Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
Marian woke the next morning to the sound of the kettle boiling.
Theo must be up already. She stretched and smiled, remembering the evening before that had ended in such a romantic way.
They had made love as if it was the first time and then gone to sleep in each other’s arms, comfortable despite the narrow bed.
She sat up and smiled at Theo as he carried in a tray with a mug of tea and two slices of toasted soda bread with marmalade, a bowl of yogurt with granola and a glass of orange juice, just as she liked it.
‘Oh, how lovely. Thank you. But what about you?’ she asked. ‘Don’t you want breakfast in bed too?’
Theo placed the tray on Marian’s lap. ‘In this bed? Are you mad? I was hanging off the edge of it all night.’
‘When you weren’t hanging off me,’ Marian said, laughing. She held out her arms. ‘Oh, come here. It was such a romantic evening. Don’t you feel we’re getting back something we lost?’
Theo bent over and kissed her. ‘I think we did. I also think we’re on our way to something even better.’
‘Yes. Maybe we are. A bit to go yet, but it was a lovely start.’ She suddenly noticed that he was dressed. ‘Are you off already?’
‘Yes. I had a shower in the teeny-tiny bathroom. Sorry if there is a bit of water on the floor. There just isn’t enough space for a bloke with shoulders like mine.’
Marian smiled, but she felt a tinge of disappointment that he was rushing off so soon. ‘I can imagine. Don’t worry, I’ll dry the floor. Where are you off to?’
‘I have an appointment in town,’ he said with a mysterious look.
‘What kind of appointment?’ she asked, intrigued.
‘I can’t tell you what it’s about. Just someone I need to talk to about… things.’ Theo stroked Marian’s cheek, but she felt herself flinch, thinking immediately about Helen and whatever had been going on between them. ‘I’ll be in touch about tonight. Dinner and a walk, weather permitting?’
‘Lovely,’ she said. ‘I have to go to work and then I’ll be free around four or so.’
‘Great. Enjoy your breakfast.’ Theo smiled, threw her a kiss and then disappeared.
Marian sipped her tea while she listened to Theo’s footsteps as he ran down the stairs, her mind full of what had happened last night, and what he had said.
He was definitively coming around, she felt, and clearly becoming enchanted by both Dingle and Magnolia Manor.
The family seemed to have done their best to make him feel welcome which, Marian suspected, was Sylvia’s doing.
Who would not be charmed by such a family with such a fascinating history?
But she wished he wouldn’t hide things from her.
If they were going to rebuild their trust for each other, this wasn’t the way to do it.
Is he meeting Helen and reporting back to her? Marian wondered, feeling an increasing niggle of worry.
But she would have to get up soon or she’d be late for work.
Pierce needed her to put everything together for John Peters’ publication and media coverage.
Then there was Sylvia’s interview on Tuesday which, Marian was sure, was bound to cause a sensation in town.
How strange that she had kept this secret for so long, and that Arnaud knew about it.
She finished her breakfast and then had a quick shower before she mopped the water from the floor and hung up the towels Theo had left on the radiator.
That done, she got dressed, ran downstairs and rushed out the door to her car.
But before she had a chance to drive away, someone called from the top of the steps. It was Rose.
‘Marian,’ she shouted. ‘Hang on a sec, I want to ask you something.’
‘Yes?’ Marian said, wondering what was so urgent.
Rose reached the car and stuck her head in the window on the driver’s side. ‘Just wondering if it’s true that you were on a date with that author the other night. What’s his name, John Peters?’
‘A date?’ Marian shook her head. ‘Of course not. It was a working dinner. We’re doing all the publicity for his book.
And he wanted to discuss some details of the campaign,’ Marian explained, feeling her face flush at the thought of what they had talked about.
It hadn’t been a hundred per cent professional and the banter between them had been flirtatious, to say the least, most of it coming from him. ‘Who told you?’ she asked.
‘Mum’s friend Maggie,’ Rose replied. ‘She seemed quite envious. She also said you kissed him as you were leaving.’
‘Kissed him?’ Marian repeated. ‘Oh, no. That was just one of those French things. He’s half French and he’s used to kissing female friends on both cheeks as a greeting. You know, like Arnaud does.’ Marian drew breath and mentally crossed her fingers that Rose would believe her.
‘Oh.’ Rose stared at Marian for a moment. ‘I see. Well, I’m afraid that particular story is out now. I hope it won’t get in the way of your reconciliation with Theo. Lovely guy, by the way. The kids are already mad about him.’
‘He loves children,’ Marian said fondly. ‘I’m sure he won’t believe I was on some kind of date, though. But I’d better tell him about it, so he’s prepared.’
‘Good idea,’ Rose said. ‘But he didn’t seem like the jealous type anyway.’
‘I don’t think so,’ Marian said, hoping she was right. ‘Thanks for letting me know, though.’
Rose nodded. ‘Just thought I should warn you. But hey, Granny’s story will make everyone forget all about it. Can’t wait to hear the interview.’
‘Looking forward to it,’ Marian said and started the car. ‘See you soon, Rose.’
Rose said goodbye and Marian drove off, thinking about what Rose had told her.
She chastised herself for being so careless, having dinner and with Sean in such a public place which finished with him kissing her on both cheeks.
It had seemed innocent to her, but anyone watching would think there was more than friendship going on between them.
And now she wasn’t sure she even liked him as she had discovered how he had used her just to get the story out of her.
She didn’t know how she could work with him, now that she had discovered what he had done.
She hoped fervently that he would never reveal her role in his novel to anyone. At least not to Theo.
Later that day, when Marian was just about to go downstairs to have lunch with Claire and Karina, her phone pinged with a message from Sean.
Great news. I think I have a buyer for the cottage. How about a drink to help me celebrate?
Marian stared at the message, wondering how to reply.
She couldn’t agree to see him in private and had to make sure they only met professionally.
In any case, now that she and Theo were beginning to rebuild their marriage, there was no way she could go out with another man, even on strictly friendly terms. She thought for a moment and then sent a reply.
Glad to hear it! I’m sure you’re relieved. Sorry, but I’m busy right now with family. See you in the office tomorrow in any case.
Marian sent the text, hoping Sean would understand what she really meant.
She had to put him off in a friendly way and not show her dislike for him after what she saw as a kind of betrayal.
There was no reply, so she assumed he accepted her refusal.
Then she joined Claire and Karina in the kitchen for a quiche and salad that Karina had just made.
‘This is divine, Karina,’ Claire said, as she put another piece of quiche in her mouth. ‘Best ever, I think.’
‘Yes,’ Marian agreed, patting her mouth with a napkin. ‘I agree. What did you put in it that made it so extra tasty?’
‘Local cheese,’ Karina replied, looking pleased.
‘There is a new cheesemaker in Dingle and he only uses local milk. This one is a take on the Dutch Leerdammer but with a slightly different flavour. I love the way it melts into the egg and ham mixture. And then I added some spinach, sundried tomatoes and chopped herbs.’
‘Brilliant,’ Claire said. ‘I suppose you’re putting the recipe into the new cookbook for autumn?’
‘Yes,’ Karina said. ‘It’s going to be called Karina’s Comfort Foods.’
‘We’re preparing the publicity for that one,’ Marian cut in. ‘I think it’ll do very well. The last one was a huge success, Pierce told me.’
‘I’m also doing a video for my YouTube channel,’ Karina said. ‘It’s a new thing for me but I like a challenge.’
‘That’s exciting,’ Marian said, admiring this sixty-something woman who wasn’t afraid to test her skills.
Her cooking was legendary and her connection with Magnolia Manor had helped Claire get in touch with the Fleury family when she was what she had called ‘working undercover’.
Now she was such an integral part of the family it was as if she had grown up with the Kerry Fleurys.
Marian felt the same way, wondering how it was possible to have bonded with her third cousins in only a few months.
But she had and there was no way she was going to leave, even if Theo put pressure on her.
But she had an odd feeling he wouldn’t and that they would come to a solution in the end.
‘You look happy,’ Claire said when Karina was tidying up.
Marian smiled. ‘Yes, I am. I have a feeling Theo will eventually want to stay here. But we have a long way to go yet, so I’m not counting any chickens.’
‘Just keeping your fingers and toes crossed?’ Claire said. ‘I hope you’re right, though. I’d love for you to stay here permanently. Both of you, I mean,’ she added.
‘I hope so too,’ Karina said from the kitchen counter. ‘Pierce is so happy to have you working with him. He says his office has never been so tidy.’
‘I do my best,’ Marian said, ‘but sometimes I wonder if a whirlwind has been there over the weekend. I love the job, though. It’s so varied and interesting.’
‘It seems to suit you,’ Claire said.
‘That’s what Theo said,’ Marian told her. ‘And he seemed happy for me. I hope that’s a good sign.’
‘Do you think your husband might want to stay in Kerry?’ Karina asked, putting the plates into the dishwasher.
‘I hope he’ll come around to that idea,’ Marian said. ‘But I don’t want to put pressure on him. It would be wonderful if he came to the conclusion all by himself.’
‘But I thought you were separated. And that you’re dating that author.’ Karina looked suddenly awkward. ‘Sorry, but that’s what I heard at the butcher’s only this morning.’
‘Oh, no,’ Claire exclaimed. ‘That’s terrible. Those gossipy women are at it again.’
‘In any case, it’s not true,’ Marian interjected. ‘Yes, I had dinner with him, but it was about work and not anything more than that. Someone must have seen it and come to the wrong conclusion. But what can I do about it? I only hope Theo doesn’t hear this.’
‘He probably won’t,’ Claire soothed. ‘He’s not likely to meet any of those women. They usually spread the rumours at the hairdresser’s and the shops. In any case, I saw him walk up the hill this morning when we drove to the office. Must have been going for a walk or something.’
‘I saw him near Noel’s office a bit later,’ Karina said. ‘Maybe they’re meeting for lunch?’
Just then, Marian’s phone pinged. ‘Oh, it’s a text message from him,’ she said.
‘Who?’ Karina asked. ‘The dishy author?’
‘No, my husband.’ Marian opened the message. ‘“Could you come to Noel’s office?”’ she read out loud. ‘I wonder what that’s about.’
‘There’s only one way to find out,’ Claire said.
‘I know.’ Marian texted ‘okay’ to Theo and got up. ‘I’ll just tell Pierce and then I’ll go and see what he’s up to.’
‘Sounds mysterious,’ Claire said. ‘Let me know as soon as you come back. I’m dying of curiosity.’
‘You’re not the only one,’ Karina chimed in. ‘Do let us know if it’s something exciting.’
‘I will,’ Marian promised. Then she rushed up the stairs and stuck her head into the office where Pierce was typing on the computer.
‘Hi,’ she panted. ‘I have to go out for a bit. I’ll be back in about half an hour or so.’
Pierce nodded, his eyes on the screen. ‘Okay. But then we need to sort out a few of our clients’ media coverage. I’m just looking at it now and sending a few queries.’
‘No problem,’ Marian replied. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can.
’ Then she ran downstairs and out the door, stopping for a moment to catch her breath, wondering why on earth Theo wanted her to come to Noel’s office.
Was it something to do with splitting up, or even…
divorce? She knew Noel often handled such cases.
But they had had such a romantic evening and fallen asleep in each other’s arms and then Theo had served her breakfast in bed and they had parted with a promise to see each other that evening.
Marian had felt she was falling in love with Theo all over again and that they were now on the way to a much better relationship than ever before.
A relationship where they were equals and could find a new harmony and peace. That couldn’t be just wishful thinking.
But… Then a thought struck Marian. Had Theo heard the gossip about Sean and how they might have been on a date?
Could that have made Theo so angry that he turned to Helen for more advice and then she had told him to get Noel to…
No, no, no, Marian thought as she hurried down the street towards Noel’s office which was only a five-minute walk away.
We can’t lose this new feeling between us before it has even started.
Marian arrived, breathless, at the building, trying to still her beating heart. She opened the door and went inside with a feeling of impending doom.
‘Hi, Marian,’ the receptionist said with a wide grin. ‘Go right in. They’re expecting you. The documents are all ready so all you have to do is sign.’
‘Sign what?’ Marian asked and opened the door to the office without waiting for a reply. Once inside, she found Theo and Noel sitting opposite each other at the desk with a stack of papers in front of them.
So this is it, she thought as she walked towards them. The end of my marriage. What else could it be?