Chapter 52
After days of dithering about how to break the news to her maman, Brigitte decided she’d invite her, Uncle Albert, Marc and Hervé for personal support, the following Saturday night. Hopefully there would be safety in numbers.
Monique, typically, protested she didn’t want to come, but Brigitte told her she had something important to announce and she needed to be there to hear it. Her hope was that sheer nosiness would make her maman come to the apartment. And it did.
Everybody arrived at the same time, which was convenient as it meant Hervé could lock the door and head back upstairs with everyone. Monique declined an aperitif, asking for water instead. The others all opted for a simple glass of red wine.
When everyone was seated, Hervé served the paté and salad starter.
‘So what’s this grand announcement now you’ve got us here?’ Monique demanded.
‘I didn’t say it was a grand announcement, I said it was important,’ Brigitte said. ‘Remember Mel and Evie, my friends who came to your party and gave you those lovely yellow roses?’
‘Yes, of course I remember them. Especially the American wearing a Chanel. Was she the girl who asked about the Pensione Provencal?’
‘Yes, and you said you had no knowledge of the place,’ Brigitte said.
‘You lied about that didn’t you, Monique,’ Albert said softly, shaking his head at her.
‘We both know where that place was because our mother Flo dragged us past it on every occasion possible for years, muttering rude words about it. One of the illegitimate children we know about, a Dupont, was born there.’ Albert turned to look at Brigitte.
‘Pensione Provencal was on Place du Maréchal Pétain which was renamed Place de Gaulle early in 1945 after the liberation.’
‘I’ll tell Evie that, next time I see her,’ Brigitte said.
‘Evie’s great-grandmother, was a war correspondent, and she was here five months after the liberation happened and that is where she stayed.
Whilst she was here she not only sent news and features back to America, she kept a private journal, which Evie has inherited and brought with her on this visit. It makes for interesting reading.’
Brigitte replaced her knife and fork back on the plate, her own appetite suddenly gone.
‘I’ve seen the journal and I’ve read one particular entry, and that entry strongly suggests Grandfather fathered another baby.
One that was brought up in America. One whose own granddaughter is now in Antibes.
Not looking for answers or anything, just wanting to see the Antibes her great-grandmother loved.
Not knowing that she was about to unearth a family secret. ’
‘I knew there was something special about that young lady,’ Albert said. ‘I couldn’t put a finger on anything but…’ He shook his hand in the air, one finger raised. ‘I sensed she was going to turn out to be special somehow.’
Brigitte looked at her maman and Albert. ‘You both have a half-sister called Charlotte – born within months of you, Monique. And Charlotte’s daughter, Daisy, is Evie’s mother.’
‘So now I have American relatives as well as the detestable French ones who stole the villa from us.’ Monique pursed her lips crossly.
‘They didn’t steal the villa, our dear fornicator of a father gave it to them,’ Albert growled at her.
Monique glared at him before looking at Brigitte. ‘Is there any proper proof you have other than this journal?’
Brigitte gave her maman an impassive look. ‘She showed me the missing butterfly clip.’
At her words, Monique visibly froze.
‘I think that’s probably proof enough even for you, don’t you, Maman?’ Brigitte said quietly.