Waltho stood by the arbor in the garden and checked his watch. Everything was going to plan. The guests would assemble any moment, and Daniel and Sally would enjoy their bespoke ceremony. As non-residents of France, a legal ceremony, with only the couple in attendance, had taken place the previous week at a register office in Cheltenham, and today was the official celebration for Daniel and Sally to enjoy with their guests.
The calm before the storm, Waltho thought. But this happy storm would bring a day of joy, a bringing together of friends and the union of a couple very much in love.
Waltho looked at his surroundings and felt his heart swell with pride. All he’d dreamt of with Lauren had been achieved. He’d created a home, a business, and an environment that welcomed guests to learn while enjoying a holiday. The past year, he’d hosted folk from far-flung corners who enjoyed painting and cookery courses and, judging from their favourable reviews, found new friends and the perfect holiday at La Maison du Paradis.
Now, with so much romance in the air, Waltho thought of Caroline.
She’d weathered her own storm in the aftermath of her setbacks. Gone was the pale, uncertain woman he’d met off the flight bringing her back to France. Nervous, but with a sense of purpose from feeling needed, Caroline had embraced the workload that awaited her and Waltho had willingly let her take over the day-to-day running of the house. Guests loved her cooking and were rapturous over the meals she prepared while enjoying the comfortable ambience of the house under Caroline’s housekeeping regime. Allowing Waltho time to paint, Caroline even took charge of the bookings, and courses soon filled, as guests recommended La Maison du Paradis. Her return to London was never discussed, and given responsibility, time and space, Caroline’s protective shell was broken, and she blossomed.
Early one morning, during his daily swim, Caroline surprised Waltho by appearing at the pool. ‘Will you teach me?’ she’d asked. Slipping out of her robe, she’d tentatively reached out and took Waltho’s hand as he guided her into the water.
‘Don’t be scared,’ he said as he felt her body tremble and remembered her plight when she’d fallen in the river. Waltho knew it took great courage, but to his surprise, Caroline was soon swimming into his arms.
‘I did it,’ she whispered in awe, ‘I can swim.’
As their eyes met, Waltho punched the air, and they both laughed.
In the time that they’d worked together, they’d formed a bond, and with Caroline’s newfound space to build her confidence and discover that she could run a successful business, the woman had transformed. Here, in the pool, when Waltho wrapped his arms around Caroline, she melted into his grip, and, at last, their lips and kisses were as loving and long as their embrace.
The stage was set, Waltho thought as he walked back to the house, with a new performance about to begin.
* * *
A string quartet had struck up in the courtyard, and glasses clinked above a happy hum of conversation as Angelique and Arletta served champagne. The many friends of Daniel and Sally, who’d travelled for the wedding, joined with cookery school guests who’d returned to celebrate too.
Soft classical music played, and Tomas, who’d been designated to assist, announced that it was time for everyone to take their seats. As Waltho disappeared into the house, Tomas led the procession to the garden.
Angelique and Arletta held Fabien’s hand and took their place. Sally’s mother, who’d arrived the previous day, wore an enormous hat and perched on the front row, next to her husband.
Smart in a suit with an accompanying animal print bow tie, Sid sat with Bridgette, who’d gone to town in florals and ribbons that blended well with the arbor.
‘I can’t see a damn thing for that woman’s hat,’ Bridgette complained.
Caroline had invited Leo for a holiday and, delighted to be included in the wedding party, he sat with the expats, enjoying their company. With a twin on each arm, Ahmed and his partner walked down the carpeted aisle to assist Jeanette and Pearl, both elegant in turquoise and pearl outfits, to their seats.
Daniel stood at the end of the aisle and watched everyone’s arrival. In a cream linen suit with a small sunflower in his lapel, he smiled eagerly at the guests.
Reaching his side, Tomas whispered, ‘Ça va, Chef?’
‘Never better,’ Daniel replied.
The quartet had left the courtyard and now came into the garden. As guests heard Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely’, they took to their feet and turned to see the bride. Dressed in an ankle-length flowing lace gown and a pretty diamond tiara in her hair, she carried a bouquet of daisies and sunflowers.
Sally looked stunning, and guests gasped. With Waltho by her side, she linked his arm, and her smile was as radiant as the surroundings.
Behind them came Fran and Caroline. The bridesmaids carried smaller, matching bouquets and wore pale lemon dresses that swirled at the knee. Caroline’s shining hair was pinned back with flowers, and Fran had an animal print scrunchie knotting her mop into a neat coil.
As Fran passed Sid, she gave him a wink.
Daniel shook Waltho’s hand and reached out to Sally. ‘You look beautiful,’ he said.
The celebrant started the service, and the couple said their vows. Cheers could be heard as far as the village when they were pronounced man and wife, and the post-ceremony celebrations began. Caroline’s menu, a gourmet feast, was a hit with everyone and served by waiting staff from the chateau against the picturesque backdrop of the garden.
‘I couldn’t have managed without the help of Tomas and Fran,’ Caroline insisted during speeches, as glasses were raised to thank them for their efforts.
‘Don’t forget that I’m the star pupil!’ Fran called out and, together with Tomas, took a bow.
As the sun began to set, and the sky became a palette of pastel pinks and golden orange, the lights of twinkling lanterns weaved a soft glow on the faces of the guests, creating a magical atmosphere that embraced the oncoming night. With tables moved back, the courtyard was transformed into a dance floor, and the newlyweds shared their first dance, surrounded by the warmth and affection of their friends.
Guests took to the floor, and Sid held his hand for Fran to join him. ‘Come on, my pocket rocket,’ he said, and she moved happily into his arms.
‘Ladies, will you join us?’ Ahmed and his partner asked Jeanette and Pearl, and they led the twins in a sophisticated waltz.
Angelique and Arletta held hands and danced in circles with Fabien. At the same time, Tomas stood and, straightening his lapels, reached out to Bridgette.
‘Will you dance? Tomas asked.
Bridgette, who’d been enjoying Waltho’s finest brandy, rose unsteadily to her feet. ‘Who’s asking?’ she demanded.
‘Moi, Tomas, I’m asking.’
‘Then, I’m dancing.’ Bridgette grinned and, gripping tightly, whirled Tomas onto the floor.
* * *
In a corner of the courtyard, Caroline sat and watched the wedding guests. Relaxed and mellowed by food and fine wine, she felt happier than she could ever remember. Her own wedding day had been a hurried affair where, bundled into an uncomfortable, tightly fitting dress, she’d witnessed Stanley drinking himself into a stupor.
If only she’d known it was a sign of times to come.
Who would have thought all those years ago that she’d begin another life in France? She could never have imagined meeting new friends and finding a job that she loved in later life. This had been a journey worth taking, and her cookery holiday a blessing in disguise. When she’d returned to London, and Waltho telephoned and asked her to take a leap of faith, little did she know it would be the best decision she’d ever make.
Caroline looked up. A female singer had joined the musicians, and the words to a love song floated in the balmy evening air.
Crossing the courtyard, Caroline saw Waltho.
How handsome he looked. This kind and generous man who’d allowed her to begin a new life. As he came forward, Waltho stretched out his hands and, moving slowly, Caroline slid into his arms, and as she stared into his amber eyes, she felt a sudden rush of emotion. Caroline no longer felt vulnerable and afraid. Life with Waltho had given her a strong sense of connection, and he accepted all her flaws and celebrated her strengths. La Maison du Paradis had enriched her life in countless ways, and Caroline felt like pinching herself to ensure this wasn’t a dream.
* * *
Waltho searched for Caroline and when he found her, he paused momentarily to drink in the woman before him and thought how beautiful she looked. Her hair, longer and loosely styled, shone, and the pale lemon of her dress delicately complimented her lightly tanned skin. Lines of anxiety crossing her brow had lifted in the last few months, and Caroline was radiant.
He remembered again the question he’d posed when he’d opened his home to visitors a year ago. Would the opening of the French Cookery School mark the first day of the rest of his life?
A breeze, gentle yet persistent, whispered through the warm night air. Shrouded in the veil of darkness, it felt almost ghostly. Suddenly, a tendril of mist rose before him, and the scent of lavender filled the air.
Waltho caught his breath. For a moment, Lauren’s face appeared ethereal, smiling with approval. But, in the blink of an eye, she was gone.
Waltho held out his hands and felt Caroline slide into his arms. Their eyes met, and when she lay her head on his shoulder, he felt her lips brush his ear.
‘Will you marry me?’ Caroline whispered.
Waltho sighed with happiness. At last, the rest of his life had finally begun.