t know why.’ Charles flicked his hair and met Sophie’s eyes. ‘You seem to understand me though, and you have helped. I know it doesn’t sound like it but you have. Three months ago I was a crumbling wreck, hiding away on my boat when I wasn’t working. Anyway, another beer?’

‘One more and I’m off to bed. Thanks,’ she said rubbing her eyes. Charles returned with the beers and a beautifully wrapped box of chocolates tucked under his arm.

‘Here. Take these. I didn’t buy them, a client gave them to me but, I’m not a chocolate fan.’

‘Yum. Oh, I am.’ Sophie paused. ‘Tell me, what do you think Kate would have done if your situation was reversed? Do you think she would have felt the same?’ she said popping a champagne truffle into her mouth.

‘I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it like that. I mean, probably,’ he said and Sophie helped herself to another truffle as he stared into space.

***

Ten-thirty the following gloomy morning Lizzie took Thierry to Caroline and Michael’s apartment. They were all packed and ready to leave.

‘We’re so going to miss you Mum,’ Lizzie said.

‘Well when the salon quietens down, bring Thierry over for a few days. His father can’t object at the moment.’

‘No he can’t. Let’s just hope that bang on the head has knocked some sense into him.’ Lizzie rolled her eyes. ‘Anyway, yes, don’t overdo things both of you. We’ll come and see you soon.’

‘Lovely, look forward to it.’ Caroline gave out hugs and kisses.

‘What time’s Cal collecting you?’ Lizzie enquired.

‘Oh darling, we have a taxi to take us to the station. Cal rang to say his car broke down just after Lyon and he’s waiting for assistance. One roadside assistance mechanic has looked at it but thinks it will need a part which may take time. They will get him to a hire car place or station but he doesn’t know what to do for the best because he was just planning on picking us up and returning straight home.’

Lizzie didn’t know what to make of it. ‘Oh, right. Well I’ll drive you home.’

‘Well no darling, it’s ok,’ Caroline continued, ‘he’s booked us a train. We can get a cab from Ebbsfleet.’

‘Strange that he didn’t wait to find out about the part first.’ Lizzie didn’t know whether she’d decided he had an ulterior motive or whether he was genuinely erring on the side of caution. Either way she felt a descending disappointment.

‘So typical of Cal, he’s decisive and he acts. Bless him darling, he just wants to make sure we get home. It’s booked for noon.’ Caroline rubbed her daughter’s arm. ‘He’s so thoughtful and genuine. He’ll make someone a wonderful husband.’

If Lizzie didn’t know any better, she would swear her mother was scheming?

‘Mmm, well, yes. So, it’s a bit early, let’s have a coffee and we’ll come back for the cases.’

As soon as Lizzie had seen them off at the station she took Thierry home to Marie-Claire and went straight to the salon to speak to Sophie. Although the salon was buzzing and busy, she found Sophie filling in paperwork in her consulting room and her assistant cleaning the couch for the next client.

‘How are you?’ she said as Sophie peered up, distracted.

‘Very good. Did your mum and Michael get off ok?’

‘Long story, but yes, fine thank you. Have you heard any more from Charles?’

‘Oh I took a pizza over and we had a drink at his last night, bit awkward but…’

Lizzie pulled a face that told Sophie she felt her discomfort. ‘The man’s a fool. Anyway, Thierry spotted you collecting the pizzas, we were upstairs. I wondered why you took two. Is he ok?’

‘No, not really. Seemed a bit down. He opened up a bit though. I’ve never experienced the death of a loved one so I don’t know but I now know what it feels like not to be able to have that one person that’s special. I really miss him, as us, I mean.’

‘We don’t have much luck with men do we Soph? Fancy a night out later?’ Lizzie asked.

‘Yeah, why not, nothing heavy. And, I obviously wasn’t in gear when I came over to you the other night. I didn’t realise you’d called the whole thing off with Cal. I thought it was just a temporary thing.’

‘No, can’t do heavy either but, yes. I just don’t want any more aggravation in mine and Thierry’s life. I’m done with trusting men, you never know what lies beneath.’

‘But, I don’t know why you don’t use this time to get to know him better.’

Lizzie gave her a blank stare. ‘He’s in England anyway, and I’ve come to the conclusion that Thierry and I are happy as we are. I was in a happy place knowing you were down here, and it’s been a bonus to get to know Mum again. I shall always be grateful to him for his help. Do you think I’ve done the right thing? I do miss him too,’ Lizzie said trying to read her friend’s eyes.

Sophie shook her head.

‘Anyway, later? We’ll go somewhere for a nice chat. Oh, Any news on Anton?’

‘No, I can make some enquiries. But you shouldn’t worry about him.’

‘It just makes me nervous in case he recovers.’

‘Look, I have another consultation waiting but give me an hour and I’ll call my former colleague.’

Lizzie pursed her lips. ‘Merci Dr Pitou.’

‘See you in a while.’

Two hours later Sophie went to find Lizzie, who was chatting to a client, a friend of Madame Joubert. Sophie went to the kitchen and made them both a coffee. Lizzie came in.

‘Madame Joubert is recovering fast it seems, I must get back to see her,’ Lizzie said.

‘That’s sweet of you Lizzie. Here,’ Sophie said, handing her friend a coffee. ‘Apparently not a lot of progress happening with Anton. He’s undergoing a long-term programme of rehabilitation. Must have been severe. So, stop fretting. Oh, and, would you mind if I dump you for Charles tonight?’

‘Well now,’ Lizzie’s eyes shot playfully back and forth for a moment, ‘I suppose, as you’re such a terrific friend, oh, and business partner, how can I refuse such a charming request? I hope he makes it worth your while.’

‘I hope so too. Thanks.’ She winked at Lizzie.

Sophie was surprised to hear from Charles earlier, particularly a daytime call. Her busy schedule didn’t give her too much spare time and now she had her own place, there were more chores when she got home. She did wonder what to wear however as he’d told her they would drive to Mougins and be eating at L’Amdier de Mougins which was renowned for its luxury and well-heeled guests. He’d also told her to pack for the night as he’d booked a hotel room…

After checking into the hotel and dropping off their bags, Charles led her to the restaurant and out onto the terrace. As they took their seats, Sophie’s eyes widened; the view across to the hills was breathtaking.

‘Wow, that’s amazing,’ she gasped.

‘I thought you’d like it,’ Charles said. ‘It’s quite special. Like you Sophie.’

Her heartbeat quickened and her sudden fast breath emphasised the low cut of her tight fitting dress. A taupe and turquoise vintage dress she’d chosen for its sophistication. What was he playing at she wondered, confused.

‘That’s very kind of you, Charles,’ she answered as the waiter arrived with a cooled bottle of champagne. ‘Oooh, are we celebrating?’

‘That depends on you, if you’ll take me back Sophie?’

‘What, but…’

‘You really didn’t need qualifications to be a doctor you know. You’re a natural healer.’

Sophie’s eyes glistened whilst her heart jumped up and down and her stomach churned. ‘Are you sure? You want us to get back together? What, you’re suddenly over it?’

‘Do you know, I’ve done no work since yesterday, I’ve sat solidly and considered what you said and I’ve asked myself so many questions and, you’re right, there is nothing I can do about it. So I’ve decided I like being happy and I could wait my whole life before I found another you. Yes, I found the guts to say goodbye to Kate and now the guts to…to ask you to warm my cold feet. Will you?’

‘Oh Charles, yes of course,’ Sophie said, scooting round to his side of the table and slipping into his lap, finding his lips. Then she pulled back. ‘As long as you wash them first!’

Chapter 43

The next few weeks were nerve wracking for Lizzie but on the morning of the court hearing, she actually felt quite calm. Then she saw Anton being wheeled in a wheel chair. Her whole body clenched at the sight of him and she stood motionless like a scared rabbit. She could almost taste the vomit in her throat. She watched his lawyers shake his left hand. He seemed unresponsive. Then his black eyes glared right at her, his face drooping and distorted. She deliberately stared, unafraid to challenge him but she wasn’t sure if it made any difference.
Stay strong, stay strong
the words echoed in her head. Standing up, Anton’s lawyers made their case, then Charles stood to make his. The judge made a few nods and noises in between. Lizzie tried to read his poker face, his bagged eyes weighed down with daily cases about people’s conflicts. Would he have taken a bribe she wondered. Would he invite them all to fight it all out in public? That was now the big question.

***

It had been a beautiful afternoon and the salon had gone quiet. Lizzie was almost up to date with everything and her meeting with Josephine and the accountant was now over. As they left him at reception and returned to her office, Lizzie turned to her manager. ‘Well it’s good to know we should break even in eighteen months, our finances are in better shape than I thought after the expense of the move and launch. Sophie will be pleased too.’ Lizzie glanced at the clock on the wall. ‘I know it’s a little early to be leaving but I’m going to pay Madame Joubert a visit, it’s her birthday today and my visit is long overdue. I’ll get her some flowers from us all and a card. I haven’t seen her for a while so hopefully her ankle has improved. I’ll let you know.’

‘That’ll be nice,’ Josephine said, gathering her pad and files together. ‘Send her our best wishes.’

‘Of course, I’ll take along a gift voucher, she can choose some treatments herself when she’s fit enough,’ Lizzie said, collecting a voucher from a locked box on her desk.

‘I’m sure she’d love it. By the way, let Sophie know that Charles called in earlier looking for her.’

Lizzie grinned. ‘That man has no common sense. Surely he must know by now what days she’s here and what days she’s at the university.’

‘Yes, crazy.’ Josephine nodded, laughing.

***

Before setting off Lizzie rang Marie-Claire to let her know she would be late so that Thierry had his tea on time. She then tidied her hair and freshened up her make-up. She grabbed a linen jacket from the hook in her office and set off to get some flowers and a card, which she wrote out in the shop. She decided to get on the train to Villefranche so that she could have a much-needed stroll in the autumn sunshine. Her phone rang and Charles’ name appeared. She let it ring. ‘Oh, fuck, what now?’ she mouthed.

‘Charles, hi.’ She squeezed her face awaiting more gloom as he spoke. ‘No. No. My God. Wow! Right, right, ok. Thank you,’ she switched her phone to the other ear as Charles continued. ‘Has she. I can’t wait. I’ll call her soon. I’m almost at Madame Joubert’s but tell her I’ll be about an hour. Bye.’

The walk along the quayside was refreshing even though the air was still warm. She climbed the many steps up to the village and followed the path through until she reached Madame Joubert’s villa. Bright red Bougainvillea projected a luminosity against the deep mauve and white lobelia in the numerous pots parading in front of the dwelling. The soft breeze caught those in the window boxes and Lizzie gasped at the beauty of it. It would be a dream to own such a spectacular villa she thought, so pretty, so homely. She knocked on the door and within seconds Madame Joubert opened it.