‘I understand, Star. The only reason we can think of is that she doesn’t want her daughter to know who her birth parents were,’ said Maia. ‘That’s got to be it, hasn’t it?’
‘I suppose so – but she looked genuinely frightened when she left,’ Star sighed. ‘Even Orlando seems stumped. He says he has a plan to make sure that she doesn’t leave the hotel without him knowing about it – don’t ask me how. But just in case we do lose her again, Orlando thinks that one of you two should go to Provence and speak to Mary-Kate’s brother, Jack. Maybe he’ll know more about his mum and her past.’
‘Maybe, but how would he know any more about Mary-Kate’s adoption than his sister did?’ asked Ally.
‘He’s ten years older than Mary-Kate so he might remember something. And also be less emotionally involved than his mum.’
‘Do we know where he is in Provence?’ Maia asked.
‘I’ll text you the address for thecave– Orlando has it on tape – but could one of you go? Like, tomorrow?’
‘It’s a good five to six hours’ drive from Geneva,’ said Maia.
‘Send us that address and we’ll get back to you in a bit when we’ve had a chat and sorted out the arrangements, okay?’ Ally added.
‘Okay,’ said Star.
‘And please thank Orlando for his help – so far you’re actually the only ones that have managed to meet Merry face to face,’ said Maia.
‘Even if my Lady Sabrina acting was rubbish’ – Star gave a low chuckle – ‘Orlando was brilliant. You know, this sounds weird, but her face actually reminded me of someone I’ve seen before, I just can’t think who.’
‘If you do, let us know. Speak later, Star. And really, well done. Bye.’
Star ended the call, then lay back on the bed and closed her eyes for a few seconds. Then she took a deep breath, opened them and called Mouse’s mobile. It rang for ages, but finally, he answered.
‘Hello, darling, how are you?’ his deep voice came into her ear.
‘I’m fine, thanks. Just checking in to say goodnight and to make sure Rory’s had dinner and you’ve put him to bed,’ she smiled.
‘Of course I did! I am capable of looking after my own child when you’re not here, Star.’
‘I know you are, but you’re also very busy.’
‘I am. So, how did the “thing” you and Orlando needed to do in London go?’
‘Oh, it was... okay. It’s complicated, Mouse. I’ll explain when I’m home.’
‘It all sounds very mysterious, darling.’
‘As I said last night, it’s just something to do with my family and organising things for Pa’s memorial service. I’ll be home either tomorrow or the following morning. You couldn’t by any chance come to London tomorrow night, could you? The suite is just beautiful and I’m sure I could get Jenny the babysitter to stay overnight with Rory.’
‘Sorry, but I’m snowed under here.’
‘I... okay.’
‘All right, darling. Well, keep in touch.’
‘I will, and give Rory a hug from me. Goodnight.’
‘Goodnight.’
Ending the call, Star let out a big sigh. Why did she still find it so difficult to say what she felt? Perhaps it was simply that after all the years with CeCe, it was inbuilt, or maybe it was just the kind of person she was. But keeping everything bottled up wasn’t healthy and had nearly wrecked her relationship with her precious sister. She knew that Mouse loved her, but he was of that particular breed of Englishmen who were not good at expressing their feelings either. She understood that, but between her inability to say what she needed from him – that they should find even the occasional night when houses and work were forgotten and they could just be together – and Mouse’s struggle with showing emotion, their communication wasn’t what it should be. ‘You have to try,’ she muttered to herself as the room telephone rang on the bedside table beside her.
‘Room 161 for you, madam. Shall I put the call through?’
‘Yes, thank you.’
‘Dear Star, did you manage to contact your sisters?’ came Orlando’s dulcet tones.
