Chapter 26

S

ue did not arrive and Jeanne forced herself to relax. They sampled each of the choices for the different courses and Jeanne wrote down both her own and Nick’s comments. So far, so good, as the food was as tasty as it looked. Colette had worked out the modern oven temperatures to perfection.

When they had cleared away the dirty plates and sealed up the leftovers Nick made some coffee with the fanciest espresso machine Jeanne had ever seen.

‘Trying to emulate James Bond, are you?’ she said, arching her eyebrows.

‘Hell, no. It was chosen by someone else. They had to have the best of everything and this was top of the range. On the plus side it does make fantastic coffee. But it took me ages to work out how to operate all the bells and whistles!’

They had eaten at the kitchen table and continued to sit there with their coffee, relaxed and replete after their meal.

‘So, any more news since I last saw you?’

‘The DNA test proved a good match and the inquest is likely to be later this week, meaning we might have the burial on Saturday. Oh! I haven’t told you about Mrs Ozanne, have I?’ He shook his head. She told him about the illuminating meeting with the old lady and he listened attentively.

‘Well, that’s all good. Now you know what happened you can finish the story. Anything else?’

‘I signed the contract on Thursday so am now waiting impatiently for my first cheque.’

‘Great news! You have had a busy week, haven’t you? Surprised you find time to write. We’ll have to celebrate properly when you do get your money,’ he said, his face breaking into a smile.

Jeanne’s stomach flipped over. Did he mean taking her out somewhere? Would it be a date? She thought it safer to change the subject.

‘Have you started work on that new boat yet?’

‘The hull’s being made in England and will be shipped over to us to in a week or two. It’s literally a skeleton so we’ll have plenty to do when it arrives. But we’re still finishing off smaller contracts at the moment, so keeping busy,’ he paused. ‘Are you still happy about moving onto the boat next week?’

‘Yes, I think so. I haven’t managed much hypnosis lately but I’m feeling more confident. Guess there’s a way to go before I’ll be free of the worst of the fear.’

‘Any more flashbacks?’

‘No, not since that day I met you in the café. And with everything else that’s been happening I haven’t really given them much thought. But it’s another mystery to solve before I can truly get on with my life,’ she said wistfully.

‘So, what do you see yourself doing with the rest of your life?’ Nick asked, his deep blue eyes locked onto hers.

‘Well…I want to settle down here properly. Finish the cottage, build up my social life and focus on my career as a writer. Once I’ve finished this book I plan to start another, possibly fiction this time, I’m not sure,’ she answered, a little fazed by his question. Why’s he looking at me like that? And his questions are getting a bit personal. That’s not supposed to happen!

‘Don’t you want to settle down with someone? Have a family?’

Jeanne frowned. ‘Yes, one day. But I’ve only recently come out of a long-term relationship and I had a…a miscarriage a few months ago.’

‘I’m so sorry. I didn’t know, forgive me. I just thought as you’d been going out with Marcus…’

‘That wasn’t a proper relationship. More a friendship, really. But when the right man comes along, I’d be prepared to give him fair consideration,’ she smiled. ‘And what about you? Do you want to marry and have a family?’ She felt herself tense.

Nick was thoughtful. ‘I’m not against marriage and children. But it would have to be someone very special for me to make that commitment. I came close once, but it didn’t work out. Like you, I’m biding my time. Seems we’ve got something in common with our failed relationships, haven’t we?’ he said, pulling a face.

‘Mm, yes. Look, I’d better get going. Got to make the hazardous journey down the west coast remember. Perhaps I’ll see you tomorrow,’ she said, standing up, feeling a sudden desire to leave, even though part of her wanted to stay.

‘There’s a reasonable chance of that, seeing that I live here,’ he said, amused.

She stood in the kitchen, hopping from foot to foot, wondering whether to just say goodbye and leave when Nick came over and gave her a hug.

‘Thanks for a great meal and great company. Can we eat together tomorrow night as well?’

‘I…I’m not sure if Molly’s planned anything. I’ll let you know. Glad you enjoyed the food.’ As she turned to go Nick kissed her cheek.

‘Take care. Watch out for dangers on the road home,’ he said, grinning.

Jeanne smiled and mumbled goodnight before going out to her car. As she drove down the ‘dangerous’ road she realised that any danger lay closer to home. In the cottage she’d just left there was a man she was in grave danger of falling in love with.

The next couple of days passed quickly. Jeanne and Colette produced more delights in Nick’s kitchen and in the evenings he and Jeanne ate the various courses as they chatted. She had not wanted to lie and pretend she was expected at Molly’s and, for some reason, Molly had actually encouraged her to stay and eat with Nick. Is she trying to push us together? Jeanne wondered. The only thing which marred the otherwise enjoyable meals together was the spectre of Sue bursting in on them.

On Tuesday the inspector had phoned to say that the inquest was fixed for eleven o’clock on Thursday and he saw no reason why the body could not be released for burial. Jeanne phoned Reverend Ayres and he agreed to conduct a service at nine thirty on Saturday, well before a wedding booked for that day.

Jeanne then phoned Mrs Ozanne with the news and it was arranged that Jeanne would collect her on the way to the church. Nick, Colette, Rachel, Molly and Peter were also going to attend and when Jeanne mentioned it to Martin he said he’d like to pay his respects too.

‘I knew your grandmother a bit, remember, and I found that poor baby o’ hers. I’d be honoured to be there,’ he said gravely. Jeanne was very touched and had to blink away a tear.

The inquest was straightforward and Jeanne did not have to say anything. The magistrate outlined the circumstances of the finding of the body before saying there was sufficient evidence to identify the remains as that of the stillborn child of Jeanne Ozanne, born on February 19th 1945. The whole procedure lasted about fifteen minutes and once again Jeanne found herself outside the Royal Court.

As she stood on the steps trying to shake off the feeling of sadness which had overtaken her, she was joined by the inspector.

‘You must be glad that’s over, Jeanne. I understand a burial’s been arranged for Saturday?’

‘Yes, Inspector. It will be a relief to lay little Marie to rest properly. And I’d like to thank you for the way you handled the investigation. You were very understanding,’ she smiled at him.

He looked uncomfortable, as if not used to being thanked by a member of the public.

‘Thank you. I just do my best and it was a sad business, that baby. But I understand it’s not the only mystery in your family,’ he said, giving her a jolt. ‘As yet no-one’s been traced in connection with the death of your parents and I don’t like unsolved cases. I didn't move here until a few years ago and I’ve inherited the case from my predecessor. You were the only witness, I believe?’

She nodded. ‘Apparently. I was knocked out at some point and suffered amnesia, but I’ve been getting flashbacks and am having hypnosis to help recover my memory.’

The inspector’s face lit up. ‘What do you remember so far?’

Jeanne told him about the white boat which looked like a speedboat and what she saw happen to her mother.

‘This could prove quite a breakthrough. I’ll get the file out and see how it fits. You will let me know as soon as you remember anything else, won’t you?’

‘Of course! I want this solved even more than you do. It’s haunted me for the past fifteen years and I want to see it laid to rest, just like Marie. I’m really pleased that you’re in charge, Inspector. I have every confidence in you,’ she said warmly.

The inspector cleared his throat. ‘Right, I’ll wait to hear from you, then. And if I discover anything I’ll let you know immediately,’ he said, before going off towards the nearby police headquarters.

Jeanne was thoughtful as she drove up to Bordeaux. She believed the meeting with the Inspector was significant – perhaps a sign that the remaining mystery in her life would soon be solved. She sincerely hoped so.

By Friday afternoon Jeanne was beginning to be sick of the sight of food in all its shapes and textures. She could not understand why anyone would want to devote their working life to preparing and cooking food for the masses. But Colette was in her element and made it clear she was enjoying herself.

‘You know, Jeanne, this has been great. It’s so different to working in the hotel kitchen where I get orders shouted at me all day long. This week has made me more determined than ever to have my own restaurant one day.’

‘Well, you’re certainly a great cook. Every dish you’ve made has been delicious and beautifully presented. If I had the money I’d set you up in business myself.’

Colette replied, cheekily, ‘You’ll have to write another book and collect an even bigger advance then you could do just that!’

They both laughed and carried on with the seemingly endless preparation. Jeanne had meant what she said but knew it was expensive to set up a restaurant locally, thanks to the high cost of living in Guernsey. Colette was so bubbly as well as hard working that she had a good chance of success. There must be some way, Jeanne thought, as she continued chopping.

Colette took pity on her a few minutes later and declared that it was time for a break and Jeanne was free to escape to her beloved computer. They sat drinking tea, thankful that the day’s meal was now cooking in the oven and they could relax.

‘I was wondering if Sue and Nick had become an item yet. After all, she’s been pursuing him for a while now.’

‘Oh, I know she has but Nick was never interested in a relationship with her. He was happy to be just friends, helped to balance the numbers in the group. But I’ve heard that she’s now met someone who appreciates her obvious charms!’ she grinned.

‘I’m so pleased for her. That’s great.’ For me too!

She went off to work in the sitting room while Colette carried on happily in the kitchen, humming along to the pop music erupting from the radio.

As Jeanne drove home that evening she was glad that Nick had been busy and not able to join her for dinner. Now that she knew he was still single she felt more unsure of herself than when she thought he might be unavailable. They were both free to pursue a relationship and much as she fancied him she was still scared. She sighed as she pulled into Molly’s drive. Was she getting close to ‘snaring that dishy man’ as Freya put it, or did he just see her as a friend? Was she even ready for a relationship? After all, she’d been telling everyone, including herself, that she wasn’t. She just didn’t know.

A little later Jeanne was watching a particularly gripping drama on television with Peter and Molly when her mobile rang. She went into the kitchen to answer it and found, to her dismay, that it was Marcus.

‘Hi Jeanne. How are you?’

‘Okay, thanks. And you?’

‘Fine. But I’ve missed you. I really want us to be friends again. Please could we make a fresh start? I know I’ve handled things badly and I’m sorry. I’d like to explain how I feel properly. Can I come round and see you?’

‘It’s not a good time as I’m about to move tomorrow.’

‘But where are you going? Why are you leaving the Ogiers’?’ His voice grew louder and she felt angry.

‘I have to leave as Molly has visitors arriving so I’m going to stay on a…a friend’s boat until I can return to the cottage.’

‘A boat! But you’re scared of boats, you told me that! How can you bear to stay on a boat?’

‘I’m not as scared now as I’ve been having hypnosis to help. Now, Marcus, I really have to go. I’ll call you sometime.’ She switched off her mobile and took a few deep breaths, feeling angry – angry with Marcus for pursuing her like that and angry with herself for saying more than she’d intended. Not wanting him to know about the boat, but at least he didn’t know whose it was. She squared her shoulders, took another deep breath and went back to the fictional drama playing out on the screen in front of her. Not a patch on her own real one, she thought wryly.

It was a beautiful day on Saturday. A day more suited to weddings than the burial of a tiny infant who hadn’t had a chance to live, Jeanne reflected as she arrived at the church with Mrs Ozanne. Other cars pulled up and the small group gathered together, exchanging muted greetings before making their way inside. It felt so cold in the church after the heat of the sun that the women, in light summer dresses or separates, shivered while the men were glad of their jackets. Reverend Ayres was waiting to welcome them with his warm, sympathetic smile and firm handshake.

They walked down the nave towards the altar and Jeanne gasped as she saw the tiny white coffin on a small white covered stand. The white signified the innocence of a child and for a moment her legs trembled. Images of the little body of Marie mingled with that of the imagined, even tinier foetus from her own miscarriage. It was only Nick’s hand holding her elbow firmly which kept her steady.

It was a simple service, reserved for stillborn and neo-natal deaths with a short address from the vicar to be followed by a hymn. Jeanne had chosen ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’. Reverend Ayres stood at the side of the coffin and in his deep, resonant voice referred to the sad circumstances surrounding Marie’s birth and lack of life. Although brief it was beautifully phrased and Jeanne felt comforted that he had also conducted the funerals for both her parents and grandmother.

The singing of the hymn, so well-loved by children, lifted the spirits of the small congregation and although they were few, the sound they produced resounded around the church.

It was a shock going out into the sunshine again. Eyes blinked and sunglasses were dug out of bags or pockets. The vicar led the way to the grave which had been dug out, exposing old Mrs Le Page’s coffin. Peter had volunteered to carry the small coffin and he now gently placed it by the side of the larger one. It was not much bigger than a shoe box and looked so tiny in the grave.

The vicar intoned the appropriate prayers and the assembled group made their due responses. It was over in minutes and Jeanne placed a bunch of freesias in the grave before moving away.

Reverend Ayres stood at the lychgate shaking hands with the mourners and had a particularly long chat with Mrs Ozanne. Jeanne had noticed her crying silently in the church. She was still dabbing at her eyes as the vicar spoke to her. Jeanne felt so sorry for the old lady who had convinced herself that Marie’s death had been her fault.

At last she moved away and Jeanne approached him.

‘That was a really moving service, Vicar. Just what I’d hoped for. I’m sure Gran will truly rest in peace now.’

He nodded solemnly. ‘There’s no doubt about that, Jeanne. No doubt at all. Now, you just take care of yourself and I look forward to seeing you here again when you bring your lovely flowers. God Bless.’

The group made their way to the parked cars and after hugs and goodbyes had been exchanged Jeanne helped Mrs Ozanne into her car. After dropping her back home Jeanne was to return to Molly’s to start packing, once again. It was time to move on. She had to prove to herself that she had really conquered her fear of boats in order to live on one for several weeks. She must be mad! Just then she caught Nick’s eye and it came to her that what was helping her beat this fear, apart from the hypnosis, was that Nick, so big, strong and reliable, would be there for her. She only had to call him.