Chapter 23

A

fter the phone call from the inspector, Jeanne made a few calls. The first was to Martin with the green light on the building work and he offered to return with his men after lunch. The next was to Nick and they arranged to meet at Beaucette Marina that afternoon.

The third call was to Reverend Ayres.

‘Morning, Vicar. I need your help please, if you’re not too busy.’

Jeanne arrived at the marina on the north-east coast just before two o’clock. She parked near The Marina Restaurant, handily placed for boat owners wanting a break from cooking in their galleys. It was strange to be there after so many years. The boats moored on the pontoons looked much bigger and flashier than the ones she remembered seeing as a girl. As she was gazing at the largest yacht thinking that it looked like a floating palace, Nick drove up in his jeep.

‘Beautiful, isn’t she? Way, way out of my league! But I think you’ll agree that La Belle Élise isn’t bad for her size.’

He gave her a quick hug before leading her down to the main access ramp then turned right towards the furthest pontoon, near the harbour entrance. The marina had been formed from a disused gravel pit and the steep sides provided protection from the elements. It was a perfectly still day and the boats barely stirred in the water.

‘Well, just looking at the boats feels okay which I couldn’t have said a few weeks ago. I used to love going out with my parents on their small cruiser and fishing with my grandfather on his dory. I know the sea’s in my blood – I just need to feel safe again.’

‘Let’s hope my boat proves the turning point, then – here she is,’ he said, pointing to the last boat along the pontoon. Moored in splendid isolation from any others, Jeanne was able to have a good look at her.

‘She’s a Fairline Sun Fury, just over twenty-six foot, built about ten years ago. I want to do a complete refit and overhaul the engines but basically she’s in reasonable condition for her age.’

Nodding, Jeanne said, ‘She’s quite attractive with those stripes on the hull and that bow looks long enough for sunbathing.’

‘Typical woman! You’ll be pleased to know there’s a sunbathing mat supplied for just that purpose. Ready to go aboard?’ he asked, watching Jeanne’s expression.

‘Aye, aye captain,’ she grinned at him.

La Belle Élise was moored astern and they climbed in to the aft cockpit after Nick had removed the cover. Steps led down to the galley which, although compact, was equipped with a sink, fridge, oven, hob and a grill.

‘I’m impressed! Dad’s boat was pretty basic compared to this,’ Jeanne remarked as she moved forward into the main cabin area composed of banquette seating around a central table. Nick showed her the head, with a loo and shower and then the second cabin with two berths.

‘So, what’s the reaction?’

‘Mm, I like the boat, for sure. And I think I could live on board for a while – as long as she doesn’t move! Thank you, Nick, I’d like to accept your offer of sanctuary.’ She smiled and then as a thought struck her, added, ‘Ah, but I forgot to ask about rent, didn’t I?’

Nick shook his head, ‘Don’t be daft, I don’t want rent. I want to help you out – mind you, as you’re about to become wealthy perhaps I should charge you!’

‘Hey, I haven’t had any money yet and it will be spread out over months of work when I do get it. But I’ll happily pay for my electricity – I don’t want you to be out of pocket.’

Nick locked up the cabin and as they returned to the car park he explained about the facilities available which included a launderette, hot showers and WCs. As they stood by the cars Jeanne told him about the inspector’s phone call and the final letter from Wilhelm.

‘It’s all looking pretty conclusive, isn’t it? Are you hoping to find out what happened to Wilhelm?’

‘Yes, I want to talk to old friends of Gran if I can trace them,’ she twisted her hair. ‘I’m off to the police now for the DNA swab and I’m hoping that the Inquest can be held soon. I just want to bury that poor baby as soon as I can.’

Nick hugged her. ‘Of course, and if there’s anything I can do to help, please call me.’ He paused a moment, searching her face before adding, ‘Unless you’d rather call Marcus?’

‘Marcus and I are not really talking at the moment. So I’d prefer to phone you, if that’s okay.’

‘Oh, I see. Well, anytime, just shout.’

They parted and drove off, Nick to the Bridge and his workshop and Jeanne to the police station in Town. A female officer quickly took the swab from the inside of her cheek and when she handed over the letters promised to return them promptly.

Back at the cottage the builders had been and gone. When she checked the small bedroom, she saw that Ed must have finished laying his pipes as most of the floorboards had been replaced. After a look around at the other rooms Jeanne headed for the kitchen and put the kettle on in readiness for her visitor.

About four thirty the doorbell rang.

‘Good afternoon, Jeanne. I was pleased you called,’ Reverend Ayres smiled at her as he grasped her outstretched hand.

‘Hello, Vicar. I’m so glad you’re here. Please come in.’

She led him into the kitchen, the only room relatively untouched by chaos.

‘Would you like some tea before we go upstairs?’ she asked, beginning to feel a little nervous.

‘I’d rather have some afterwards, if you don’t mind. We might both appreciate it more then.’

‘Okay, I’ll lead the way.’

Jeanne -opened the door to the small bedroom and they walked in.

‘So, this is where the body was found?’ he asked and Jeanne nodded and pointed to the area now boarded.

‘I don’t feel cold, as you described, but I do feel that something isn’t right. Maybe traces of energy from your grandmother’s suffering – that’s what we need to disperse. Do you have any cushions? I’m afraid my old knees don’t bend like they used to.’

Jeanne fetched some cushions from the sitting room and after the vicar lit the candle he’d brought with him they both kneeled while he prayed out loud. It wasn’t a prayer that she recognised but it seemed to be seeking solace for the spirits of both the baby and her grandmother. The vicar’s voice resonated reassuringly around the small room. Jeanne could have sworn that the candle flame grew bigger and brighter as he prayed. Finally he asked her to join with him in the Lord’s Prayer and by the time they’d finished, tears were pricking at her eyes. In spite of this she was suffused with a tremendous feeling of calm and release.

‘Thanks, Vicar. That…that was lovely. I can already sense a change in here, can you?’

‘Yes, something has changed, my dear, the pain has gone at long last. I’m so gratified you sought my help. And I’m ready for that cup of tea now!’ His eyes crinkled as he smiled.

While they were drinking their tea Jeanne told him about the post mortem result and the DNA test she had undertaken.

‘I’m technically the only living relative of the baby but I don’t know if Wilhelm is still alive and I’d dearly like to find him,’ she said. Pausing for another sip, she went on, ‘My friend Molly has told me that some of Gran’s friends attended her funeral. I’d like to talk to them and see if they know anything about Wilhelm. Would you know who they are?’

He pursed his lips. ‘I know two of them who were at the funeral, Mrs Ozanne and Mrs Robins who are both my parishioners. Would you like me to talk to them? Discreetly of course. I’d simply ask if they knew your grandmother during the Occupation as you’re researching your family history. Would that be all right?’

‘Oh, Vicar, that’s great! And your story’s true as I’m writing a book about my family. I’d be happy to go and see them if they’d agree. You really are God sent, aren’t you?’ she smiled at the vicar, who started chuckling.

‘What a lovely compliment! Let’s hope I can ‘come up with the goods’ as the saying goes. Now, before I set off on my mission, have you given any thought to the burial of that poor baby?’

‘Yes, I have. I’d love you to conduct a service for her and I rather hoped she could be buried with her mother. Would that be allowed?’ she asked anxiously.

‘I don’t see why not. It’s slightly out of the ordinary but…’ he shrugged and smiled at Jeanne, ‘I think we can call this an exceptional case, and although it won’t be a conventional funeral I can offer a service of burial which should be acceptable to all. We can discuss it again after the inquest. Now, I’d better get going. I’ll be in touch.’

Jeanne showed him out, feeling excited that she might be a step nearer to tracing Wilhelm. To reassure herself she went up to the little bedroom and opened the door to find – nothing. No chill, no feelings of unease. Just a perfectly ordinary empty room.

After a lot of thought Jeanne realised that it would be better all round if she moved out of the cottage now, staying first with the Ogiers and then on the boat.

Martin was visibly relieved when she explained her plan the next day, promising to allow her back as soon as he could. She was to keep in touch and make frequent site visits. Once she’d transferred her incoming calls to her mobile Jeanne set off back to Molly’s with her cases. The rest of that morning she made good progress with her French research having been guided by Molly on how to understand the websites. Just before lunchtime she made a big breakthrough. Tracing back through the generations, she’d finally found the Parisian restaurateurs. As their names, Louis and Hortense Bonnet, appeared on the screen she let out a whoop of joy. Wow! I’ve done it! I’ve found them. But, boy, it wasn’t easy! If only my French had been stronger. Still, I’ve got there and perhaps I can still justify a trip to Paris for some extra colour. Might even be able to trace the original restaurant! And I could afford Le Shopping once my advance arrives!

On this happy note Jeanne decided she deserved a treat now and took herself off to a café along the coast specialising in fresh fish. In need some exercise she then set off for a walk on the beach at Rocquaine, filling her lungs with the salty air as the hot sun caressed her skin. It wasn’t exactly as peaceful as she’d have liked as the raucous cries of seagulls pierced the sky overhead, attracted by the detritus from the fishing boats now safely back in the bay. As she was heading back to her car to escape their racket her mobile rang.

‘Hello, Jeanne. John Ayres here, is it a good time to talk?’

‘Yes, fine, Vicar. Have you got some news for me?’

‘Well, it’s looking promising. I saw Mrs Ozanne this morning and she confirmed that she and your grandmother had been friends since school and were close all through the war, living near each other as they did. She would be happy for you to visit her for a chat and I’ll give you her telephone number. You'll find her as bright as a button and, like most old people, would thoroughly enjoy talking about the past. I haven’t contacted Mrs Robins yet, thought I’d see how you get on with Mrs Ozanne. I wish you luck!’

‘Thanks, Vicar. I really appreciate your help and I’ll let you know how it goes.’

Jeanne made a note of the telephone number and was so impatient to see the old lady that she rang her straight away. Mrs Ozanne sounded a little frail but spoke clearly, suggesting that she called in for tea about four thirty.

As Jeanne switched off her phone she noticed her hand was shaking.

This could be it, she told herself, the adrenalin pumping through her body. This could be the last piece of the jigsaw. The answer to the mystery. What had happened to Wilhelm?