by Allen, Anne
‘That’s perfect.’
Louisa left feeling so relaxed and refreshed that she fetched her swimsuit and robe before heading for the pool. This was accessed by a corridor on the west of the house, leading to the newly built changing rooms and sauna. Once changed she walked into the Moroccan-style sauna, completely covered in stunning blue and green tiles that created the impression of being under water. The seating area followed the curves of the room and Louisa stretched out, enjoying total seclusion. Faint sounds of soothing, meditative music flowed from hidden speakers and she closed her eyes for a few moments. The intensity of the heat kept her from falling asleep and, when it became too much, she stepped out into a matching tiled shower, letting a powerful jet of water cool her body. It was bliss! She grabbed a white, fluffy towel and walked the few feet to the pool area. Other guests were enjoying a gentle swim, watched by a couple relaxing on loungers, tall glasses of juice by their hands. Powered up, Louisa slipped into the water, speedily completing thirty laps before flopping onto a lounger for a break. She had hardly drawn breath when a young girl came up bearing a tray of freshly prepared juices. Accepting a glass, she took an appreciative sip. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed someone waving from the garden and, recognising Charlotte, she returned the wave. Charlotte smiled and came in through the far door.
‘Hi. Had a good swim?’
‘Yes, thanks. What have you been up to?’ Louisa sipped her juice while Charlotte, after removing her trainers, stretched out on the adjoining lounger.
‘Oh, not much. Had an Indian head massage which was so relaxing I fell asleep!’ she laughed, throatily. ‘I needed to get some fresh air or I’d have been fit for nothing for the rest of the day.’
‘Everything seems geared to encourage such a blissful state of relaxation it’s a wonder that anyone does anything. I’m just so not used to being pampered like this. What about you?’
Charlotte accepted a glass of juice from the hovering waitress before answering.
‘Well, to be honest, I do have some help at home, a lovely woman who does some cooking and cleaning for me. It leaves me free to focus on my work and I never was what you might call the domesticated type.’ Charlotte frowned, as if she was recalling something unpleasant.
Louisa, not wanting to pry, changed the subject. ‘Are there any particular treatments or therapies you can recommend? I’m happy to be pampered to within an inch of my life,’ she said, grinning.
Charlotte seemed to perk up. ‘You’ve come to the right place for that and I’d suggest you try all the various forms of massage, but no more than one a day. The therapist is divine and she seems to know intuitively what I need. Her name’s Lin and she’s very popular so do book as soon as possible.’ She took a sip of her drink before asking, ‘How long are you staying? I don’t think you said.’
‘I’m not sure. It’s…a bit open-ended. Luckily they’re not full so it’s not a problem if I stay more than a week. And from what you’ve said, two weeks would be heavenly.’
‘Sure. I’m here for at least another week and I’ve met some people who’ve already been here for three.’ She smiled. ‘I’m wondering if they put something in the juice to make us not want to leave. Some kind of narcotic so that we lose free will while soaking up subliminal messages from the music they play!’
They laughed. Louisa thought Malcolm would find it an amusing idea and she smiled as she imagined him putting it into practice. Would certainly be good for business! She was having dinner with him that night in his apartment, after he returned from a business trip to Jersey. It would be a chance to catch up.
‘Paul has suggested I try the yoga and meditation class tomorrow morning. Do you go?’
‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’d never tried yoga until coming here but Paul makes it seem so easy. We start with gentle stretches and he never asks us to do any of those weird contortions you associate with yoga.’ She lowered her voice, ‘Some of the guests here are not exactly young and their joints are stiff so I think Paul makes allowances. Mind you, one of the old dears is obviously a past master and can get herself into some funny positions. Really shows us younger ones up. Naturally, Paul’s an expert. I’ve seen him practising on his own before the start of class and he’s incredibly flexible. You will join us, won’t you? I’m sure you’ll find it fun.’
For a moment Louisa’s mind had wandered off, picturing a very “flexible” Paul in some interesting positions. She had to drag herself back to face Charlotte, who was looking at her enquiringly. ‘Louisa? Are you with me?’
‘Sorry. Drifted off a minute. Think you’re right, there must be something in the juice!’ she chuckled, before adding, ‘Yes, of course I’ll join the group. I’m looking forward to it now. And I’ll book some sessions with Lin. Anything else you can suggest?’
Charlotte listed other treatments worth trying and after they parted Louisa went off to the reception to book appointments. Nadine worked out a programme for her and included the session with Molly. There was still plenty of free time for more sessions or trips around the island.
‘There’s a talk on Buddhism tomorrow morning after the yoga class, if you’re interested,’ Nadine said, pushing over a flyer for her to read. ‘We arrange various talks and demonstrations but there’s no obligation to attend. But Paul’s talks are always popular; he’s so knowledgeable about anything Eastern.’
Louisa scanned the flyer, immediately deciding to attend. She liked the idea of learning more about Buddhism, having admired the calmness of her Buddhist colleague from work. And it gave her an excuse to be near Paul. Not that that influenced her in any way. Absolutely not.
‘Thanks, Nadine. Put me down for it. Oh, and can you book me a taxi for seven o’clock, please? To go into Town.’
‘No problem. Have a nice evening,’ she said, with a sly smile.
Louisa returned to her room to shower and change. As she moved around, peeling off her robe, her gaze was caught by a patinated bronze Buddha on the bedside table. She hadn’t noticed it before and sat down to look at it more carefully. An aura of peace seemed to emanate from the Buddha’s serene face and body. She smiled. No surprise this room’s called Serenity! Wonder if all the rooms have their own Buddha? Must ask my father. With a jolt she realised she had thought of Malcolm as “her father” rather than by his name. It felt odd, but not unpleasant. She let her fingers trail over the little figure, as one would touch a lucky charm, before jumping up and heading for the shower. For a moment she had felt some peace in her heart but the image of her mother’s face soon destroyed it. As she let the hot, soothing water flow over her body, Louisa could only hope that she would find a way to heal. And soon.
‘Louisa, my dear, come in, come in.’ Malcolm stood framed in the elegant doorway, looking impeccable in cream slacks and a deep blue cotton shirt, opened at the neck.
She hesitated before leaning forward to peck him on the cheek. His answering smile said it all.
Malcolm led the way to the living area before offering her a drink.
‘I can shake a mean martini cocktail,’ he said, pointing to a collection of spirits and mixers in a cabinet. ‘What’s your poison?’
‘I’ll let you choose, thanks,’ she replied with a grin, making herself comfortable on the sofa. She watched as he expertly mixed a brightly coloured concoction into a shaker and then gave it a vigorous mix. After pouring it into two cocktail glasses he came over to offer her one.
They clinked glasses and she took a sip. ‘Mm, that’s delicious! Fruity but with a hit. What’s in it?’
‘Ah, that’s a trade secret. Was the house special in my hotels.’ He sipped his own drink before asking, ‘So, how was your first day at La Folie? Everything okay?’
‘Great, thanks. The rooms are so heavenly it’s almost a shame to leave them. Do they all have the same Eastern influence as Serenity and with their own Buddha?’
He nodded. ‘Yes. That was Paul’s idea. We wanted t
o replicate the sort of ambience you find in Eastern spas, encouraging guests to slow down and rethink their lives. It’s not just about getting one’s body into shape these days. The mind and spirit are equally important.’ He paused, leaning back into the sofa opposite her. ‘You remember I said I first met Paul in an Indian ashram?’ She nodded. ‘Well I hated it!’ He laughed at the memory.
‘Why were you in the ashram?’ Louisa asked, intrigued.
‘It’s a long story, but basically I’d been talked into it but was about to walk out when I got talking to Paul. I…I wasn’t in a good space in those days and I think Paul saw it more than I did. To me it seemed like I didn’t know what to do with my life since I’d sold the business, but Paul sussed there was more to it than that. He’s very perceptive, you know.’
Louisa remembered the vision she had had of him standing bathed in light, looking like an angel. There was something about him that was a bit otherworldly, a bit fey. Those eyes!
‘What happened after you met Paul?’
‘He helped me get my head straight and I became interested in the spiritual side of life. Not that I’ve become a Buddhist or anything!’ He laughed.
‘But there’s a strong spiritual influence at the centre, isn’t there?’
‘Sure is. And it’s deliberate. We want to work holistically with our guests or they’re likely to go back to their old ways and become sick again.’
She nodded. ‘That makes sense, but surely you’re reducing the repeat business from satisfied guests? They won’t need to come back.’
‘Ah, now that’s where you’re wrong. We’ve already had guests re-book as they recognise the need to keep in tune with the ideas they learn here.’ He took another sip of his cocktail. ‘How did the hypnosis go?’
She told him about the session and they chatted a while until the intercom buzzed. While Malcolm went to answer it, Louisa wondered who was going to join them, thinking it was odd he hadn’t mentioned anything about another guest. Her question was soon answered when he returned moments later carrying two heavy carrier bags, preceded by the mouth-watering aroma of freshly cooked food. Looking a little sheepish he explained that he’d ordered a complete meal from La Fregate, something they only did as a special favour to him.
‘I thought it was brave of you, offering to cook for me,’ she said, grinning.
‘Decided it would make a change from eating out, even though it’s the same food. You go and sit down and I’ll bring it out in a minute.’ Malcolm pointed to the dining table near the window, set with glasses, cutlery and candles. He was obviously making an effort. She took a seat and gazed into the darkening sky beyond the lights of St Peter Port. Her eye was caught by a ferry coming in slowly to the harbour, its lights seeming to float upon the sea. The sight made her think of Malcolm, a mere babe in arms, being taken by his mother on a ship thousands of miles to Canada, to a new life. And now here they were, in Guernsey where it all began.
‘A penny for your thoughts. That’s what my mother used to say,’ Malcolm said, setting down a tray heaped with plates of mixed fish and seafood, bowls of fresh vegetables and buttered new potatoes. The aroma set her gastric juices flowing in overdrive.
‘Oh, I was just watching the ferry arrive,’ she said, avoiding his eye. ‘Mm, this looks amazing, Malcolm! I’m suddenly very hungry.’
He poured glasses of chilled white wine and they tucked into the most upmarket takeaway that Louisa had ever eaten. In between mouthfuls she asked him about the kind of food that Canadians ate.
‘Generally speaking, they eat a lot of fast food. As bad as the Americans. They cover nearly everything with maple syrup and love fried food smothered with cheese. I was putting on too much weight until one day, in my late twenties, a medic told me I was heading for heart problems if I didn’t change my diet. From then on, I was a different man. Canada’s fortunate to have fantastic game, like venison, duck, grouse and wild salmon, so I made sure I ate plenty of those and vegetables and soon lost the weight.’ He picked up his glass. ‘Until then we’d been offering all the rubbish food that guests wanted in our hotels; but I insisted we change our chefs and menus and, what was interesting was that we gained more business. So that medic did me a good turn, twice over.’
‘Well, the food you’re offering at the centre is definitely both healthy and delicious. I met a guest who hopes to lose some weight while she’s there and she said the food was one of the reasons she chose La Folie.’
Malcolm looked pleased. ‘That’s good to know. It’s not easy knowing what’s the most important attraction for our guests. I can see you’ll make a great spy for me,’ he teased.
‘I don’t think you need one. You and the team are doing a great job and I’m looking forward to my treatments. I’m even going to try yoga tomorrow.’
They continued to talk about her plans for the next few days, easing into a more relaxed relationship. Louisa was aware how much effort Malcolm was putting into winning her over, wanting her to trust him. As she enjoyed the dessert, French apple tart served with rich Guernsey cream, she sensed that he wanted to make up to her for what had happened to Susan. Of course, nothing he did would bring her mother back, but she appreciated his trying to be a father to her. And she couldn’t, in all honesty, hold him responsible for the attack on her mother. No, she told herself, the responsibility lay fairly and squarely on the shoulders of the man she had seen running away. The man she hoped she would, in a few days, be able to describe.
chapter 14
Louisa groaned as the alarm shrilled into life at eight o’clock the next morning. She had grown accustomed to waking naturally of late, a luxury only possible since giving up her job. Remembering why the alarm was set, she sprang out of bed and made for the shower. Paul’s yoga class beckoned and she suddenly felt wide awake. Minutes later, wearing joggers and a T-shirt, Louisa headed downstairs to the dining room.
‘Hi, Louisa, over here,’ Charlotte called from a table, looking immaculate in a teal blue crossover cardigan and stone-coloured yoga pants. Louisa felt like the poor relation in her baggy joggers and grey top.
‘Morning. You’re looking perky,’ Louisa said, smiling.
‘You have to make an effort, don’t you? Don’t want to look as if one has just crawled out of bed, even if one has. At least I’ll be feeling perky, as you call it, after the delicious breakfast that’s about to arrive.’
Louisa gazed appreciatively at the selection of sliced fruit, juices, homemade muesli, granola and yogurt being wheeled towards their table. The waitress went off with their order for two green teas while they helped themselves to the food.
‘These juices are incredible. The chef told me he mixes in a combination of herbs and spices with the fruit and vegetables to increase the antioxidant and energising properties. I get a real buzz from them,’ Charlotte said as she filled her glass. ‘I’m taking the recipes home so I can keep up the benefits.’
‘They’re not secret then?’
‘Nooo, not exactly. He’s writing a book based on the recipes he uses here and I’ve, er, persuaded him to let me have a peek.’
‘Oh, and why would he do that?’ Louisa asked, eyebrows raised.
Charlotte grinned. ‘I might be able to help him get his book published, that’s why. I’m a publisher.’
‘Ahh! Right.’
They concentrated on their breakfast, conscious of the time. Finished, they made their way to the large room set aside for group work, finding Paul setting out a number of yoga mats.
‘Morning, ladies. Ready for a good stretch?’ Paul greeted them as they made a beeline for the first row, just beating some other guests who had to make do with the second row.
Louisa smiled in return, her eyes travelling over Paul’s athletic body, apparent even under his loose-fitting yoga suit. He really is very attractive, she thought, tearing her gaze away to take up her position on the mat.
The session passed quickly. Paul took the ten people p
resent gently, but firmly through stretches and yoga positions that Louisa found comfortable to follow. Throughout, soft music played in the background, encouraging the release of tension. A short guided meditation at the end nearly sent her to sleep, only brought back to full awareness by Paul sounding a tiny bell.
‘Well done, everyone. I can see the improvement in those of you who have been coming to the class this past week,’ he smiled at Charlotte and a couple of other participants. ‘If anyone wants to stay behind for the talk on Buddhism, please grab a chair and form a circle.’
Half a dozen people lined up chairs in front of a projector screen and Charlotte whispered a quick ‘See you later’ to Louisa before leaving with the others. Paul switched on a laptop for the PowerPoint presentation and as pictures of Buddha filled the screen, he started his talk.
‘According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, lived sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BC in eastern India, possibly Nepal…’
Louisa was fascinated. Paul delivered a punchy narrative of events, based on the little evidence remaining, even bringing some humour into the talk. When he turned to the issue of karma and reincarnation, laughter erupted when someone asked if it was true that a person could be re-born as an animal if they were “bad” in this life.
Paul nodded. ‘According to some traditions, yes. Or as lowly deities or demons. Only humans can achieve the desired state of Nirvana, and only if they have practised the highest forms of meditation. So,’ he said, smiling broadly, ‘it pays to be safe and not do anything evil or you may come back as a rat!’
Louisa smiled with the rest, but inwardly she wanted to cry as she pictured her mother, frightened to death by the ‘evil’ man. She fervently hoped that if reincarnation was a possibility, then he’d return as a rat or something equally horrible.
