Family Divided

by Allen, Anne

  her mother’s health it was hard to focus on her own possible future. As a writer. With only two days left of her

  stay at La Folie she was looking forward to diverting herself with the research for Andy. At least her mind would

  be fully occupied. While Charlotte was having a drink with Louisa in the sun room she asked her about hotels,

  and her friend immediately suggested she stay with her for as long as needed.

  ‘To be honest I’ll be glad of some company while Dad’s…missing. I find myself going through all sorts of

  scenarios and making myself feel worse. You’ll be a calming influence and perhaps we could catch a film or

  something to take my mind off it. Paul’s rarely free at the moment and isn’t into chick-flicks anyway,’ Louisa

  said, her face pinched with worry.

  ‘As long as you’re sure, I’d love to stay with you. But you do know I don’t cook? That side of my education has

  been sadly lacking, I’m afraid.’

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  ‘No worries, I don’t mind cooking if you’ll help prepare. And we might even be able to persuade Chef to

  provide the occasional takeaway. Being the owner’s daughter does offer some benefits.’ Louisa sighed.

  ‘Hey come on! No gloomy faces allowed when I move in. I thought you said Molly had helped?’

  Louisa nodded. ‘Yes, she did. Sorry, I’m being a pain, aren’t I? I’m so glad you’re here. Paul is so concerned

  about Dad too; he isn’t able to offer me the support I need at the moment. He appears relaxed about it, but I

  know he isn’t. They’re so close, more like father and son than employer and employee.’ Louisa glanced towards

  her and grinned. ‘I promise to cheer up as I don’t want to drive you away. How about we stretch our legs on the

  cliff path for half an hour? I’ve hardly been outside for days!’

  Charlotte was happy to agree. Although September would soon be morphing into October, the days were still

  warm and sunny. Linking arms they strode into the garden and headed for the cliff, the tang of salty air soon

  lifting their spirits.

  Before she left La Folie, Charlotte rang Andy to explain she would be staying with Louisa and gave him the

  phone number.

  ‘Sounds good. Where do you plan to start with the research?’ His voice was warm and friendly and she

  wondered if this was solely because he was keen for her to start or he now liked her. Which might be nice…

  ‘Thought I’d start with the island archives as I understand the German records are kept there. Apparently

  Jeanne’s used them in the past. The downside is my German’s a tad rusty so it might take me a while to decipher

  unless there’s a translation. I’m hoping the Germans kept a record of anyone who actively spied for them but it’s

  a bit of a long shot.’

  ‘I see. Well, I wish you luck. Naturally I’m hoping my grandfather’s name won’t show up but…’ She heard his

  voice catch and fervently agreed with him. It would be too awful. But even if Edmund had been a collaborator,

  Jim was still the rightful heir and it wouldn’t be a total disaster.

  ‘It’s possible we might not know one way or the other. I think our main focus has to be on how we can prove

  Jim is the heir and why he’s not acknowledged as such. At the moment I can’t see a way to do it without talking

  to your parents. Any ideas?’

  There was silence at the end of the line and Charlotte wondered if it had been too soon to ask. It was

  obviously a touchy subject.

  ‘Hmm. Let me think about it, will you? See what you come up with from the archives first.’

  It was fine by her. They left it she would stay in touch with any progress she made. Or didn’t.

  Before packing her case Charlotte phoned her mother and as she punched in the number she crossed her

  fingers.

  ‘Hello, Mother. How are you? What did Dr Rowlands say?’ Her heart hammered painfully in her chest as she

  listened into the silence.

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  The Family Divided

  chapter nine

  ‘Oh, he wants me to have a scan and some blood tests. I’m sure it’s a waste of time but…’ Charlotte heard the

  doubt in her mother’s voice and her heart sank.

  ‘Dr Rowlands was brilliant when you were diagnosed with breast cancer, Mother, so I’m sure he wants to

  make sure all is well. Did he…say what might be the problem?’

  Annette coughed. ‘Apparently there’s a chance it’s secondary cancer. He says he’s confident it isn’t and I’m

  just run-down after the surgery and chemotherapy last year. The tests will tell us more.’

  Charlotte put her hand over the phone while she drew a deep breath. Oh God, no! Not again…Her mother had

  gone through hell last year but the doctors had been confident the cancer hadn’t spread.

  ‘I’m so sorry, Mother. Is there anything I can do? Come up for a while?’

  ‘No, no, there’s nothing you can do. If only your father were still with us,’ her mother said pointedly, ‘ he would

  be a tower of strength.’

  Charlotte gritted her teeth. Apart from the fact her father hadn’t coped at all well with other people’s

  illnesses, usually disappearing to London if she or her mother were unwell, she had supported her mother

  through her illness last year. Without any thanks. Unsure why she was bothering, she tried again.

  ‘If you’re sure. How about my coming with you when you have the tests? So you’re not alone.’

  ‘Harumph. That will not be necessary, Charlotte. I’m perfectly capable of attending medical appointments on

  my own, thank you. Wouldn’t dream of taking you away from whatever it is you’re doing these days. Didn’t you

  say you were out of the country?’ Her voice had regained its usual sharpness.

  ‘Yes. I’m in Guernsey. If you remember I was over earlier this year to stay at a natural health spa. It did me so

  much good I came back. But I’m about to leave and stay with a friend here while I undertake some research

  for…for a book. So it’s not a problem to come over–’

  ‘I said it’s not necessary! Nothing’s happening yet anyway. The tests aren’t for another week and are perfectly

  straightforward. It will then be a week or more before the results are back so until then I suggest you continue

  with this…this research.’ Her mother paused. ‘Didn’t you tell me you were writing a novel set around Lady

  Hamilton? What has she got to do with Guernsey?’

  ‘Nothing. I’ve offered to help a friend researching the occupation and–’

  ‘Oh, never mind! You know I’m not interested in anything like that. I must go, I have to chair a meeting of the

  WI shortly. Goodbye, Charlotte.’

  The phone went dead before she could respond. Angry once again she had been given the brush-off, but also

  feeling sick with guilt at the possibility of the cancer having returned she wondered what to do. There was

  obviously no point dashing over now as her mother must be coping all right if she could still manage to boss

  around the members of the WI. And it might appear a tad melodramatic if it turned out her mother was only

  suffering from a general malaise. Distractedly she began packing her case, the thoughts tumbling through her

  mind. Deciding her best option was to ring Dr Rowlands after the weekend, she managed to damp down her

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  concern and finish the packing. Louisa was due to take them both to her house when she finished work at six.

  Charlotte planned to pick up some wine en rout
e. Tonight she desperately needed to switch off.

  Louisa was equally keen to blot out her worries about Malcolm and they ended up opening a couple of bottles

  over dinner. Chef, on hearing Charlotte was staying with Louisa, had presented them with a fully prepared meal

  which only needed to be finished in the oven. As they tucked into herb-crusted duck and roasted vegetables they

  raised a glass – or two – to him.

  ‘You know, if I could afford it, I’d steal Chef and install him in my kitchen at home. Everything he produces is

  superb! Mrs Thomas does her best but…’ Charlotte shrugged as she speared a tender piece of duck.

  ‘Come on! I think your housekeeper’s a great cook. Not on a par with Chef, I admit, but I think you’ve been

  spoiled.’ Louisa studied her. ‘Have you ever had to cook?’

  She shook her head.

  ‘So how on earth did you manage at uni?’

  Charlotte had the grace to look sheepish.

  ‘Well, I lived in college at Oxford and all the meals were provided. Most students moved out to house shares

  in the second or third year but I was too comfortable where I was.’ She laughed. ‘Basically I’m rather lazy and

  not at all domesticated as you’ve noticed, and I’ve been lucky enough to always have someone to take care of

  that side of my life.’

  Louisa’s eyes opened wide.

  ‘Talk about how the other half live! Don’t tell me you were brought up with servants at home?’

  Shifting in her chair, she could only admit it. ‘Yes, I was, but please don’t think I’m some sort of aristo. We’re

  pretty ordinary, really. My parents happened to come from good families and my mother inherited the Manor

  House with…with an estate, but there were no titles. It was my father’s charity work which earned the

  knighthood–’

  ‘I didn’t know your father was a Sir! But you’re not a Lady, are you?’ Louisa asked, open mouthed.

  ‘No, I’m not. Or rather, not one with a title,’ she said, feeling as if she should apologise for her background. But

  she couldn’t help being born to wealthy parents, could she? Although the thought did reinforce her own

  insecurity about inheriting the publishing company…

  After more teasing, she was relieved when Louisa changed the subject by asking if she had been in touch with

  Andy recently.

  ‘Yes, to let him know I’m here. Once I’ve made a start on the research I’ll give him a call. He’s so keen to find

  out the truth about his family but I’m not sure if it will be possible after all this time.’

  ‘So what exactly are you looking for?’ asked Louisa, between mouthfuls.

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  ‘I’m hoping the Germans kept records of any collaborators or people who actively spied on their behalf. As

  Edmund, Andy’s grandfather, was accused of helping the Germans, I want to see if there’s any proof. Of course,

  they might not have left written records but someone must have known who was betraying islanders. Perhaps in

  return for special favours,’ Charlotte said, reaching for her wine.

  ‘Sounds a bit of a longshot. I don’t envy you trawling through a load of dusty documents in German. English

  would be bad enough. What happens if you can’t find anything?’

  ‘Haven’t a clue! All I can think of is talking to people who were around at the time and see if anyone mentions

  something useful.’ Charlotte sighed at the thought of the potential difficulties in proving anything after more

  than sixty years. Filling their glasses with more wine, she pushed the thought aside and took a large swallow.

  Plenty of time to worry about it later.

  By Monday morning Charlotte was not only keen to ring Dr Rowlands but also to start her research. The phone

  call took priority and she waited impatiently while his secretary put her through. She remembered hoping when

  they last met in Harley Street it would be for the final time…

  ‘Charlotte, good morning. Sorry to keep you waiting. How are you?’ Dr Rowland’s unctuous tone interrupted

  her thoughts.

  ‘I’m well, thank you. But I’m concerned about Mother. She told me you’re arranging some tests and

  mentioned the possibility of secondary cancer. Is it likely?’

  He cleared his throat. ‘Well, as you know I can’t say too much, but yes, there is a chance the cancer has

  spread. But it is only a chance; her symptoms could be the result of a number of issues. I’ve ordered the tests

  more as a precautionary measure, so please don’t worry unduly.’

  ‘I see. But if it is cancer, Doctor, what’s the prognosis?’

  ‘It depends and it’s far too soon to speculate. All I will say is we might not be able to operate. But we have a

  range of treatments available to control any cancerous growth and accompanying symptoms. I do realise you’re

  concerned, but let’s wait until we have the test results, shall we? I’d be happy to chat again then. And now I

  absolutely must go, Charlotte, as I have a patient waiting. Goodbye, my dear.’

  Hmm, not particularly encouraging, she thought, hanging up. Typical doctor, hedging his bets. And he was so

  sure the cancer hadn’t spread when the cancer was first diagnosed…Frustrated, Charlotte then rang her

  housekeeper to check if there were any problems at home before requesting she couriered her laptop and

  mobile to Guernsey. Another call to her office and she was up to date. Time to visit the archives.

  Armed with an A4 pad and pens Charlotte walked across Town towards St Barnabas, the converted church

  holding the island’s archives. Louisa had explained it was at the top of Cornet Street, not far from Victor Hugo’s

  house which they had visited in spring. The climb up the steep hill was as good as a workout and she was

  relieved to arrive finally at the arched entrance of the Gothic onetime church. Catching her breath, she admired

  the architecture, so different from Town’s church down the hill. A mix of blue and grey granite with featured red

  brick window arches, a tower and a red tiled roof. Slipping through the inner glass door she was greeted by a

  woman at the reception desk.

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  The Family Divided

  ‘Good morning, I’m Charlotte Townsend. I phoned last week to arrange to come and see the Feldkommandtur

  Verwaltungsgruppe files.’

  ‘Ah yes, Miss Townsend, we have them ready for you. If you wouldn’t mind leaving your bag in a locker,

  please?’

  Once her bag was deposited Charlotte followed the woman to a quiet area possessing tables and chairs with

  one solitary occupant. She sat at an empty table and waited while the assistant fetched the files from storage.

  ‘These are the records for 1944 to 1945 as you requested. If you need anything else, please ask.’

  Nodding her thanks, Charlotte opened the box containing the German Field Command’s civil administration

  papers and hoped her German was up to the task.

  By lunchtime her head was spinning and, in need of fresh air and refreshment, Charlotte headed back down

  Cornet Street to a Thai café she had noticed on the way to the archives. After placing her order she found a free

  table on the garden terrace with a view over the harbour and out to the islands. Breathing in the salty air tinged

  with the smells of Thai cooking, she closed her eyes for a moment before opening them to focus on the view. It

  was blissful after staring at faded typed German documents all morning. The weather was still mild and with

  only cotton-wool clouds floating in the blu
e sky, Charlotte sat back in her chair and sipped a chilled glass of

  wine, wondering how much longer the weather would hold. While she was admiring the varied plants and stone

  eastern sculptures the ticket number for her food was called and moments later she was tucking into a fragrant

  Thai soup.

  ‘Hello, Charlotte. Fancy seeing you here.’

  Looking up she saw Andy hovering by her table, a glass of lager in his hand.

  ‘Oh! Hi, won’t you join me? I’m just taking a break from the archives,’ she said, a quiver of surprise – and

  pleasure – flowing through her.

  ‘Thanks. So, how did you get on?’ he asked, pulling out a chair opposite.

  ‘Not great! I’d forgotten how long-winded German officials can be. Talk about dotting the Is and crossing the

  Ts! I’m still finding my way through the reports and haven’t come across anything remotely useful yet.’ She

  grinned ruefully. ‘But I’ve hardly started so…’

  He smiled. ‘I wasn’t expecting a miracle! I’m only grateful you’re giving up your valuable time to help me–’

  Interrupted by the voice over the loudspeaker calling his ticket number he mouthed “excuse me” and went to

  the counter. Returning with a toasted sandwich he looked preoccupied.

  ‘I’ve been thinking about how I can repay you for your time–’

  ‘There’s no need. It’s my pleasure.’

  ‘Maybe, but I think the least I can do is take you out for dinner sometime. If…if you would like to, of course,’

  Andy said, cutting into the sandwich.

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  The Family Divided

  ‘That’s very kind of you and I’d be delighted to accept. Although you don’t have to–’

  He waved his hand dismissively.

  ‘It would be my pleasure,’ he said, his mouth curling upwards.

  She returned the smile, enjoying a pleasurable flutter in her stomach.

  ‘I’ve got several commitments already this week but I’m free on Friday. Would that work for you? I could

  book something in Town if you like. You may have noticed we’re spoilt for choice over here.’