Helena introduced her mum to everyone, the champagne was poured and glasses raised in a birthday toast. After the champagne was finished, everyone slowly drifted off to do their own thing until Helena and Joan were alone. Before the two of them left to spend the day together, Helena told Sandy she and Mandy would not be at the villa for dinner that evening. ‘Mum is treating us to a birthday dinner somewhere in Antibes.’
When Sandy heard their dinner plans, she found Guy in the kitchen. ‘There will only be five of us for dinner this evening.’
‘Shall I fire up the pizza oven and the barbeque?’ Guy asked.
‘Sounds a great idea,’ Sandy said. ‘I think I might see if Romain would like to come and join us.’
* * *
Helena and Joan made an impromptu decision walking into town to hop on a train and spend the day wandering around Nice. Joan was silent as Helena exclaimed with delight over the view from both sides of the train carriage. ‘I can’t decide which way to look, it’s all so beautiful. On one side, it’s the Mediterranean glistening in the sunshine, the beaches and all the yachts sailing across the bay. On the other, glimpses of the villages and the mountains behind Nice in the distance. It’s May and they’ve still got snow on.’
Joan nodded in response. She remembered sailing past the coastline all those years ago and being mesmerised by the scenery.
Once in Nice, they explored the old town, before having a delicious lunch in Hotel Le Negresco, and then walking along the Promenade des Anglais. Sitting on the iconic blue chairs people watching and looking out to sea together watching the yachts criss-crossing the blue water in front of them under the azure blue of the sky, Helena sighed. ‘It’s all so beautiful down here. Thank you for a lovely day, Mum. A birthday to remember.’
‘It’s not over yet,’ Joan said. ‘You’ve still got your birthday dinner to look forward to. Talking of which, we’d better make tracks back to Antibes.’
* * *
An hour later, they were back at Joan’s hotel for a reviving cup of tea and to freshen up before the surprise dinner. It was then that Joan remembered the presents Maureen and Teddy had given her.
‘I’m so sorry, I totally forgot to bring them to the villa this morning. I had so much on my mind,’ Joan said. ‘At least it is still your birthday,’ and she handed Helena the two presents. ‘My present is still at home, so that’s something to look forward to when you get back.’
‘It’s not like you to forget things,’ Helena said as she picked up Maureen’s card. ‘You okay?’
‘I’m fine. This trip was so unexpected and it’s the first one I’ve done on my own, since your dad died, so I’ve found it a bit stressful.’
‘Oh Mum, I know how much you miss Dad, but it’s lovely to have you here,’ Helena said as she opened Maureen’s card and showed Joan the two tickets to see the playSmall Hotelat the Theatre Royal Bath at the end of summer. ‘Ralph Fiennes and Francesca Annis are starring. What a lovely present.’
Helena smothered a small gasp as she carefully opened the slim box that contained Teddy’s present.
‘Oh, that’s beautiful,’ Joan said, looking at the Swarovski necklace with its small scattered round-cut crystals and a single Swarovski zirconia in the centre that Helena had taken out of its box. ‘From Teddy?’
Helena nodded. ‘Yes.’ She didn’t tell her mother that there was a note in the box; she’d read that when she was alone.
‘You should wear it tonight,’ Joan said, looking at her and wondering whether there was something special between her daughter and Teddy after all. ‘I have a “mother” question to ask,’ she said brightly. ‘Are you and Teddy “an item” I think is the expression?’
There was a short silence before Helena spoke. ‘The simple answer for you alone is yes, but please do not tell Leon. I need to tell him myself.’
Joan looked at her. ‘Why?’
‘Because he interfered.’
‘Okay. But can I have a hug and tell you how happy I am that you and Teddy are together?’
‘Of course.’ Helena moved and gave Joan a tight hug.
‘Please wear the necklace tonight,’ Joan said. ‘I’ll take a photo for you to send to Teddy.’
Helena looked at her. ‘I don’t know where we are going. Isn’t it a bit dressy for a restaurant?’
‘No. It would be perfect.’
Helena looked at her mum thoughtfully. ‘I know the plan was for Leon to come here and then we would pick Mandy up on the way, but I feel the need to dress up a little if I’m going to wear this necklace. Would you mind if I ran back to the villa to change and get ready there and you and Leon picked me up with Mandy?’
‘Good idea. I’ll see you later. I might have a quick nap after all the walking we did in Nice.’
* * *
