Chapter 30
‘I can’t believe I’m floating in the Mediterranean on my thirty-first birthday, with Liz James my favourite author, my best friend Mandy and lovely new friend Lorraine.
It’s super cool,’ Helen said as the four of them floated together, getting their breath back before heading to shore after their swim.
‘Believe it. Happy birthday,’ Liz said. ‘To be honest, I can’t believe I’m swimming in the Mediterranean with three new friends either.’ It was also impossible to believe how she was starting to feel about Guy, but she couldn’t voice that to anyone.
She thought about last night’s nightcap.
Climbing the stairs to his wondering whether things would have changed between them after that kiss Monday evening, she’d been full of trepidation.
She didn’t want things to have been spoilt between them.
But it had been fine. They’d chatted away about their days, shared a glass of wine and then Guy had ‘walked her home’.
Disappointingly, last evening’s goodnight kiss had been firmly on her cheek, but she’d consoled herself with the thought that it was for the best. They were friends, nothing more.
Lorraine nudged her. ‘You okay? The others have started to swim back to shore, I thought I’d better check on you.’
‘Oh sorry, I was miles away – daydreaming, would you believe,’ Liz said. ‘Thank you for checking on me.’
‘I hope your daydreams were good,’ Lorraine said.
‘They were, thank you,’ Liz said, and the two of them swam back together.
* * *
Breakfast was a jolly affair that morning as Helena opened a pile of unexpected presents she found waiting for her on the terrace table.
Liz gave her a notebook and box of Provence olive oil and lavender soap.
Mandy had bought her a silk scarf which Helena had seen on one of their walks into Antibes and had thought about buying for herself.
‘There’s a bottle of champagne in the fridge for later from me,’ Sandy said.
Lorraine gave her a book about how to write a bestseller, whilst Isobel gave her another notebook with its own pen. ‘You can never have too many notebooks,’ she said. ‘Most writers collect notebooks obsessionally. I know I do.’
Becky, late down to breakfast as usual, gave her a box of luxury bath products and a copy of her book.
‘I’ve signed it especially for you,’ she said as Helena unwrapped it.
She hesitated for a couple of seconds before handing Helena a small oblong box.
‘This was in the goodie bag I was given at the weekend. I don’t have much use for it and I thought you might like it. ’
Helena carefully opened the box and gasped at the Mont Blanc pen inside. ‘Are you sure? I’ve lusted after one of these for ages. Thank you so much.’
Becky smiled at her. ‘I hope you write lots of wonderful stories with it.’
‘Thank you all so much,’ Helena said. ‘I truly did not expect any presents, certainly not such wonderful ones.’
Mandy kept Helena at the villa when she suggested walking down to Port Vauban after breakfast and finding Leon.
‘Best wait here. He’s probably on his way and we will miss him,’ Mandy said, knowing that Leon planned to bring Joan to the villa at about half ten.
‘Besides, we’ve got the usual informal session with Sandy, and I for one don’t want to miss it. I’ve learnt a lot from those sessions.’
‘They’ve been brilliant, haven’t they?’ Helena said. ‘And knowing my brother, he could arrive at any time.’
They were about to help themselves to a cold drink after the session with Sandy and the others finished when Mandy’s phone pinged with a text message. ‘Leon is almost here. Let’s go and meet him in the hallway.’
Helena looked at her friend. ‘Why did he text you and not me?’
Mandy shrugged. ‘Does it matter? Come on.’
Helena followed her to the hallway with its open front door, where she saw Leon walking up the short drive.
‘Oh bother. He’s brought someone with him.
I was looking forward to spending some time with just him.
That’s one enormous bouquet I can’t see who it…
Oh,’ she shrieked. ‘Mum. What are you doing here?’
‘Celebrating your birthday of course, what else.’ And Joan pulled Helena in for a tight hug.
* * *
As Leon had feared, he had to leave and get back to the yacht, where he was needed on board. ‘But I’ll see you both for dinner this evening.’
‘Half past six at my hotel,’ Joan said. ‘Try not to be late. I’ve got a taxi ordered for a quarter to seven. We could pick you up on the way if it’s easier?’
Leon shook his head. ‘No, I’ll be there. Ciao,’ and he was gone.
‘Why have you booked a taxi?’ Helena asked.
‘To take us to the restaurant,’ Joan said. ‘Do not ask which restaurant. It’s a surprise.’
Sandy appeared just then with a tray containing glasses, an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne and a plate of cantucci biscuits.
‘Shall we go out on the terrace? The champagne and the biscuits are from me and Guy. Happy Birthday.’
Helena introduced her mum to everyone, the champagne was poured and glasses raised in a birthday toast. After the champagne was finished, everyone slowly drifted off to do their own thing until Helena and Joan were alone.
Before the two of them left to spend the day together, Helena told Sandy she and Mandy would not be at the villa for dinner that evening.
‘Mum is treating us to a birthday dinner somewhere in Antibes.’
When Sandy heard their dinner plans, she found Guy in the kitchen. ‘There will only be five of us for dinner this evening.’
‘Shall I fire up the pizza oven and the barbeque?’ Guy asked.
‘Sounds a great idea,’ Sandy said. ‘I think I might see if Romain would like to come and join us.’
* * *
Helena and Joan made an impromptu decision walking into town to hop on a train and spend the day wandering around Nice.
Joan was silent as Helena exclaimed with delight over the view from both sides of the train carriage.
‘I can’t decide which way to look, it’s all so beautiful.
On one side, it’s the Mediterranean glistening in the sunshine, the beaches and all the yachts sailing across the bay.
On the other, glimpses of the villages and the mountains behind Nice in the distance.
It’s May and they’ve still got snow on.’
Joan nodded in response. She remembered sailing past the coastline all those years ago and being mesmerised by the scenery.
Once in Nice, they explored the old town, before having a delicious lunch in Hotel Le Negresco, and then walking along the Promenade des Anglais.
Sitting on the iconic blue chairs people watching and looking out to sea together watching the yachts criss-crossing the blue water in front of them under the azure blue of the sky, Helena sighed.
‘It’s all so beautiful down here. Thank you for a lovely day, Mum. A birthday to remember.’
‘It’s not over yet,’ Joan said. ‘You’ve still got your birthday dinner to look forward to. Talking of which, we’d better make tracks back to Antibes.’
* * *
An hour later, they were back at Joan’s hotel for a reviving cup of tea and to freshen up before the surprise dinner. It was then that Joan remembered the presents Maureen and Teddy had given her.
‘I’m so sorry, I totally forgot to bring them to the villa this morning. I had so much on my mind,’ Joan said. ‘At least it is still your birthday,’ and she handed Helena the two presents. ‘My present is still at home, so that’s something to look forward to when you get back.’
‘It’s not like you to forget things,’ Helena said as she picked up Maureen’s card. ‘You okay?’
‘I’m fine. This trip was so unexpected and it’s the first one I’ve done on my own, since your dad died, so I’ve found it a bit stressful.’
‘Oh Mum, I know how much you miss Dad, but it’s lovely to have you here,’ Helena said as she opened Maureen’s card and showed Joan the two tickets to see the play Small Hotel at the Theatre Royal Bath at the end of summer. ‘Ralph Fiennes and Francesca Annis are starring. What a lovely present.’
Helena smothered a small gasp as she carefully opened the slim box that contained Teddy’s present.
‘Oh, that’s beautiful,’ Joan said, looking at the Swarovski necklace with its small scattered round-cut crystals and a single Swarovski zirconia in the centre that Helena had taken out of its box. ‘From Teddy?’
Helena nodded. ‘Yes.’ She didn’t tell her mother that there was a note in the box; she’d read that when she was alone.
‘You should wear it tonight,’ Joan said, looking at her and wondering whether there was something special between her daughter and Teddy after all. ‘I have a “mother” question to ask,’ she said brightly. ‘Are you and Teddy “an item” I think is the expression?’
There was a short silence before Helena spoke. ‘The simple answer for you alone is yes, but please do not tell Leon. I need to tell him myself.’
Joan looked at her. ‘Why?’
‘Because he interfered.’
‘Okay. But can I have a hug and tell you how happy I am that you and Teddy are together?’
‘Of course.’ Helena moved and gave Joan a tight hug.
‘Please wear the necklace tonight,’ Joan said. ‘I’ll take a photo for you to send to Teddy.’
Helena looked at her. ‘I don’t know where we are going. Isn’t it a bit dressy for a restaurant?’
‘No. It would be perfect.’
Helena looked at her mum thoughtfully. ‘I know the plan was for Leon to come here and then we would pick Mandy up on the way, but I feel the need to dress up a little if I’m going to wear this necklace.
Would you mind if I ran back to the villa to change and get ready there and you and Leon picked me up with Mandy? ’
‘Good idea. I’ll see you later. I might have a quick nap after all the walking we did in Nice.’
* * *
Back in her room at Villa Celestia, Helena took the necklace out of the box again and held it against her neck, smiling as she looked at its sparkling reflection in the mirror.
She took the note out of the box before carefully replacing the necklace and unfolding the piece of paper to read Teddy’s handwritten message.
Sorry not to be seeing you on your birthday, really missing you. I’ll be at the airport Sunday to bring you home. I hope you like your present. Teddy. X
Helena grabbed her phone and typed a message.
Really missing you too. I love my necklace so much. Thank you. See you Sunday. Xxx
She pressed send.
There was a tap on the door. ‘Can I come in?’ Mandy said as she opened the door, not waiting for a reply. ‘I saw you come back and… hey, you look happy.’
Helena picked up the box. ‘Look what Teddy has sent me. He’s written me a note too, says he’s missing me and is planning on meeting me at the airport Sunday.’
‘Not sure how long you’re going to be able to keep up the secrecy,’ Mandy said.
‘I told Mum this afternoon actually,’ Helena smiled. ‘She took one look at the necklace and virtually put two and two together.’
‘Oh, that is beautiful,’ Mandy said, looking at the necklace.
‘I’m going to wear it tonight,’ Helena said. ‘Which reminds me. Mum won’t tell me where we are going, but I think dressing up is called for.’
‘I was going to ask you what the dress code was,’ Mandy said. ‘Not that I’ve got much choice. Only brought one dressy dress with me for Saturday night.’
‘Me too.’
‘Saturday night dresses it is. Right, see you later.’
* * *
Helena had just zipped up her dress and was fastening the catch on the necklace when her phone rang with a video call. Smiling, she answered it. ‘Hi, Teddy.’
‘Happy birthday, darling Helena. Oh, you look lovely. I wish I was there. I miss you.’
‘I wish you were here too,’ Helena said. ‘It seems strange not seeing you on my birthday, especially now that Mum is here with Leon. You three have always been part of my birthday celebrations.’
‘I did think about hopping on a plane, but as we haven’t told anyone about us yet, I thought it might blow our cover.’
‘Mum took one look at your present and guessed, so I confirmed it for her, so if you want to mention it to your mum…’ Helena said. ‘I haven’t seen Leon yet to have a word, but maybe tonight I will talk to him.’
‘Where are you dining tonight?’
‘No idea. Mum says it’s a surprise. I think it’s somewhere along the coast as we have a taxi booked.’
‘Have you enjoyed the retreat so far?’
‘It’s been fantastic,’ Helena said. ‘I’ve learnt so much and met some lovely women, including Elisabeth James. Lots to tell you when I get back.’
‘Oh, Mum’s just called out it’s time to walk Bella, better go. Enjoy your birthday – we’ll go somewhere special when you get back. Love you.’