‘What happened after that day on the station?’ asked Matt.
‘I don’t really know all the details. There was such a commotion. At first, no one realised what had happened to Bochette. Naturally, they were all concerned about Nathalie,’ said Odile. ‘I remember being taken to the police station. I was left in a cell for what seemed like hours. Tony Bertram, together with someone from MI6, came and got me. I think it surprised the local police, but they were told it was a matter of national security and they weren’t to question or discuss.’
‘Wow. They must have thought you were a spy or something,’ said Matt.
‘Maybe. I don’t know what story was spun but, of course, I had several days of being questioned by MI6 and then I was allowed back to Bignor Manor. I stayed with the Bertrams.’
‘And Thomas? What about him?’ asked Darcie.
‘He was absolutely heartbroken when he heard the news. He blamed himself. He had been away in London, something to do with the war effort, and he was planning to propose to Nathalie when he came back. He had been to Covent Garden and purchased the most beautiful diamond engagement ring.’
‘Oh, that’s so sad,’ said Darcie.
‘Isn’t it? I knew Nathalie would have accepted. She loved him very much. I had never seen her so happy.’
‘What happened to him, do you know?’ asked Matt.
‘I believe he did find happiness again and went on to marry. She was a widow. She didn’t have any children and she and Thomas didn’t have any either. But I like to think he found some comfort in his life.’
‘I hope he did, too,’ said Darcie. ‘Everyone deserves to be happy, even if life doesn’t turn out as planned.’ She wanted to ask about Odile but couldn’t quite bring herself to be so forward.
‘And as for myself,’ said Odile, as if able to read Darcie’s unspoken question. ‘When I was young, it was expected that I would marry and have children but I always knew it was something I never wanted.’
‘I think being happy is more important than conforming,’ said Matt.
‘Indeed. I stayed with the Bertrams until 1945 when I was able to go back to France, and Tony Bertram took a posting in Paris. I moved back with my parents and I cared for them until they both passed away.’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Darcie.
‘Don’t be sorry,’ said Odile. ‘I was happy. Maybe not as happy as I was in Bignor, but happy enough. I did consider going back to England at that point, but the Bertrams had moved on and I knew I had to make a life for myself. So I threw myself into being an aunt to Gaston’s and Rachelle’s children, Paulette being one of them. I’ve always been at my happiest looking after and caring for youngsters. I really should never have been the youngest in my family.’ She smiled at Darcie. ‘So, I hope that answers all your questions.’
‘I think it does,’ said Darcie, warmly. She bent down and gave Odile a hug. ‘I’ll do my very best to honour Nathalie’s memory.’
Odile patted her arm. ‘I have no doubt you will. I’m happy the dress and the book are in the hands of someone like you. Nathalie would approve.’
‘Sorry, just one more thing, if I may?’ asked Matt. ‘Did anyone else know about the book and the codes?’
‘There was talk of it some years ago,’ said Odile. ‘I had a visit from a gentleman claiming to be the grandson of someone who worked with Nathalie at the Ritz.’
‘Really?’ said Darcie. ‘Who was that?’
‘I can’t remember his name, I’m afraid.’
‘What did he want?’ asked Matt.
‘We didn’t get that far. All he said was, it was about Nathalie and something she had belonging to his grandmother,’ said Odile. ‘He made me very uncomfortable. I told him he would have to come back another time when my niece, Paulette, and her husband were there. I didn’t see him again. Paulette’s husband phoned him and made it clear he was to leave me alone. Shortly after that, my house was broken into. It was very upsetting so I went to live with Paulette before I came here.’
‘Do you think it was related?’ asked Darcie, thinking of her own experience.
‘There was no proof, but it was quite a coincidence,’ said Odile. ‘It’s a wonder I didn’t have nightmares about him. Horrid man with a scar running through his eyebrow, around his eye and onto his cheek.’
Darcie looked incredulously at Odile. ‘A scar, here?’ She traced her finger around her own eye.
‘Yes. Through his left eye and around,’ replied Odile. ‘He had the most piercing blue eyes I think I’ve ever seen.’
‘It’s got to be Padgett,’ said Matt. ‘It literally can’t be anyone else.’
‘It must be him,’ said Darcie. ‘But why does Padgett want the book and dress so badly? And who is his grandmother?’
