Dangerous Waters, page 13
Jeanne relaxed and smiled back.
‘Good for you! But it’s awful being bullied by people you’re working for, isn’t it? I’ve had some quite nasty editors to deal with in my time and when I first started as a journalist there were a couple of times when I was reduced to tears.’
‘At least I wasn’t that bad! Ah, sorry, was that patronising?’
‘No, don’t be daft. How could a big, strong successful business man like you patronise a small, weak female like me?’
They both burst out laughing and Jeanne felt all the earlier upset and tension ease away.
‘Hey, our first meeting was actually on the ferry, wasn’t it? You crashed into me as if you were drunk!’
She shook her head, no longer laughing.
‘I wasn’t drunk, I was having a panic attack, on seeing Herm.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry. Well, at least I’ve been more supportive this time.’ He gripped her hand and she replied, with a smile, ‘Yes, very supportive.’
‘Look, much as I enjoy your company, I really must get back to the grindstone. Can’t have you a witness to another shouting match, can we?’ His eyes were still laughing, she noticed, wishing that he didn’t have to go.
‘Give me your phone number, Jeanne, and I’ll let you know about the barbecue. Are you seeing Marcus this week?’
Jeanne nodded. ‘Yes, tomorrow night. I’ll ask him about the weekend then. Did you know we girls are out on Thursday evening?’
‘Colette did say something about it. Enjoy yourselves! Right, I’m off. Hope to see you on Sunday, okay?’
Jeanne smiled as he left and then concentrated on her food. The soup had been delicious and she wondered if it was a local recipe. She chewed the last bit of the sandwich deep in thought. Part of her was regretting having confided in Nick about the flashback even though he had been so supportive. He now knew her weakness and that made her vulnerable, in her eyes, at least. There was another part of her which had been glad to have someone help her when she was so upset and she’d enjoyed his company. And now she’d agreed to a barbecue! She must be mad. She shook her head at the thought and the waiter, hovering nearby, asked if everything was all right.
‘Fine, thanks. Can I have my bill, please?’
Sitting there in the café she recalled the images that had flashed in her head, unbidden, on the way there. She had not previously remembered the other boat but ‘seeing’ it in her mind’s eye had made it very real. It’s no good, she’d have to remember more. Then the police could track down who had been at the wheel…
Leaving the café, still feeling unsettled, she walked to the kitchen showroom. After a chat with a helpful sales assistant she arranged for a designer to come round and measure up for a detailed plan on Friday morning. Jeanne left with yet more glossy brochures.
Late that afternoon Jeanne walked round to Molly’s bearing flowers and a laundry bag. Molly thanked her for them but insisted that it was not necessary to buy her anything.
‘It’s no big deal to have you here using the machine. It would be a lot worse if Natalie was still at home. If she wore anything for 5 minutes it went in the wash! But you don’t have much at all,’ Molly said.
‘That’s because I’ve been living in grubby jeans most of the time. But now my social life is improving I may be round more often,’ Jeanne grinned at Molly as they were loading the washing machine.
‘Right, now that’s on, how about a cup of tea while you tell me all about this great social life of yours.’
They sat in the kitchen drinking tea while Jeanne brought her up to speed.
‘It all sounds great, Jeanne. You’ve got some good friends there.
And how’s the outline for the book coming on?’
Jeanne gave her the update on that and on the translations from Mrs Le Maitre. Molly listened intently as she talked.
‘Everything’s coming together really well for you. I’m so pleased. It’s about time that your life turned the corner.’ Molly hesitated for a moment and then said. ‘But there’s something else isn’t there? Perhaps not quite as positive?’
Jeanne sighed and, looking up at Molly’s concerned face, said ‘Yes, I had a flashback today and it was very… upsetting. So,’ she took a deep breath, ‘I’ve decided that I do want to use hypnosis, if you’re still happy to help me.’
‘Of course I am. It’s the least I can do to help, assuming I can.
We don’t know yet how well it will work with you and it might take some time. After all, you’ve buried the memories for so long. We’ll start slowly, using hypnosis to relax you for a few sessions first. Then if you’re receptive, we can start the regression therapy. How does that sound?’
Jeanne nodded.
‘I think I could cope with that. I’m just worried that I’ll fall to pieces and I’ve got so much going on at the moment.’
‘Of course, I understand, my dear. But if we take it a step at a time, you’re not likely to fall apart, I promise. And all my clients so far have remained intact!’
‘Okay. How about if we start next week? I’ll keep my social diary a bit clearer just in case I do become a gibbering wreck!’
Molly smiled. ‘That’s fine by me. I’d better check my own diary so I don’t double book you with that multiple personality I’m seeing at the moment. Might just add to the already high level of confusion!’
She returned a moment later with her diary and they settled on the following Monday. Although Molly usually worked in a clinic she suggested that it would be less stressful if they met at her home. ‘Peter won’t be home until after five so we won’t be disturbed. All right?’
‘Sure. That’s fine. Thanks, Molly. Oh, by the way, I’m planning a barbecue at home next Sunday afternoon and hope that the group I’ve met will come. Would you and Peter like to join us? I’m assuming Peter doesn’t mind mixing with his old students.’
‘I think he could deal with a load of his old students without any problem at all. He’d enjoy all the flattery! We’d love to come. What time do you want us?’
‘I don’t know yet as I’m waiting to hear from the others. So I’ll give you a ring by Saturday to confirm details.’
Jeanne went off to check the washing and as she waited for the machine to finish its final spin, Molly came up and said ‘Might as well bring your washing when you come for the hypnosis. Then we’re solving two problems at once,’ she laughed.
Jeanne scooped up her wet clothes into the bag and hugged Molly before setting off back to Le Petit Chêne. This was obviously commitment day, she mused, as she walked home. First, she’d committed herself to hosting a barbecue and then to sessions of hypnosis. She could only hope that both were steps in the right direction but there was still a flicker of doubt hovering around the idea of unearthing her buried memories. She had a feeling that she would find out things that she’d rather not know. Things that would have been better left buried and undisturbed for good.
chapter fifteen
In the post on Wednesday there was a letter from her bank. Opening it she was relieved to see that her mortgage had been approved. Reading further she was informed that she would need to attend Court in two weeks’ time to sign for the Bond on her cottage. She felt a surge of relief as her window shopping had proved very expensive to date and now she could order the sanitary fittings.
Nick had phoned her the previous evening to say that the others could all make that Sunday and he’d already checked that the weather forecast was favourable. Everyone was going to contribute to the food and drink so Jeanne didn’t have to worry about feeding the proverbial five thousand.
When Nick had asked her how she was feeling she told him that she was much better and had arranged to see a therapist.
‘Good. We don’t want to have to keep plying you with alcohol every now and then, do we?’ he teased.
Jeanne laughed. ‘No problem with the alcohol, I just don’t want any more flashbacks!’
After putting down the phone Jeanne hummed to herself with pleasure. Never thought that within a few weeks of being back I’d be a vibrant part of the local social scene. She smiled.
That afternoon Jeanne went off for a long walk on the beach which was beginning to fill up as the weather became hotter. It was now June and summer was showing her very warm, sunny side to the world, or at least to this little 25 square mile corner of it. The sea sparkled under the sun’s rays but not many people were venturing into its chilly embrace. A few small children were paddling, chaperoned by bored looking parents with their trousers or skirts tucked up out of harm’s way and surfers in wetsuits could be seen riding the waves farther out.
Wonderful, for those who had no fear of the sea, Jeanne thought, with a slight shiver. Still, with Molly’s help she might soon be frolicking about in the surf herself, just as she did when she was younger. Images of her teenage self, splashing in the sea with her friends came floating in and she remembered how much fun she’d had. Sighing, she carried on walking briskly up the beach and, after another half hour, turned back, accompanied by groups of sea gulls weaving around looking for picnic scraps, calling to each other with a high pitched shriek when they hit gold.
Having arrived at the cottage she had plenty of time for a leisurely bath before changing for her evening out with Marcus. As the temperature went up outside so there was now less need of heating inside. The sitting room, in particular, got plenty of sun during the day and felt pleasantly warm at night.
Acknowledging the arrival of summer, Jeanne chose a bright patterned cotton skirt with a toning plain top. The time spent outdoors had given her the healthy glow of a light tan and she knew she was looking immeasurably better than she had only three weeks earlier. She was also feeling so much better.
Marcus arrived promptly at eight looking relaxed in jeans and a short sleeved shirt.
‘Hi. Hmm, you’ve caught the sun – I like it!’ He stroked her face before kissing her.
‘I’d better do some serious sunbathing and start soaking up the compliments as well as the sun,’ she smiled.
With the car roof down Marcus drove along the coast away from the red and gold rays of the slowly setting sun. A light breeze blew Jeanne’s hair out behind her. It was only a few minutes’ drive to L’Eree and Marcus parked at the back of the restaurant. Although it was right opposite the sea, unfortunately there were no views once inside but the Indian décor created its own ambience.
Marcus ordered drinks as they studied the menu and discussed their favourite Indian dishes.
‘I prefer the milder ones like korma, pasanda or tandoori,’ Jeanne remarked.
‘Yeh, they’re okay, but real men eat real curries like vindaloo or jalfrezi!’ he replied, beating his chest with his fists, Tarzan style.
Jeanne laughed and they agreed that he would order a vindaloo and she a korma after a shared starter of lamb tikka and onion bhaji. While they waited for the food they chatted about the few days since they’d met and it seemed that Marcus was as busy as ever. Jeanne told him that she was now ordering fittings for the cottage and then mentioned the barbecue and asked if he could come.
‘Of course! I’m looking forward to seeing this garden I’ve heard so much about. And perhaps we could play hide and seek in the orchard!’ he teased.
Jeanne retorted, ‘I’m afraid fruit trees have very small trunks. No chance of hiding behind any of them! And you’ll have to behave yourself as Peter Ogier is coming.’
‘Oh no!’ he feigned a look of horror which was quickly replaced by a smile. ‘He was always such a nice old stick that we wouldn’t want to upset him, anyway. Any other old codgers coming?’
‘Hey, don’t be so disrespectful of my friends! And remember we’ll all be ‘old codgers’ one day.’
The service was particularly quick and it didn’t seem long until it was time for desserts. They both chose Indian pistachio flavoured ice cream and it slipped down a treat after the curries. When the waiter asked if they’d like coffee Jeanne said yes as she didn’t want to offer Marcus coffee at home. He’d been very tactile during the meal and he might want more than a good night kiss. Perhaps it was time for honesty.
‘Marcus, um, you know I told you that I’d recently split up with my boyfriend?’
He nodded.
‘Well, what I didn’t tell you is that I became pregnant by him but then I… I… had a miscarriage some weeks ago. So I’m still dealing with a lot of emotional stuff and that’s why I don’t want to rush into a new relationship. I wanted you to know that it’s not personal,’ she smiled uncertainly at him.
‘Oh, I’m so sorry. It must have been rotten for you.’ He reached out and held her hands. ‘Don’t worry. I admit I’d like us to be more than friends but I can see that this isn’t good timing at the moment. Can we still see each other?’ Again the lop-sided grin worked its charm.
‘Sure we can. I won’t be in Purdah for ever! And thanks for dinner. I really enjoyed it.’
‘So did I. By the way, are you, er, getting nightmares still? Only you mentioned them last time and I don’t like to think of you getting upset.’
‘Well, I’ve not had any nightmares lately but I did have a flashback the other day,’ her face had a haunted look as she remembered.
‘Oh, I see. Let’s hope you won’t get anymore. I want you to enjoy yourself now you’re back here,’ Marcus said, squeezing her hand.
Jeanne just nodded as the waiter arrived with the bill.
It was cooler now as they strolled back to the car and Marcus put the heater on as they drove back to her cottage. When they arrived he gave her a kiss and they exchanged good nights.
‘See you on Sunday!’ he called as he drove off and Jeanne went upstairs to curl up with her book. How long will it be before I’m ready to share my bed with a man instead, she thought, with a heavy sigh.
A low rumble, followed by a sound resembling that of a motorbike doing wheelies woke Jeanne the next morning. What on earth! Still drowsy, she reached for her dressing gown. She peered out of the window and couldn’t see what was causing the noise which was definitely coming from the garden. Garden – lawnmower! Of course – it was Thursday, the day Carl was due for the fortnightly trim. Glancing at her alarm clock Jeanne saw that it was ten past eight.
Downstairs in the kitchen she thought how lucky it was that Carl was here just before the barbecue. At least the garden would look immaculate for her guests, compensating for the current state of the cottage.
After clearing away the breakfast things she got out the kitchen brochures and started browsing through them for ideas. She became so totally absorbed in the task of drawing a rough plan of the kitchen that it took her a few moments to register that the phone was ringing, fighting for recognition against the even louder sound of the lawnmower.
‘Hi, Jeanne speaking.’
‘Hi there! Thought you were out – it’s me, Freya.’
‘Freya! Sorry, didn’t hear the phone. How are you?’
‘Fine, thanks. And you?’
‘Very well. Did you get the book outline from my agent?’
‘Yes, that’s why I’m phoning. I really liked it and showed it to my boss who was just as fascinated as me. The upshot is she’s going to present it at the next editorial meeting on Monday morning. There’ll be a vote but my boss’s views carry a lot of weight. So, it’s looking good! I’m so excited for you and I think it’ll make a great book.’
Jeanne felt her heart hammering away in her chest and had to take a few deep breaths before replying.
‘That’s great Freya, thanks. Sounds like you’ve done some pretty good PR for me! When will I know whether you’re going ahead and would there be an advance if you do publish?’
‘Officially, your agent won’t hear till the end of next week but I’ll know immediately so I’ll ring you, probably about lunchtime. So make sure you hear the phone ringing!’ Freya laughed and then continued, ‘There’d certainly be an advance and if we go all out on the marketing, aiming for high sales, then it could be generous. But that’s not my province, that’s where the accountants come in.’
‘Um, could ‘generous’ be enough to help renovate my cottage, d’you think?’
Freya chuckled. ‘Depends if you’re going in for gold taps, a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool, girl! If you’re being more modest, then yes, it certainly could. Don’t panic, I’ll be rooting for you. And I’ll also tell them how photogenic you are and what a draw you’ll be at book signings!’
It was Jeanne’s turn to laugh and she said, through her laughter, ‘Okay, don’t let’s get too carried away now. But I promise you this, Freya, if I do get a contract and the deal’s a good one, I’ll treat you to a slap up night out in London with all the trimmings.’
‘I’ll hold you to that, never fear. Now must go, lots of other authors to talk to, egos to massage, etc etc. Bye-e.’
Jeanne replaced the receiver and went back to the kitchen and sat down heavily on her chair. Although she had had good vibes about the book she knew how few were ever accepted by publishers and the odds had been against her. But it was looking promising and she now had to get through the next four days without thinking about it. Definitely not easy, she thought, as she tried to focus on her proposed kitchen.
Remembering that Carl would be needing his usual cuppa, Jeanne broke off from the kitchen plans and made tea for him and coffee for herself.
‘How’s it going, Carl?’ she asked as she handed him his mug.
‘Ta. Won’t take too long, I reckon. Another hour should see me finished, miss. You’ve got the beds looking good, you have. Those herbs are coming on a treat, they are.’ Carl nodded towards the herb garden which was looking well established with the new plants firmly bedded in.
Jeanne left him to his tea break and returned to her plans, sipping her coffee for caffeine-induced inspiration. It seemed to work because an hour later she was pleased with the rough plan she had sketched out.
While she had been playing with her ideas she had decided that, if possible, she’d like to knock a doorway through to the dining room behind the kitchen. She made a note in her building file, wondering how many more bright ideas she’d have before she’d finished and whether or not she would be able to afford them.
