Chapter thirty-one

I

t was if he had been punched hard in the solar plexus. For a moment Andy felt the breath leave his body and he couldn’t speak. His parents were hazy figures in the room and he could hear sounds emanating from their mouths but couldn’t make out the words. What had his father said? Not Edmund’s son? It couldn’t be true! It would be too cruel now…

‘Andy? Sorry, lad. It’s been a bit of a shock for you, I know. Was for me, too.’

His eyes cleared and he saw his father leaning towards him and gripping his arm. Behind Jim his mother’s pale face hovered into view.

‘Dad, please tell me. What makes you so sure your mother had an affair and you were the result?’

‘Well, he told me when I first met him, that I wasn’t Edmund’s son,’ Jim said, fidgeting in his chair.

‘Who’s “he”, Dad? Your mother’s lover?’ Andy was shocked. Surely this was a nightmare and he’d wake up soon…

‘No, no I never met him. He was dead, so I was told. It was Harold who told me…’ A look of uncertainty flitted across his father’s face.

Andy began to relax. ‘You’re telling me Harold said Madeleine had an affair and you believed him? Did he have any proof? What did your mother say?’

Jim coughed, keeping his head down. ‘He said it was well known she was seeing one of the neighbours, shortly before Edmund died. Said maybe Edmund had found out and challenged the man and that’s why he’d ended up dead.’

‘Dad, I understand why you might have been…misled at the time, but now you know what really happened to Edmund, do you still believe what Harold told you?’

His father’s face crumpled in misery and Andy stood up and hugged him. Yvette, mouthing “coffee”, disappeared to the kitchen, while Andy continued to hold his father. That bloody bastard Harold! He wanted to kill him for what he’d done to his family. Pity they no longer hanged murderers, though hanging was too good for someone like Harold.

‘Did you ever ask Grandma about this?’ he asked eventually.

‘God no! You can’t ask your mother something like that. But she rarely talked about the time of Edmund’s death, said it was too painful and it made me wonder if what he said could be true. Harold threatened to take me to court if I pursued a claim and said he’d testify my mother was having an affair and bring more scandal down on our heads. And remember there was no DNA testing back then.’ Andy saw the tears in his eyes. ‘I couldn’t risk it, son. I couldn’t blacken our name further and hadn’t the money for advocates. And at the time, back in the 60s, the house didn’t look much and the land wasn’t worth an awful lot. Not like now.’

‘I understand, Dad. I’m not blaming you, I’m angry with that…that bastard Harold, and his pack of lies. Please say you no longer believe him.’

Jim shook his head. ‘No, I don’t.’

Yvette arrived with a pot of coffee and handed round cups before sitting next to Jim.

Looking from her husband to Andy, she said, ‘Is everything all right, now? Is it true we will be wealthy?’

Andy grinned. ‘It looks like it, Maman. Although it might take a while.’

‘Oh, I can wait. But it would be nice to make a holiday somewhere warm this winter. It would do your father’s joints a lot of good.’

The men looked at each other and smiled.

After sipping his coffee, Jim asked, ‘How did you find out about this? You said it was confidential.’

Andy shifted uncomfortably. ‘Charlotte, the researcher, is a friend of Jeanne’s and we met and…became friends. Somewhere along the line I mentioned our family and the story about Edmund so when she heard Maud’s story, she passed it on to me, in confidence. At least until after Maud’s death.’

His mother gave him a sharp look.

‘Friends you said. But I sense you are more than that, yes?’

‘Well, yes we are. We’ve been seeing each other quite a bit, but she’s English and has to go back tomorrow for a while. Her mother’s…not well and she also has a business in London.’

This time it was the parents who looked at each other.

‘Is it serious with this Charlotte? You have not spoken of anyone for years!’ Yvette said, her eyes shining.

‘I think so, but there’s a lot to sort out first. But when she comes back I’ll introduce you. Promise.’

His mother nodded, looking pleased. The look of a mother keen to see her only child settled with the right partner.

Andy finished his coffee and glanced at his watch. He had a meeting scheduled in thirty minutes.

‘I have to go, but are you clear about what I’ve told you? Remember we can’t say anything to anybody until Maud dies and her statement is given to the police.’

They both nodded their agreement.

‘Where’s this statement now, son?’

‘The rector of St Martins has it. He witnessed her signature. So it’s quite safe. And if you’re at all unsure about being Edmund’s son, Dad, we could insist on a DNA test. That would scupper Harold’s lies.’

‘There shouldn’t be any need for a test, in the eyes of the law I’m Edmund’s son. It says so on my birth certificate.’ Jim flashed a smile at him.

‘Good.’ Andy stood up. ‘How about we go out fishing on Sunday, Dad? See who can catch the most again, eh?’

Jim laughingly agreed and his parents followed him to the front door, exchanging hugs before he left. Andy sank behind the wheel feeling both drained and exhilarated. He had hated fibbing to his parents but told himself he’d set the record straight one day. But he was also fired up by the thought his father now saw himself as the rightful heir. With a shock he realised one day he would inherit too. Shaking his head at the thought, he switched on the engine and drove as fast as he dared to Town, singing a slightly off-key version of Queen’s ‘We are the Champions’. It felt good.

***

Charlotte was relieved when Andy phoned to say he’d been to see his parents and told them everything. Or rather, a censored version. Telling her he’d explain more later, he also said his father was now prepared to claim the family estate. She couldn’t resist performing a little dance around the room before checking the contents of the fridge. Nothing much shouted ‘celebration meal’ so she phoned La Bella Luce and booked a table for that evening. Only a matter of yards from Edmund’s modest grave, it seemed a little inappropriate, and she hoped the family would now install a more fitting headstone. If the evening’s weren’t so dark she would have suggested they took flowers there tonight. Perhaps another time. Making a determined effort to stop her mind drifting, Charlotte sat down in front of her laptop and continued with her writing.

When she heard Andy open the front door she rushed into the hall and flung her arms around his neck. Andy dropped his messenger bag and lifted her in his arms. They both laughed as he swung her around before easing her gently down, then kissing her. Charlotte managed to say she had booked a table for dinner at eight before Andy caught her hand and pulled her, laughing, up the stairs. Well, she thought, tumbling onto the bed, this is one way to celebrate.

Charlotte waved Andy off the next morning aware of the chunk of lead settled in her stomach. This was to be her last full day in Guernsey and even though she reminded herself she planned to return soon, she wished she wasn’t going away. It seemed unfair – her efforts on Andy’s behalf had finally borne fruit, and she was leaving. If it wasn’t for her mother she would have stayed but…she shook her head. Her mother had to come first. At least she had something to look forward to that day as Louisa had suggested they meet for lunch at La Folie. They had not seen each other for nearly two weeks, but had kept in touch by phone. Determined to be more cheerful, Charlotte opened her laptop and lost herself in eighteenth century Naples for a few hours.

Louisa was waiting in the dining room, having bagged a table tucked away at the back.

‘My, you’re positively blooming. Looks as if being with Andy suits you,’ Louisa said, embracing her.

Charlotte felt her face flush. ‘Yes, methinks it does. And you seem particularly loved-up yourself.’ Louisa’s face glowed with happiness and the lines of worry had disappeared, making her look ten years younger. She was glad for her friend. It was about time she experienced happiness after the trauma of losing her mother. But knowing her own mother’s life might be cut short increased the leaden feeling in her gut.

After ordering their meals, they settled down to the serious business of catching up.

‘So, when are you two making it official?’

Louisa fiddled with her cutlery. ‘It’s up to Paul. Although we’ve moved in together sooner than planned, we still need time to be absolutely sure. And I think Paul’s not completely happy about the cliché of marrying the boss’s daughter. He’s too sensitive for his own good, that’s the trouble.’ She sighed.

‘I’m absolutely convinced you two were made for each other, so don’t worry. You could always get Malcolm to threaten him with a shotgun if he doesn’t make an honest woman of you!’ Charlotte said, giggling.

Louisa joined in and the mood lightened just as their food arrived. All was quiet while they made inroads into their salads. Charlotte, after checking there was no-one in earshot, shared her news about Maud and Harold. Louisa sat transfixed, food balanced on her fork.

‘Wow! It’s like something out of a book or a film. Andy must be over the moon. And Jim. He does know, I presume?’

‘Yes, Andy told his parents yesterday. But there was a hitch…’ She went on to tell her about Harold’s threats to Jim and Louisa’s eyes opened even wider.

‘How awful! Poor Jim. No-one could understand why he hadn’t pushed his claim and now it all makes sense.’ She looked thoughtful as she chewed on a mouthful of salmon.

‘It does. The only problem is nothing will happen until after Maud dies and then it’s up to the police what happens about Harold. Jim’s not lodging his claim yet, to avoid stirring up problems for the old lady. Oh, and Andy told his parents about me.’

The women carried on chatting as they ate and Charlotte was glad they’d found time to meet. One thing she didn’t have in London was a close girlfriend and she and Louisa got on so well. It was ironic, she thought, although they were both living in the city at the same time, they actually did not meet until both were in Guernsey, at La Folie. And now it looked as if they were both planning to live permanently in the island. Funny how life turns out.

It was Halloween on Saturday and the ubiquitous hollowed out pumpkin lanterns glowed in house windows as Andy drove Charlotte to the airport that evening. Anxious parents shepherded their small offspring, carrying buckets and dressed up as witches, vampires or devils as they went from house to house trick or treating. Charlotte watched them, her eyes moist as she wondered again whether or not she would one day be a mother. She had not broached the subject with Andy yet, feeling it might be too soon. He had said nothing to indicate his views either way, and she resolved to say something when she returned.

‘You look thoughtful. Anything you want to share?’

She turned to face him and smiled. ‘No, I was only watching the children in their outfits. Quite scary some of them, aren’t they?’

Andy peered out of the window and nodded. ‘Yep, they must have spent ages putting on their face paint.’ Turning back to her he added, ‘Are you okay? You’ve been very quiet today.’

Her mouth twisted. ‘There’s been a lot to think about. But I’m okay, thanks.’

‘Good.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘I’ll phone you every day so you won’t feel lonely in that mansion of yours,’ he said, with a grin.

‘Hardly a mansion! But it is a bit big for one person, I admit. Although there’s Mrs Thomas and her flat takes up the top floor.’

‘I rest my case! I look forward to seeing it one day.’

‘As soon as things settle down we’ll have a weekend in London together. It’ll be fun,’ she said, wondering how long it would take. There was her mother and the situation with Maud and Harold to contend with…

Andy pulled into the airport and drove into the car park. Charlotte walked alongside holding his free hand while he wheeled her case to departures. Once she was checked in they took the stairs to the café where he ordered a glass of wine for her and a lager for himself. There was plenty of time as her flight was delayed by half an hour.

‘So much has happened since I arrived in September. It’s hard to believe it’s only been a couple of months,’ she said, swirling her glass of Merlot.

He clutched her hand. ‘They’ve been the best weeks of my life, so far. And here’s to many more!’ he said, touching her glass with his. She returned the toast, thinking if anyone had told her two months ago what lay in store for her, she wouldn’t have believed them.

‘And you’re soon to become heir to a valuable estate. Life’s definitely on the up for you,’ she said, tilting her head on one side.

‘Haven’t given it much thought. Despite his back, Dad’s pretty fit and could last for many years yet so I don’t think I’ll get to play the part of wealthy playboy,’ he said, his mouth pulled down.

‘Hey! Playboy indeed! Apart from anything else it would be a waste of your talents as an architect. Wouldn’t you prefer to be remembered as the man who designed such and such a building rather than the man who blew a fortune on fast cars and women?’ she said, punching his arm.

‘Ouch! Okay, I’ll settle for being the successful architect lucky enough to have captured the most wonderful, beautiful woman as his wife. What do you think?’ He gazed into her eyes and she blinked.

‘Have…have you just proposed? Or…?’ she found it difficult to breathe, not wanting him to say he was teasing.

Andy knelt beside her, holding out the ring-pull from his can of lager.

‘Charlotte, beautiful Charlotte. Would you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?’