Chapter 37

T

he next few days passed in a haze of final preparations for the wedding. Nicole helped the cleaner, Liz, to go through the house thoroughly, so that even the rooms not being used still had a clean and tidy. With the weather forecast to remain fine for Saturday, Hélène decided to use the garden, hiring chairs and tables with parasols. As a backup the house was more than large enough to cater for the forty invited guests.

Eve conserved her strength by resting as much as possible. But she liked to keep her finger on the pulse and would ask Hélène and Nicole to keep her updated on the progress of the preparations, offering advice as she deemed appropriate. One of her good ideas was to ask the ladies from the Western WI, of which she had been a member, to arrange flowers from the garden in the church. Two ladies turned up to cut flowers chosen by Hélène, bearing them off to St Philippe’s to fill the altar vases.

Nicole only saw Ben when he came round to check on Eve. His visits were not medically essential as Eve seemed stable, but they reassured the family. It was agreed that he would move in at the weekend while Hélène and Adrian spent a couple of nights in Jersey. They didn’t want a longer honeymoon while worried about Eve. The carers would come in as usual and at no time would Eve be on her own. Nicole kept her company when she could and, although still intrigued about Eve’s experiences during the war, hadn’t pursued her questioning.

Adrian came round to mow the lawn and tidy the hedges on Thursday and Nicole noticed that he looked distracted as he talked to Hélène in the garden. When she returned to the kitchen Nicole asked her if there was anything the matter.

Hélène frowned.

‘He still hasn’t heard from Karen about whether or not she’s coming to the wedding. He’ll be devastated if she doesn’t but she’s not answering his calls.’ She sighed, ‘I’d hate to be the cause of a family split but what can I do?’

‘Has Michael spoken to her? He is coming, isn’t he?’

‘Yes, he’s coming but I don’t know if he’s talked to Karen. I’ll have a word with Adrian later. Oh dear, families!’

Nicole gave her a hug.

‘Karen’s just making a point and I’m sure she’ll be there. Either way, it’s your day so don’t let anything spoil it for you. Go and sit down and I’ll make you a cup of tea.’

By Friday there’d still been no word from Karen but Michael had promised to have a word with her. It was a question of wait and see.

Saturday dawned warm and clear and as soon as the carers arrived for Eve, Nicole and Hélène drove off to the hairdressers in St Peter Port. Then it was on to the beauticians for a manicure and pedicure. They were home by eleven and Hélène went to check that Eve was properly attired in her dress and jacket while Nicole went into the kitchen to make coffee. Hélène wheeled Eve outside and Nicole remarked how well the blue suited her.

‘Thank you, my dear. I can’t wait to see you both in your glory later. And I like that new hairstyle, Hélène, it suits you.’

Hélène smiled, patting her flicked-out hair, a more youthful style than normal. ‘Thanks. Nicole talked me into something different and I’m glad she did.’

The women chatted over their coffee, an air of barely suppressed excitement flowing like an electric current between them. Hélène’s fingers tapped on the table as if she were pacing out a particularly fast tune. The heady perfume of roses hung in the air, mixing with the aroma of their fresh coffee. Nicole felt as if time was suspended, the hiatus before the real purpose of the day could begin. It didn’t last, the peace being shattered by the doorbell, announcing the arrival of the caterers.

Hélène and Nicole went to direct operations and moments later the flowers also arrived. The level of excitement went up a notch as the bouquets were admired. Hélène’s flowers, tightly packed cream roses and yellow freesias encased in glossy green leaves, were hand tied with a blue satin ribbon to match her dress. Nicole’s slightly smaller bouquet of roses and leaves was tied with a green ribbon.

‘They’re gorgeous, Hélène! Your florist friend’s done a great job,’ Nicole said, breathing in the fragrance. She looked at her watch before adding, ‘It’s time to get changed. I’ll bring Grandmother inside and fix her corsage before I go.’

Once she was dressed, Nicole went along to Hélène’s room to see if she needed a hand.

As Hélène opened the door there were mutual cries of admiration.

‘You look stunning, Hélène! Adrian will be bowled over!’

Hélène’s face glowed with pleasure.

‘Thanks, I hope so! And you make a gorgeous Matron of Honour!’

Nicole helped with her mother’s headdress before they went downstairs to join Eve in her sitting room.

As they walked in Eve looked up and, although she smiled, tears began to run down her face.

‘Are you all right, Mother?’ Hélène rushed over to her chair.

‘Yes, dear, I’m just overcome at the sight of you both. My beautiful girls! Let me have a closer look.’ Eve wiped her eyes as Nicole gave her a hug.

After reassuring herself Eve was fine Hélène went to check on the caterers.

Ben arrived shortly after to escort Eve to the church in a hired limousine. As he set eyes on Nicole, his face lit up and he let out an appreciative whistle. She dropped a mock curtsy and they shared a quick kiss before he wheeled Eve outside and lifted her into the car. Once the wheelchair was in the boot they left, waving at Nicole on the front step. Hélène stayed discreetly out of sight in the kitchen and Nicole joined her to collect her bouquet. The arrival of their own car was announced by the crunch of tyres on the gravel and mother and daughter, holding their flowers tightly, were greeted by the uniformed chauffeur bowing them into the car.

The white Rolls purred down the drive and Hélène reached out for Nicole’s hand.

‘I’m not dreaming, am I? I am sitting in a Rolls Royce on the way to my wedding, aren’t I?’

Nicole giggled.

‘It’s no dream, it’s for real. Now, just enjoy it. This is your day remember. It’ll be wonderful!’

***

The church bells rang out as the Rolls approached, the joyful sound seeming to echo around them. With weddings being rare occasions at St Philippe’s, a few heads popped out of windows to watch the car pull up. Ben, hovering in the porch, signalled their arrival to the vicar. As Hélène and Nicole stood at the door, the organ burst into life with the resounding sound of Wagner’s Bridal March. Hélène had asked Nicole to walk by her side down the aisle, only moving away as they reached the altar.

Hélène’s heart hammered as she stepped towards the man she loved, barely registering the congregation standing in welcome. The sun poured through the stained glass window behind the altar, splashing rainbows of colour across the white plastered walls. She smiled her joy as Adrian turned around. Glancing quickly at the pew behind him, she was relieved to see Karen, Luke in her arms, standing between Dave and Michael. As Hélène reached Adrian’s side their eyes locked and a feeling of calm spread through her whole being. At last, she was marrying the man she loved!

‘Dearly beloved…’

Cheers rang out in the garden of La Folie as the guests toasted the bride and groom, glasses of champagne held high. The caterers had spread the tables and chairs on the terrace and lawn, leaving the guests to sit where they wished. Neither Hélène nor Adrian wanted speeches, conscious of the feelings of his children. Hélène had wanted a little “pomp” as she called it in the church, but now informality reigned. Michael had sneaked in an iPod and speakers, setting it up on the terrace so that soon music was wafting across the garden. Nicole cornered him, asking which songs he’d chosen.

‘60s music mainly, being the most age-appropriate,’ he grinned. ‘And I’ve chosen a great track for the first dance,’ he added, tapping his nose.

‘Can’t wait to hear it!’ Nicole looked across at Karen, sitting at a table with her husband and son. She wore a long face and Dave seemed to be trying to cheer her up.

‘What did you say to convince Karen to come?’

Michael shuffled his feet.

‘I just asked her to think about how it would look to everyone if she didn’t. Guernsey’s a small island and people love to gossip. And Dad’s always been popular, everyone got on with him more than Mum. She…she didn’t have many friends, you know, and although I loved her, I can see why he fell for Hélène.’ He hesitated before continuing, ‘Karen’s not as angry about the affair itself as about the fact that you’re Dad’s daughter too. She’s jealous, Nicole. Jealous of you.’

‘Oh! I see. Well, let’s hope in time she’ll see there’s nothing to be jealous of, Michael. None of us can change the past and I for one am very happy with the way it’s turned out between them,’ she nodded towards the newlyweds.

‘Me too, Sis!’

Nicole grinned at him before joining Eve, holding court as the “mother of the bride”.

‘Enjoying yourself, Grandmother?’

‘Yes dear, it’s such fun isn’t it? Everyone’s been so kind and someone, I’m not sure who, even brought me a lovely selection from the buffet. Have you eaten yet?’

‘No, I’ll go in a minute. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.’

‘Off you go, before there’s nothing left!’ Eve chuckled.

On her way back from the dining room Nicole caught up with her parents, who’d been chatting to Peter and Molly Ogier. Mary seemed a little emotional as she kissed her.

‘Wasn’t it a lovely service? And I thought you both looked beautiful. We’ll chat later when everyone’s gone.’

Joining Ben at a table near the bride and groom, Nicole was finally able to relax. It had been a busy and poignant few hours and, judging by the laughing faces of Hélène and Adrian, with a happy outcome. She sighed, would she have a happy ending? Glancing at Ben through lowered lashes, she caught him looking at her intently.

He leant over, whispering, ‘Happy? I was very proud of you as you walked down the aisle, darling. I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.’

Nicole’s heart beat faster.

‘Of course I’m happy. And thank you, kind sir!’ She said lightly.

They carried on eating, only breaking off to chat to the other couple on the table. At a signal from the caterer, the wedding cake was brought out, prompting an outbreak of cheers and clapping. Hélène had chosen a simple iced sponge decorated with tiny iced roses encircling their entwined initials.

Once the cake had been ceremoniously cut, Michael called out ‘First dance!’ as he fiddled with the iPod. Adrian pulled a laughing Hélène to her feet as the sound of The Ronettes singing “Be My Baby” rang out from the speakers. Nicole grinned at Michael. A good choice!

After the bridal pair had completed a circle on the lawn, other couples got to their feet. Ben grabbed Nicole’s hand and whirled her into a fast waltz. As she spun round she noticed that Dave had managed to persuade Karen to dance. Thank goodness! Karen even managed a smile. Nicole settled happily into Ben’s arms.

By five o’clock the celebrations were drawing to a close. Hélène and Adrian went upstairs to change as the caterers started the clear-up. Some of the guests had already left while a stalwart few remained to cheer the bride and groom on their way. Nicole pushed Eve’s wheelchair into the hall for the send-off. As the taxi arrived, the remaining guests laughingly threw confetti over the newly-weds. Hélène turned her back to the group and threw her bouquet high in the air. Instinctively, Nicole rushed forward and caught it. As Hélène turned round she smiled and, giving her a hug, whispered, ‘You next!’