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TESS PULLED NERVOUSLY at her jacket as she sat in the waiting room in the surgery. Normally this would have been full of anxious patients, but now it was just her, sitting in eerie silence before being called into the practice manager’s office for her interview. A bit like a patient, she felt as if her life depended on the outcome of this appointment. Not physically, of course, but her mental and emotional wellbeing. She had chosen a confidence-boosting red jacket partnered with a navy skirt and cream blouse, acknowledging her usual outfit of jeans and plain cotton top would not have the right impact. Hospital doctors weren’t known for their sartorial excellence, but Tess reckoned GPs had a certain standard to maintain.
‘Doctor Le Prevost, we’re ready for you now.’ The practice manager, who had shown her around the surgery earlier, appeared at the door. Tess, taking a deep, calming breath, smiled brightly and followed her into the proverbial lions’ den.
An hour later she emerged, still smiling. What a nice bunch they were! Friendly, but professional, and apparently impressed with her qualifications and training. Their questions had been searching but asked in a manner designed to put her at ease. Jonathan had taken a back seat, throwing her an occasional encouraging smile. They ended the interview with the senior, retiring partner saying they would be in touch within the week.
‘Well, that wasn’t too bad, was it?’ Jonathan said, as he followed her out. He was taking her home to have supper with them.
‘No, much better than I’d expected, thanks. For what it’s worth, I’d really enjoy working here and I’m impressed with your facilities.’
‘Good, I’ve certainly been happy here anyway. Now, let’s get home for supper and agree on no more shop talk so we can relax. Okay?’ he grinned.
‘Okay,’ she said, looking forward to catching up with Colette.
Tess woke early the next morning, keen to go for a walk round Havelet Bay to build up an appetite before breakfast. Colette had produced a delicious three-course meal the night before, in spite of being about to ‘pop’, as she put it. A south-westerly breeze soon cleared any sluggishness Tess felt as she walked briskly down the steep, winding road to the bay. A scattering of cloud masked the sun, but she could see it was going to be a warm, dry day. Perfect for a walk on the cliffs later. Slipping onto the sandy beach, Tess stood and looked up towards Hauteville. She picked out Hugo’s house, easily distinguished by its size, the glass extension on the roof and the white spiral staircase leading down to the first floor. Using this as a marker, she was able to pinpoint her own house. Not too difficult as the granite stood out from the neighbouring white houses. A surge of pride flowed through her body as she squinted at what looked like a doll’s house from below. Grinning, she began the ascent up the hill to the hotel, ready for breakfast and then it was off to St Michel to meet the other builder, Jack Renouf.
He was late. Tess fumed as she paced around the limited free floor space in the sitting room. If there was one thing she hated with a vengeance, it was being kept waiting. Boyfriends had been given their marching orders at their first late arrival and tradesmen were given short shrift. She looked at her watch again. Ten minutes now. If he didn’t turn up in the next five...
The strident ring of the doorbell echoed in the hall. Hmm, he’d need a good excuse if she were to let him in.
‘Doctor Le Prevost, my apologies, but I had a call from a client with a flooded kitchen and as my plumber’s away for the weekend I went round to sort it. Rather than waste time phoning you I came as soon as I could.’ He didn’t look at all sorry, she thought, unimpressed by the emphasis on ‘doctor’, but his jeans did look damp.
‘I see. You’d better come in, as long as you’re not going to drip everywhere,’ she said coolly, not keen on the idea of wet footprints through the house.
Jack grinned.
‘No worries, I’ve changed my shoes.’
She waved him into the hall and proceeded to show him around at a steady pace, not wanting to get drawn into unnecessary conversation, focusing solely on the list of works they were both carrying. He seemed to pick up her mood as he made few comments along the way, jotting down notes on his list. By the time they had been in every room, including the attics, Jack looked both puzzled and annoyed.
‘Do you have a problem with me, Doctor? I’m here at Andy’s request, to provide a quote for your building work, but it seems to me you can’t wait to get rid of me. Why?’ He stood in front of her, his arms crossed and head tilted in an intimidating fashion.
Tess took a deep breath. How the hell was she going to answer? Pretend he was wrong? But he wasn’t, was he? She had resented him door-stepping her that first time with his offer to buy her house. Could she trust him not to try to make her change her mind? By coming in with a high quote or telling her the house had a lot of problems?
‘To be honest, Jack, I didn’t appreciate you turning up the day after my aunt’s funeral, trying to buy the house. I thought it was...ill-mannered.’ She looked him squarely in the face. If he didn’t like it and left, fine.
His expression softened.
‘You’re right. I’m sorry, I see that now. You must have been upset and I barged in.’ He ruffled his hair, looking thoughtful. ‘Can we start again? It was crass of me, and I have no excuse, other than I wasn’t expecting you to be so...young and keen to keep the house.’ He smiled and Tess found herself letting go of her annoyance with him.
‘I guess. As long as you think you can be unbiased about what needs doing...’ she trailed off.
‘You mean I might try to put you off renovating in order to persuade you to sell?’
She nodded.
‘Well, I can hardly blame you for thinking that, can I? But, as Andy would tell you, I’ve a good reputation on the island and if I were to play dirty with you, the way news spreads around here, I’d lose it pretty damn quickly.’ He spread his hands in a conciliatory gesture and Tess realised, with a jolt, how attractive he was. Muscular, with thick dark hair and a strong jaw. She had been so focused on being angry with his behaviour that she hadn’t really seen him as a man.
Clearing her throat, she replied, ‘Okay, let’s agree to forget the earlier...misconceptions and I’m happy for you to draw up a quotation. As long as you agree with Andy’s suggestions about retaining the original features wherever possible.’
‘Absolutely. One of the reasons I was drawn to buying this house was because I knew it hadn’t been modernised and ruined in the process.’ He gazed around what had once been the dining room before looking out of the window. ‘This will be a beautiful home for you when it’s finished and with views to die for.’ He turned to face her, adding, ‘I envy you, but I promise I’ll be straight with you if I’m given the job.’
For some reason, Tess felt flustered and dropped her gaze, as his dark brown eyes seemed to bore into hers. God, surely she didn’t fancy him? That would be too much to deal with!
‘Right. I’ll wait for your quote, Jack. I do have other builders tendering, of course. What would be your lead time if I were to choose you?’
He frowned as he checked his list.
‘About three or four weeks, giving me time to order materials from the mainland and get my team on board.’
‘Fair enough, thanks. I look forward to hearing from you.’ Tess led the way to the front door and Jack proffered his hand as he stepped outside. As she took it she was aware of the warmth and strength of his fingers as they enclosed hers. He seemed to maintain his grip longer than was necessary and Tess had to pull her hand away, catching his quizzical glance. Jack murmured, ‘Bye for now, Doctor Le Prevost,’ and turned away before she could reply.
On her own again, Tess was left wondering what had happened. Something had shifted between them. A spark of attraction? Well, it would have to be quenched as the last thing she needed at the moment was a man in her life. Unless his sole purpose was to help her create a beautiful home before disappearing into the distance. With that thought she locked up and walked into Town for some window shopping and lunch.
Tess looked eagerly out of the car window as Jonathan drove them to Andy’s house on Sunday. Poor Colette shifted uncomfortably in the front passenger seat and Tess hoped her friend would survive the lunch intact. She certainly looked ready to burst and Jonathan’s face was creased in concern when he picked Tess up earlier. At least Colette would have two doctors on hand if she went into labour, Tess thought, looking out for familiar landmarks as they headed towards the west coast. She smiled as memories of her time with the family on Cobo beach filtered into her mind, wishing it was hot enough for a spot of sunbathing. It was a little early for that, but warm April was about to give way to May and summer was around the corner. Light, fluffy clouds drifted overhead as they passed Saumarez Park, just inland from Cobo, and again Tess remembered happy times spent there as a child, particularly at the colourful North Show.
Minutes later Jonathan swung the car left towards the lanes running up towards Le Guet, a wooded area above Cobo bay and where Andy and Charlotte lived. This was another area Tess knew as a child, enjoying fun times with her brother as they make-believed being spies hunting each other, James Bond style. Thinking of him made her realise how much she missed him since he had emigrated and hoped he would fly over soon. He had done well in Canada, something techie, which she didn’t fully understand, but had made him wealthy and he was now engaged to a stunning-looking girl. Although Tess was happy for him, she felt like an underachiever in comparison.
‘Here we are, Tess. Have you been daydreaming in the back there,’ called Jonathan, eyeing her through the rear mirror.
She smiled at his grinning face and nodded.
‘Yes, old memories.’ She looked around her as the car entered a drive leading to an impressive Victorian house. ‘My! This is some place. If Andy can afford a place like this, I might not be able to afford his fees!’ she said, laughing.
‘Oh, don’t worry, he’s had a bit of an inheritance and his wife Charlotte has a bob or two. In spite of that, they’re a lovely couple,’ Colette said, as Jonathan brought the car to a halt at the side of the house.
Tess helped Colette out of the car as Jonathan rang the doorbell.
‘You okay, no pains?’ she asked as her friend struggled to stand.
‘I’m fine, just a bit clumsy thanks to the bump.’ Colette eased herself upright with a sigh.
A small figure hurled themselves out through the door and flung their arms around Colette’s legs, nearly unbalancing her again. Tess looked on bemused as Colette finally extricated herself, laughing.
‘James, lovely to see you, but careful or I’ll fall over.’
A tall woman, with glossy long brown hair and an enviable cream complexion, grabbed the toddler, saying, ‘Sorry, Colette, he’s been so excited knowing you were coming, wanting to know if your baby has arrived yet. I think he expects the postman to deliver it,’ she laughed, a deep, throaty laugh. Turning, she smiled at Tess. ‘Hello, I’m Charlotte and you must be Tess, who Andy’s told me so much about. And this,’ she added, struggling to hold onto the wriggling child, ‘is James. Say hello to the lady, darling.’
The little boy stared at Tess with large brown eyes, his fist in his mouth. She smiled back. ‘Hello, James, I’m Tess. How do you do?’ She reached out as if to shake his hand and, after a moment’s hesitation, he took it from his mouth and let it sit in her hers. It felt sticky.
‘’Ello, Tess.’ She gently removed his hand and grinned at Charlotte.
‘What a lovely little boy. Isn’t he the image of his father?’
‘Well it’s good to know there’s no doubt on that score,’ said Andy, newly arrived at the door. He gave Tess and Colette pecks on the cheek before relieving Charlotte of James. ‘Come in, everyone, and let’s have a drink before lunch.’ He led the way through an elegant hallway, set off by a central mahogany staircase and Tess couldn’t help comparing it to her own.
‘How beautiful! I’m quite envious,’ she said to Charlotte as they followed Andy and the others.
‘I can assure you it wasn’t like this when we bought it. In fact it was almost derelict. It’s all down to my clever husband that it looks gorgeous now. And I’m sure he’ll make sure your house is lovely, too. He’s passionate about restoring the original beauty of a house and he tells me yours has great potential.’
‘It’s good to see he practises what he preaches. I can’t wait to see what my house will look like.’ By now they were walking through a graceful drawing room with marble fireplaces and high, corniced ceilings and Tess looked around, wide-eyed. They followed the others through a double-door in the far wall leading into a conservatory.
‘Wow! This is amazing and so...unexpected.’ The Victorian conservatory was not only large, but it was furnished in Moroccan style with colourful divans and chairs, onto which Colette had already eased herself.
‘Now this I am fully responsible for, and I absolutely love it. Fun, isn’t it?’
‘It certainly is. And what a view! Almost as good as mine.’ Tess laughed, gazing over the lush gardens sloping away towards the wood of Le Guet and Cobo bay.
Charlotte opened her mouth to reply when Andy came over to offer her and Tess a glass of Prosecco. ‘Thanks, darling. Shall we sit down, Tess? Lunch will be about thirty minutes.’ Tess plumped for the divan next to Colette’s chair and Charlotte joined her. Colette nursed a small glass of fizz.
‘My doctor’s given me permission, seeing as it can hardly hurt baby now, can it?’ Colette grinned, nodding towards Jonathan, building bricks with James on the floor.
‘Quite right. It might even spur the little one on. The last few weeks do drag, don’t they?’ said Charlotte, with a fond gaze at her son. ‘Right, everyone, let’s drink to new babies and new homes!’
They raised their glasses and took a sip of wine. Tess settled back on the divan with a sigh. It was good to be so welcomed into people’s homes and she hoped they would become firm friends once she moved. And Colette had mentioned others in their circle, including her brother Nick and his wife, Jeanne. She couldn’t wait to meet them all.
‘I gather you’re not local, Charlotte,’ she said, turning towards her hostess.
‘No, I’m English, but absolutely love it here and can understand you wanting to move back. It’s an idyllic place to bring up children, isn’t it?’ Charlotte’s smile was warm.
Tess nodded.
‘My brother and I had a great childhood, for sure. We’d go off for hours without our parents worrying where we were or what we were up to. Just as well!’ she giggled. ‘I don’t think it’s quite as safe to let children do that now, but if they love the outdoors they’ll have a whale of a time.’
‘James loves being outside and adores trips to the beach and Andy will take him fishing when he’s older.’
Colette butted in.
‘I agree with Tess, it’ll be great for James.’ She patted her belly. ‘And for this one. If it’s a boy he might become best mates with James and go off adventuring together. Or is that a scary thought?’ she added, laughing. Tess and Charlotte joined in until Colette gave a gasp.
Jonathan looked up from the floor, his face creased in anxiety. ‘You okay?’
Colette gritted her teeth. ‘Not really. Bad stomach cramp.’ She clutched her stomach and Tess rescued her glass while Jonathan settled by her side, saying, ‘Take deep breaths and it might pass. Could be another Braxton Hicks.’ He turned to Tess, ‘She’s been having them on and off the past couple of days and I don’t think she’s going into labour just yet.’
Tess nodded, aware the cramps could happen before labour truly sets in. ‘Any easier?’ she asked Colette, who was looking calmer.
‘Yes, thanks. Bloney uncomfortable, but the pain’s gone. Do you think junior was objecting to the bubbly?’ she managed a grin.
‘I shouldn’t think they’ve even got a sniff of it yet, so don’t worry. Are you happy to stay? We could go home if...’ Jonathan said, holding her hand.
‘Let’s stay. At least you guys offer a distraction for me. At home I’m more aware of what my body’s up to.’ Colette reached for her glass and took a sip. ‘Ah! That’s better.’
Andy, who had been trying to stop James from flinging himself at Colette, chimed in. ‘I think we should have lunch, just in case Colette has to, er, leave suddenly,’ he smiled at her.
Charlotte stood, saying, ‘Excellent idea. I for one am starving. Into the dining room, folks.’ She waved her arms in a shooing movement and Tess followed behind Jonathan and Colette, concerned her friend was all right. Andy led the way across the hall to another elegant room set with a round modern dining table surrounded by upholstered chairs with arms which looked eminently comfortable, even for a heavily pregnant woman. Between them was a high chair for James.
‘Please, sit down everyone. I’d like you to sit by me, Tess, if you don’t mind, so we can get to know each other,’ Charlotte said, guiding Tess to her seat. The places were set with starters of what appeared to be a scrummy salad with duck, melon and herbs. As Tess sat down Charlotte settled James in his high chair next to Andy and Colette and Jonathan sat together.
‘This all looks wonderful, Charlotte. Do you enjoy cooking?’ Tess asked.
Muffled giggles came from Colette and Andy grinned.
‘Let’s say she was a late-starter in the cooking department, but she’s doing really well, aren’t you, darling?’ He gave his wife a fond look.
Charlotte explained to Tess that she had never had to cook in her life before she met Andy, being brought up in a wealthy household with a cook, and that she had made a conscious effort to learn when they started dating. ‘And now I do my fair share and quite enjoy it. Although I’ll never be as good or as keen a cook as dear Colette.’
Colette added, ‘She’s being modest, Tess. We’ve enjoyed many a good meal here and I take my hat off to her for achieving so much in only a few years.’
Wine was poured and they started eating and Tess enjoyed herself, chatting to Charlotte between mouthfuls. By the time the main course of roast lamb was served, she felt as if they had been friends for ages.
‘We have something in common, Tess, which is one of the reasons I was so glad to meet you. I’ve recently finished writing an account of Victor Hugo’s time on the island and I believe you’re linked to him through an ancestor. Is that right?’ Charlotte’s eyes were bright with interest.
Tess was so surprised she let her fork, speared with meat, drop back on the plate.
‘So I understand, but I haven’t seen any concrete proof yet. But fancy you writing about him! Colette told me you were a writer but I didn’t know you wrote books. Small world, isn’t it?’ She took a gulp of wine. ‘You must have done a deal of research on Hugo. Did you come across the name Eugénie Sarchet?’ She held her breath.
Charlotte smiled.
‘Yes, only a brief mention of her as being employed as a copyist for Hugo from 1862, and there’s no date for when she left. I assume she’s your ancestor?’
‘Yes. My great-great-great-grandmother.’ Tess was pleased to learn of further confirmation of Eugénie’s story. She drank more wine before continuing, ‘It’s her house I’ve inherited.’
Charlotte clapped her hands.
‘That’s what I’d guessed. Isn’t it exciting? Not that I’ve mentioned her in my book, I hasten to add,’ she said, ‘in case you were worried.’
Andy must have heard the conversation, as he said to Tess, ‘Colette mentioned there was a story behind your house to do with Hugo and I’d wondered if it had been owned by someone Charlotte had found. Did your aunt leave you any papers from that time?’
Four pairs of eyes turned towards her expectantly and Tess wished she could satisfy their curiosity.
‘Not that I’ve found. But there’s a humungus amount of papers, as you probably noticed, Andy, and I can’t really go through them properly yet. I hope to find somewhere to store them with good access and lighting which I can visit once I’ve moved here. All my aunt ever told me was that Eugénie had been widowed young, inheriting her husband’s house and worked for Hugo.’ Not quite the truth, but Tess didn’t want to spread the story that Eugénie had borne Hugo a child, from whom she was supposedly descended, without proof. She could end up looking idiotic if it wasn’t true.
‘Well, we have rooms in the attic which we don’t use. You’d be welcome to store what you need there, wouldn’t she, Andy?’ Charlotte gazed at her husband, who was trying to persuade James to eat more vegetables.
‘Yes, sure,’ he said, spearing carrots on James’s fork. Once they had disappeared into his son’s mouth, he turned to face Tess. ‘Where do you plan to live when you move? The house will be uninhabitable once the builder starts work.’
‘Thanks for the offer of storage, I’d be happy to take you up on it. With regard to where I’ll live, I hadn’t given it a lot of thought. It will partly depend on whether or not I have a job,’ she smiled at Jonathan, whose face gave nothing away. ‘Perhaps rent a room in a house. I don’t need much as I’ll have no furniture, only clothes and basic stuff.’
Tess caught Charlotte raising an eyebrow at Andy, who nodded.
‘Would you consider staying in one of our spare rooms? You could be as independent as you want and have ready access to your papers. And we’d love to have you, I can tell we’re going to be firm friends,’ Charlotte said, with a warm smile.
Tess was touched at the generous offer. Colette had been right about what a lovely couple they were.
‘That’s so kind of you both, particularly as you hardly know me. I’ll have to wait and see how things pan out over the next few weeks and let you know. I admit it’s a very tempting offer,’ she smiled at her hosts.
‘Well I think it’s a super idea! So let’s hope my lovely husband and his cronies offer you the job and we have you here permanently as soon as poss,’ Colette cried, raising her glass. The others joined in and they all drank to Tess, who was feeling overwhelmed by the warmth surrounding her. As long as she had a job – even as a locum, if necessary – she knew life in Guernsey would be a turning point for her. The only proverbial fly in the ointment being her parents. Something she had to address back in Exeter.