A Year In France

JULIA, standing in the field behind the cottage talking to Maddy on her mobile, sensed Maddy’s involuntary intake of breath when she heard there would be an unexpected condition attached to the loan.

The idea had only come to her as she listened to Maddy talking, so she hadn’t thought it through. What if Maddy didn’t agree? What if it spoiled their friendship?

“Don’t worry. It’s not a condition set in stone. You can always say no and I’ll lend you the money anyway. It’s just . . .” Julia paused. “Could I be involved with the agency? Be your business partner? I could organise the PR and publicity.”

“Are you serious?” Maddy asked.

“Very. Philippe’s started his new book this week. When he’s working all hours I need something to do.

“So I’ve been looking for part-time freelance work on the internet, but I haven’t managed to find anything yet. Helping you get the agency off the ground would be perfect.”

“It would be brilliant from my point of view, too!” Maddy exclaimed.

Julia let out a huge sigh of relief.

“We’ll have to draw up a proper legal agreement as well as a business plan.”

“Oh, we don’t need to do that,” Maddy said. “We’re

Julia hadn’t celebrated her birthday since her mum died, but this year she had Philippe . . .

best friends.”

“Yes, we do. We have to be professional about it.”

“OK. I’ll draw up the business plan and you work out a basic legal contract. I just have to start signing up some clients,” Maddy said. “Hopefully Kirsty won’t have bad-mouthed me to all and sundry.”

“Talking of Kirsty, you were going to tell me what happened,” Julia reminded her.

Maddy sighed. “Well, you know things have been strained in the office for months now. I should have realised I was being slowly edged out.

“I should also have realised Leah was manipulating things behind my back. So when I blithely gave Kirsty a month’s notice, I played right into her hands.”

Maddy was silent for a few seconds before continuing.

“Apparently Leah went into her office and told her I intended to poach several authors, including the one I’d hoped to sign this week.

“As if I would do something so unprofessional! But Kirsty believed Leah and saw red. Hence the ultimatum and the ripple effect it’s having through the agency.”

“What do you mean?” Julia asked.

“Remember how Margaret was upset at Leah organising things at the London Book Fair instead of her? She rang me, very upset that I’ve left. She says she’s going to hand in her notice, too, once she finds something else. She doesn’t want to risk getting the same reaction I got from Kirsty.”

“Sensible lady,” Julia said. “So who’s going to handle your client list now?”

“According to Margaret, Kirsty’s taking the majority and handing the rest over to Leah,” Maddy said, sighing. “I just wish I didn’t feel so guilty. Kirsty will do her usual professional job, but Leah? Who knows? I feel I’ve let them down.”

“Nonsense. Kirsty is at fault here, not you.”

“I know you’re right.” Maddy sighed again.

“Anyway, once I get some press releases on the go you’re bound to get lots of enquiries,” Julia assured her. “I wouldn’t be surprised if some of your clients want to sign with you. Right, I’ve got to go. We have friends coming to supper tonight. Talk to you tomorrow.”

****

In her London flat, Maddy switched off her phone and settled down on the settee with her laptop, a happy smile on her face. The Maddy Matthews Literary Agency was one step closer to being operational.

Opening the laptop, Maddy came to a decision. Kirsty would be informing clients that she was no longer at the agency, but Lucinda Edrich, the author of the time-slip novel, hadn’t yet signed for representation.

She’d write to Lucinda Edrich herself and explain the situation. She’d word the e-mail carefully, explaining she was no longer with Kirsty, and wouldn’t even mention the fact she was starting her own agency.

It was just a way of wishing her luck and telling her the book was good enough, in Maddy’s opinion, to be a runaway bestseller.

****

“So, is this definitely the house for us?” Philippe asked, taking Julia’s hand. “Shall we put in an offer?”

The two of them were standing in the sitting-room of the house they’d visited last week.

As the house was empty, Herve, the estate agent, had given them the keys to take their time looking around on their own and they’d explored everywhere. Even the old stone hut at the bottom of the garden had been inspected thoroughly.

“Can you see us living here?” Julia enthused. “I can. I love it. The views of the mountains from this room are wonderful.” She hesitated, not sure whether Philippe would laugh at her. “The house has a nice feeling about it. A welcoming, happy feeling.” Philippe didn’t laugh. “I feel that, too. When we take the keys back we’ll tell Herve our offer and hope it’s accepted.”

Back home, Philippe disappeared into his study with a coffee while Julia took hers out into the veranda and began to compile a to-do list.

Julia had always kept a back-up of a diary, addresses and contact numbers in her treasured Filofax.

Her mother had given her the leather-bound organiser for her twenty-first birthday and she’d used it every day of her working life since.

Packing up her things before marrying Philippe and moving to France, she remembered hesitating before putting the Filofax in a box which contained some of her mum’s photos and other things. If she wasn’t working she didn’t need to carry it around.

All these months later the box remained unpacked with two others in the bottom of the old armoire in their bedroom.

Finishing her coffee, Julia went up to the bedroom and found the Filofax in amongst some personal paperwork she’d found when clearing out her mum’s flat after she died.

There was an envelope full of papers: birth certificates, the faded marriage certificates of her grandparents, plus lots of official documents.

Other envelopes contained things she couldn’t bear to throw out at the time – letters from grandparents, childish birthday cards, old school reports. Family mementoes she might one day pass on to her own children.

At the time she’d promised herself she’d go through it all and sort it when she was feeling stronger.

Julia sighed. She’d put it on hold again. Once they were in their new home she’d definitely do a final sorting of these few family heirlooms. But right now she just needed her Filofax.

As she lifted the organiser out, her mother’s happy face looked up at her from a silver framed photo. Julia lifted the frame up. “If only you knew how much I miss you, Mum,” she whispered.

She crossed the room and placed the frame on her bedside table. Perfect.

Carrying the Filofax, Julia made her way back down to the kitchen. It was time to prepare lunch. Afterwards she’d make a start on the to-do list then call Maddy to discuss things.

Julia had just placed the baguette, cheese and tomato and mozzarella salad on the table and was about to call Philippe, when her phone rang. It was Nicola.

“Hi. Tea tomorrow afternoon? I’d love to. See you then.”

****

Maddy stepped back and surveyed the new office area in her bedroom. An

Maddy looked at Dannie. Something was bothering the girl

old wooden desk, a lucky find down at the weekly flea market, now stood in front of the window, a typist chair with a red seat cover pushed up close.

She’d cleaned and polished the desk’s old leather inlay before placing her laptop on its cracked and worn surface.

A pretty table lamp was on the right-hand side, along with a jar of pens and pencils

A cork board for notes and reminders had replaced the picture at the side of the window. On the floor alongside the desk was her printer. She’d keep a lookout for a small table for that to go on, as well as some shelves.

Other than that, the office of the Maddy

Matthews Literary Agency was ready for business.

She heard the flat door open and Dannie come in.

“I was just doing the final tweaks to my office,” she said, smiling at Dannie.

“I’ve bought you a good luck present,” Dannie said, and held out a small carrier bag.

“Oh, Dannie, you shouldn’t have,” Maddy said. “But thank you.

“I love him,” she added, laughing as she took out a frog-shaped desk tidy.

“When do you start officially?” Dannie asked.

“I need to talk to Julia about getting the word out with a bit of a fanfare, but I’m thinking in about a week.”

Later, as they sat eating supper, Maddy looked at Dannie.

“Are you still enjoying life down here? More importantly, do you think you want to stay?”

Dannie glanced at her anxiously.

“You don’t want me to leave, do you?”

“No, of course not. But the month we agreed is up in a few days and your parents must be wondering about what you’re going to do.”

Dannie didn’t answer immediately and Maddy looked at her curiously.

“Is something bothering you? I’m sorry I’ve been a bit preoccupied with my own work problems, and now getting things organised for the agency. We’ve not had much time to talk. Is work not going well?”

“No, it’s not that. Both jobs are fine, especially the boutique. I love it there. It’s Jason, my ex.”

“I didn’t think you were in touch with him,” Maddy said, surprised.

“I wasn’t. He came for a job interview with one of the offices near the station. He was early so he popped in for a coffee. Talk about a surprise. He’s been back a few times since then.”

“Not just for coffee, I’m guessing?” Maddy asked quietly.

“Mainly he wanted to talk to me. Someone who would understand, he said.” Dannie fiddled with a lock of her hair. “Things down here haven’t gone as well as he expected, either with his job or his new girlfriend. In fact, he’s broken up with her.”

Maddy regarded her shrewdly.

“I can see where this is going. He wants you to get back together again, doesn’t he?”

Dannie nodded.

“He says he’s sorry for hurting me and realises he made a mistake.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. We’d been together as a couple for a year before he came down here, but growing up in the same neighbourhood, we’ve known each other for ever.”

“I know it hasn’t been easy, but you’ve survived without him for the last few weeks,” Maddy pointed out.

“That’s been down to your kindness,” Dannie returned.

“I gave you a room. You’re the one who went out and got two jobs and pulled yourself up off a very dangerous slope,” Maddy said. “Did Jason ask how you were? How you managed in the days after you arrived down here with no-one to turn to?” Dannie shook her head. “Not really. He apologised and said he felt guilty,” Dannie replied. “What do you think I should do?

“I do like living here. Should I give him a second chance as we’re both down here and he’s free again?”

“I’m not you, but personally I’d find it difficult to trust any man who treated me like Jason did you,” Maddy said quietly. “Don’t let him use you. Do you still have feelings for him?”

Dannie shrugged. “Once I got over the shock of seeing him in the coffee shop, it felt good talking to him. Like old times. Like putting on a comfortable jumper, if you understand what I mean.”

“Habit is the word you’re looking for,” Maddy told her, regarding her thoughtfully. “If you’re planning to stay down here, you should suggest to Jason that you revert to being just friends for a while and see how things go. Do you think he would agree to that?”

“I’ll ask him tomorrow afternoon when he comes in for his coffee,” Dannie said. “I do like the idea of being friends again.”

She smiled.

“I seem to have made the decision about staying, don’t I? I can’t thank you enough, Maddy.”

Maddy waved her thanks away.

“You wait until you see the rent I’m going to charge you. Joke!” she added quickly as she saw the look on Dannie’s face. “We’ll sit down one evening next week and work out a realistic sum – one that you can afford.”

She didn’t add that if Dannie went ahead and let this Jason back into her life, she planned on inviting him to supper one evening to check him out.

The sun was shining as Julia walked down to Le Jardin. Nicola’s house was next to A Taste Of The Countryside.

Nicola was working in the garden and smiled as she saw Julia and Tess.

“Perfect timing. I was just thinking about stopping,” she said, pulling off her gardening gloves.

“Where are the twins? Having an afternoon nap?” Julia asked.

“Gilles has taken them down to the play centre for the afternoon. We’ll sit under the loggia for tea. Be a bit cooler there.”

“This is a lovely cottage, Nicola,” Julia said, looking around. “Have you lived here long?”

“About seven years. I bought it when I first came out here, before Gilles and I were married.”

“Philippe and I are waiting to hear about a house we’ve fallen in love with. Herve rang yesterday to say the owners were away and he was having trouble contacting them.”

“Nothing quite like the stress of buying a house,” Nicola said. “Apart from that, how are things going?”

“Philippe’s started his new book and I’m picking up the threads of my old life in PR, helping a friend get her business off the ground. Oh, and my French is improving, too, thanks to your suggestion of Philippe talking to me in French for an hour every day. Madame Colbert is pleased with me.”

“So you’re busy, then?” Nicola sighed. “That’s a shame for me.” “Why?”

“I was going to ask if you could help me with some promotion for Taste Of The Countryside.”

“Of course I can. It’ll be my pleasure. I’m not sure that my French is good enough yet, though. Remember, too, my contacts are all in the UK.”

“I already have a file of contacts here,” Nicola said. “I need to do more with the website and increase the marketing, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. I need your expertise.”

“Shall I come down to the shop later in the week and you can go through things with me?”

“Brilliant,” Nicola replied. “Now, let’s get the tea and cakes out on the table.”

Walking home an hour or so later, Julia hummed happily to herself. What with being involved with the agency with Maddy, Nicola wanting her help and, fingers crossed, a house move soon, her French life was shaping up to be as busy as her old life in England.

She was finally beginning to find her way in this unexpected life in a foreign country.

Philippe was still working in his study when Julia arrived home, so she opened up her laptop and Skyped Maddy for a quick update on things.

“I’ve sent some press releases out and contacted a couple of journalists.”

“I’ve been busy, too,”

Maddy said. “My business bank account is now set up, I’ve ordered business cards, and I’ve accepted an invitation to give a talk at a writers’ conference in September.”

“Brilliant!” Julia exclaimed. “Have you set up a Facebook page yet? Or Twitter?”

“I’m planning on doing that this evening,” Maddy replied. “I’ll send you the links later.”

“We also need to sort out an official opening date. Would next week be too soon, do you think?”

“Before or after your birthday?”

“After, I think,” Julia reasoned. She’d forgotten her birthday was so close. “Once the agency’s name is out there, it’s best we keep a high profile for a few days to take advantage of all the publicity. I don’t want to take a day off in the middle of things.”

Finishing the call with Maddy, Julia closed her laptop down. Would Philippe spend all day in his office on her birthday? She’d ask him over supper tonight.

Philippe refused to be drawn on the subject of plans for her birthday when she raised the subject.

“I’m definitely taking the day off,” he told her. “But that’s all I’m saying. You’ll have to wait and see.”

“You’re planning a surprise party?”

Philippe shook his head, smiling.

“No. You’ll just have to be patient.”

When Julia went downstairs on her birthday morning, Philippe was already in the kitchen preparing a breakfast tray.

“Happy birthday,” he said. “I was planning on giving you breakfast in bed.”

“Was that my surprise?” Julia teased. “Shall we have it out on the terrace instead? It’s a beautiful morning.”

“Go out there, then, and take the cushions with you. I’ll be another couple of minutes,” he said.

Sitting there waiting for Philippe to bring breakfast, Julia sighed happily. The early morning sun was climbing over the hills and the sky was already a brilliant blue, Tess was at her feet and there were deer down in the woods at the bottom of the valley. It was the first time she’d actually seen any there.

As Philippe placed their tray on the table, she smiled up at him.

“Look! The deer are down by the edge of the woods. How brilliant is that to see on my birthday?”

“Right, birthday girl. I was going to make Bucks Fizz, then I realised, in view of what’s happening later this morning, it wasn’t a good idea. So we’ve got coffee instead. We’ll have champagne for dinner.” Philippe poured the coffees and pushed the plate of

pains au chocolat towards her.

“What’s happening this morning, then?” Julia asked.

Philippe tapped the side of his nose.

“For me to know and you to find out.”

“Am I going to like it?” “I’m in trouble if you don’t. More coffee?” Julia held out her cup. “Thanks.”

“I’m planning on walking Tess this morning, by the way,” Philippe declared.

“Really? Which way shall we go? Down through the village or up in the hills?”

“No, you will stay here. You deserve a break from chores on your birthday.”

“Tess isn’t a chore,” Julia protested.

“No, I insist. You can have an hour or so doing exactly what you want – or doing nothing. But you are not to work. Then when I get back we can start the day in earnest. OK?” Julia laughed and gave in. She stayed sitting out on the terrace when Philippe left for his walk, simply enjoying the peace of the morning and resisting the urge to check her e-mails.

Philippe and Tess had been gone for barely ten minutes when Christiane arrived, full of apologies and carrying a scrumptious-looking chocolate cake.

“Is Philippe around?” she asked, following Julia into the kitchen.

“No. For some reason he’s elected to be dog walker this morning. He said I could have some time off.” She laughed. “He’s up to something, I just know it!”

“He’s cross with me, so I’m delighted to have missed him,” Christiane said. “The last thing I need is another lecture.”

“He’s very protective of you,” Julia told her motherin-law. “I did talk to him about you and Thierry. I thought his attitude had changed a bit.” Christiane smiled.

“I know. Thank you. And he did seem to be trying to be nice to Thierry before I told him about this mini break we’re having.”

“Oh, that sounds exciting. Where are you going?” Julia asked.

“Venice. Which, according to my darling son, is wrong for several reasons. Not least because I’m not here to celebrate your birthday properly.”

“Don’t worry – there’s always next year. A visit to Venice, on the other hand, is not to be missed.”

“I’ve wanted to go for years.” Christiane sighed. “Thierry knew that and decided to surprise me. Anyway, I’ve made you a cake. Happy birthday, Julia,” she said, putting the cake on the table before turning to give Julia a hug.

“Thank you so much. Shall we celebrate with a slice now?”

Christiane shook her head.

“You and Philippe can enjoy it later.” She opened her large shoulder bag. “And this is a little present for you.”

She handed Julia a prettily wrapped package.

“I’d better go. I haven’t finished packing yet and we’re leaving at midday. Have a lovely birthday and I’ll see you when we get back.”

After Christiane had left, Julia unwrapped her present. A beautiful silk scarf in blended shades of red – from the palest of pink to the brightest scarlet – nestled in tissue paper in a bag from one of the famous designer shops in Cannes.

Gently, she fingered its silky surface. It would go perfectly with the creamy lace dress she was thinking of wearing if Philippe took her out for a birthday dinner that evening.

She’d just finished dressing an hour later, having indulged in a long perfumed bubble bath, when Philippe arrived home.

“Ready for your birthday surprise?” he asked, taking her by the hand. “Close your eyes and come with me. No peeping.”

Carefully, he led her out of the front door and on to their driveway.

“You can open your eyes now. Happy birthday.”

Julia gasped with delight as she saw the silver car parked alongside Philippe’s Jeep.

“You’ve bought me a car?” she cried.

“I did promise you I would. I’m only sorry it’s taken so long to find one I thought you’d like. You do like it?” he added anxiously.

Julia slipped into the driver’s seat.

“I love it. Can we go for a drive? I want to get used to it.”

“You’re driving us up to a village near Roquesteron where I’ve booked a table for lunch,” Philippe told her, smiling. “Let’s go.”

With Philippe at her side quietly pointing out things she needed to know, Julia began to relax and enjoy the experience of driving her new left-hand drive car for the first time on the narrow roads.

Lunch on the terrace of a popular restaurant, overlooking a slow-running river, was delicious. The sound of cicadas and the noise of the water tumbling over the river stones made for an idyllic location.

Sitting there after lunch, enjoying a leisurely coffee, Julia fingered her pendant and remembered previous birthdays.

She glanced

thoughtfully at Philippe.

“I’ve really ignored my birthday for the past couple of years. I couldn’t bear to celebrate it without Mum. It didn’t seem right somehow when I still missed her so much.

“She always went to town for my birthday. Made it a special day – just like you have.”

Philippe reached across and held her hand.

“I wish I had met your mother.”

“I wish you had, too,” Julia said. “She would have loved you as much as I do.”

She was silent for a moment.

“I felt so guilty after she died. Oh, I know it wasn’t me that knocked her off her bike,” she said as Philippe went to protest.

“But I did grow up and leave home without a single thought as to how she felt about it.”

“It is the natural order of things. Children grow up and leave home,” Philippe said gently.

“It was only after she died that I realised she’d kept herself busy to stop herself being lonely.” Julia bit her lip.

“Maddy and I tried to set her up with a professor from college one time. We were convinced they’d be perfect for each other.

“Mum didn’t agree and told me to stop meddling. She said she was happy doing her own thing and didn’t need anyone. And if she did, she’d find him herself thank you very much!” Julia gave a rueful laugh.

“From what you’ve said before about your mother, I think she told you the truth.”

Julia nodded.

“I can’t help wondering sometimes what life would have been like if my father hadn’t died.

“She normally refused to talk about him, but told me once when I was being a difficult teenager that my father might have been the love of her life but she wished I hadn’t inherited his stubborn genes.” Philippe laughed.

“I’m learning to live with that stubborn streak of yours. Come on. I think it’s time you drove us home.”

Standing up, he held out his hand.

As Julia took it, he pulled her towards him, and kissed her.

“Happy birthday, Mrs Delahaye – and many more to come.”

“Brigitte and I are going to have such fun together,” Julia said, parking in front of the cottage and patting the steering wheel.

“Who?” Philippe asked, startled.

“My car. Well, she’s so pretty, she deserves a nice name.”

Philippe laughed. “Brigitte she is, then.” “Thank you again for making the day so special,” Julia said as they went into the cottage.

“Hey, the day’s not over yet,” Philippe reminded her. “There’s still champagne in the fridge.”

His mobile rang at that moment and he glanced at the caller ID.

“I think I’d better answer this,” he said. “It could be important.”

Her own phone’s blue light was flashing, indicating a missed call from Maddy.

Quickly Julia pressed a button to return the call and waited for Maddy to pick up.

“Happy birthday. I hope you’ve been having a great day. Has Philippe been spoiling you?” Maddy asked.

“I’ve had a truly lovely day,” Julia declared. “I’ve never been so spoiled. I haven’t got time right now to tell you everything,” she said, as Philippe came into the kitchen, looking serious. “I’ll e-mail you tomorrow and tell you all about it.”

After ending the call, she turned to Philippe. “Was it important?” Philippe nodded. “Yes. It was Herve with news about the house.”

Julia held her breath as she waited for Philippe to continue.

Was the news about the house going to make her birthday complete?

To be continued.