Angelique

by Carl Leckey

  She hugs me closer and begins passing her hand up and down the outside of my trousers. She senses triumph as Jolly Roger betrays me. She continues persuading me with her hand as well as her voice. “Besides you have spent more time with her than me in the last few months.”

  The buttons on my fly are undone in a very skilful manner. Jolly Roger makes a break for freedom only to be captured by Denise. She continues as my breath begins to come in rasps. Jolly Roger’s fate is now well and truly in her hands. Denise explains. “I never saw much of her for years after she left the chateau. Except that is when she came back when it was a hospital nursing the wounded Tommy’s?” She drops to her knees in front of me my resistance is nearly overcome. She senses victory rises to her feet and steers me towards the bed still feebly resisting. Denise makes another point as she sheds her cloths and we flop onto the bed clinging together. “You know what it was like? We were kept busy from dawn to dusk. And then there was Grand Father? Need I say more?”

  I don’t reply I have other things on my mind at this moment in time and it is certainly not her Sister. My final resistance has gone as she mounts me. How can I refuse such a plea from my lovely Wife even though I admit to myself I am very apprehensive she finally persuades me to divulge the information to Louise?

  That is the trouble with women when it suits them they use unfair but nice tactics. As we lay together afterwards we plan our next move. Denise will take Daisy to see the gardens and the pond while I corner her Sister using the excuse I want to talk transport business with her before the meeting.

  When we arrive at the lounge Louise is in the company of Father Peter. Daisy has gone to the kitchen with Marguerite to teach the chef how to make cakes. Denise makes an excuse and leaves me to it. They are discussing problems of obtaining petrol in remote areas when I take a seat.

  In a break in the conversation I enquire. “Have you mentioned anything Peter?”

  “No I haven’t are you going to tell Louise now?” He enquires. “Yes Denise advised me to do so, to be honest I am doing it reluctantly.” I confess.

  He enquires. “Do you want me to be present Adam?” I reply hesitantly. “May I have a few minutes on my own with Louise, Peter? Please stay close at hand though.” Peter rises from his chair and says as he leaves. “I shall be in the reception. I need to make a telephone call anyway. Give me a call if you need me Adam?” He leaves the room.

  Louise enquires. “What’s all this about then? Has my Sister Yvette been up to something again?” “No Louise it is nothing to do with your Sister. What I am about to disclose concerns you.” I move a chair closer so that I am facing Louise. I take her hand she looks mystified. “Louise, Denise has asked me to break this news to you she believes I am able to do it better than her. Considering what you told me at the farm she is most probably right. Incidentally, I kept that to myself. Neither Denise nor Yvette is aware of how you suffered in the hands of that swine Raymond. They should be told Louise? They will understand why you hate the Marquis so much. Right here we go, for better or for worse. You know Raymond is dead?” She nods. I then relate the facts as told to me by Father Peter. Surprisingly she takes the news calmly I should have expected this from Louise she is a remarkable woman and I continually underestimate her. After I have finished giving her the details she remarks. “I always felt there was something between Mother and Raymond’s Father. I wasn’t certain as I was only young girl when he passed away. Huh! It was not unusual for nobility to have Mistresses it looks like my Mother was his plaything. Like Father like Son, it evidently runs in that family.” Louise considers what I have revealed for a few moments before stating.

  “It is all very well assuming I will be the heir to the estate but I am illegitimate in the eyes of the law. I believe I have no claim to anything. Besides why should I accept the inheritance to help Raymond gain access to heaven?”

  “I don’t know if that is why he did it Louise? Without beneficiaries the whole caboodle with go to the state if the French law is the same as in Britain.

  My associate Gunter is staying at the hotel he is joining OSCADA as an investor and our legal advisor. Gunter is a top class lawyer he will give us advice on that and other matters. That is if you decide to claim the estate of the Marquis?”

  “Adam at this moment I have no idea what to do. I am happy with the life I am leading but at the same time I see the opportunity to improve the lot of the people at the chateau and in the village.”

  Louise appears uncertain what she should do next. I try another tack. “Let me get Father Peter back in here. He will tell you exactly what happened when he saw the Marquis for the last time. Louise, he is aware of what happened between yourself and Raymond isn’t he?”

  “Yes Father Peter knows all about it. His predecessor confessed his part in it before he died. Without Father Peter’s support I would not have survived. Adam, before we go any further with this I would like time to go through the papers and letters. There might be things in there about Mother I would like to see. There could be other information I would not like to see publicised. It doesn’t only concern me? Denise and Yvette are entitled to know about Mother as well. Do you understand what I mean?”

  “Of course I do Louise that’s a good idea. I’ll get Father Peter to give the papers to you. You can select what you want to keep separate for the family. Anything you are not sure of I will have Gunter examine for you.” Giving her hand a gentle squeeze I take my leave of her.

  I find Father Peter in the garden with Denise and Daisy. He agrees to my suggestion and immediately enters the hotel retrieves the papers then hands them over to Louise. She retires to her room to study the sheaf of letters and papers. I have made it a rule that no OSCADA business is to be discussed today we are here for a break and to enjoy each other’s company, thankfully everyone abides by the decision. We have a wonderful day playing on the beach with Daisy, in the afternoon we explore the local area. At seven o’clock we all gather for pre dinner drinks in the lounge. Louise is the last to arrive and I see by her troubled expression she has a lot on her mind. When I have the opportunity to speak to her alone I enquire. “I know we decided not to discuss business until tomorrow but you look like you have the burdens of the world on your shoulders, can I help?” She replies with a definite look of relief on her face. “Dear Adam, you are so right. You know it’s not the company business that concerns me. I am grateful for the opportunity to talk to you. I have studied most of the papers. It appears he accepted me as his legal Daughter there is no disputing that in my opinion. What is more it is the first time I have seen my own birth certificate. The old Marquis is definitely registered as my Father. Looking at the dates registered on the forms this is long before Mother met my Father or should I say my Step Father. At least that makes me feel a little better, my Mother wasn’t deceiving him. According to some of the letters I have read the old Marquis asked Mother to marry him after his Wife died. It appears they were separated for years but they could not divorce because of their religion. For some reason she refused. I can’t help wondering why Mother refused to marry him. It never entered my head to question her about her past to be honest I didn’t know she had one. My adopted Father and Mother appeared so happy.” She pauses for a moment then she adds thoughtfully. “I don’t suppose we will ever know now.” She adds, “but on your advice I will seek the help of your friend Gunter to clarify the situation.

  I have a few ideas I would like to sound out on him but first I wish to consult with Billy. Denise. Yvette. Paul, and yourself, and oh yes! I would like Father Peter to be present also. After the company meeting tomorrow may we get together to discuss my ideas.

  You see Adam I want this to be a joint family decision depending on what we all decide and if they are all agreeable I will then consult Gunter. You are in no hurry to leave the hotel are you?” I shake my head and reply. “Billy is coming anyway so I believe. That’s fair enough with me and I’m sure Denise will agree Louise, but if Yvette is not here will
you be happy to leave her out?” A little mischievously I add “Or put it another way, will she be happy to be left out?”

  Louise looks crestfallen until I suggest. “I know Paul and Yvette have a wedding arranged for Saturday afternoon. There is no reason why they shouldn’t drive down after and stay overnight One of the lads from the depot with look after the horses for them. I’ll telephone and see if I am able to arrange it if you like? But may I make a suggestion? Show the birth certificate to Gunter just to confirm you are the legitimate heir before we have our meeting.

  I am sure he will explain the legal position.” Without hesitation Louise agrees. I send a page to Gunter’s room requesting his presence in the lounge. Within ten minutes he arrives I introduce him to Louise and roughly outline the position. Louise is soon in deep conversation with him. I notice them retiring to an anti room as Daisy arrives.

  She excitedly grasps my hand and leads me to the billiard room where she now wants me to teach her how to play. After a couple of attempts at reaching the table Daisy finally has to agree, billiards is not a little girl’s game. One of the French lads I know from the cafe comes to my aid. He opens a set of small doors located on a far wall. He reveals what was left behind by the previous occupants the British Army Officers. A dart board, just the job! I’m pretty good at darts even though I say so myself. I explain the rules to Daisy. To be fair I move the oche line a little closer to give her a better chance. I explain I will demonstrate with three throws the art of darts. I select high number targets. All of my throws are pathetic I don’t hit one of the indicated spots. Daisy dances up and down with excitement until I hand her the darts. She takes careful aim at the board. Her first dart hits the bull. The second shot lands in triple twenty. Third shot another triple twenty. The waiter applauds. She turns to me and asks with an innocent look on her face. “Is that what you mean Uncle Adam?” I am totally humiliated. Couldn’t you just strangle smart kids some times?

  Fortunately Alec comes to my rescue saving me from further embarrassment. We leave Daisy and the waiter lining up for another game of stupid darts. Alec is keen to show me a discovery one of his staff has found in the hotel cellars. Alec informs me before we arrive at the door leading to the cellar. “You know that building company OSCADA has taken over?” I reply vaguely. “ Yes.” He explains. “You know the ones working on your house by the lake?”

  Intrigued I reply “Oh. Yes.” Alec explains. “One of the lads brought their old truck into the depot for repairs. I got talking to him. We were still thinking about buying the hotel at that time, I was telling him about it. He told me his Dad worked on here during the war for the British. He reckons his Dad got pissed one night and disclosed secrets about the place.”

  “What secrets?” I enquire.

  Alec reveals in a conspiratorial manner. “Secrets he had sworn to keep bloomin secret of course. Anyway as far as his Old Fella was concerned the war was over so what did it matter?” Impatiently I urge him. “Bloody Hell Alec get on with it, this is like getting blood out of a stone.” Alec looks a little hurt when he replies. “I was just getting to the good bit.

  To cut a long story short when Marcel was refurbishing the place he used that very company. Low and behold one of the workmen was the very same fellow I spoke to at the depot. He and I had a mooch about down below and he found what I am about to show you

  Thanks to the generosity of the British taxpayer the hotel is supplied with electricity even as far as the underground cellars.”

  We pass into a well stocked wine cellar, innocent enough looking until Alec touches a concealed button. A portion of the wine racks swings open to reveal a short corridor also well illuminated by electric lights. Leading off the corridor are three doors. Alec opens the first one. This room is rigged with eight camp cots. The sheets and blankets adorning the cots are made up into perfect bed packs similar to a training camp billet ready for inspection. Other ranks abode definitely.

  In one corner is a screened toilet and wash area. On a table at the other end are a couple of primus stoves, pans, enamel plates and cups and cutlery Alec leads the way to door two. This room is definitely an officer’s room, evident by the superior furnishings. The third door leads to what is obviously an office. Although there are tables and chairs remaining, there are signs that other electronic equipment has been removed. Severed wires hang out of conduits, a number of empty brackets adorn the walls. At the far end of the room is a steel locker Alec says. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

  He opens the door with a flourish. I am expecting something dramatic. Disappointingly he reveals an empty storage locker. Alec sees my face, grinning, he goes over to the light switch he says the magic words. “Abracadabra.” He flicks the switch on and off three times. With a swish the locker swings into the room disclosing yet another tunnel Alec says. “We won’t bother going along it Adam. The Ladies will wonder where we are. I have already followed it to the end, it’s quite long. Would you believe it emerges in the crypt of that church across the other side of the coast road? Well Adam what do you reckon on this lot then?”

  Passing my opinion I thoughtfully reply. “I think it was either some kind of secret communication centre, or the buggers made this place in case the Boche captured all of France. It’s almost a certainty the Boche senior staff would have taken this place over for themselves if they got this far just like our Brass hat lot did. A nice comfortable head quarters to get their fat arses in. Think of this Alec old mate, if they had occupied this place the British would have a readymade spy post in the heart of the enemy.” Alec laughs. “You’ve got a good imagination Scouse no doubt about that. Ha-ha. Who ever heard of such a thing, the Boche capturing France? There was no chance of that happening in a million years you daft bugger ha, ha. Who ever heard of such a thing, the Boche beating us and the Frogs, no chance my old mate.”

  We return to the Ladies in the lounge. Saturday morning we all gather together in the dining room. Alec had arranged two tables in a boardroom manner. I take my place at the head of the table. I have to admit to myself I am very apprehensive. This is the part of the business I do not like. I am totally dependent on the experts I have surrounded myself with. I will be relieved to hand over the technicalities of running the ever expanding company to them. Sometimes I have this dream of just owning Pompey Lill and doing what I intended doing initially when I was demobbed. Just to be responsible for myself and Denise and taking tours around the war time battle grounds. But it is too late now. I have a responsibility not only for myself and my family but an ever growing number of people, but I keep these dreams to myself. Thank goodness ever efficient Harry had formulated an agenda with my approval and placed a copy in front of all those in attendance. All the proposed board members are present except of course Denise who has declined to serve on the board of OSCADA. Bob Hawkins is at sea but has already agreed and signed contracts with the company for his new position in the maritime part of the company. Harry will represent the shipping interests at this meeting.

  All the business is conducted in a remarkably short time thanks to the work carried out by Harry, Gunter and Bob prior to the meeting. Louise agrees to keep minutes until Harry appoints a company secretary. Harry informs us this is already in hand the last applicant he interviewed was successful and begins work next week.

  Finance and profits are discussed and agreed. We are evidently making a great deal of profit even after purchasing the ten new Renault trucks and buying out two of our transport competitors and the construction company. The coffers of OSCADA are loaded to over flowing. Remuneration for board members and salaries for managers and other personnel are discussed and agreed. All the legalities have been drawn up by Gunter and these are agreed by the board. It is only when I see how much paperwork is involved I realise how haphazardly we have been running the business up to now. We move on to discuss

  Individual sections of the business.

  OSCADA Transport.

  Already well established and managed b
y Harry. There is nothing much to discuss except to congratulate Harry and Alec for the success of the company. Alec is completely involved with the hotel from now on. At his request he is only available for consultation, emergencies and board meetings.

  OSCADA Construction.

  This is completely Marcel’s baby. He enthusiastically embraces the responsibility for developing the construction business.

  Of course I insist my personal contract on the lakeside house be completed before he takes on any other major construction jobs.

  At Gunter’s suggestion we also establish.

  OSCADA Airways

  To be developed by Gunter and Estelle. To be funded jointly by the peace movement and OSCADA. The initial base is to be located on the wartime airstrip adjourning the absorbed Caspar depot if it is available. Marcel informs the meeting he is investigating the possibility shortly. Suzanne Caspar the previous owner has agreed to stay on as manager of the transport depot after OSCADA bought her Brothers out. After very intense negotiations with myself and Harry she still retains a third share in the depot. Both Harry and I agree she will be a great asset to the expanded company. Gunter has already sounded Marcel out regarding the design of airstrip buildings. We are now considering how we can utilise the rail spur line.