Finding Mother Read online

  The little group settled quickly into animated conversation, sharing basic information as to their backgrounds and how they had become friends. Nicole was intrigued to learn that Jeanne had written a best-selling book based on her family’s history and love of cooking, titled Recipes for Love.

  ‘Wow! That’s brilliant! I’d never have the patience and dedication to write a book. Have you written anything else since?’

  ‘I’ve started writing a novel set during the Occupation but I’m not sure if I’ll finish it before I get…distracted,’ Jeanne laughed, patting her bump. ‘Four months until our lives change forever.’ Nick smiled and kissed her and again Nicole felt a pang. Stop it, you stupid idiot, remember how people used to be jealous of you and Tom! That did the trick and she focussed once more on her companions, managing a quick squeeze of Ben’s hand which earned her an answering smile.

  Fortified by the coffee they set off up the steep hill towards Le Manoir, roughly the centre of the island and where the Manor House and cottages were to be found. Nicole paused periodically to enjoy the view through the trees towards the harbour and over to Guernsey. She also needed to catch her breath, wishing she was more fit. The tennis in Spain had helped but she hadn’t done much since. As they came around the last bend the lane levelled out and to the right was what appeared to be a fortified village, protected by a tall granite wall, and entered through a stone archway.

  ‘Here we are, home sweet home.’ Ben’s arms encircled the village composed of cottages, a small church and what looked like a castle. He grinned, ‘Actually our home’s this cottage.’ He pointed to one of a row facing out to sea.

  ‘Great views,’ Nicole said, standing with her back to the village and looking out across to Guernsey. A short journey by boat but a world away in atmosphere. Nicole appreciated how quiet it was, untroubled by the sounds of people or traffic. Not even cycles were allowed and the only vehicles were the tractors and quad bikes used by the staff.

  After a tour, which included the tiny school for the islanders’ children, they set off eastwards. They took their time, giving Nicole a chance to savour the beauty of the island; passing a sea of tents staked out in the campsite as they headed to the cliff path. A few minutes later, stopping to rest on a southerly cliff, Nicole had not only a clear view of Sark but could make out Jersey on the horizon.

  ‘I can see why you love coming here. It’s as if we’re on another planet!’ Nicole said, spinning round with pleasure. The men smiled but Nicole noticed Jeanne’s face had clouded.

  ‘What’s the matter? Are you in pain?’

  Jeanne shook her head. ‘No, just an old, bad memory that’s all. Nothing to worry about.’ Nick hugged her close, a concerned look on his face.

  Nicole was puzzled but felt she couldn’t pry and let Nick and Jeanne take the lead on the path. Jonathan tagged behind them, leaving her and Ben to bring up the rear .

  ‘What was that about?’ she whispered to Ben.

  ‘It’s a long story, but her parents were killed when their boat was forced onto rocks on the way back to Guernsey from Herm. Jeanne, only sixteen, was injured and suffered amnesia. She didn’t learn the truth of what happened until a few years ago and was left pretty scared of boats, as you can imagine. Anyway, thanks in part to Nick, Jeanne’s made a full recovery. Having their wedding here was a way of celebrating that it was behind her.’

  ‘Poor Jeanne! How awful for her! But at least she seems so happy with Nick and with the baby on the way…’

  ‘Yep. They’re a great couple. I guess she must be missing her mother, though. Women need their mothers when they have babies, don’t they?’

  ‘I suppose so. If I ever have a baby there’ll be two mothers vying to be involved!’ Nicole laughed.

  ‘Oh, you do want children? As you hadn’t any with your husband I assumed you didn’t.’

  Nicole noticed an odd expression on Ben’s face.

  ‘Yes, I do. But I’ve only recently realised that. I was too busy with my career before and Tom wasn’t that keen. I’ve…changed my mind about lots of things lately.’ She shrugged. ‘It’s as if I’m finally growing up and seeing what’s really important in life. Which is people, relationships. Not high-flying careers which can leave you isolated from family and friends. Whatever I end up doing, I’m not going to make that mistake again.’

  Ben smiled warmly.

  ‘Mm, sounds as if you’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching. I suppose your biggest decision is what to do about…Tom. And your job.’

  She took a deep breath.

  ‘I’ve decided to divorce Tom, though he doesn’t know yet. We’ve grown apart. And if our marriage ends there’s no way I can return to my job. Which is fine by me. I could do with a fresh start.’

  ‘Ah, right.’ Ben pulled her close and kissed her. A long, slow kiss that promised so much.

  Settled under an umbrella in the garden of The Ship, the little group enjoyed a bottle of chilled Sauvignon Blanc while waiting for their food. Jeanne, sipping fruit juice, had recovered her composure and they were all laughing at one of Jonathan’s jokes. Nicole had been surprised at his ability to amuse. Under the nerdy exterior of black-framed glasses and pale face lurked a natural entertainer. And, according to the others, a great doctor.

  The walk along the steep cliff paths had produced a healthy appetite as Ben had predicted. As their order of freshly cooked mussels, sea bass and lobster arrived, the appetising smell and sight brought the conversation to an abrupt halt.

  They rounded lunch off with much needed coffees, before setting off along the lower coast road, skirting The Mermaid Tavern. As they came abreast of the beach Nick pointed out his boat, a sleek cabin cruiser at anchor a few feet from shore.

  ‘You’d be welcome to join us for a trip sometime, Nicole. We often come over for the day in the summer and another woman would even up the numbers a bit.’ He grinned.

  ‘Love to. Used to enjoy boating when I lived in Jersey.’

  ‘Nick refurbished the boat himself and I can vouch for its comfort. No expense was spared on the boss’s boat, eh?’ Ben said, in reference to Nick’s business as a boat-builder. ‘I could do with his skills at my house but for some reason he’s not keen to help!’

  ‘Haha,’ Nick replied with a grin, ‘you know I was working flat out on both the cottage and the boat for months and needed to relax with my lovely wife.’ As if to prove his point he wrapped his arm around Jeanne, giving her a resounding kiss.

  After much exaggerated sniggering from the others, they settled to a steady walk, the two couples hand in hand, letting Jonathan lead the way.

  ‘So, what’s this about a cottage?’ Nicole asked Jeanne, coming abreast as the lane widened.

  ‘I inherited an old cottage from my grandmother and decided to renovate it before selling. But then things changed,’ Jeanne glanced at Nick with a smile, ‘and I stayed. My builders did all the heavy work but Nick offered to provide fitted cupboards and wardrobes which took him months in his spare time.’ Another glance at a now grinning Nick. ‘His offer was conditional on his being allowed to move in with me. I wasn’t too sure at first but then he proposed!’ She giggled.

  ‘That’s soo romantic! Where’s your cottage?

  ‘Perelle, on the west coast. Next time we have a barbecue you must come. We’re famous for our barbecues, aren’t we, Jonathan?’

  ‘You sure are. I was present at the first one Jeanne held, before these two became an item. And there’s been many since. They’ve become part of our social calendar and not to be missed.’

  ‘Sounds good to me. My social calendar’s pretty empty these days.’

  Ben gave her a quick kiss before whispering, ‘I’d be only too happy to fill it up for you.’

  Nicole caught her breath. What’s made him so much more flirty? I thought he wanted to just stay friends? But that kiss! And now…

  By this time they were approaching the sandy common, covered in scrub g
rass and wild flowers. They had to watch their step, with rabbit holes ready to trap unwary ankles. Ben pointed out the landmarks of an obelisk to the north and Neolithic burial chambers to their left, known as Petit Monceau. Ben assured Nicole that he’d show her around more thoroughly another time. Fine by her, the sea and beach beckoned. And it meant he thought there would be another time.

  The path wound round the edge of the common, bordered with ferns and spiky marram grass. Hardly a soul came into view before they stepped onto the dunes of Shell Bay. With most of the visitors stretched out near the little café on their right, the friends headed left along the beach before spying a large, open space. Flopping down on her towel with a contented sigh, Nicole asked Ben if he’d mind applying her suncream. With a grin, he squeezed the cream on her back and legs and slowly, sensuously, rubbed it in. Wonderful! It had been so long since she’d enjoyed a man’s touch and she was drifting into a trance-like state when Ben gave her a light tap on her bottom, saying, ‘My turn now!’

  Nicole was happy to reciprocate as she rubbed in the cream as slowly as she could. The sight and touch of his smooth, muscled legs and back were producing a decidedly erotic response within her when Jonathan shouted, ‘Hey, you two! Do we have to throw cold water over you?’

  Looking up she saw the three of them looking on in amusement and had to laugh.

  ‘No, we’re fine, don’t worry!’

  It wasn’t long before they were all comatose from the combination of hot sun and wine.

  Later, they enjoyed a long refreshing swim in the clear, blue water, warmed by the jet stream. While they were towelling off, Ben checked his watch and told Nicole it was time to make their way to the Rosière Steps for the ferry. Thanks to the steep drop in the tides, the boat could only use the harbour at high tide and it was now low, meaning a longer walk to the boat. The others insisted on accompanying them, so bags were packed and after much pulling on of T-shirts and shorts they were ready.

  They were crossing the common when it happened.

  Nicole had twisted round to catch something Jeanne was saying and her foot caught in a rabbit hole. With a cry, she stumbled, jerking her ankle. All went black.

  chapter 26

  ‘Wha…what happened?’

  As Nicole opened her eyes she found Ben staring down at her, his face filled with concern.

  ‘It’s okay, you fainted after you fell. Looks like you twisted your ankle, but I don’t think it’s serious.’ He put his arms under her shoulders. ‘Take a deep breath and I’ll help you sit up.’

  Sitting up she felt a lot better and registered the protective circle of her friends. She managed a wan smile. ‘That was a bit dramatic! I don’t normally fall at people’s feet!’

  Jonathan said ‘Well, I think the patient’s not on the danger list so we can relax, folks.’ He turned his attention to Nicole’s right ankle. Gently, he removed the strappy sandal and ran his fingers over her foot.

  ‘How’s that feel when I move it?’

  Nicole, still supported by Ben, felt a stab of pain as Jonathan slowly rotated her ankle. ‘It hurts. Shall I try and stand?’

  Ben held on as, putting all her weight on her left foot, Nicole stood up. Holding her breath she shifted her balance so that both feet were flat on the ground. Pain flicked through her foot but she kept her balance.

  ‘Okay, now try to walk. Don’t worry, I’ll catch you if needed,’ Ben said, letting her go.

  Nicole managed to hobble a few steps, gritting her teeth against the pain.

  ‘Oomph! It hurts!’

  Ben and Jonathan exchanged glances before Ben said, ‘There’s no way Nicole can go home on the ferry today. If we can get her back to the cottage would it be all right with everyone if she stayed here tonight and rest her ankle? We can use ice to bring down the swelling and I’ve got some anti-inflammatories that’ll help.’

  ‘That’s fine by us,’ replied Nick, having received an answering nod from his wife. Looking at Jonathan he went on, ‘There’s the sofa-bed if you don’t mind moving out of the bedroom for Nicole and Ben.’ Jonathan nodded. ‘Good. I’ll ring the office and see if they’ll send the Gator to carry Nicole back to our cottage.’

  Ben helped Nicole to sit down on a tussock of grass and dropped beside her. He gave her a hug. ‘Sorry about this. Hope it’s not going to spoil your weekend. If you rest your ankle for the rest of today you should be able to walk tomorrow.’ He grinned. ‘You know, not many people get to have two doctors on call for a twisted ankle!’

  She murmured, ‘Looks like I’ll be able to check out your bedside manner later.’

  He frowned. ‘Mm, I think we’ll keep it purely professional, Mrs Oxford. Wouldn’t want to risk further injury, would we?’

  Nicole felt confused. Was he serious?

  The Gator deposited Nicole at the rented cottage and the driver helped her to sit outside while she waited for the others to arrive. Although her ankle throbbed she felt relaxed. It hadn’t been pleasant, but the bottom line was she was in good hands. Very good hands! Hélène, on receiving a call from Nicole, expressed only mild concern once she learned that Ben and Jonathan were on the case. Nicole hadn’t felt it necessary to explain the sleeping arrangements that night. She smiled. Even if nothing happened between them, it was a good feeling knowing they’d be sharing a room. She’d assured her mother that she’d be back in time for the family lunch the next day.

  ‘I can hardly miss meeting my brother and sister, can I?’ Nicole said before signing off.

  It didn’t take long for Jonathan to make up an ice pack for her ankle, securing it with a light bandage. It was to remain in place for twenty minutes and then again every few hours. A couple of ibuprofen completed the treatment. Nicole stretched out on the sofa, her foot raised on cushions while Jeanne made tea in the kitchen. The men, grabbing beers, disappeared outside to set up an impromptu barbecue.

  ‘Here you are, strong sweet tea just as the doctor ordered.’ Jeanne said as she put the mug down next to her.

  ‘Doctors are bossy aren’t they? I hate sweet tea! But, if I must…’

  She grimaced at the first sip, but felt obliged to continue. It was meant to help with shock but, given a choice, she’d have asked for a brandy.

  They chatted amiably as the men fired up the portable barbecue Nick had brought over on his boat. They hadn’t planned to use it that night but to go down to The Mermaid for a Black Rock Grill. Nicole’s enforced presence scuttled those plans but they’d assured her that their own barbecue would be as much fun. Fortunately, Nick and Jeanne had brought plenty of meat and fish with them and they’d picked up fresh bread from the local shop on the way back. It wasn’t long before the appetising smell of barbecuing steak, sausages and prawns wafted through the open windows.

  The evening drifted by, fuelled by good food and alcohol. And good company. Nicole had been helped outside, sitting with her foot up on a chair, while the others stood or perched on the low granite garden wall. Occasionally, the sound of music wafted up from the harbour village but it still felt as if they were in a world apart. The painkillers kicked in and, together with the ice packs, reduced the pain in Nicole’s foot to a barely noticeable level. The couple of glasses of wine her “doctors” had allowed her to imbibe may have played a part. Not wanting to disturb their neighbours, they moved back indoors around ten o’clock and it wasn’t much later when Nicole started yawning.

  ‘C’mon you. Bed.’ Ben supported her and, after goodnight kisses all round, she hobbled off to their bedroom feeling pleasantly woozy.

  Ben left her to undress, saying he’d be back in a minute. It was only after she’d stripped off her T-shirt and shorts that Nicole felt unsure of herself. She covered herself up with the duvet on one of the twin beds. Hmm, what happens now? Was he really planning on maintaining the “professional” approach?

  Ben knocked on the door before coming in to sit down on her bed. He reached out to stroke her hair.

 
‘It’s been quite a day, hasn’t it? How are you feeling now?’

  ‘Much better, thanks. Hardly any pain. I feel a bit of a fraud…’

  ‘Don’t be daft! You’d have been hard pushed to get back to Guernsey on that ankle. Anyway, you’d missed the last boat,’ he grinned.

  She reached out to touch his hand.

  He shook his head. ‘Get ye behind me, Satan! You need to sleep. I’ll sit up a bit longer with the others.’ He bent down and kissed her cheek, pulling away before Nicole could react.

  Feeling disappointed, she turned over and, in no time, was fast asleep.

  Her friends, forgoing a lie-in, escorted Nicole to the harbour on Sunday morning in time for the nine o’clock ferry. Ben was returning with her so that he could drive her car back to La Folie. Hélène had agreed to take him to White Rock to catch the midday ferry, allowing him to enjoy his last afternoon in Herm as planned.

  Nicole was relieved to find her ankle almost pain-free and insisted that she could walk unaided. Ben maintained a gap of only a few inches between them to be sure.

  After much kissing and hugging, she said goodbye to Jeanne, Nick and Jonathan, promising to see them again soon. They’d exchanged phone numbers and Jeanne was particularly insistent that Nicole popped down to Perelle soon, ‘So we can have a girly chat without the men getting in our way.’

  The return trip was so different to the one she’d made only the day before. Then, Nicole had been full of anticipation and excitement, wondering what Herm had in store for her. Now she knew. Not only was the island even more beautiful and beguiling than she’d expected – in spite of the rabbit holes – but she was pretty sure she’d found love. In the shape of the man who now stood on the deck beside her, holding her tight. Although nothing had actually happened last night, Nicole felt that something had changed between them. Although Ben was still sending out mixed messages she was sure he had feelings for her. Or nearly sure.