2010
The next few days passed quietly, for which Natalie was thankful. She still spent most of her free time in the garden rather than in the cottage and walked down to the bay a couple of times. Stuart phoned to confirm Thursday for supper, but that was the only contact. Natalie phoned her mother knowing she would be dying to know about Tabby. She filled her in about the wedding but didn’t mention what had happened in the kitchen, worried Molly would contact the vicar. Time for that if and when she could take it no longer.
On Wednesday evening Jeanne phoned for a chat.
‘Sorry I haven’t called for a while, but Harry, bless him, has had a nasty chest infection and kindly passed it onto me. None of us have had much sleep and I’m only now resurfacing. How are you?’
Natalie commiserated over the bug and said she was fine. She also told her about Tabby and Alan and their wedding.
‘Strange she’s invited you. Do you think she’s trying to pair you off with Stuart?’
‘Oh, I don’t think so. I assume it’s because he doesn’t have a partner and we are neighbours.’
Jeanne laughed.
‘Well, I’m not so sure. Mothers do love matchmaking, particularly their only sons. Now, please tell me you’re free this Saturday as I’d like you to come for dinner. I’ve invited Andy and his wife Charlotte and Louisa and Paul from Le Folie, so some new faces for you. You’ll be the odd one out, but I’m happy for you to bring Stuart…!’ Another laugh.
‘I’d love to come, thanks, but on my own. I wouldn’t want to give Stuart the wrong idea, though I’m not sure he’s looking for a relationship either. He had a bad experience with his ex and seems a bit shy of women. As I am of men.’
‘At least all the men at dinner are spoken for so you can relax. Everyone’s lovely and I’m sure you’ll get along famously.’
They talked for a few more minutes and Natalie smiled as they ended the call. A night out with normal people her own age! Just what she needed.
Tabby must have been toiling in the kitchen for hours. Natalie caught the aroma of roast beef as soon as Stuart ushered her into The Old Barn. He took charge of her umbrella, the heavens having opened at lunchtime and not stopped since. Wiping her feet on the mat, Natalie gave him a quick smile.
‘Pity about the weather. Were you planning to eat outside?’
‘No, Mum had wanted to cook a roast so it’s worked out fine. Come along and have a drink.’
Tabby was checking on the vegetables, steam shining her face, while Alan perched on a stool alongside, a glass of wine in his hand.
‘Hello, Natalie, good to see you again. Dinner won’t be long,’ Tabby said, pecking her cheek, before swivelling back to the pans. Alan leaned over to give her a hug and Stuart poured her a glass of wine.
‘You’ve gone to so much trouble, Tabby, particularly in this heat.’ Although it looked wintery through the rain-lashed windows, the temperature was hitting the high twenties.
‘Oh, I’m used to cooking in the heat. It gets pretty warm where we live, I can tell you. When you come over next weekend do bring a bikini as we have a pool. And you’ll only need the lightest of summer clothes.’ Tabby wiped her brow with the back of her hand and stood back. ‘Why don’t you all go and sit down, you’re crowding me.’
They did as they were told and settled on the sofa.
‘Tell me about where you live, Alan. Are you near the sea?’
‘Not really. We live between Marseille and Aix en Provence, in a small village in the hills. Neither of us can abide being among the tourists stripped out on the beaches and stay well away. It can get hot, as Tabby said, hence the pool. But we do have air-con, so don’t worry, the bedrooms will be cool.’
Natalie raised her eyebrows at Stuart and he chipped in, ‘Mum and Alan have invited you to stay with us in the villa rather than book a hotel, which would be difficult in July anyway. I said yes, I hope you don’t mind?’ He looked sheepish.
What could she say? It seemed a done deal and it did make sense, but…staying with people you barely know could be tricky.
‘That’s kind of you, Alan, thanks. I’d better get my flights booked–’
Stuart cleared his throat.
‘Our flights will be taken care of by Mum and Alan, from here to Gatwick and then on to Marseille. Mum insists on paying and booking to save us the bother at such short notice.’
Well, she couldn’t back out now, could she? Jeanne’s words about mothers and their sons popped into her head. Was Tabby actually trying to pair them off? She caught Alan’s eye and he grinned.
‘Sorry, Tabby loves to organise everyone and everything so please don’t take offence. If you’re not happy with the arrangements feel free to change them. I believe you’re booked on a morning flight to Gatwick, arriving in Marseille after lunch. I’ll pick you up and we’ll be back at the villa within forty minutes. We’ll book your return flight for Sunday or Monday, whichever suits you best. Either way you’ll get back to Guernsey late evening. Stuart’s stopping on, as you know.’
Natalie thought she’d ask for both Friday and Monday off. Might as well make a proper break of it. She glanced from Stuart to Alan and smiled. ‘That sounds wonderful, thanks. I’m looking forward to it.’
Tabby called across to say dinner was being served and they moved to the dining area the other side of the kitchen. The men helped to serve up and within minutes they were tucking into roast beef, washed down with a full-bodied Burgundy. The conversation revolved around the wedding and love shone from Tabby’s face whenever she looked at Alan. Natalie smiled inwardly, thinking how lovely it was two people in their sixties could find love again.
‘Where are you going for your honeymoon?’ she asked, glass in hand.
‘We’re not going away after the wedding; it’s too nice at home in the summer. Alan’s never been on a cruise, so we’re taking one in the Caribbean in November. It’ll be something to look forward to, won’t it, darling?’ Tabby beamed at Alan. He nodded, his mouth full of roast beef.
‘I’m envious! November’s such a miserable month, all fog and rain. Can you sneak me on-board in your trunk?’ Natalie suggested, to laughter all round.
‘I’ve already asked, but the answer was no. Told I’d be de trop for some reason.’ Stuart grinned. ‘My consolation prize is being able to stay on in France after the wedding, to enjoy the gorgeous weather while getting to know Alan, Rose – my soon-to-be stepsister – and her family.’
By the end of the meal Natalie had come to terms with the planned weekend in France, deciding she had overreacted to the idea of Tabby’s matchmaking. It promised to be fun.
On Saturday morning Natalie sifted through her wardrobe for an outfit suitable for a low-key wedding in the sun. She had attended a number of weddings over the years when friends from uni and work tied the knot, resulting in a wardrobe rich in designer outfits only ever worn once. Natalie frowned as she fingered the beautiful fabrics of dresses and suits. Sleeveless silk was the answer and she pulled out a pale gold, strappy short dress which enhanced her tan. And showed off her legs. Slipping it over her head she enjoyed the sensual touch of satin on her skin. Matching high-heeled gold sandals completed the understated look. Pleased with her choice, Natalie picked out more clothes for the trip and spread them on the spare bed. All she had to do now was find something for dinner at Jeanne’s. Guessing at smart casual, she paired a green silk blouse with white linen Capri pants.
Natalie had just slipped into a T-shirt and shorts when Matt rang to say there was a further delay on the pond liner, something to do with the manufacturer. It meant waiting another two weeks unless she was prepared to accept a poorer quality substitute. She wasn’t. Natalie brushed aside his apologies and Matt rang off. She swore softly. For a moment her mood dipped, but the sight of the pretty clothes laid ready for the evening cheered her up and brought things into perspective. It was only a pond, not the end of the world.
‘Natalie! Come in. Mm, love your outfit.’ Jeanne embraced her before pulling her inside. ‘We’re in the garden, making the most of the sun after the horrible rain the other day.’
She handed Jeanne a bottle of wine and box of dark chocolate mints before following the sound of laughter coming from outside. As ever, the sight of the garden took Natalie’s breath away. Originally designed and planted by Jeanne’s grandmother, it combined the best of an English country garden and the more exotic plants which flourished in the islands. Splashes of colour from red hot pokers, gladioli and roses nestled amongst palms and oleander. To the far right an old orchard held plum and apple trees. And before that stood a sturdy pergola smothered in passionflower, vine and honeysuckle, offering shade to those standing around the long weathered table. The only faces Natalie recognised were those of Nick and Andy.
Jeanne called, ‘Here’s Natalie, everyone. Let me introduce you all.’ Turning to an obviously pregnant woman with luscious dark brown hair and creamy complexion, Jeanne said, ‘This is Charlotte, Andy’s wife and next to her are Louisa and Paul, the newly-weds. Andy’s playing hide and seek with Harry in the orchard.’
They exchanged greetings and Natalie took in Louisa’s fair-hair, freckled face and warm smile, and Paul’s blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Different, but similar to Stuart’s. He looked, to Natalie, to be one of those unique people totally at peace with themselves. Although uncomfortable being the only singleton, she sensed everyone’s friendliness.
Nick, standing by a makeshift bar, gave her a hug and a kiss before offering her a drink. She settled for a glass of Pimm’s, complete with fruit, mint and a colourful umbrella. Charlotte was nursing an orange juice and looking longingly at the jug of Pimm’s.
‘I know it’s better not to drink when you’re pregnant, but it’s so hard when everyone else is indulging. I do think you should all sign the pledge to keep me company!’ Charlotte remained straight-faced but her eyes twinkled. Everyone laughed. Natalie, hearing her plummy, non-Guernsey voice, asked how she had met Andy.
‘Louisa introduced us at La Folie when I was staying there last year. It was my second visit and she and I had become friends on my first, early in 2009. I hail from London and Somerset but am pretty well settled here now. Guernsey’s so beautiful isn’t it?’ She smiled, one hand stroking her stomach.
‘Congratulations on the baby. How long until…?’
‘Early October. I can’t wait! I’m enormous now and heaven knows what size I’ll be by then. It will be a case of a block and tackle to get me out of bed!’ She pulled a face and sighed.
Jeanne squeezed her arm. ‘Don’t be too impatient for your mini Batiste to arrive. That’s when the fun really begins. Sleepless nights, leaky boobs, no time for yourself–’
‘Stop, please!’ Charlotte lifted her hand. ‘Don’t spoil it for me. I have visions of a perfect baby who will sleep all night and most of the day, giving me oodles of time to float in a scented bath. And time to pop to La Folie for one of Lin’s magical massages.’
Louisa leaned forward. ‘I’m sure we can offer a babysitting service between us, can’t we, Jeanne?’
Charlotte beamed. ‘That’s so kind of you. But I expect my husband to do his share, too. Ah, here he is, feeling a tad worn-out, are you darling?’
Andy flopped into a chair, pushing hair out of his eyes and groaning.
‘That young Harry’s too quick for me. I need a rest – and a drink. How do you cope with him, Nick?’ He picked up a can of lager and took a slug.
Nick laughed, picking up Harry as he ran back to the group. ‘You’ve worn out Andy, young fella. And here’s Natalie to see you. Go say hello.’ He set him down and Harry ran into her arms.
‘’Ello, Aunty ’Atalie, Mummy said you were coming. Want to play hide and seek?’ His big blue eyes beseeched her.
She kissed him but refused. ‘It’s too hot to run around, Harry. Why don’t you sit with me and have some juice? And where’s Freya?’
He wriggled into her lap, accepting the proffered beaker. ‘Freya’s still a baby so she’s in bed. I’m bigger so I can stay up late.’
Jeanne ruffled his hair. ‘Not that late, darling. Just a few more minutes then it’s time to get into your pyjamas and say goodnight to everyone.’
He scowled, but continued to suck the juice, his arms around Natalie. She loved the feel of his soft body against hers and looked up to see Jeanne giving her a speculative look. Natalie laughed and shook her head. A few minutes later Jeanne prized Harry from her, taking him round the table to kiss goodnight. They watched as mother and son disappeared inside.
Natalie smiled at Louisa and Paul. ‘Sorry I haven’t had time to talk to you before, but Jeanne’s told me something about you both. Aren’t you another couple who met at La Folie?’
‘Yes, we’ve joked it must be something in the food!’ Paul’s smile was serene as he gazed at Louisa, who sat looking equally calm. Natalie experienced a twinge of envy. She was surrounded by loved-up couples, emphasising her decidedly single state. Admittedly it was one she professed to be happy with, but…was she? Stuart had unsettled her, against her better judgment.
Paul and Louisa told her the story behind La Folie and Natalie was enchanted. She hadn’t realised Louisa had come over from London to find her father, Malcolm, the founder of the natural heath centre and spa. Nick filled up everyone’s glasses.
‘And you’ve only recently married?’
‘Yes, in April. It’s been quite a year! Dad’s now with Gillian, the wonderful doctor who’s done so much for Charlotte’s mum. They plan to marry this year. And we’re all excited about Charlotte and Andy’s first baby, of course.’ Louisa smiled at her friends.
Natalie asked Charlotte about her mother and was told she was in remission from cancer, thanks to Gillian’s alternative treatments.
‘My! You’ve all had so much going on this past year and all I’ve done is move back to Guernsey.’
Jeanne flopped down beside her, saying, ‘A bit more than that. You had to deal with a violent ex-boyfriend who had the gall to turn up here the other week. And there’s the issue of your ghosts…oh! Sorry.’ Jeanne clapped her hand over her mouth as Natalie frowned. She hadn’t wanted to discuss this now, even though Andy knew something of the story. Several pairs of eyes swivelled towards her.
‘Yes, there seems to be some kind of…of psychic stuff going on in the cottage. Related, we think, to the family of the previous owner.’ She looked at Andy. ‘Tabby and her partner were over last week and wanted to see the cottage. Tabby loved what you’d done to The Old Barn, by the way, as well as my place.’ She tugged at her hair, trying to decide how much to say.
‘Are you telling us you’re being haunted by Tabby’s parents?’ Andy looked shocked while Charlotte’s eyes sparkled with interest. Louisa and Paul were round-eyed while Nick looked crossly at his wife. Jeanne bit her lip.
‘At least one of them, her mother…’ Natalie gave an edited version of events, missing out the breaking of glasses. The rest was bad enough.
No-one spoke.
‘So Stuart knows everything, now?’ Jeanne asked at last.
‘Yes, and he’s as bemused as the rest of us. But he couldn’t dismiss the evidence of his own eyes. I think he feels responsible in some way, but that’s ridiculous. At least now I can be honest with him.’
Jeanne stood up. ‘Sorry to interrupt everyone, but the food’s ready. Nick, if you could give me a hand, please.’
After they had gone Paul reached for Natalie’s hand.
‘It sounds as if an unhappy soul hasn’t moved on. Have you spoken to a vicar?’ His soothing voice and kind expression was priest-like.
‘No, but I am thinking about it. If–’
‘Watch out, the dishes are hot.’ Nick set down a steaming casserole piled with pieces of chicken in a spicy sauce and Jeanne followed with dishes of vegetables and rice. Once plates were handed around everyone helped themselves.
‘Great! Isn’t it a nice change to have an Indian?’ Louisa spooned rice onto her plate, grinning at Paul.
He laughed. ‘She knows how much I love Indian food, since the days I spent out in the Ashrams.’
Natalie was intrigued and the conversation turned to Paul’s time in India. In time the focus returned to the haunting of her cottage.
‘I grew up in an awfully old house in Somerset and remember being told as a child it was haunted. An ancestor who died in mysterious circumstances, apparently, and they were supposed to appear in a particular room. Never did see anything myself, but steered clear of that area to be safe.’ Charlotte laughed, a deep, throaty laugh. ‘Like many children I was both fascinated and scared of the idea of ghosts. I’m not sure how I’d handle what’s happening to you, Natalie. You’re very brave.’
‘I don’t know about being brave. It’s not like I can make it stop. But I do want to find out what happened to cause the…the haunting and maybe then it will go away. Find peace, as you said, Paul.’ Natalie knew at that moment what she said was true. Discover the story behind the ‘restless spirit’ and help it to move on.
It was the only answer.