Chapter FRANCIS Maida Avenue
FRANCIS
Maida Avenue
The party for little Leo is already in full swing by the time we step into the stunning private garden of the villa, which opens directly onto Browning’s Pool, the picturesque basin where the two main canals of Maida Vale, the Grand Union Canal and the Regent’s Canal, meet.
We’re immediately greeted by a pleasant, lively buzz.
For their son’s first birthday, Remi and Seb have spared no expense. And although they’re usually quite protective of their privacy, they’ve organised a wonderful reception, opening their home to Leo’s nursery classmates and their parents, as well as close friends and family.
Among the small crowd gathered around the refreshment table, I spot a few familiar faces. Without hesitation, and still holding the tray in my hands, I make my way over, having left the Elliott Arnettes to their many guests.
I barely manage a few steps before I’m intercepted by Emma, Remi’s mother, who, entirely unbothered by the slightly precarious tray of canapés I’m carrying, pulls me into one of her typically enthusiastic hugs. “Francis, darling! What a joy to see you, it’s been far too long…”
In truth, we only saw each other last month, at Seb’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall, but I don’t even think of correcting her.
I’ve known my best friend’s mother my whole life, and despite her aristocratic appearance, I know she’s the most devoted, affectionate mother hen one could imagine, not only with her children and son-in-law, but with all of us in their close circle of friends.
Emma’s even more protective than my own mother, which says a lot, but I have to admit, her instinct to fuss over everyone has never bothered me. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Knowing I could always count on her genuine affection and wise advice was a great comfort while I was growing up, not to mention during the rough patch I went through after my break-up with Anne…
My parents were almost as devastated as I was, and the support of Remi and his whole family was absolutely crucial in helping me get through it.
Not that I’ve completely moved on, if I’m honest, but I’d never admit it.
I’ve already leaned far too much on the patience and support of all my friends, and two years on from the break-up, I really should have come to terms with it by now.
“You’re more and more handsome every time I see you, Fran, I mean it!” Emma carries on, undeterred. “The slightly longer hair suits you, I’ve never seen it like this before…”
“To be perfectly honest,” I reply with a chuckle, “it’s more of a scheduling issue than a deliberate style choice.”
She gives me a sceptical look, so I quickly explain: “I haven’t had much free time lately. The paediatric A you only have to watch them together to feel the deep connection between aunt and nephew.
It’s no coincidence that Leo is one of the very few people Maude allows to touch her freely, and he’s also the only living being, apart from her beloved horses, I’ve ever seen her cuddle with genuine pleasure.
Remi’s sister, a brilliant mathematical analyst, is also neurodivergent and has fought tooth and nail to carve out her place in the world.
Despite losing her father in a tragic accident when she was just a child, thanks to her sheer determination and the unwavering support of her family, she’s managed to build a fulfilling life for herself, at least professionally.
In a world where difference too often still means discrimination, Maude has succeeded in turning her uniqueness into a strength.
Of course, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges, and although she’s dated a few people over the years, she still hasn’t found the right person for her.
But she has taken the big step of moving out on her own, gaining independence from her mother, and has built a deep bond with all of us: the Blackbird Boys, named after the pub where we always meet.
By now, we haven’t been just her brother’s friends for years, we’re her friends too, and she knows it well.
Maude still lives in Sennen Cove, Cornwall, as do Emma and Ben, who run a veterinary clinic there. After many years together, they got married right around the time Maude moved into her own place.
Despite the distance, Remi’s family remains very present in his life, and ever since Leo arrived, their visits to London, and therefore our chances to see each other, have increased considerably.
As I lazily stroke Leo’s blond head, Emma and Ben excuse themselves and step away to top up the drinks at the refreshment table. I take the opportunity to get an update from Maude on her latest professional news; mathematical analysis is a topic that never fails to delight her.
Just as she’s beginning to explain her current research project, most of which, I must admit, goes completely over my head, I spot Sebastian heading in our direction.
He’s walking barefoot on the grass, dressed simply today, black slim-fit jeans and a white shirt tied at the waist, but he carries himself with such ease, so completely at home in his own skin, that he naturally draws everyone’s eyes, including his son’s.
The moment Leo spots him, he immediately lets me know he wants to get down.
“Daddy!” he squeals excitedly, and as soon as his little feet touch the ground, he rushes straight towards Seb, who, on seeing him, lights up and instinctively crouches down, arms wide open, his eyes filled with love.
I’m still watching father and son, moved by a scene so simple yet so full of meaning, when I catch a delicate hint of lavender.
Then I feel a hand brush my shoulder, and even before I turn around, I know exactly who I’ll find standing beside me, the very last person I had hoped to see: Miss Anne Halliwell.