‘This was Antoine’s room,’ said Alexandra, when all the greeting food and drink was over. ‘He’s moving into the barn until after the wedding, but I thought it would be nice to have you close by.’
‘Handy for dress fittings,’ said Lizzie, looking around with delight.
‘I thought if you wanted Letty to have her own room, she could have this little room, which is very close.’ Alexandra remembered Véronique’s horror when she’d been asked to stay there.
‘Doesn’t Antoine mind moving out of his bedroom?’ asked Lizzie.
‘His godmother is very correct. She said we had to be chaperoned and while she wouldn’t really know, I think Antoine would find it difficult to look her in the eye if he hadn’t obeyed her instructions.’
‘I do like Antoine,’ said Hugo. ‘I’m glad. If I didn’t, I might have to forbid the banns or something.’
‘Although I appreciate your concern, Hugo,’ Alexandra said teasingly, ‘I don’t think that will be necessary.’
David was delighted to be reunited with the girls and the first evening everyone sat up reminiscing and regaling Antoine with stories from their life together in London. It was only when Letty, asleep in a cradle behind the sofa, woke for a feed, that everyone realised how late it was and all went to bed.
Stéphie was in her element with a baby to look after and even Félicité blossomed being surrounded by women not so much older than herself, who treated her like an equal and genuinely admired her artwork.
Vanessa, who had arrived with Meg, came in an organisational mood and made lots of lists.
One of the first things that had to be done was for Alexandra and Antoine to visit the mairie to sort out the legal aspect of the ceremony. Alexandra produced her birth certificate and it was all very straightforward. That Antoine was an old friend of the mayor didn’t hurt either.
They arranged the date for the legal part of the wedding; the blessing in church would take place the day after.
‘I know your friends are organising a brilliant wedding for us,’ said Antoine on the way home. ‘But what do you want to do afterwards? Go away on honeymoon? We could go to London, or Switzerland – anywhere your heart desires.’
‘Can we pull over and have a proper talk? It’s all so busy at the chateau we hardly ever get a chance to see each other.’
Antoine found a farm gate to put the car into. ‘I know. My godmother could not have arranged it better.’
‘It’s a bit frustrating, isn’t it?’ said Alexandra.
‘Luckily we don’t have to wait long to be properly married and be able to live together in the chateau,’ said Antoine.
‘Which brings us to the matter of our honeymoon. Would you think I was very strange if I said I didn’t want to go away just yet? The children are just starting at their new school. I’d really like to know they’re properly settled before we disappear.’
‘Sometimes I think you love my children more than you love me!’ he said indignantly.
‘Oh, Antoine! I’m sure in time I’ll come to love you just as much—' She collapsed into giggles as he tickled her and inevitably they ended up kissing.
They arrived back to lunch in the garden. The spring sunshine made it perfectly warm enough and it felt festive. But it was, it transpired, to be a working lunch.
‘We just need to pin you down on a few things,’ said Vanessa, who had her ever-present clipboard on the table beside her.
‘For example, what sort of cake do you want?’ asked Meg. ‘To be honest it’s a bit late for a traditional rich fruit one but I’d manage if your heart is set on that.’
‘I’ve never had to think about cake before,’ said Alexandra.
Antoine shrugged. ‘A traditional cake in France would be a croquembouche but I know they are tricky.’
Alexandra saw her friend’s eyes flash with excitement as she looked at David, who had been her partner in crime when they all lived in London.
‘David?’ said Meg. ‘Could we do it, do you think? Or should we ask a local pâtisserie?’
Alexandra knew that Meg longed to take on the challenge. ‘I’d love it if you felt you could do it, Meggy. I’d rather have it a bit wonky made by you and David than have it perfect from a shop.’ She glanced at Antoine, hoping he’d understand.
‘We would be so honoured if you would make our wedding cake,’ said Antoine, who obviously understood perfectly.
‘That’s decided then,’ said Vanessa, writing on the clipboard. ‘Could someone pass the quiche? I’m suddenly quite hungry.’
