‘Well, it’s a chateau! It seems big. I haven’t actually explored everywhere yet. Some of it is fine and some needs a bit of decoration and repair.’
‘It’s just that I know Jack would really like to come with me. He could teach the children music and maths. He’s really a musician but apparently he did maths at university, which makes him actually qualified – unlike me.’
‘Oh, I’m sure we could find space for him. I might have to consult the children’s grandmother, but she’d probably be delighted that he can teach two important subjects.’
‘He’s not … well …’ said David. ‘We’re just friends.’
‘David, you know I wouldn’t mind …’
‘But your employers might object to a gay man teaching your children, especially if they think he’s brought his boyfriend with him.’
Alexandra sighed. She couldn’t help thinking that what David said was true. ‘Well, I can’t wait to see you both. When can I expect you?’
‘I’ll telephone you. We have a couple of things to sort out first, as you’d expect.’
‘And of course, you may not be needed for long. I can’t even promise you’d be paid properly.’
‘Oh, that’s all right, we can stay with you for a couple of weeks and then tour round, or just go home. We’ll see you soon, my darling girl!’
When she’d put the phone down, Alexandra realised that having David at the chateau would make all the difference. Although she hardly felt it, she was just a little bit lonely.
The following afternoon Alexandra was lying on her back enjoying the feeling of the autumn sun on her face. Maxime had come for lunch, bringing an apricot almond cake, a local delicacy, as well as cheese and wine, and chocolate for the children. Now he’d gone home and everyone was relaxing in the garden.
Alexandra was very near sleep. It was strange but she felt more at home in rural France than in the tall London house where she’d grown up. She was determined to enjoy every second of her time here.
A shadow across her face caused her to open her eyes. Standing above her, blocking the light, was a woman, who, from that angle, seemed incredibly tall. Alexandra sat up and then got to her feet, feeling slightly off balance and caught out.
She looked around for the children, who’d been lying in the grass with her, reading, while she’d closed her eyes. Only Milou was with her now and he got up too, not exactly growling, but rumbling.
‘I’ve come to collect my children,’ said the woman with quiet determination.
Alexandra blinked and moved sideways so she wasn’t blinded by the sun. The woman was dressed in an elegant two-piece outfit in a soft caramel colour that was better suited to a smart restaurant than a garden in the French countryside.
‘I’m so sorry,’ said Alexandra. ‘I think I must have dozed off for a few minutes and I’m totally confused. What did you say?’ While it was true about her dozing off, she wasn’t at all confused. She just needed time to compose herself.
‘I said, perfectly clearly, that I’ve come to fetch my children. I am Lucinda de Belleville. Can you call them?’ She had a lot of confidence and spoke in a way that showed she was used to having her own way.
Alexandra put on a helpful smile as she realised she was talking to the children’s mother. ‘I could, but I have no idea where they might be. There are several acres of grounds here, or they could be inside. I’m sure you know that the chateau has many rooms. Why don’t we go in and I’ll get you a cold drink? They might appear of their own accord.’
‘I was hoping to just get them into the car and then go to my mother’s house. She doesn’t know I’m here.’ Lucinda made irritated noises as she followed Alexandra through the patch of long grass into the courtyard and, from there, into the kitchen. Alexandra could feel her frustration and crossness burning into her back.
‘I’ll show you through to the salon,’ Alexandra said soothingly. ‘Would you like wine or something soft?’
‘I can find my way to the salon, thank you,’ Lucinda said. ‘This used to be my house!’
‘And as they used to be your children, maybe you would know best where they’re likely to be?’
Lucinda looked murderous. ‘They are still my children!’
She left the room briskly, her stockings making a swishing sound as she walked, presumably heading to the salon. Alexandra realised her last remark had been a little rude, and felt guilty as she found glasses and a carafe for the wine.
‘Félicité, Henri, Stéphanie! You have a visitor – one you’ll be very pleased to see!’ she called up the stairs. She wasn’t entirely sure the children would be pleased to see their mother, but it was a fair assumption and it would make up for her earlier rudeness.
She was gratified to hear footsteps running down the stairs. The three of them appeared, slightly out of breath.
‘It’s your mother,’ said Alexandra. ‘She’s in the salon.’
‘Our mother!’ said Félicité, frowning. ‘What the hell is she doing here?’
