Chapter 17

‘H

i, it’s me, Freya. I’ve just come out of the meeting. Are you sitting comfortably?’

‘Just grabbing a chair. Okay, fire away.’ Jeanne’s heart pounded in unison with the somersaulting stomach.

‘Well, my friend, the powers that be really liked your proposal and are keen to publish. So what do you say to joining the ranks of our successful authors?’

Jeanne’s stomach finally calmed down and she let out a long breath. Wow! She was going to have a book published! Even though it wasn’t written yet – small point, really. She might be famous, make a lot of money…

‘Hey, are you there? You haven’t gone and had a heart attack, have you? Just when I need you!’

‘No, my heart’s still beating, though it’s a bit erratic at the moment. I’m just gobsmacked. It’s all happened so quickly.’

Freya chuckled, ‘You’re right there. Most writers would have to wait months for a decision, assuming they could get through to a publisher in the first place. They liked your fresh approach with the background of a love story and the Occupation, and anything to do with food seems to be flavour of the month, if you’ll excuse the pun. By the way, they also liked the proposed title, Recipes for Love.’

‘So, the fact that you and I are old friends didn’t play any part?’ Jeanne laughed.

‘We…ll, let’s just say it smoothed the way a bit. But it’s your idea, your book which

has secured the deal, so you can be proud of yourself, girl. I’m happy to have been of service. And I haven’t forgotten the offer of a splendido night out as my reward.’

‘Fair enough. As long as it’s a good deal, remember. Has anything been said about that?’

‘No figures were mooted. We have to get our publishing costs confirmed first once the format’s been chosen. My boss will contact your agent so that a contract can be negotiated. What did she think of it?’

‘Sally rang to say she really liked it, too, and if you didn’t make me an offer she had another publisher in mind. So I do have a Plan B to keep you on your toes.’

‘I don’t think you’ll need it. There was a definite buzz of excitement round the table this morning so I’m sure we’ll come up with a good deal. The big question is how long is it going to take you to write the book? I think we’d like to publish next year, certainly in time for the Christmas market, always a boost for sales.’

Jeanne did a mental review of what she’d planned to include in the book before answering. ‘That should be possible. The priority is making sure all the recipes work with modern oven temperatures etc. But I’ve got someone in mind to help with that.’

‘Sounds like you’re as efficient as ever, girl. It’ll take a couple of weeks before the contract’s sorted so don’t go ordering that swimming pool yet will you?’ Freya’s throaty laugh echoed down the line.

‘Don’t worry. Remember I’m sensible as well as efficient. Or at least that’s what I tell myself! So, shall I phone you or will you phone me?’

‘Let’s say whoever knows the details first, shall we? I want to know when to buy my new party frock! Talk to you soon. Byee.’

Jeanne sat still for a long while, her mind racing along various avenues. Even though she didn’t know the financial value of the contract yet, just publishing her first book would be rewarding enough. Her writing career was heading in a different direction than she’d visualised when turning freelance. Her head buzzed with ideas for future books. Perhaps she could write an historical novel, based in the islands? Or France? Her research for the current book might prove invaluable.

The flow of adrenaline finally prompted Jeanne to move and she remembered the furniture that needed polishing. Right, first things first, she said to herself. Polishing comes before writing bestsellers as it might help raise some much needed cash now.

Once all the various pieces were gleaming she had time for a quick lunch and a call to Kate with the good news, before her meeting with Molly.

Her aunt was overjoyed. ‘Darling, I’m so proud of you. It’s what I always hoped would happen. But how are you going to write with all that building work going on?’

‘Ah, fair comment. Perhaps I could ask Molly if I can work at her place. I’m sure I’ll sort something out. And that reminds me, I must get off to Molly’s soon for my first session of hypnosis. I’ll ring again soon.’

‘Good luck with the session, my dear. I so want you to be able to put the past behind you. Take care.’

Jeanne had a quick wash and change of clothes and although she felt cleaner and cooler she was not much calmer as she set off to Molly’s, experiencing a mix of emotions, including anxiety about the hypnosis.

Molly gave her a keen look as she shepherded her through to the study at the back.

‘Right, it’s as plain as the nose on my face that you’re bursting with something and I think it’s something good. Do you want to share it with me or are you just going to hold on until you burst?’

Jeanne grinned. ‘There’s no hiding anything from you, is there? If you must know, the publishers like my book and they’ll shortly be discussing a contract with my agent.’

‘Oh, Jeanne, that’s wonderful news. No wonder you’re so excited! I can see I’ll have my work cut out getting you to relax today. Are you going to be rich?’ Molly asked, giving Jeanne a hug.

‘I doubt it. But I won’t know how much money’s involved for a couple of weeks. So, I definitely need to learn to relax or I’ll be bouncing off the ceiling!’ she chuckled.

‘Right, we’d better get started then, hadn’t we? Make yourself comfortable in the recliner. Good. How does that feel?’

‘Fine, thanks. Wouldn’t mind one of these myself.’

‘Now, I’ll just explain what I’ll be doing and what we hope to achieve before I begin. Hypnosis is a natural state of deep relaxation which we all go through as we fall asleep and come back through as we wake up. It’s best described as that lovely, dreamy state we gently wake up to. And it’s definitely not mumbo jumbo!’

‘I never thought it was. Can’t imagine you as a witch doctor – you’re not fierce enough.’

Molly smiled wryly. ‘Believe me, when I first started using hypnosis, many moons ago, there were people here who certainly thought I must be a witch or something equally nefarious. But, let’s continue. I want to emphasise that hypnosis is natural, like meditation or yoga, but without the contortions. All right so far?’

‘Yes, that sounds fine.’

‘Right. Now basically I do not hypnotise you, you hypnotise yourself. It’s as if I’m reading from a book of instructions and you’re carrying them out. So all hypnosis is self-hypnosis and if you respond well enough I’ll teach you how to do it for yourself. Which I think you’ll find pretty useful by the sound of things!’

‘You’re right there! But will it take me a long time to practise?’

‘Only about three or four minutes, once you’ve got the hang of it. So you’ll still have plenty of time to write bestsellers and organise property renovations, never fear. But today I want to concentrate on helping you to relax here. We can use hypnosis to help change the pattern of thinking, by using positive suggestions to help you see things differently. I use this technique a lot to overcome fears and phobias and it should help with your fear of the sea and boats. And, as I’ve already explained, we can use hypnosis to unearth the buried memories that are still causing you problems. Even before we uncover exactly what did happen that night you could begin to feel more relaxed about swimming or going out in a boat. How does that sound?’

‘I’d be really happy if you could help me with that fear. In some ways that’s been more of a problem than the lost memory.’

‘Of course. This may take a few sessions, but I would hope you’d feel the benefit after about three. And then we’ll focus on recovering that lost memory. Now, I shall talk to you in a soothing manner, guiding you into a relaxed state. I call it a verbal massage and it’s very pleasant. Once you’re physically and mentally relaxed I’ll come in with those positive suggestions. Any questions so far?’

‘No, all sounds very clear.’

Molly then proceeded to talk in a slow measured manner and Jeanne felt herself drifting into a dreamlike state. After what felt like five minutes, Molly asked her to open her eyes.

‘So, how was that?’

‘It was lovely. I could hear what you were saying but it was as if you were far away and I was floating somewhere else. When you asked me to picture myself in a favourite place I immediately went back to when I was a child, with my family at Moulin Huet, having a picnic.’

Jeanne smiled at the memory and for a moment felt as if she was still that small, innocent and happy child.

‘Good. And are you relaxed now?’

‘Sure am. I’m impressed. I didn’t really think I’d react like that at all.’ Jeanne’s voice sounded dreamy and, as she glanced at the clock, was surprised to see twenty minutes had elapsed.

‘I’m pleased because this means you’re receptive and we’re more likely to get the desired result. Shall we meet next Monday at the same time?’

‘Yes, no problem. I’ll look forward to it, thanks.’

‘I think it’s time to put the kettle on now, don’t you?’

They decamped to the kitchen and over a cup of tea and the requisite slices of gâche, Jeanne went into more detail about Freya’s phone call. Molly seemed as excited as if it was her own publishing debut and insisted that Jeanne come round for dinner the following evening so they could celebrate properly.

As she was getting up to leave Jeanne remembered the favour she had to ask.

‘Molly, when the builders move in it’s going to get incredibly noisy and I need to work on my book. Is there any chance of my working here during the day, a few days a week?’

Molly frowned. ‘There shouldn’t be a problem until mid-July, but after that we’ve got first my sister and her family and then Peter’s cousins coming over for most of the summer, making it difficult. I’m so sorry, you know we’d love to help,’

‘Not to worry. I’d appreciate the weeks you’re free and I’ll sort something else out for later, I’m sure.’

Jeanne left the cottage still relaxed and uplifted and almost floated home. Now no longer afraid of hypnosis she had every confidence in Molly’s ability to steer her into a safe harbour and retrieve her buried memories. She must stop being so fearful of new experiences, she told herself as she arrived home.

Later that evening Jeanne was more successful with the second favour she had to ask.

‘Hi, Colette. It’s me, Jeanne. Is this a good time to talk?’

‘Yes, no problem. Something up?’

‘No, I’ve actually had some good news and I’d be glad of your help.’

Jeanne explained about her book and the recipes that she needed checking out, revising the cooking instructions to ensure they were more appropriate to the present day rather than the nineteenth century.

‘Gosh, that sounds so exciting, Jeanne, and I’d love to help, but I don’t get a lot of free time. Not sure when I could do it.’

‘I’ve thought of that. Are you due any holiday or could you take unpaid leave and I’d pay you the going rate for your time? That way you wouldn’t be out of pocket and of course you’d be acknowledged in the book, and possibly the hotel too, if we needed to twist their arms. Free publicity and all that.’

‘I’d rather take unpaid leave and keep my holiday for when Scott’s free. I’ll ask my boss for a couple of weeks off and explain why. I’m sure he’ll be supportive. Will I have a sous chef? For the donkey work?’ Colette giggled.

‘You’ll have to make do with me, I’m afraid. I’ll buy all the ingredients and help with basic preparation, if I don’t get in your way. But will your kitchen be big enough for both of us?’

‘Hardly. But I could ask Nick if we could use his. He’s hardly ever there and it’s super equipped, Helen saw to that.’

‘Who’s Helen?’

‘Sorry, forgot you’ve not been back here long. Helen was Nick’s fiancée until about two years ago, when she suddenly upped sticks and ran off with some guy she’d met at work. She and Nick had been together for years and were planning to marry the month after she left. He was pretty heartbroken, as you can imagine, and has hardly been out with anyone since. Don’t think he trusts women very much and you can hardly blame him, can you?’

Jeanne was shocked.

‘Poor Nick! Is that why he doesn’t seem to respond to Sue’s advances? He’s just off women?’

‘I’m not sure he even notices how keen she is. She’s managed to get him to partner her a couple of times to work dos but it hasn’t led to anything. Mind you, I’ve noticed that he seems a bit more relaxed these days so perhaps she’s worn him down.’ Colette chuckled. She then added, ‘Mustn’t keep you gossiping. You’ve got a book to write!’

‘Thanks for reminding me. You work out the kitchen scenario once you’ve sweet talked your boss and let me know. I think it could be a lot of fun, as well as hard work. Talk soon.’

Well, well, well, Jeanne thought, absorbing the news about Nick. She could imagine his pain when Helen ran off, jilting him almost at the altar. On a small island like Guernsey, the news would have spread like wildfire and he wasn’t the sort of man to accept pity from others, no matter how well-meaning. She felt a surge of sympathy towards him but knew that there was nothing she could do. Still, she admitted to herself that she was glad he and Sue were not yet an item though, of course, it wasn’t anything to do with her, was it? With a deep sigh she brought herself back to her own problems, selling her furniture being the most immediate one.

The next morning Jeanne heard from the builder that he was free to start a week from the following Monday, giving her just under two weeks to get organised. And she hadn’t even ordered the kitchen! Well, if she could sell the furniture to Dan that would at least solve one problem. The calmness induced by the hypnosis was still very much in evidence and Jeanne sat down to work out exactly what needed to be done in the next two weeks, feeling more in control than she had for months.

Dan turned up just after eleven and Jeanne gave a start when she opened the door. He was tall and fair like Marcus but more heavily built and marked with a pale jagged scar on his left cheek, white against the tanned, lived in face. Glancing down at his big hands as he took one of hers in his, she could imagine him throttling someone quite easily and gulped.

He gave her a hard stare with the blue eyes so like Marcus’s, but yet so different.

‘Morning. Shall we get straight down to business? Busy day,’ he said abruptly.

‘Er, yes. Please come in,’ she said, leading him into the sitting room. He examined the cupboard and tables critically but made no comment, his face inscrutable. She then showed him the dining room and bedroom furniture, excluding the main bedroom. She needed something to sleep in.

Everything was thoroughly looked over before they returned downstairs.

‘It’s all solid, well made stuff and there’s no sign of woodworm. So I’m prepared to make you an offer for the lot,’ Dan said before naming a figure which, though not large, was certainly not to be sneezed at. As she led the way into the kitchen in order to offer him a coffee, Dan noticed the dresser.

‘Is this for sale as well? I’d certainly be interested in buying it. A Le Mesurier, isn’t it?’ He looked animated for the first time since his arrival.

‘I’m afraid it’s not for sale but you’re right, it’s a Le Mesurier. It’s my favourite piece and has sentimental value for me.’

‘We’d be talking thousands if you were to sell,’ he said, looking covetously at the dresser.

‘It’s still not for sale. But thanks for your interest and I’m happy to accept your offer on the other furniture.’ She was feeling increasingly uncomfortable as he ran his hand over the dresser, and was relieved when he refused any coffee.

‘I’ll bring my van tomorrow, if that’s all right? And I pay in cash.’ He looked around the shabby kitchen. ‘You staying on here, then?’

‘Yes, the builders are starting soon, which is why I’m having a clear out.’

‘Aren’t you the girl whose parents died in that boating accident some years ago?’

Again that intense stare unnerved her.

‘Yes, I am.’

‘I heard that you didn’t remember what happened.’

‘No, I didn’t. The doctors called it traumatic amnesia.’

‘Sometimes it’s best not to remember bad things that happen. What you don’t know can’t hurt you. Isn’t that right?’

‘Suppose so.’ She shifted her feet. ‘If we’ve finished, Dan, there are things I have to do.’

Nodding, he confirmed he’d be back on Wednesday about twelve and left a relieved Jeanne to make a much needed cup of coffee for herself.

What was it that had made her so edgy with Dan? she wondered, sipping her coffee. He hadn’t actually been threatening in his behaviour, just abrupt to the point of rudeness, but somehow there was an air of menace…She shivered. It was almost impossible to think of him as Marcus’s brother in spite of some physical similarity.

This thought prompted her to phone him.

‘Hi, it’s me. Am I interrupting anything important?’

‘No, not at all. I’m off to lunch in a minute. And it’s always good to hear from you,’ Marcus said warmly.

‘I thought I’d let you know that Dan’s been round and has agreed to buy all the furniture I’m selling. So that’s a relief.’

‘What’s he paying you?’

Jeanne told him and he seemed to think it was fair, though not overgenerous.

‘Still, he didn’t rip you off so I’m glad about that.’

‘I couldn’t help noticing the scar on his face. Has he had an accident?’

He laughed shortly. ‘No, he got in a fight when he was seventeen and high on drugs and someone cut him with a broken bottle. He was in Morocco with some mates and didn’t get decent medical help so the wound failed to heal properly, leaving that nasty scar. Dan didn’t seem too bothered, made him look like the tough guy he wanted to be. Hey! You don’t fancy him do you?’

‘Oh, no, definitely not. Don’t be silly! To be honest, I found him a bit rude. But please don’t tell him or he might back out of the deal.’

‘No worries on that score, we hardly speak. Now, how about coming out to dinner with me on Friday? We could go to Christie’s. Might be warm enough to sit out on the balcony.’

‘Lovely, thanks. Bye for now.’

Jeanne was thoughtful after her call to Marcus. She now realised why she had felt the way she had with Dan. It wasn’t just the scar that had unnerved her. It had been his eyes. Although not an expert on drug use, she had seen the signs at university. She was convinced that Dan was still a drug user and, with his history, he was definitely not to be trusted. She’d prefer not to have anything more to do with him. It was a relief to know that she wouldn’t have to, once he’d paid for the furniture.