Chapter 48
Tobias drove the rented Citroën 2CV through the country lanes of France. He could see the views of the wild, dramatic coastline and the bay with anchored boats. He was driving to a farmhouse situated near the shores of the Southern Coast of Brittany, where Carrie’s parents lived. He had contacted them a few days ago and they had been delighted by his suggested visit. It had been a long time since they had seen him. Carrie’s parents had moved to Brittany after the tragedy of losing their elder daughter. Desperate to make a new start, without the constant reminder of her in Treweham village, they had decided to sever all ties and relocate to another country. Lucy, their other daughter, was young enough to adapt and had craved the move as much as her parents had. Looking at the small, rocky shoreline, golden sand and turquoise sea, Tobias could see just why Carrie’s mum and dad had chosen this area. The air was warm and salty rushing in through the car window. Tobias remembered the way to the farmhouse.
He’d visited them once before, when they had first moved here. Driving further down the coast, he longed to swim in the shimmering sea and wash away the pent-up anxiety that had been gradually building inside him. Flashbacks of Megan’s bewildered face stung him. He hated having to be so secretive, but he had to stay focused and couldn’t be distracted. He was doing the honourable thing, what any decent man would do. Once he had explained himself to her she would understand. His mind wandered to the previous night, which they’d spent together at Treweham Hall. It felt so right, having her there, her body entwined with his in his four-poster bed. It was empty without her soft skin touching his;hewas empty without her.
It bothered him how she had reacted to his going away. He could see the betrayal in her eyes. But it wasn’t disloyalty, it was a necessity, his coming here. He needed closure. Real closure. Tobias didn’t want his future wedding being plastered all over the newspapers for Carrie’s parents to read about. He needed to tell them first of his intention to marry. They deserved to hear it from him.
He had his welcome first sight of the farmhouse, its stone walls covered with wisteria, the pretty property surrounded by criss-crossing coastal paths. He parked the Citroën on the dusty driveway. Immediately Carrie’s parents, Anna and Mark, came to greet him. ‘Tobias! How lovely to see you.’ Anna stretched her arms out to embrace him. Despite the cruel knock life had blown her, she was looking well, thought Tobias. The French country lifestyle clearly suited her, giving her a glowing honeyed complexion and highlights in her hair.
Mark shook his hand firmly. ‘Good to see you, son.’ He’d always called him that, and it comforted Tobias that he still did.
‘Thanks for having me.’
‘Not at all! Thank you for making the trip,’ replied Anna, fussing him inside. Mark took out his suitcase and followed them into the house.
Tobias looked around him. It was just as he remembered: high ceilings and pebbled walls. A wood burner stood in the centre of the open-plan room and a balcony above led to the bedrooms. The kitchen was large, and a typical farmhouse table stood in the middle surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs.
‘Take a seat, Tobias. I’ll put the kettle on.’
Tobias noticed a framed photograph of Carrie standing on the sideboard. It had been taken a few days before the accident. He absorbed her smile, her long, dark hair, her brown eyes and button nose. Then the face in the picture transformed into Megan. He quickly shut his eyes.
‘I thought I’d cook dinner tonight. There’s a wonderful market town nearby that sells the most delicious seafood.’
‘That sounds great, thanks, Anna.’
‘You must be tired after all that travelling.’ She passed him a cup of tea. ‘I’ll show you to your room.’
That evening, after an exquisite supper oftruite au vin jauneandcrêpes Suzette, which he learnt was one of Brittany’s traditional meals – trout cooked in wine, and pancakes with orange and liqueur – Tobias decided now was the time. They had drunk two bottles of local red wine and were feeling relaxed.
‘I’ve something to tell you both.’ Anna and Mark looked at him smiling, encouraging him to continue. ‘I’ve met someone. Her name’s Megan and I intend to marry her.’ There, he’d said it. Waiting for their response was torture.
Anna was the first to speak. ‘Well, I’m very pleased for you, Tobias. It’s about time.’
‘Yes, we both want you to be happy, always have,’ Mark added.
Tobias let out a sigh. The relief was enormous. Anna got up from the table and took two photographs from the kitchen windowsill. She gave one to Tobias to look at. He took it and smiled. It was of Lucy, Carrie’s sister. She made a striking bride, joined by a handsome, dark-haired groom.
‘She’s grown into a beauty, hasn’t she? When did she get married?’
‘A year ago, married a local boy.’ Then Anna passed him the second photograph. It was of a newborn baby, looking the image of the dark-haired groom. ‘This is François, our grandson.’
Tobias beamed. ‘Congratulations, you must be very proud,’ he said, looking to Anna, then Mark.
Mark nodded. ‘We are.’
Then Anna added, putting her hand over Tobias’, ‘It’s time to move on, Tobias. Even we’ve carved out a life for ourselves. Being here, in France, with Lucy, Jean-Pierre and François. We’ve all to live our lives the best way we can.’
Tobias’ eyes filled, he swallowed and looked down.
‘Never feel guilty for finding happiness, son,’ Mark spoke quietly.
‘Thank you,’ gulped Tobias.
