chapter forty-one

 

Guernsey 2011

 

The first change Fiona planned concerned the business, and she arranged to meet Ken after hours on Thursday evening in the shop. She hadn’t been in since the day they found the Australian business card and was a little apprehensive about how she’d feel. The Closed sign was up, and she used her key to open the door, setting off the bell. A quick look around allayed her fears, and she smiled as Ken came out of the office. After an exchange of pleasantries, she suggested they adjourn to a nearby pub. Once settled with their drinks she came straight to the point.

‘How would you feel about becoming a partner in the business, Ken?’

His eyes opened wide.

‘Well, this is a surprise! In fact, I was afraid you’d changed your mind about taking over again.’ He sipped his beer. ‘I’m honoured to be asked, but my savings are not likely to be sufficient for me to become an equal partner. What were you thinking?’

‘My thought was a split to suit us both. I don’t wish to pry, but do you have any money you could invest, even a relatively small amount?

She could see him performing a mental calculation and hid a smile. He was interested, for sure.

‘I’d have to confer with my lady wife, of course, but I do have money tied up in other investments which I could release.’ He tapped his glass, looking thoughtful. ‘Would somewhere around forty thousand be considered sufficient?’

‘Yes. I’d rather have you as a partner than sell the business, which could take ages. I want to have minimum involvement in the day to day running of it as I have other priorities. And of course, you’d still receive a salary plus a share of profits, which, judging by recent figures, are looking pretty healthy. We can draw up a contract through our advocates to ensure it’s fair to us both. What do you think?’

The gleam in Ken’s eyes was her answer.

‘I would be pleased to go ahead, assuming my wife agrees. As she seems happy with my working again, I don’t anticipate much of an issue.’ He frowned. ‘What happens if you do decide to sell in the future? Where would that leave me?’

‘I don’t think it’s likely, as I can afford to keep it as an investment. There’s more chance you will want to retire, and then we could sell the business and share the profit. Okay?’

He nodded and raised his glass.

‘I’ll drink to that!’

Fiona raised hers, breathing a sigh of relief. First step accomplished.

 

The next on her list was to devote more time writing the book for the V&A, which would also mean spending time at the museum for research. Now her reason for being in Guernsey had gone, Fiona was rethinking her priorities. On Friday she phoned her old boss at the museum to say she was back on board with the book and what would be the chances of her taking up her old post. Told they would be delighted to consider her return in some capacity but would need to talk discuss it further, face to face, she said she’d be over shortly.

Deciding it was time to talk it over with someone, she phoned Charlotte, who invited her round for coffee. Fiona’s stomach fluttered with excitement at the thought of taking back control of her life, aware of how much she had sacrificed for her brother. Willingly, and if he were still alive, would continue to do so, but now…now it was time to do what was best for her.

‘My, you look well! La Folie’s worked its magic again, I see,’ Charlotte greeted her at the door, smiling broadly as they hugged.

‘Now I understand why you keep singing its praises. It was fab, and I even spotted a couple of celebs.’

‘Oooh, do tell. Let’s have coffee in the garden, and you can tell me more. James is having a nap so we won’t be disturbed.’

Fiona filled her in on the details of her stay and Charlotte listened with rapt attention, nodding and making occasional comments. When she finished, Charlotte sighed, saying, ‘I know it’s selfish of me, but there are times when I’d like to retreat there for a few days. James is teething, and we’re all having sleepless nights. The thought of all that pampering!’ She took a sip of coffee and looked at Fiona, her head tilted.

‘You’ve something more to talk about than La Folie. Come on, tell Aunty Charlotte.’

‘Yep. While I was there, I came to the conclusion I need to make changes in my life. Big changes. Like selling my house and buying something smaller with a sea view and buying or renting a flat in London as I might be working at the V&A again.’

Charlotte’s elegant eyebrows arched.

‘Wow, that is a big change, and I can understand why you want to do it. I always felt you were not totally happy about leaving London. You seemed so passionate about your work. Have you spoken to the museum?’

Fiona told her about her phone call and what she’d arranged with Ken.

‘Sounds like it’s all happening.’ Her eyes narrowed. ‘Does this decision have anything to do with a certain sculptor based in London?’

She felt the heat rise to her cheeks and quickly took a swallow of coffee.

‘No… I mean we’re good friends and everything, but nothing happened between us unless you count a couple of kisses.’

‘Come on; it’s as clear as day you two fancy each other. If you hadn’t been grieving, I think Michael would have been happy to more than kiss you,’ she said, grinning. ‘I’m right, aren’t I?’

‘I guess. His, er, kiss, was pretty incredible.’ Even thinking about it made her pulse race.

‘So, has he said anything about meeting up again?’

She told her about the open invite to stay in Suffolk and that they’d agreed to stay in touch.

‘I think he’s taking it slowly, because of Nigel. I noticed at the wake how his eyes kept following you around. Spending more time in London would make it easy for you two to get together.’

‘It would, but that wasn’t my reason for wanting to go back.’ Fiona heard a voice in her head say ‘you sure?’ and shifted on the chair.

‘Well, for whatever reason, or reasons,’ Charlotte said, grinning, ‘I think it’s the right decision, much as I’d miss you. But don’t buy or rent in London yet, you’re welcome to stay at my house for as long as you need. Mrs T doesn’t have much to do these days; my mother only makes an occasional foray into town, and we only go over once a month or so. Give yourself time to see how it pans out.’

Fiona was taken aback.

‘It’s very generous of you, Charlotte, but I don’t want to impose…’

Her friend waved her hand dismissively.

‘Nonsense. You’ve stayed several times in the past, and Mrs T thinks you’re a pleasure to have around. I won’t take no for an answer. At least your friends will know you’re safe and well looked after. And as your publisher, I have a vested interest in your welfare.’

Fiona reached over and hugged Charlotte, feeling blessed to have such a friend.

‘Thank you.’

‘Right, that’s settled. Now, you said something about buying a smaller place here. Does this mean you’ll come back regularly?’

‘Absolutely. I might be able to work three weeks out of four in London and come back here for a week. I’m not giving up Guernsey entirely; it’s in my blood.’

Charlotte clapped her hands.

‘Good, then we’ll still see you. So, what’s the next step?’

‘I plan to have an agent value my house and take it from there. Whatever happens, I know I have to move. It holds too many memories and is too big for one person. My dream is a small cottage or apartment either by the sea or with a view like yours.’ She swept her arm, encompassing Cobo Bay spread out below them.

‘When you’re ready, I’d love to go house-hunting with you. I adore nosing into people’s homes. Such fun!’

Fiona was happy to agree. All she had to do now was talk to an agent. And arrange a trip to London to discuss her job.

 

It was amazing, she thought, fastening the seat belt on the plane, how quickly things happened once you’d set the ball rolling. In one of his lectures at La Folie, Paul had told his audience that once you’d made your intentions clear about what you wanted or needed, then the universe would work with you to achieve it. This had had a powerful effect on Fiona and prompted her to write the list of new goals. A mere week later, she was on the way to London to see her boss at the V&A, had put her house on the market and left Charlotte to draw up a list of possible new homes. And she was to have dinner with Michael that evening. Her toes curled in pleasure at the memory of their phone conversation two days before.

‘You’re planning to work in London again? That’s great! We’ll be able to catch up with each other, if you’d like to, that is.’ He sounded genuinely pleased.

‘Yes, I’d love to. I’m flying over on Thursday and will be staying at Charlotte’s in Bloomsbury for a few days. There are loads to tell you, so much has happened this past week.’

‘I’m intrigued, and I have my own news to share. How about dinner on Thursday night? I’ll book somewhere local to you if you give me the address.’

Fiona told him, and Michael promised to call once he’d booked, which he did on Wednesday. Now she was on the way and wasn’t sure which was exciting her the most – taking up her old job or seeing Michael again. Tough call.