Finding Mother

by Allen, Anne

  Nicole grinned.

  ‘It’s weird, isn’t it? But a nice weird. And I’ve brought my dress back with me so I do hope Hélène approves.’

  ‘She’d approve if you wore a bin liner! She’s so excited about the whole thing and, do you know, we’ve chosen what I should wear. Look, it’s over there,’ pointing to the back of the door.

  Nicole admired the pale blue dress and jacket, saying how much it would suit her.

  ‘I’ve only worn it once and no-one will remember it. Hélène’s going to buy me a hat to match so I’ll look very smart.’

  They chatted for a few more minutes before Nicole left her to sleep. She found her mother in the kitchen preparing her a supper of chicken salad.

  ‘Thanks, Hélène, but I could have…’

  ‘No problem, just sit down and eat. Then we can bring each other up to date.’

  They chatted over a glass of white wine. Hélène had wasted no time in booking a caterer for the wedding and posting out invitations.

  ‘I wasn’t sure what to do about your parents’ invite. Would it be better if I emailed them? A letter could take ages.’

  ‘Good idea, I’ll give you the address.’ She wrote it down for Hélène before asking, ‘Have you bought your outfit yet? I know you’d seen something in Town.’

  ‘No, I wanted you to go with me. I’d trust your judgment more than mine. I’ve hardly ever bought anything smart and you always look so stylish.’

  Nicole felt touched.

  ‘I’m flattered! And I’d love to go with you. What about tomorrow morning? I want to buy some accessories for my own outfit. Would you like to see it? I brought it back with me in case there was a delay with the removal men.’

  She fetched her case and held up the dress, shaking out the creases.

  ‘Oh, it’s lovely! And the colour really emphasises your eyes.’ She grinned, ‘I’ll need to buy something with a real wow factor to compete!’

  Nicole’s face dropped.

  ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t…’

  Hélène gave her a hug.

  ‘Don’t be silly! I’m very proud of my gorgeous daughter! You could upstage me dressed in a track suit, so don’t worry. Just help me choose something stylish and I’ll be happy.’

  On Saturday morning mother and daughter set off for Town while the carer stayed with Eve. Hélène felt a tingle of excitement at the thought of buying her wedding outfit. Although hardly a young bride at the age of sixty- two, inside she felt young. Adrian had rekindled the youthful side of her which had almost withered away; instead of the dried-up embittered woman she knew she’d become, she felt alive and loved. The passionate sex felt wonderful and had been unexpected. She’d assumed they’d both be past it, but how wrong could you be! She felt her face burn at the memory and risked a quick glance at Nicole to see if she’d noticed. Fortunately, as the driver, her eyes were fixed firmly on the road.

  After parking on the Crown Pier they headed to Le Pollet and the boutique Hélène had in mind. She went over to the racks of suits and pulled out the cream brocade she’d chosen.

  ‘What do you think?’

  ‘W-e-e-l-l, it’s okay, but I’m sure we could find something with a bit more ‘oomph’. Let me look.’

  Hélène was happy to let Nicole choose. She’d had second thoughts herself after seeing the suit again; although beautifully made, it did look a little bland.

  Nicole moved over to the racks of cocktail dresses.

  ‘How about this?’ She held out a dark blue lace v-necked sheath with short sleeves.

  She fingered it. ‘It’s gorgeous! But do you really think this would suit me?’

  ‘Definitely. You’ve got a good figure and you’ll look very glam. Go and try it on and see.’

  Hélène went into the changing room feeling the dress was a mistake. She came out smiling.

  ‘Wow! You look absolutely fantastic! Turn around.’

  Hélène hardly recognised herself. The dress gave her an hour-glass figure and seemed to make her look two inches taller.

  She beamed at Nicole.

  ‘I love it! Thanks for pointing it out, I’d never have considered it myself. I actually feel like a bride in this.’

  Nicole hugged her.

  ‘Good, ’cos that’s what you are. Now let’s find something for your hair and then it’s time for shoes.’

  The nearby Creasey’s department store provided the perfect finishing touch. A pretty pearl studded short veil topped with intricate folds of cream ribbon. Hélène felt close to tears as she studied her reflection. The veil cleverly softened the lines around her eyes, taking years off her face. Nicole was proving to be the ideal “personal shopper” she needed.

  Her daughter also found the perfect match for her own dress, a twin diamante headband attached to a pale green satin rose. Remembering she needed a hat for her mother too, Hélène continued looking and found a wide-brimmed navy boater decorated with organza flowers and band. Delighted with their choices, they made for Hélène’s favourite shoe shop, Celaro. The girls were only too happy to help, congratulating her on her marriage. Hélène finally decided on a pair of high heeled navy sling-backs with a detachable silver bow. Nicole chose a pair of silver satin sandals with diamante caged straps and high heels. Happy but tired, they decamped to nearby Christie’s for a celebratory lunch.

  The next couple of weeks flew by. Nicole’s belongings arrived promptly on Monday and she unpacked her summer clothes and accessories. She hoped that by the time winter arrived she’d be living with Ben. If not, then she’d rent some place near the television studio. During the week a letter from her solicitor arrived, confirming that she’d submitted the necessary documents to the court in request of the divorce. Nicole had nothing more to do but wait.

  Mary and Ian phoned to say that they’d be delighted to attend Hélène’s wedding, arriving in Jersey on 11th August before flying over to Guernsey on the 21st . Hélène had invited them to stay at La Folie but they declined, preferring to book into Old Government House Hotel in Town. As Mary explained to Nicole, ‘There’ll be so much going on for you all and we don’t want to get in the way. But it was very sweet of Hélène to offer. And there is her mother to consider…’

  Nicole agreed it was the better arrangement and was looking forward to seeing them. She and Ben had spent as much time together as possible over the weeks and she’d made a start on the garden. The patio area was now clear and Ben had purchased a weather-proof modern table and chairs. At least there was somewhere to sit and have a drink after the hard work of weeding, she consoled herself.

  Eve’s health remained stable and she ventured out of her room several times. She’d been unhappy to need “that dratted wheelchair” as she called it, but wasn’t strong enough for her frame. Nicole wheeled her out to the terrace for afternoon tea the Saturday before the wedding. Hélène was out with Adrian.

  August was proving to be a hot dry month and the garden needed constant watering. Nicole positioned Eve under the parasol and poured the tea.

  ‘Not too hot, Grandmother? I can take you back inside if you like.’

  Eve shook her head.

  ‘I’m fine. It’s lovely to be outside again. Oh, I’ve missed my garden! I can smell the roses from here!’ she sniffed appreciatively.

  ‘We’re keeping an eye on the cream ones for use in our bouquets. It’s such a clever idea of Hélène’s to use our own, isn’t it? It would be a shame to buy flowers when we have so many!’ Nicole waved her arm towards the lush, vibrant borders.

  ‘Yes, and the Jardin de Bagatelle is a particularly lovely rose, I’ve always admired its strong perfume. They’ll look beautiful with your dresses. My corsage is to be made of a rose and baby’s breath. Oh, I’m so looking forward to it! You don’t get much excitement at my age and I plan to make the most of it.’ She chuckled.

  Nicole smiled, but inwardly she felt like crying. How much longer would her grandmother have t
o enjoy her family? Eve put on a brave face, acting as if time was of no consequence. But it was. Drugs were helping for the moment, but for how long? The proverbial elephant was in the room but, by tacit agreement, no-one mentioned its presence.

  The following afternoon Ben called to collect Nicole for a barbecue at Nick and Jeanne’s. After checking that Eve was all right, he helped Nicole load up their contribution from the kitchen: wine, beer and salads. Ben started the engine and drove off, heading towards the coast and Perelle.

  ‘I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone again. It seems ages since Herm when I promised to stay in touch. But so much has happened since…’

  ‘They’ll understand, I’m sure. And now you’re definitely staying here you can make more friends, network a bit.’ Ben grinned at her, ‘You’ll soon be that new face on the TV and be recognised everywhere.’

  She groaned.

  ‘Being recognised can have its disadvantages, you know. Means you have to be nice to everyone, even if they’re the pits.’

  He laughed, patting her arm.

  They arrived at Le Petit Chêne to find the drive jammed with cars, the overspill parked up the lane. After finding a spot, they carried their supplies round to the back as

  directed.

  ‘Hi, you two. It’s good to see you again,’ Jeanne greeted them as they deposited the food and drink.

  ‘You’re positively blooming, Jeanne!’ Nicole cried, her arms stretching round Jeanne and The Bump. Ben leaned in for a kiss.

  Jeanne grinned.

  ‘Yep. I’m six months now and, boy, can I tell! Junior’s a lively one all right. Kicking when I’m sleeping but quiet when I’m awake!’

  Nicole grinned in sympathy. Then she had a quick look at her surroundings.

  ‘Wow! What a beautiful garden! I love the pergola! And you’ve even got an orchard.’ Nicole gazed around wide eyed.

  ‘My grandmother was the genius behind it, actually. I just added the patio and pergola and replaced the over-the-hill planting.’

  Before Nicole could get stuck into a conversation on gardens, Nick waved them over to the barbecue, introducing them to a girl who’d been chatting to Jonathan.

  ‘Nicole, Ben meet my little sis, Colette, the best chef in Guernsey!’

  Colette, a petite brunette with deep blue eyes like Nick’s, laughed.

  ‘A slight exaggeration, bruv, but thanks. I opened my own restaurant at Easter thanks to Nick’s generosity,’ she said, giving him a hug.

  ‘That’s great. Where is it? I’d love to check it out,’ Nicole said.

  ‘At The Bridge in St Sampsons, near the harbour. It’s only small, but it’s a start. One day I’d like to open a restaurant in Town but that’ll need mega bucks so…’ she shrugged.

  Other guests came up and Nicole was introduced to them, trying desperately to remember everyone’s names. Drinks were poured and the conversations became animated, with bursts of laughter floating up in the air. With most of the guests in their thirties like her, Nicole felt very much at home, happy to be meeting so many new people. During a lull in conversation she noticed a more mature couple chatting to Jeanne. Glancing up, Jeanne waved her over.

  ‘Come and meet someone who knows your parents, Peter Ogier and his wife, Molly.’

  For a moment Nicole felt confused. How could these people know her parents? Then the penny dropped. But still…was it now public knowledge about her birth?

  Peter must have seen the puzzlement on her face.

  ‘I worked with Hélène and Adrian years ago and later on Adrian was the headmaster at my school. He retired a year before I did. We’ve been invited to their wedding.’ He kissed her cheek. ‘I recognised you from Adrian’s description. We’re both so happy for them, aren’t we, Molly?’ Peter, a big bear of a man, smiled broadly at her.

  ‘I’m pleased to meet you both, you’re the first of their friends I’ve met.’

  Molly, a cuddly looking woman, gave her a hug.

  ‘It’s like something out of a Mills & Boon, isn’t it? Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl. And I understand if you hadn’t popped up out of the blue, they might still be apart. That would be such a pity!’

  Nicole and the Ogiers chatted for a few minutes before Ben came up, putting his arm around her waist. Nicole introduced everyone before they were called to help themselves to food.

  The barbecue went on until after nine o’clock, at which point people started to drift away. Nicole and Ben said their goodbyes to the hosts with Nicole promising Jeanne she’d be in touch soon.

  ‘Had a good time?’ Ben asked as they walked arm in arm towards the car.

  ‘Great. You do realise we’ll have to reciprocate once the garden’s decent, don’t you?’ She sighed, ‘I’m so jealous of their gorgeous garden, but it has given me a few ideas for yours.’

  ‘I don’t think anyone will mind coming round now it’s more user-friendly. At least there’s now no risk of being stung by nettles or caught up in brambles.’

  ‘True.’ Nicole snuggled up closer as they reached the car. ‘Are you taking me back to my place or…?’

  ‘My place is fine. I’ll run you home in the morning.’ He gave her a lingering kiss.

  ‘Mm, lovely.’

  Nicole paced up and down the inter-island arrivals area at the airport on Tuesday morning, her parents due any moment. So much had happened since she’d seen them! Only weeks ago, but it felt like a lifetime. Becoming so much enmeshed in her “other” family’s lives, it had felt hard at times to remember her original family. They were only two people compared with the seven surrounding Hélène. Not wanting them to feel pushed out, Nicole planned to spend as much time with them as possible. Starting with taking them to their hotel for a catch up before throwing them to the wolves at La Folie, so to speak. Grinning at the image of Eve and Hélène as wolves with bared fangs, Nicole glanced up to see her parents wheeling their cases towards her.

  ‘Mum! Dad! Great to see you both!’

  Caught up in a group hug it was a moment before her parents could reply.

  ‘It’s lovely to see you again, darling. And looking so well! Living here seems to be agreeing with you,’ her mother replied, surveying her.

  ‘I agree with your mother, Nicole. You do look well.’

  Nicole grinned at them.

  ‘Right, let’s get going shall we? Once you’ve collected your hire car you can follow me into Town.’

  Half an hour later Nicole drove down Ann’s Place, guiding her parents to the OGH, before going on to park her car. Returning to the hotel she settled in a chair in the Centenary Bar, waiting for her parents to finish checking in to their room. When they arrived the waiter took the order for coffee.

  ‘Not quite the same as having a coffee in a bar on the arenal, is it?’ Nicole grinned.

  ‘No, but this is a gorgeous hotel and it looks like we’re in for some pampering. Your father booked us a beautiful sea-view room with a balcony. I’ve been spoilt!’

  Ian fidgeted in his chair.

  ‘You deserve spoiling, after putting up with me all these years!’ he said, patting her arm.

  Nicole laughed.

  ‘Is this some sort of second honeymoon, Dad? Should I leave you two to get on with it and catch you later?’

  Her mother blushed and fiddled with her cup while her father grinned and said, ‘Haha!’

  Mary, in an apparent effort to change the subject, began asking questions about Hélène and Adrian. Nicole then had to go into detail about Eve before Ben became the subject of choice.

  Ian remained quiet, taking it all in as if he was still an Advocate listening to testimony. Finally, in an obvious move to halt the interrogation, he suggested they transfer to The Olive Grove, the garden dining terrace, for lunch. Nicole threw him a grateful look as she stood up.

  ‘What a lovely view!’ exclaimed Mary as they stepped outside. Castle Cornet and the open sea were clearly visible a
s they drank in the panorama laid out before them.

  During lunch Nicole managed to keep the focus on her parents and what they’d been up to in Spain. It seemed to boil down mainly to golf, tennis and Mary’s amateur dramatic group. Their lives sounded rather less eventful than her own over the past weeks, she thought, smiling inwardly. Still, at their age did they need drama other than the amateur kind? Probably not, she decided.

  ‘So, what’s the plan for today? Are we meeting Hélène?’ Ian asked.

  ‘Yes, we thought it would be nice if you came round for afternoon tea to meet both her and her mother. Adrian will call in a bit later so it’s not too overwhelming meeting everyone at once.’ She cleared her throat. ‘And Ben’s offered to take the three of us out to dinner tonight. If it’s easier for you, we could eat here as he says The Brasserie’s food is very good. But if you’d rather we went somewhere else, that’s fine.’

  Mary and Ian looked at each other and smiled.

  ‘It sounds as if you’ve thought of everything, darling. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and do tell Ben that we’d be happy to be his guests here tonight.’

  ‘Good. So would you prefer to follow me to Torteval in your car, Dad?’

  ‘Yes, I know how confusing the roads are from the time your mother and I visited some years ago. I’d better make sure there’s a map in the car or we’ll end up lost again,’ he chuckled.

  ‘Well, I don’t know about you, dear, but I want to go upstairs and unpack.’ Mary checked her watch. ‘What time shall we need to leave, Nicole?’

  ‘Say in an hour? I can nip to the shops while you’re unpacking and I’ll see you later.’

  ***

  At three thirty Hélène heard the arrival of cars in the drive. Swinging open the front door, she plastered a smile on her face to hide the rising panic within. Oh, God, please let this go well, for Nicole’s sake, if not for mine.

  ‘Hi, Hélène, please let me introduce you to Mary and Ian Le Clerq, my…parents.’