by Lucy Coleman
He laughs, but it’s perfunctory. ‘With age comes wisdom, Fern?’
I feel that he’s being purposely challenging, almost goading me.
‘Knowing people will get hurt because they are making bad decisions is soul-destroying to watch, whether you are close to them, or not.’
‘Are you trying to save the world, or save yourself?’
I glare at him angrily and he throws his hands up, palms facing me.
‘Sorry, I take that back. I’m in an argumentative mood tonight for some reason and I apologise. You are the very last person I want to alienate as I know your intentions are nothing but good. I’m taking my frustrations out on you and that’s unfair of me. I’ll have a general conversation with Taylor when the moment presents itself and see if he’s comfortable and in control of the situation.’
‘Thank you. And I owe you an apology, too, Nico. It’s not my place to express concerns and I didn’t mean to imply I was doubting your judgement in any way.’
We glance at each other sheepishly, before sipping our coffees. Nico’s eyes seem fixated.
‘Don’t move. Not one muscle.’
He dashes off, back into the studio, but I’m a little freaked. If he’s seen a giant spider or something, I hope he would have warned me so I could run, too. Instead he returns with a sketch pad and pencil.
‘Good, continue drinking, but keep the mug up in the air if you don’t mind.’
I flash him a look of mild annoyance but do as he bids.
‘So, any news from home today?’ he asks.
His pencil skims over the page with ease as I focus on maintaining the pose, conscious of the experienced models Nico will have worked with in the past.
‘All’s well. You said there were three visitors here this weekend,’ I reply, changing the subject promptly. ‘John, of course, and Ceana mentioned a lady named Ellie, who is stopping off to break her journey and explore the area. Who’s the third person?’
‘Mmm,’ he nods, distractedly, so I remain silent. And still.
After a minute or two, he replies.
‘An interviewee coming to take a look at the set-up here. It’s a pity Ceana isn’t around as he’s a friend of one of her former work colleagues and comes highly recommended. I’ll spend some time with him, but he’s only staying one night and will fly back to the UK on Sunday morning.’
‘You’re pushing ahead then?’
‘Creaking ahead. I doubt I can offer him a position until the New Year. I’ve been turning down bookings for October so that we can look at repurposing the cottage. The ground floor will be turned into the holistic centre with individual treatment rooms. The craft studio will be fitted out with mats and wall mirrors. We intend to offer meditation classes, as well as installing a few pieces of standard exercise equipment at one end – two treadmills, maybe two static bikes, a CrossFit machine and a multigym with weights.’ He smiles to himself, flicking shut the sketch pad and placing it on the table. ‘Thank you. Perfect pose and the perfect light to catch those shadows. I couldn’t resist.’
His bad mood has evaporated as suddenly as it began and I feel we’ve cleared the air between us.
‘Time to get back to work,’ Nico says, tiredness giving his voice an edge.
Studying him for a moment, he stares out blankly at the garden. I feel a sadness descending over me as I watch him summoning the effort to ease himself up off the chair. He’s moody because he’s exhausted; a man so passionate about his beliefs and his goals that he doesn’t listen to what his body is telling him.
‘Nico, when was the last time you ate? You weren’t at dinner tonight.’
He blinks, a small frown wrinkling his brow and accentuating those deeper lines. ‘Earlier.’
‘Just as I thought, you don’t know, do you? I’m going to pop over to the kitchen to make you a sandwich. If you want to keep going you have to take care of the basics, or your body will rebel.’
The little smile that creeps over his face is annoyingly smug.
‘It’s a long time since anyone fussed over me, Fern. Be on your guard because I could get used to it.’
15
A Moment to Reflect
Margot isn’t here at weekends, so mealtimes aren’t set and food is self-service. When I wander into the kitchen to grab a yoghurt and some fruit for breakfast, Dee-Dee is there prepping veggies for tonight’s dinner.
‘Ah, just the person,’ she says, looking up. ‘Anton, our gardening assistant, is back and already hard at work. His wife is much better, he informed me, and judging by the fact that he’s turned up at the weekend means he’s in need of a little quiet time.’ She raises one eyebrow as she peers across at me.
‘Oh, right. Yes. Of course, it’s his domain. I think I’ve pulled enough weeds for one week, anyway. So that means a change of itinerary for me next week, then.’
‘I’d love some help if Nico can spare you. We have a bumper crop of visitors due on Monday. Quilting and weaving is a popular option, but that means keeping a close eye and it’s a stretch if there are visitors in the craft room, too.’
I look at her aghast. ‘Um, I will warn you that I’m not very hands-on in that department. I’ve never made a bracelet or decorated a wooden box, and I wouldn’t know where to start.’
‘Oh, bless you! There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to crafting.’ She laughs at my reaction. ‘I have a full range of PowerPoint presentations on my laptop. There’s a list of ten different activities, from making greeting cards to scrapbooking, and everything in between. You only need to talk to the visitors and find out what they’d like to do for each session. It’s all set up, you just press a button and sit with them in case there’s a problem and it stops working. I can show you where the different activity packs are kept and once the tutorial is over, you hand out the relevant one. Sometimes people will ask for additional items, so just make sure you’re on hand. It’s nice to join in, if you can, and have a go yourself.’
‘Oh, right. Well, that seems simple enough.’
‘I’ll pop in as often as I can, but I don’t think you’ll have any problems at all. It’s been difficult not having a craft tutor, but I don’t think Nico has had time to think about finding someone. So if you’re happy, I’ll talk to Nico. Thanks, Fern.’
That means Dee-Dee doesn’t know about Nico’s future plans for the craft room, then. I hadn’t realised it wasn’t general knowledge amongst the group and I’m glad I didn’t put my foot in it by saying something.
‘Great. Have you seen him around this morning?’ I finish my yoghurt and pop the spoon into the dishwasher.
‘Yes. He’s gone to the airport to pick someone up. I don’t think he’s going to be free today as he’ll be showing his guest around when they return. What are you planning to do?’
I lean back against the counter as I pick up one of the plums, choosing one that is the least green. ‘Well, I felt obliged to do some weeding, but now I can paint instead, which suits me just fine. I wouldn’t admit that within earshot of Ceana, of course, because she’s been wonderful. But I’m rather glad Anton is back.’
‘Ha! Ha! I did wonder. But give you your due, lady, you’ve done well. It feels like you’ve always been here, Fern. Volunteers come and go, but you’re a real team player and you fitted in from day one. And Nico appreciates that you’ve been able to take some of the pressure off Ceana. You know, keeping a general eye out.’
I’m flattered and it means a lot to hear Dee-Dee say that. She’s a straight-talking woman and I like that about her.
‘There’s always something happening here, and you never know from one minute to the next what you’ll get pulled into,’ I reflect, biting into the plum with some difficulty, wondering why they are so hard.
‘Yes. Like weeding and picking not-quite-ripened plums, ready for Margot’s chutney-making class on Tuesday.’
It’s too late and my face puckers up as the tartness hits my taste buds, making me shudder. I walk over to the bin a
nd toss it in, half tempted to spit out the piece in my mouth. Dee-Dee is trying her best not to laugh.
‘Hmm. I did wonder why they were so hard. You can tell I’m no gardener, although it was a lovely way to end the week. Guess I’ll head off and get some paint on that canvas then, unless you want some help with that?’
‘No, it’s fine. Odile has written instructions about how to reheat the rabbit pies Margot left prepared for tonight’s dinner and I’m almost done here. Enjoy having some quiet time while you can. You’ve earned it.’
‘Thanks, Dee-Dee, see you later.’
Walking back to the château, I wave to Kellie and Taylor, who are wheeling bicycles. They wave back and I watch as they mount up and cycle out of the courtyard. Guess it really is going to be a quiet day as everyone seems to have disappeared.
As I head inside, a jangling sound comes from my pocket. It’s a Skype call and I yank out my phone, eager to see who it is.
‘Aiden, what a surprise. I thought it was going to be Mum.’
‘We’re in a motel with good Wi-Fi, plenty of hot water and reasonably comfortable beds. It’s basic but feels like luxury after the last week. What are you doing?’
‘Just heading into the château. Take a look.’ I reverse my phone and pan around slowly.
‘Hey, that’s impressive. I didn’t realise it was such a big place.’
‘I’m heading into Nico’s private studio to do some painting. Do you have a few minutes?’
‘I’m all yours. The only thing on the agenda is going in search of a big steak in a little while. Then a few beers.’
‘Great, you can get a quick glimpse at where I’m spending a lot of my free time. You look well, I’m just relieved you don’t have sunburn after working outside.’
I head down the hallway and try to keep panning around so Aiden can get a feel for the beauty of this place.
‘The temperature was quite comfortable, around nineteen degrees, and the rainfall is negligible in Coober Pedy. They only get about six inches a year, but the ground is so dry that when it does rain, it’s a big problem as it can turn a track to mud. In January and February it’s unbearably hot and the temperature soars unbelievably, apparently. No one could work in it. It’s in the middle of nowhere, a legend of the outback, and the nearest town is Roxby Downs, over two hundred and seventy kilometres away.’
‘That sounds like a real adventure, Aiden. Any regrets?’
I swing open the door and head inside the studio.
‘Not really. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but in a way I’m relieved to be moving on. I was talked into it but had no idea how remote it was. No need to worry, it’s out of my system now.’
I laugh at him and wish I could reach out and touch that face I know so well. Just to have contact again, skin on skin. He needs to know that I want him to enjoy this time, even though it’s a constant worry.
‘I’m relieved to hear it. You’re supposed to be having fun, which is something Hannah said to me, but you really scared her, too.’
He at least has the grace to look a little embarrassed by his poor decision-making. ‘I think most men have a secret desire to jump into something exciting and be Indiana Jones for a while. Lesson well and truly learnt. The plan is to do a bit of sightseeing here, while trying to sort out some sort of voluntary work for a while. Not even sure where, but I’m researching that at the moment.’
There’s a loud tapping sound. It’s quite insistent.
‘Hang on a second, Fern.’
The angle of his laptop doesn’t allow me to see the door, but after he disappears from view, I hear low voices speaking in the background. Seconds later he returns, looking excited.
‘Joss is speaking to one of the aid agencies at the moment and she wants me to sit in on the call. So sorry, babe, but this could be the next leg of the journey. Great studio. Next time maybe you can show me what you’re painting. Love you. Miss you and take care.’
Bing. The call ends.
‘Miss you, too,’ I croak and my words echo around the silent room.
I feel alone and deflated. I so wanted to share this with him, right now.
Heaving a big sigh, I tap contacts and click on Georgia’s name. It rings a few times and then the screen opens up.
‘Hi, Fern! How are you, my lovely friend? Oh, how I miss your company. Steve has been unbearable this week. Seriously, it’s like I have three big kids and not just the two.’
Just hearing her moaning about Steve instantly cheers me up.
‘I’m good, thank you, and it’s so wonderful to hear your voice, too. Although, I will admit I’ve settled in really well here.’
‘Is that a huge painting behind you I can see?’
I spin around, glancing at the now finished village scene. ‘Yes, it’s a commissioned piece which the artist who owns this retreat has just finished. It’s an oil painting so it will take a while to dry.’
‘It’s very beautiful, Fern. I didn’t realise you were going to be spending time with a famous artist!’ she exclaims, her eyes lighting up. ‘Is he there now?’
‘No. I’m here alone. It’s very low-key at the weekends as the courses only run Monday to Friday. Nico is collecting someone from the airport and giving them the tour of the facilities today.’
‘Nico. Ooh, tell me more.’
‘I’ll show you instead.’
Her face looms closer to the screen as she tries to get a better look behind me. I rotate the phone and give it a panoramic sweep around.
‘That’s incredible. And he allows you to wander around when he’s not there?’
‘Better than that. Take a look at this.’ Spinning around, I crouch down a little and, holding the phone at arm’s-length so that I’m in view, stand next to my own little project. ‘This is my very first canvas. There isn’t much to see at the moment as I spent ages sketching before I felt confident enough to make a start. But it’s so exciting and I’m loving it.’
In fairness, it probably only looks like a biggish splodge in the middle of a stark white sheet, but every brushstroke is a learning curve and I seem to be learning fast.
‘It’s very purple,’ Georgia admits, raising her eyebrows, and I can’t help being a little disappointed by her reaction.
‘Well, it’s early days. It’s taken about seven hours so far. That will give you some idea of how long it takes. Nico has been working on this street scene from his village for months. His patron is a Marquesa.’
‘Oh, he’s Spanish, then?’
‘Yes. He’s from Andalucia.’
‘And you’re spending quite a bit of time with him as his… student?’ She cocks an eyebrow.
‘Officially, I’m a volunteer, so every morning I help out. My first week was spent mainly in the garden supervising a small team. But I also got involved in helping with a repair to one of the barns. Next week, I’ll probably be assisting in the craft room. In the afternoons, I can attend any of the classes that I choose, so I only get to paint in here at the end of the working day, really.’
I can see from her face she’s rather surprised.
‘And how’s Aiden?’ she asks, rather pointedly.
‘He’s been opal mining of all things! You obviously haven’t seen my mum, then. I’m sure she would have told you all about it, although Hannah didn’t tell her until after we were sure Aiden was safe. They ended up having to leave at short notice due to a dispute over the lease and it got a bit nasty. He’s in Adelaide now, figuring out his next move.’
Her face has dropped. ‘For goodness’ sake, you two. This was supposed to be a fun-filled year, not a bloomin’ game changer. Will I even recognise my old neighbours when they get back home?’
‘Less of the old.’
‘I was speaking figuratively. Was this the intention all along? Because it looks a bit like you guys are going your separate ways. It’s good to see you looking so perky but, hmm, that’s quite an experience you’re having there, too. I’m just rather surprised
by it all, to be frank with you.’
Now I wish I’d ignored my fleeting moment of homesickness.
‘Aiden’s always yearned for a little adventure. Me, I’ve always yearned to sit and draw, although it turns out I’m happier with a brush in my hand. And, Georgia, it’s a truly wonderful feeling. Like nothing else I’ve ever done before, you know, just for me. I’ve found my guilty pleasure at long last.’
I almost find myself whispering the words and her eyes open wide in surprise.
‘As long as it’s the painting that’s your guilty pleasure,’ she replies, as I give her a wry look, ‘then I suppose I’ll get used to this new artsy side of you. Who would have guessed it?’
‘Look at the garden, Georgia, it’s the inspiration for my first canvas.’
‘Gosh, that’s beyond beautiful, Fern. You know, you look so relaxed and happy. I can’t believe you aren’t stressing over Aiden and the family like you usually do. I haven’t seen any comings and goings at your place, yet. Are they all doing well?’
‘It would seem so. I’ve had a few phone calls and texts and constant emails. Mum and Dad are changing the layout of their garden, apparently, so I suspect they’ve only been able to pop in briefly. You’ll know when they arrive to do a big clean, because you’ll think they’re taking up residence. You know what my mum’s like.’
‘I do. If only she’d pop in here first, I’m sure she’d get this place sorted in no time,’ Georgia replies, wistfully. Cleaning isn’t her thing.
‘Oh, and Hannah says she’s engaged. I’m not even sure Aiden knows yet as we’ve had such little time to talk. Him going to the outback first was a bit of a mistake. At some point, though, we will catch up properly with all the news, I suppose. Owen is back from a training exercise on Salisbury Plain. He seems to be enjoying it, although he’s lost some weight.’ It ends up sounding a bit wistful, even to my ears. I can’t hide the fact that a little piece of my heart is with each of them, always.
‘Well, just a couple of weeks ago you were the average family. Now look at you all! I miss not being able to pop into yours and have a good old moaning session. I’m having to actually talk to Steve now, out of sheer desperation. I’m even thinking about getting a part-time job. See what you two have started? Where will it all end, I ask myself?’
