‘Not even Maurice?’
Molly shrugged. ‘I don’t like to keep asking him.’
‘You are sixteen now?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then you could go alone.’
‘I suppose so.’
‘But it is no fun?’
‘Not so much. I suppose I’ll have to get used to it.’
‘Does your father like it?’
Ashley froze, waiting for Molly’s reply. It wasn’t as if Molly had never been asked the question before and she wasn’t quite sure why it put her on edge so much this time when she knew Molly would answer it in the same, matter-of-fact way she always did.
‘I think Ella listens to classical music,’ Ashley called over from where she was cutting flowers for a vase, unable to bear the suspense any longer. ‘She’s learning pieces for her piano grades but she likes to listen to them regardless of that.’
‘Yes, but she’s going to live in London and we’re in York,’ Molly said.
‘I’m sure we could go and visit them and see a concert at the same time; there’d be plenty on in London.’
Molly’s eyes widened. ‘Seriously?’
‘Probably. We’d have to check the finances and my work rota first, of course.’
For the first time since their awkward moment in the summer house, Molly broke into a smile that was just for her mother.
Fleur (possibly her name) moved down the table to start on a new batch of glasses and Molly sidled up to Ashley.
‘I’m sorry, Mum.’
‘Me too,’ Ashley said, kissing her lightly. ‘I probably overreacted.’
‘You didn’t. I was supposed to be helping out and I messed up.’
‘You’ve never messed up in your life.’ Ashley smiled and folded her arms around her. ‘Let’s call it a blip and move on.’
‘Yeah, OK.’
Ashley went back to her flowers as Molly picked one up and held it to her nose.
‘You like Bastien then,’ she said.
‘I do, Mum. I really like him.’
‘It’ll be difficult to maintain when you’re back home.’
‘I know. We’re not going out – just messing around. We both know there’s no point in going out properly.’
Ashley nodded. ‘Probably wise. You won’t be too upset to leave him behind tomorrow then?’
‘A bit, but that’s life, isn’t it?’
‘I suppose so.’
‘What about Haydon? Is it serious with you?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘But you could see him again, couldn’t you?’
‘What do you think? Could you cope with him in our lives?’
‘I like him; he’s OK.’
‘Only OK?’
‘Well, I hardly know him, do I?’
‘I don’t suppose so.’
‘Does he seem like a good dad to you?’
Molly popped the rose in amongst the flowers Ashley was arranging in the vase. ‘He seems OK. It’s hard to know because I don’t have anything to measure him against. I wouldn’t know a good dad if one slapped me.’
Ashley smiled. ‘I don’t think that would make him particularly good for a start.’
‘No,’ Molly said. ‘But Ella’s happy so that’s got to be quite a good sign.’
‘Do you think he’s a good man then?’
Molly narrowed her eyes. ‘What’s with these questions? You’re not going to marry him, are you?’
‘God no!’ Ashley laughed, a bit too heartily. ‘No. I’m just wondering…’
‘It’s really nothing to do with me as long as you like him,’ Molly sniffed.
‘Maybe that’s the case with other people but not me. I would never be with someone you didn’t like.’
‘That’s just daft. What if you were totally in love and I wasn’t keen? You’d give him up?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’d hate that. I’d feel guilty for the rest of my life.’
‘And I’d feel guilty being with someone you didn’t approve of.’
‘OK, so I approve of Haydon. So now you can date him with my pointless blessing.’
‘Thanks.’ Ashley smiled. ‘You’re not just saying that?’
‘Mum!’
‘OK, OK! Just kidding.’
From the corner of her eye Ashley noticed Nanette come into the kitchen with the old accordion Maurice had been tormenting everyone with stashed under her arm.
‘I will push this down my brother’s throat if he does not stop playing it!’ she growled and Molly giggled.
‘It’d be better if he could actually play it.’
‘It would still sound like an awful noise,’ Nanette grumbled.
‘Moll,’ Ashley cut in, ‘would you just go and check where your grandma wants these flowers?’
Molly nodded and skipped off.
‘Nanette…’ Ashley continued, turning to Maurice’s sister. ‘Did you manage to talk to your aunt Violette?’
‘Yes. She was happy and I have arranged the invitation.’
‘But I thought you were going to let me know so I could arrange it?’
‘It was easy for me to walk to the house. You were busy and I have saved you the bother.’
Ashley gnawed on her lip for a moment. It wasn’t what they’d agreed but she didn’t want to offend Nanette by saying so. It meant that she’d somehow have to make sure Haydon understood that he was supposed to wait at his villa for her to come over.
‘Thank you,’ she said.
‘Of course.’
Before they’d had time to get any further Maurice came in looking sheepish. He held his arms out for the accordion and Nanette scowled.
‘Do you want to make us all crazy in the head?’
‘I want to fill the house with joy.’
‘Then stop playing this and we will all be joyful!’
As Maurice and Nanette’s quips continued to ricochet off each other, Ashley took the opportunity of their distraction to type out a message to Haydon.
Can we talk later?
* * *
Sure, I’d like that. As long as you can find the time.
* * *
I need to find the time. So you’ll be around?
* * *
Of course.
* * *
OK. See you later.
So that was simple enough. As soon as everyone got settled here and the party was in full swing she’d slip out and head across the field. A nice, uncomplicated plan that couldn’t possibly go wrong.
Chapter 16
It was just after seven. The family was gathered in the garden, where tables dressed in crisp white cloths, sparkling silverware and vases of flowers arranged by Ashley were lined up. Lanterns were dotted around the grounds hanging from any available hook or nail, though they wouldn’t be lit until much later on. Even so, they looked pretty enough now with the sun glinting off their delicate glass surfaces. There was bunting and flags and photos of Violette at various stages of her life looking beautiful and elegant in gowns from days gone by, and ribbons of flowers looped around the pillars of the veranda. Maurice was now tending to a huge flank of pork on a spit, though Ashley had to wonder at the wisdom of this as he’d already been drinking for a good part of the afternoon. Nobody else seemed concerned, though. And in the air, chased by the early evening moths and gnats and the swallows racing to and fro from the eaves, the notes of live music drifted across the meadow from their villa, a call to celebration to anyone who happened to pass and hear it. Maurice and his cousin had constructed a little hardwood platform that acted as a stage-cum-dance floor and was already scuffed by the heels of enthusiastic shoes as they jigged to the sounds of someone from the town who could actually play the accordion. The band also included a violinist and a cellist – a fact that got Molly very excited.
‘Do you think they’ll let me have a go?’ she whispered to Ashley. ‘I’ve missed my violin so much!’
‘You’ve only been parted from it for
a week,’ Ashley said. ‘It’s ridiculous. I bet you wouldn’t even be this lovelorn if you’d been parted from a boyfriend.’
‘I wouldn’t.’ Molly grinned. ‘My violin never does anything stupid to annoy me, but plenty of boys do.’
‘Nutter.’
The song ended and everyone put their hands together in an enthusiastic display of approval. Violette nodded graciously and cast her eyes over the huge crowd of guests – many of them descended from her directly – with a sort of pride that Ashley couldn’t even begin to imagine. To be responsible for so many of these incredible people was something to be proud of, though, and she could hardly argue with that. In a voice that was as strong of character as it was physically frail, she gave a short speech, which Ashley did her best to follow. From the small amount she could understand, Violette was thanking everyone and expressing huge surprise to be addressing them at the ripe old age of a hundred when she never expected to make it this far (at which everyone laughed and reassured her that they never doubted she’d make it this far and beyond). She then bade them eat and drink and enjoy the party. The little band struck up again and Molly gazed longingly at the violinist, prompting Ashley to nudge her.
‘Seriously, you’re at a party – on holiday! Snap out of it! Go and mess around in the shed with Bastien or something – do what normal teenagers do.’
Molly grinned. ‘You’d hate me if I was a normal teenager.’
‘Quite possibly,’ Ashley replied with a chuckle. ‘Now go and steal some booze or something and shock me for once.’
‘Oh, I intend to do that. Though it’s not exactly rebelling if everyone is pushing glasses of wine on me every five minutes.’
‘That’s true.’ Ashley laughed. ‘They do seem determined to get absolutely everyone steaming drunk by nine, including Violette’s cat.’
‘It’s the French joie de vivre.’
‘It’s drinking wine like it’s pop, that’s what it is.’
‘You are having a nice time?’ Nanette asked, making her way across the lawn to them.
‘It’s different, that’s for sure,’ Molly said. ‘I’ve never been to a party like this before.’
‘What sort of parties have you been to?’
‘They’re not usually in a gorgeous garden for a start. More likely to be in some dingy community centre or a pub.’
‘Since when did we go to parties in pubs?’ Ashley asked, raising her eyebrows at her daughter.
‘Since we went to your cousin’s wedding reception.’ Molly pretended to shiver. ‘Honestly, Mum, every time I think about that pub I feel like I need to go and take a shower.’
‘Fair point!’ Ashley laughed. ‘It was a bit of a dive, I suppose.’ She turned to Nanette. ‘The garden looks beautiful, doesn’t it? Team Violette did a great job here.’
‘We are very grateful for the help.’
‘I suppose it’s the least we could do considering we get to share all this wonderful food.’
Nanette gave a gentle laugh. Every sound Nanette made seemed to be gentle, from her voice to the way she sneezed. But then her gaze travelled to the garden gates and her face lit up in a bright smile.
‘Ah!’ she exclaimed. ‘Here is your friend!’
Ashley turned, expecting to see Ella as arranged. But her stomach dropped as she saw that Haydon was with her. It dropped, and then when she saw how handsome he looked in black trousers and a black shirt that complimented the tan he’d developed perfectly, sleeves rolled back to his elbows, it soared. It dropped and soared and couldn’t seem to make its mind up what it was doing. But while her heart was procrastinating, her loins approved of the sight, and her head was trying to shout over it all, telling her that this might just signal the ruin of her plans yet again. Why hadn’t he stayed at the villa as she’d told him? And then it all became clear. Nanette had invited him to the party too. What else was the poor guy supposed to do if he’d been asked to come with Ella and Ashley now realised she probably hadn’t made any plans to the contrary all that clear in her brief texts.
‘Hi,’ he said as he approached, and he almost sounded shy. He gave Nanette and Molly both a warm smile and then racked it up to sizzling as he turned to Ashley. ‘Sorry we’re a little late but…’
‘Fashionably late,’ Nanette said with a chuckle. ‘Nobody wants to be the first person at the party – no?’
‘Not that. We… um… well I couldn’t lay my hands on the keys to our place. Turns out they’d somehow fallen into one of my shoes.’ He gave an adorable shrug that made Ashley’s heart begin its argument with her brain anew.
‘You look lovely,’ Nanette said, turning to Ella who seemed to have forgotten how her mouth worked. Perhaps the sight of so many strangers was a bit overwhelming and Ashley couldn’t blame her for that.
‘You do,’ Molly agreed. ‘I love that dress… Topshop, I bet.’
At this Ella finally broke into a smile of her own. ‘How did you know?’
‘You can always tell… at least I can. One of my less valuable talents.’
‘You look amazing too,’ Ella said, eyeing Molly’s floral maxi dress.
‘Oh, this?’ Molly said, flapping the skirt about. ‘I never get a chance to wear it so I thought why not. Probably be freezing when we get back home and it will sit in the wardrobe until next time it’s hot. Which will probably be never.’ She nodded across the garden to where Bastien had apparently spotted Ella’s arrival and was beckoning them both over. ‘Come on,’ she said. ‘Looks like we’re wanted.’
As Molly led her away, Ashley turned to Haydon and Nanette. There was an awkward silence, until Nanette smiled briskly and made her excuses to leave. Perhaps she felt the awkwardness between them, or perhaps she sensed something altogether different. Either way, it seemed she’d decided they needed to be alone together.
‘I didn’t know you were coming,’ Ashley said as Nanette walked off.
‘But I was invited. I thought… Oh…’
‘Not that I mind, of course.’
‘You didn’t want me here?’
‘It’s not that, it’s just… well, I wasn’t expecting you.’
‘But they invited Ella and I thought…’
‘Of course you did.’
Haydon’s gaze went to the floor, his voice now dull. ‘I should go then. I mean, if it’s going to make you uncomfortable having me here then…’
‘Don’t be daft.’ Ashley forced a smile. ‘I didn’t mean that at all. I was just surprised. To tell the truth’ – she took a deep breath – ‘I was hoping Ella would come without you so I could get a moment alone with you at your place.’
‘Oh.’ His face lit up again and immediately Ashley regretted her choice of words.
‘Sorry, but I needed you alone to talk. I mean, it’s not that I wouldn’t have loved the other thing too, but…’
‘So… what did you want to talk about?’ he asked. ‘Is it about us? Because I know this is all pretty fast but—’
‘About us, but not in the way you think.’
‘Then you don’t regret what’s happened this week? You don’t regret our time together?’
‘Of course not.’
‘And you want to carry on, right? When we get back to England can I see you again?’
‘Absolutely. We’ll make arrangements. I think the girls would like that too.’
‘They do seem to get on really well,’ Haydon said, glancing across at the trio of teenagers, heads close as they laughed at something on Molly’s phone. ‘We couldn’t have asked for that to work out better really. Especially if—’ He paused, and Ashley read the uncertainty on his face. ‘Especially if we get more serious.’
Ashley knew she was supposed to reassure him at this stage, to tell him that was what she wanted too and that he was right to hope for more. But how could she when she had this huge secret that could bust them apart, still unspoken?
‘Ella’s sweet,’ Ashley said. ‘I don’t see how anyone could dislike her so it’s no wonder
she’s getting on with Moll. You’ve done a good job with her.’
‘Molly too,’ Haydon said. ‘I didn’t like to ask but… you’ve brought her up alone? Always? What about her dad?’
‘He…’ She glanced around at the other guests, laughing, joking, drinking, dancing… Was this the moment? Could she make this work? Perhaps nobody would notice if they slipped away somewhere quiet for a while to talk things over. ‘He doesn’t know about her…’
‘Oh…’ He paused, looking confused and uncertain, and Ashley steeled herself. Was he about to work it out? ‘I know it sounds crazy but I can’t help but wonder if I’m—’
‘Haydon!’ Maurice roared from across the garden. Abandoning his pig-spit station he began to stride across the grass towards them and Ashley held in a groan. She turned her eyes heavenwards and uttered a silent curse. It was like somebody up there was determined the truth was never coming out.
‘It is good to see you!’ Maurice said, clapping Haydon on the back.
‘Thanks for inviting me,’ Haydon replied, shooting Ashley a look that was almost apologetic.
‘You are most welcome,’ Maurice said. ‘Where is your drink?’ he added with a disapproving click of his tongue. ‘You have no drink at a Dupont party! That will never do!’
Grabbing Haydon clumsily by the hand, Maurice dragged him away to the kitchen, presumably to equip him with the necessary alcohol befitting a guest at a Dupont party. Ashley let out a sigh. At this rate she’d have to resort to a singing telegram to send Haydon her news because she was fast running out of other options.
* * *
Ashley didn’t see Haydon for a good hour after his arrival. Later, she discovered that Maurice – who seemed to have taken a huge liking to him – was showing him Violette’s wine cellar. Ashley had no idea how much Haydon knew about wine, but, as it was one of Maurice’s favourite subjects, it was actually surprising that he’d only been missing for that long. Once, she’d been given a lecture by Maurice on the difference between European and New World wines that had lasted almost an entire evening. Not that she remembered a bit of it, because as she’d nodded politely her thoughts had been mostly concerned with Molly’s sandwiches and whether she’d ironed her school uniform for the following day.
The Summer Getaway_A feel-good romance novel perfect for holiday reading Page 21
