Nearing the bottom, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted her way. A welcome aroma, she had to admire her mother’s organisation skills, the woman had thought of everything. She headed towards the kitchen at the back of the house and from what she’d seen of the chateau so far this was definitely her favourite room. From the huge soot-stained fireplace with its massive stone mantel, to the chunky original beams that spanned the ceiling, she loved everything about it. She didn’t even mind the dark wood cupboards, although they did need a bit of a tidying up. A long oak table sat in the centre, old mismatched wooden chairs lining either side. Despite the neglect, it was as if the room was still the heart of the home having somehow managed to maintain its soul. Flick found it easy to imagine the family gatherings that had taken place here, everyone chatting as they tucked into aCassouletorPoulet à la Bretonnecooked on the range that was, without doubt, big enough to feed the masses.
Wondering where her mum had got to, Flick picked up one of the cups that had been set aside and poured herself a coffee. Taking a sip, she almost jumped when her mum suddenly appeared at the patio doors. Her arms full of logs she struggled to tap on the glass, let alone grab the handle to let herself back in, and Flick rushed over to help. “Please don’t tell me we brought an axe over from England as well,” she said, something that wouldn’t have surprised her.
“I was just having a scout around and I found this fabulous wood store,” Brenda explained. “It’s stocked from floor to ceiling.” With nowhere else to put it, she dumped her find straight onto the stone floor by the fire. “Have you been out there yet?” She brushed off the splinters that had caught in her dressing gown. “The courtyard is stunning. It’s got views straight onto the lake.”
Flick’s eyes widened. “The chateau has its own lake?” she asked, wondering how on earth they’d missed that when exploring the building. Then again, by the time they’d gotten around to it she supposed it had been pretty dark.
“It most certainly does. Go and have a look.”
Flick stepped outside onto the gravelled courtyard. Glancing around, outbuildings sat to the left and a path led off into the woods on the right. But it was what lay straight ahead that really caught her attention. With nothing but a low-level wall separating her from the water, the lake was breathtaking and she’d never seen so many lily pads. “Amazing,” she said, soaking up the scene. “It’s like we’re in a different world.”
“Isn’t it,” Brenda said, appearing, coffee in hand, at Flick’s side.
Flick continued to take in the view. As locations went, this place certainly had it all. She suddenly spotted a stone structure in the distance. “Do you think that’s a boat house?”
“Could be,” her mum replied. “It’s close enough to the water. We should go and investigate once we’re washed and dressed.”
“I’d like that.”
The two women stood side by side in companionable silence.
“Here, hold this,” Brenda said suddenly.
Flick took her mother’s cup, watching her disappear back inside before returning with two of the oak table’s chairs.
“That’s better,” Brenda said. Plonking them down, she retrieved her drink and took a seat.
Flick followed suit and sat on the other chair, happy to enjoy the peace.Who needs a sheet and a pillowcase when they’ve got this?she asked herself, her need for home comforts almost a thing of the past.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Brenda asked. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Like a baby.”
“I’m not surprised after the drive we had getting here. It seemed to take forever.”
Flick laughed and despite recalling how her mother had slept for most of it, she resisted giving her a jibe. “Worth it just to see this though, eh?”
Brenda smiled in response.
“You know, today was the first day in a long time that I didn’t wake up with a knot in my stomach.”
Brenda reached over and patted Flick’s knee. “I told you a break would do you good.”
Flick breathed in the still morning air. “It’s just so magical. And calming.” She knew she shouldn’t but feeling a million miles from the turmoil she’d left behind, she allowed herself to consider her situation for a moment. “I really thought what Matthew and I had was special. I thought we were like you and Dad, in it for the long haul.” She laughed. “Long haul. I certainly got that wrong, didn’t I?” She took a sip of her coffee. “Why do you think he did it, Mum? I mean, who does a runner from their own wedding reception? It would have been better if he just hadn’t turned up, left me circling the block. I’d have got the message he wasn’t coming, sooner or later.”
Brenda scoffed. “Because the man’s a fool, that’s why.”
Flick didn’t agree. Thinking back to her wedding day, as far as she was concerned, she’d been the foolish one. She recalled Matthew’s momentary pause before sayingI doand how she’d naively put his hesitation down to wedding day jitters. “I just wish I could be angry with him.”
“Don’t worry, love. I’ve got enough anger for the both of us. And if I ever get my hands on him, he’ll know that too.”
“One minute I feel numb and confused, in the next it’s like I’m about to have a panic attack.”
Brenda softened. “You need to stop torturing yourself. You’ve wasted enough energy on that man already. It’s time to move on with your life, forget about him.”
Continuing to stare out at the water, Flick knew her mother was right. But that didn’t make following such advice any easier.
“Anyway, you weren’t the only one stupid enough to fall for Matthew’s charm.”
