* * *
Sandy joined the aperitif walk into Antibes that evening. When Liz told them about the poster she’d seen for a concert that evening in the bandstand, they all decided to stop at one of the cafe bars in Place Nationale. As they made for a cafe that Sandy recommended, she pointed out the Peynet and Cartoon Museum.
‘It’s a fun place to visit if you’re in town when it’s open,’ she said. ‘He was the man who created “the lovers” – you know those cartoon-like doll illustrations and toys that are, were, everywhere.’ Sandy looked at their blank faces and shook her head and smiled. ‘He was internationally famous, but the French were probably his greatest fans. Perhaps you are all too young to have heard of him. Go to the museum and see for yourselves. His drawings are delightful.’
‘It’s been a long time since I was too young for something!’ Isobel said laughing.
Once their drinks were chosen and in front of them, they all sat back and indulged in some people watching. They were too early for the concert, but there was an accordionist moving from table to table playing various tunes that got their feet tapping time. Becky wandered off taking general photographs of the busy cafes and the boutiques still open around the square.
With everyone’s attention taken by the music, Liz thought briefly about telling Isobel about her drink with Guy in Antibes and possibly about the Saturday night date. A cafe table in the middle of a busy square wasn’t ideal for a quiet personal conversation, though, and she decided against. Perhaps she’d tell her another time.
Liz joined Helena and Lorraine on the walk back along the bord de mer. ‘I bought a swimming costume this morning,’ she said.
‘Great,’ Lorraine said. ‘See you in the hallway at six tomorrow. We usually wear our bathrobes over our costumes as there isn’t anyone about at that hour.’
‘Sounds like a good idea,’ Liz said. ‘I hadn’t thought as far forward as that.’
19
‘And now we are three,’ Lorraine said as Liz joined her and Helena in the hallway early the next morning.
The three of them quickly made their way onto the beach. Lorraine was first in the water, followed by Helena, whilst Liz hesitated, her feet already being lapped by water that, to her, felt icy. The other two assured her the only way was to be bold and walk in until the water was waist deep and then duck her shoulders down quickly and kick off.
‘You’ll soon get over the cold shock,’ Helena said.
‘If I don’t die of shock or hypothermia first. This water is freezing,’ Liz said. ‘Okay. Here goes.’ And she plunged her body beneath the water and started to do a breaststroke. The other two stayed at her side, slowing their own strokes to keep pace with her. It was only a few moments before Liz turned onto her back and floated. ‘You were right. I’m fine now, you two go and have your swims, I’ll just swim back and forth along the shoreline. Not going to venture too far out.’
Ten minutes later, they all walked out of the sea and made for their bathrobes.
Liz smiled at the other two as she slipped her arms into hers. ‘I did enjoy that – a real wake-up call. Sorry I was such a wuss in the beginning. I was expecting the Mediterranean Sea to be warmer.’
‘It will be later in the year,’ Lorraine said. ‘But it’s only early May, summer hasn’t got going yet. You’ll join us again?’
‘Definitely,’ Liz said. ‘It’s all part of the retreat experience. I’d forgotten how stimulating being with other writers and not having to think about anything other than writing can be. And Villa Celestia is a perfect venue.’
‘The food is amazing,’ Lorraine said.
‘It is,’ Helena agreed. ‘Sandy is so knowledgeable. Mandy and I have already learnt a lot from her.’
* * *
Back at the villa, Liz left the other two after promising to join them the next day and made for her room and a long hot shower. Fifteen minutes later, she was choosing her breakfast in the dining room. She resisted the urge for two croissants and simply placed one on her plate and decided on a large hot chocolate from the thermos jug instead of her normal coffee, when Guy poked his head around the door.
‘Good morning. Enjoy your swim?’
‘Yes, thank you. Although it was surprisingly cold. Did we disturb you going out?’
Guy shook his head. ‘No. I was in the kitchen when the three of you crept out.’
Liz smiled at him. ‘You’re an early riser. Do you ever go for a swim before your day begins?’
Guy nodded. ‘It has been known, but not for a long time. A hot shower and strong coffee works for me these days.’
Liz laughed. ‘That’s my normal routine at home, so it’s good to do something a little different.’ She smiled at Guy before moving out to the garden terrace and joining Lorraine and Helena at the long table.
* * *
Sandy went downstairs at eight thirty for a croissant and a cup of coffee and was thinking about the things she planned for the morning’s informal session, when her phone pinged with a message from Romain.
