chapter 30

Nicole woke up the next morning and stretched. Her hand hit something soft and warm and she smiled. A big, full-of-wonder smile. Turning on her side she gazed at the recumbent form of Ben beside her. His hair spiked up from his head on the pillow, his mouth curled up in a smile. Mm, wonder what he’s dreaming of? She continued to take in his face, resisting the urge to stroke it. He needed his sleep, she reasoned, particularly after such a night. Their lovemaking had reached an even higher pitch, Ben tender but insistent and she, well, “brazen hussy” came to mind. Perhaps Hélène was right, and food was the way to a man’s heart. Ben had complimented her on the supper which, she admitted modestly to herself, had been delicious. They’d ended the meal by feeding each other strawberries dipped in cream. Messy but so erotic! The memory stirred her body in response, and she was considering waking Ben for a repeat performance when he stirred.

Opening his eyes he turned towards her, pulling her close.

‘Morning, darling. Sleep well?’

‘Mm, yes. Like the proverbial log. Though how logs can sleep…’

Ben’s kiss silenced her and within moments all thoughts of logs vanished.

 

An hour later they sat in the garden enjoying breakfast. Nicole felt as if she’d burst with happiness. Their fingers constantly sought each other’s, making it hazardous to drink steaming mugs of coffee.

She giggled. ‘Perhaps we should focus on our breakfast or we’ll be here all day.

‘Okay. If we must.’ He gave an exaggerated sigh before continuing, ‘What shall we do for lunch? I’m happy to take you out somewhere.'

‘Honestly, you men! Always thinking about your stomachs! Don’t forget, Doctor, that we’re visiting my grandmother this afternoon.’

‘Us men need to keep our strength up, particularly if we have demanding girlfriends like you!’ He grinned before kissing her cheek. ‘Okay, let’s have a scratch lunch with yesterday’s leftovers. We can go out for dinner tonight instead.’

‘Sounds good. So, how about a walk on the cliff this morning?’

 

The private nursing home looked welcoming as they swept through into the drive. The abundance of flower beds helped to create the appearance of a large, family home. The front door stood wide open, leading onto a tiled entrance hall furnished with polished tables topped with vases of flowers. Although Ben had assured her that the home was one of the best, Nicole had been concerned at what she’d find. So far, so good.

He held her hand as he guided her down the hall to a large, but homely, sitting room. Nicole searched for her grandmother, spotting her in a chair by the French windows. She grinned. Nothing changes! Before they could move, a nurse approached them, crying, ‘Doctor Tostevin! How nice to see you. Are you here to see Mrs Ferbrache?’

‘Yes, but not as her doctor, just a friendly visit. This is her granddaughter, Nicole Oxford. She’ll be visiting every day while Mrs Ferbrache is here.’

‘Of course. Nice to meet you. Your grandmother’s told me all about you. She’s settling in very well and has already made a friend or two.’ The nurse smiled warmly at Nicole before bustling off to welcome more visitors.

‘Hello, Grandmother. How are you?’ Nicole bent to kiss her cheek.

Eve looked up and smiled.

‘I’m well, thank you. Can we go out into the garden?’

Ben helped her with the frame and they found seats on the lawn, nestled under a spreading oak tree.

‘Ah, that’s better. The staff aren’t keen on my coming out on my own in case I fall. I told them I’m perfectly capable of walking a few yards but they didn’t listen.’ Eve grumbled. Ben and Nicole exchanged glances.

‘Are they looking after you all right, Mrs Ferbrache? Any problems and I’d be happy to talk to Matron.’

‘Oh, no. Everyone’s been very good to me. It’s not like being at home, of course, but I can’t complain.’

Reassured that all was well with his patient, Ben left the women to chat while he went in search of tea.

‘You and the doctor seem to be getting on well, my dear.’ Eve scrutinised her granddaughter. ‘You in love with him?’

Nicole gasped. Nothing gets past this old lady!

‘I…think so. I’ve decided to stay in Guernsey and look for a job and see what happens between us.’ She looked her grandmother in the eye. ‘Do you approve?’

Eve chuckled.

‘Wouldn’t matter if I didn’t! But, as it happens, I do. I’d like to see both you and your mother settled before I…’

‘Grandmother! Don’t talk like that. You’ll be with us for a few years yet. I promise.’

Eve looked as if she were about to say something, but changed her mind. Ben arrived with tea and cake and the conversation shifted to what Eve had been doing since her arrival.

Before they left, Eve showed them her room. On the ground floor, it had a large window onto the garden and Nicole thought it looked very comfortable, if a tad small compared to what her grandmother was used to at home.

 

Nicole’s sat lost in thought as they drove away. She didn’t like the idea that her grandmother might not have long to live.

‘Ben, is Grandmother very ill? She spoke to me as if she was.’

He remained quiet a moment, as if pondering how much to tell her.

‘She has a dicky heart and is refusing to have the operation that could give her a few more years. Both your mother and I have tried to persuade her but…’

‘I see.’ She felt her throat tighten. ‘How…how long has she got?’

Ben looked at her, his eyes full of sympathy.

‘About a year, perhaps less. I’m sorry.’

Nicole nodded, feeling tears threaten. Ben squeezed her hand before concentrating on his driving. She searched out a tissue from her bag and blew her nose.

‘She’s been telling me about the time she spent in England during the war and how she fell in love with an airman. I think she’s holding something back and I’m wondering if she doesn’t want me to know until after she’s…she’s gone.’

‘Hmm. If she does have a secret then it’s up to her whether or not to share it. You don’t think she’s told Hélène?’

Nicole shook her head.

‘No. Hélène’s been surprised that Grandmother talks to me about the war. And I haven’t repeated anything she told me as I wasn’t sure if I should, or if Hélène would be interested. They weren’t all that close, as you may have gathered. But I think that’s changing. I hope so.’

 

Despite her concerns about her grandmother, Nicole enjoyed the rest of the day with Ben. After dinner they returned to La Folie for a nightcap. Ben didn’t stay the night, having an early start on Monday, but he promised to cook her a meal the following night. He also agreed to engage a heavy-duty gardener at his house, Santa Rosa, to prepare the way for Nicole’s “finishing touches”, as he put it, grinning.

The next day Nicole sat on the terrace drinking coffee while browsing the Situations Vacant pages of The Guernsey Evening Press. The preponderance of vacancies were in the finance sector, of which she knew nothing. Her experience in the world of media was extensive, but she knew opportunities on the island would be scarce. A memory stirred in her brain, prompting her to dig out the phone book from under a pile of newspapers in the kitchen. Finding the number she made a call. Pleased with the outcome she thought, guiltily, that she hadn’t phoned her parents for over a week. I mustn’t forget how important I am to them and how much they mean to me. Which they do, in spite of my “new” family…

‘Hi, Mum. How are you?’

‘Oh, Nicole! We’re both fine, thanks. It’s so good to hear from you, how are things?’

‘Well…’ Nicole told her mother about Tom turning up unannounced but not about his outburst. And that she wanted a divorce. She went on to tell her about Ben and that she was planning to get a job and stay in Guernsey.

‘My! Things are happening so quickly! Are you sure it’s not a rebound thing? I don’t want you getting hurt, darling.’ Her mother sounded concerned.

‘No, don’t worry Mum. And I’m sure you’ll both love Ben. Perhaps you could come over to meet him and…and Hélène soon. You could combine a visit with a trip to Jersey, couldn’t you?’

Her mother was silent for a moment and Nicole heard muffled whispering and guessed she was conferring with her father.

‘Your father and I think that’s a wonderful idea. We were planning to come to Jersey later in August when it gets too hot here. But where will you be living? Not with Ben, surely?’

‘Oh, no, it’s much too soon for that! Hélène is happy for me to stay here until I get a job and then I’ll rent somewhere until my divorce settlement comes through. I might then be able to buy something.’

Her mother sounded relieved. ‘That seems very wise. And have you met Adrian’s family yet?’

Nicole told her mother about Karen, Michael and Luke, leaving out Karen’s reaction. Her father came on the line and they chatted for a few moments before they said their goodbyes, promising to meet soon.

One more call to Susie and she could relax.

‘Hi, it’s me! I’ve sooo much to tell you!’

 

After lunch Nicole popped in to see her grandmother who, although clearly pleased to see her, didn’t want to talk much. Nicole felt she looked tired so didn’t stay long. She fitted in a quick swim at Vazon before returning home to change for the evening.

Ben cooked a simple spaghetti bolognese with a side salad. After they’d chatted about their day, he gave her a quizzical look.

‘Something you’re not telling me? Only when I asked what sort of job you were looking for, you went a bit vague. Is there a problem?’ He stroked her hair as they cuddled on the sofa.

‘No, not exactly. It’s just that there’s not much call for high profile TV journalists in Guernsey. I think I’ll have to lower my sights a bit,’ she sighed.

‘Uh huh. Are you having second thoughts about staying here?’

Nicole quickly reassured him.

‘Oh, not at all.’ She gave him a lingering kiss. ‘I want to be here with you, for sure. But I’m having to reassess my career and I guess it’s unsettling. I’ve put out some feelers so we’ll see what happens.’

‘Right.’ He dropped a kiss on her head as he got up to refill their glasses. ‘By the way, I’ve arranged for a gardener to come and have a look tomorrow and all being well, he can start later this week. So you might have a job of sorts soon!’

Nicole laughed.

‘But not a paying one! Unless…’

He wrapped his arms around her. ‘I’m afraid I only pay in kind…’

 

The following morning Nicole studied her reflection in the bedroom mirror. She’d chosen a knee-length linen skirt, matched with a silky T-shirt and a toning linen jacket. Smart but not over the top. Glancing at her watch she saw it was time to leave. Climbing into the car, Nicole was struck by the thought that she ought to look at buying a car. If all went well today she’d make it her priority.

As she drove towards St Peter Port Nicole pondered on life’s synchronicities. An old colleague from Bristol had moved to Guernsey a few years previously to work for Channel Television. Knowing it was a long shot, she’d phoned her yesterday to see if there might be a slot coming up for an experienced TV reporter. Cheryl had suggested she pop in for a chat as there might be something in the pipeline and could she email her CV to the boss.

Half an hour later she pulled into the Channel Television car park on Bulwer Avenue. Nervous butterflies danced around her stomach as she approached the front door. She hadn’t had a job interview for years…

‘Cheryl! It’s great to see you and you’re…you’re – ’

‘Pregnant!’ Cheryl, a bubbly blonde, patted her bump as she laughed at Nicole’s expression. ‘That’s why I was so pleased you phoned. I’m off on maternity leave in a couple of months and we’re having problems finding a replacement. No-one will move to the island just for a temporary job, and you can’t blame them, can you? And there aren’t many experienced reporters on the island. Though for the right person, there might be something long-term.’ Cheryl gazed at Nicole. ‘You didn’t say what brings you here. I thought you were pretty settled with Tom at Bristol. Is he moving over too?’

Nicole explained about the split and that she’d discovered she had family in Guernsey and wanted to settle there. She didn’t feel it appropriate to mention Ben.

‘Oh, Nicole, I’m so sorry about Tom! I thought you two were the perfect couple. Still, c’est la vie! And, being selfish, I’m so glad you’re here.’ She lifted her phone, ‘Tea or coffee?’

‘Tea, please.’

Cheryl ordered the tea and sat on a chair next to Nicole.

‘I thought it best if we had a chat before you met the boss. After all, if you’re not happy with the position then you needn’t waste your time. Or his. Right, I’m covering the news and on-screen reporting…’

Nicole listened as Cheryl described the job. It wasn’t quite what she was used to, in fact she should be able to do it standing on her head, but didn’t say that. Cheryl went on to say that officially she’d only be away on maternity leave, but she might not return.

‘Please don’t tell anyone, will you?’ Nicole shook her head. ‘Good. Only my husband’s applying for a job in London and if he gets it then we’re off.’ Cheryl leaned forward as much as her bump allowed, whispering, ‘I’ve not told my boss in case it doesn’t happen. If it did, would you be interested in taking over on a permanent basis?’

Nicole smiled broadly. ‘You bet! But I’ve got to impress your boss first.’

Cheryl waved her hand. ‘Oh, that won’t be a problem! You’re perfect for the job. In fact, you’re more than qualified for it.’ She frowned. ‘Are you sure you’d be happy here? It’s not like Bristol…’

‘No, it’s not. But that’s fine. I’ll have more time to spend with my family and…friends.’

 

Cheryl was proved right. The interview with the boss, a Mr James, had been more of a chat than a searching interrogation. Her CV must have made an impression and, it seemed, Cheryl had sung her praises. She had a job! Or at least she would have in a couple of months. In the meantime she could spend time with her extended family. And although the salary was much lower than what she’d earned at Bristol, she’d manage. Nicole celebrated by treating herself to lunch in Town before heading off to visit her grandmother.

She found her a little brighter and Eve couldn’t hide her delight when Nicole told her about the job.

‘I’ll be able to say that my granddaughter’s on television,’ she said, conveniently ignoring the fact that Nicole had been on English television for years. Nicole just smiled, happy that her grandmother felt proud of her.

‘Oh, by the way, I had a call from Hélène this morning. They’re having a wonderful time, but eating far too much!’ Nicole grinned. ‘She said she’ll need to go on a diet when they get back. She sounded very happy.’

‘I’m pleased for her. And this Adrian, your father, seems a decent chap after all.’ Eve, twisting her wedding ring, pursed her lips.

‘Yes, he’s very nice. It’s such a pity they didn’t…’

‘I know. They should have been a couple years ago. But they are now, so that’s all that matters.’

 

As she opened the front door Nicole noticed several envelopes on the floor. Giving them a cursory glance, she was surprised to see one addressed to herself. Her heart sank as she recognised Tom’s handwriting. What on earth did he want now? Dumping the other letters on the kitchen worktop, she made a cup of tea and walked out to the terrace. Taking a deep breath, she opened the envelope.