Page 13

There was a knock on the door when the clock chimed seven o’clock. A tall, slim girl stood before me with a sweet smile and a pile of exercise books. Her glossy black hair was shaped perfectly around her face and her designer glasses framed her huge brown eyes. ‘Hello, I’m Jemima. Thanks for agreeing to let me stay. Daddy’ll be here soon.’

‘I’m Maisie. Please come in.’ I showed Jemima into the kitchen.

Felix arrived. ‘I take it you’ve introduced yourselves.’ Sorry I’m late. I had to take a call. He kissed me on each cheek.

When he brushed his face against mine, I had to force myself to breathe again. ‘It’s OK,’ I replied, trying not to let my voice wobble.

Jemima observed from her seat at the kitchen counter and rolled her large brown eyes. Elbows on the table, she tilted her head to one side and smiled at Felix. ‘Goodbye, Daddy. Have a lovely time. Don’t forget to bring back some saucisson, tapenade and cheese. Mother buys the ghastly supermarket own brand.’

Once Felix departed, Jemima removed her phone from her pocket then started to type with her thumbs. She glared at me coolly and pushed the stack of exercise books to one side to reveal a cropped white T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of a popular indie rock band.

I opened my laptop and began to search Danny’s website again. When I glanced over again, Jemima was applying a thick line of eyeliner. Getting a measure of a plan brewing, I didn’t comment on her makeup. ‘Are you hungry, Jemima?’

‘Have you got any caviar?’ she asked nonchalantly.

‘I’m afraid I’ve just finished it. I can’t get to Harrods for a little while.’

She lifted her head then stared at me with her large, wise eyes. ‘You can get it from the local deli.’ I heard her tut.

‘Would you like some hot chocolate? I make it the French way by melting the chocolate.’

‘No, thank you.’ She typed another message. ‘Have you got any champagne? I drink it the French way in a champagne glass.’ Her face broke out in a smile.

‘You’re too young to drink champagne,’ I said, frowning at her.

‘You’re too old to drink hot chocolate.’ She licked her finger then struck a one in the air to mark her victory. ‘And it’s fattening. Mummy drinks water, champagne and black coffee.’

I remained calm and made the hot chocolate. As I stirred, the sweet aroma of chocolate filled the room. Pouring the drink into tall cups, I added cream, marshmallows and a Flake. When Jemima sipped her drink, I continued to study the screen of my laptop. I searched for tracks by Wallows , the band on her T-shirt, and played them through my speakers without comment.

Jemima tapped her foot and scrolled through her phone. Her mouth was smeared with cream, so I handed her a serviette and pursed my lips. She put her hand on her stomach when it rumbled.

With oranges, lemons, sugar and a tiny drizzle of Grand Marnier, I prepared the crêpe Suzette sauce. I took the batter from the fridge, heated a little oil and gently fried the pancakes. I folded the pancakes, dropped them in the sauce and flamed the brandy for effect. The alcohol would be burned off, but I hope she would be tempted by something adults ate.

When I presented the plate in front of her, she said, ‘Very retro.’ She tucked into the pancake. There was a vulnerability in her eyes when she looked at me.

‘Right, you wash up and I’ll grab a film.’

Her eyes widened. ‘I’ve never washed up - like ever.’

‘My house, my rules. OK. I’ll wash, you dry.’ I threw the tea towel at her.

Slowly, she held plates in her tiny hands and wiped them dry. She gave me a sideways glance. ‘Are you looking after me to impress Felix?’

She wanted me to be shocked at the use of his first name. ‘I didn’t have a choice, kiddo. I did it to rescue you from sitting outside boring meetings.’

‘Darling, he doesn’t have a business meeting. It’s pleasure!’

I did not respond to her comments. Instead, I showed her some vintage dance movies.

She shook her head. ‘You’re a bit young for these old films. I’ll pass. I’ll get showered and changed at my father’s house. I need you to drop me off at the concert.’

‘I haven’t got a car. You’re not going anywhere on my watch, young lady.’ I locked the door then popped the keys in my pocket.

She headed towards the open window. It was obvious the child sought attention from parents who led their own lives. Waiting for a response, she appeared younger and vulnerable again.

‘Listen. It’s not my fault you don’t want to be here. I had other plans tonight and it didn’t include an eleven-year-old kid who behaves like Patsy’s love child.’

‘Who’s Patsy?’ Now her eyes lit up. ‘Is she your lover?’

My computer was still connected to the internet and the Skype ringtone sounded on my laptop. Jemima dashed over and accepted the call.

A close up of Grant’s face appeared on the screen. He moved his mouth, but no words came out.

I waved at Grant and introduced Jemima.

‘Wow! Good looking kid. Who the hell are you? Your eyes are completely gorgeous.’ Clicking his fingers above his head, he said, ‘You could be a Spanish diva. Ole!’

Jemima stared at Grant without blinking then started to smile at him. ‘I’m Jemima. Who’re you dressed as - Mr Darcy?’

‘Correct. I melt the women’s hearts at the Jane Austen Centre. I’m Grant in my other life. I lived with Maisie for five very blissful years.’ He paused. ‘Mmm. You should be called…’ He wagged his finger in front of his face as he thought of a new name. ‘Luna. How’s crazy Maisie? Is she wearing her sexy wellies today?’

She giggled at his description and covered her mouth with her hands. ‘She wants me to watch retro films and won’t let me see a band.’

‘Ask her to let you watch the box set of the Ab Fab series. I love Patsy, darling.’

‘Thanks,’ I mouthed to Grant who won everyone over with his charm. I blew him a kiss.

I curled up on the sofa with my laptop, searching for flights to Paris and then closed it. She needed some attention, I thought.

Jemima’s eyeliner had worn away with her tears of laughter. She stretched. ‘I’ll just get a shower next door and come back in my PJs. Is that OK?’

I had to trust her but felt uneasy. ‘Okay. Hurry back. We’ll play Monopoly.’

She returned wearing pyjamas with bears on them and wore slippers shaped like bears too. In her arms she carried packets of crisps and chocolates.

‘I’ve just prepared the caviar,’ I said with a very serious expression.

Her eyes widened. She put her hand over her mouth. ‘Sorry about that. I was just mad my father had sent me off to a stranger again. I thought you were one of his admirers. Your aunt was the best company. When I was little, I had midnight feasts with Ada. I used to sneak out of Dad’s and we’d have a carpet picnic. I miss her.’

‘I miss her too.’ I smiled at the thought of how Jemima had settled down so quickly but did consider her reference to Felix’s other women. It was very selfish of him not to pay attention to Jemima. I sighed, reflecting on the fact that Felix did produce very attractive children. The nearer I got to thirty, the more I thought about having kids. Apart from Grant, all my friends were settled and too busy with their lives.

The so-called friends’ mantra to me was, ‘You’re not getting any younger.’ How come they thought it was OK to say that? And I refrained from commenting on how the bags under their eyes weren’t getting any better with the lack of sleep.

Landing on the Chance square Jemima said, ‘My dad is great when he actually spends time with me. Mum and Dad are always so busy.’ When she scooped up her money and took my hotels, she grinned. ‘I like your boyfriend, Grant. When is he coming over?’ Rubbing her eyes, she smudged her make-up and snuggled on the sofa with Bronte.

Clearing away the hotels and houses, I said. ‘He’s not a boyfriend. We have a great friendship that goes back years. I haven’t had much success with boyfriends - no great love of my life,’ I said, annoyed with myself for letting the words slip out as she would report back to Felix.

When my mind drifted, I planned a movie fest with Felix. Romantic comedies might be a little obvious so maybe I’d find a thriller. My legs would be draped across his lap. I would hold the tub of popcorn. Hot chocolate with a touch of Bailey’s or Cointreau would give the drink a more sophisticated edge. Resting my chin on my hands, I considered how it would be better to get Felix to provide the films, and now I had tamed his daughter, he would be so grateful.

When I drifted back into the room, Jemima fixed on me as if she viewed the narrative flicking through my mind. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. A light in her eyes suggested she was on the verge of saying something.

I closed the Monopoly box and waited.

‘Your aunt received letters from the love of her life.’ She stared at her fluffy bear slippers. ‘I found letters in her drawer before you moved in.’ Breathing out, she paused. ‘Your aunt promised to tell me her love story one day when I got older. She said I wasn’t old enough to read the letters and hear the details yet. Because she told me that, I started to search for the letters when she’d gone. My dad didn’t miss me because he was on some boring call.’

I frowned. ‘Really? What were you doing searching through her private things?’ A flash of anger shone in my eyes to warn Jemima.

With her eyes focused on me, she reminded me of one of the wounded animals in a Disney cartoon. ‘Ada gave me permission to escape here any time I needed to.’ She opened the drinks cabinet, took a key hooked up on the top shelf then opened the tiny lock. The cabinet was jam packed with yellow letters. ‘Read this.’ She handed me a letter dated 2000. ‘Nora and Camellia told dad you wanted to know the name of your aunt’s lover. I have an initial. I brought it along to bargain with you if I needed to. I didn’t think you’d be OK.’

Dearest Ada,

It is with deep sadness I must tell you my wife passed away peacefully last night. The funeral is next Friday, and I hope you will be here to say goodbye and celebrate her life.

She was always grateful you forgave her for marrying me but missed you and talked of you often. She has left you a gift to mark the friendship and it was her wish I pass this on to you personally.

I humbly invite you to come here to our home, as our treasured friend, and meet our son. Having only just lost his mother, he’d find comfort in memories of her when she was young. I enclose an old photo of you outside the Eiffel Tower.

Our passionate romance in Paris in the seventies will always hold a special place in my heart. When I followed you to Paris, I did not expect to stay here forever with another love. I will never forget how gracious you were when you discovered my love for your best friend. You told us you would not fight destiny because everything happens for a reason.

Your loving friend,

B

Having reread the letter a couple of times, I was sad and could feel my aunt’s pain. Was this man the love of her life and the reason she never married? You told us you would not fight destiny because everything happens for a reason. This was the same sentiment I had with Matt falling for Connie, and I ignored friends’ suggestions to fight back. I folded the letter and released a sigh, wondering if she had reunited with him and if they became lovers once more. Jemima had fallen asleep, so I covered her with a fleece blanket.

Jemima sat up and stretched. ‘Can we have another girlie night when I’m here next? The food and ‘saddo’ DVD fest were cool. I’m going to get the pancake recipe on YouTube so I can perfect it for my friends.’ Her eyes glowed with excitement when she spoke. ‘I think I’ll organise a vintage movie night for a couple of friends. I’ll tell Mum to get some vintage eighties clothes for our event.’

There was no stopping her from babbling now. ‘You’re welcome to come over when you’re at your dad’s as long as you don’t mind me doing some preparation for school.’

‘Don’t worry! You can wing it like my teachers do. Just wear something fabulous, tuck your file under your arm and don’t smile at the kids before Christmas.’

I chuckled at her words. ‘How old are you, Jemima? You sound like you’re forty.’

‘Oh. I overheard the teachers talking. And be careful of Dad, Mother says he can charm the birds out of the trees.’