Page 90 of The Missing Sister

‘I did and they’re going to call me back when they’ve decided on a plan.’

‘But you did insist that they went to Provence at the earliest opportunity?’

‘Yes, Orlando. I’m sure Maia will go.’

‘Good, good. Well, I have made sure that we will know if our Mrs McDougal exits the hotel at any point from now on. I will call you if and when I get word from my... contact that she is on the move.’

Star couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Honestly, Orlando, you’ve really enjoyed this, haven’t you?’

‘For my sins, I rather admit I have, although we are still far from solving this puzzle. Now, make sure you don’t block your room telephone, and that your mobile is charged and turned on for the rest of the night.’

‘I will, I promise. Oh, I need Jack’s address in Provence.’

‘It’s the Minuet Cave in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Now, I shall sit in my comparatively poky little room and continue to think. For now, I shall say goodnight.’

‘Goodnight, Orlando, sleep well and thank you.’

After texting Ally the address, Star did her ablutions and, despite her guilty conscience, she had to chuckle at Orlando and his eccentricity. What with Mouse being so very serious and absorbed in his work, his brother so often brought a smile to her face. As she climbed into bed and turned off the light, she thanked the heavens that he was in her life.

‘I found it,’ said Ally, stepping through the French doors of the kitchen and onto the terrace where Maia was sitting. The sun was setting behind the mountains and turning the sky a vibrant shade of orange. ‘Thecaveis in the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône Valley, and the nearest airport is Marseille. Or you could just drive straight there, because by the time you’ve got to Geneva airport and faffed about, then hired a car from Marseille at the other end, it’s probably faster.’

‘Okay,’ said Maia quietly.

‘You’re happy to go, aren’t you?’

Maia let out a weary sigh. ‘I’m not feeling all that well just now, Ally.’

‘I told you, you should have gone to the doctor days ago. The sooner you can find out what it is, then—’

‘Ally, I know what it is, that is not the problem!’

‘You do?’

‘Yes, I do. I didn’t want to tell you before I saw Floriano next week, but...’

‘What is it? Please, tell me, because my imagination is running riot.’

‘Really, it’s nothing to worry about. I am well, and—’

‘Oh my God!’ Ally looked at her, then threw back her head and laughed. ‘It’s okay, Maia, I know what it is. You’re—’

‘Pregnant. Yes, I am. When I went to Geneva with Christian, I bought a test and the result was positive. In fact, I bought three tests – which are hidden in my underwear drawer in the Pavilion – and they are all positive!’

‘That’s wonderful news!’ Ally stood up and threw her arms around Maia. ‘You are pleased, aren’t you?’

‘Of course, but it’s stirred up some things from my past.’

‘Oh.’ Ally looked at her sister. ‘I understand.’

‘And apart from that, I’m feeling sickallthe time! And when I’m not being sick, I am thinking that I will be, do you understand?’

‘Of course I do, darling. I’ve been there.’

‘And Floriano and I... well, we aren’t married yet, and then there is Valentina to consider. How will she feel about a new brother or sister?’

‘I don’t think whether you’re married or not makes any difference these days, Maia. You’ve lived with Floriano for almost a year and I’ve never seen you so happy. I honestly think he will be thrilled, and Valentina too. I’m certain it will bond you all even closer. If you feel it’s important to get married, then I’m sure Floriano won’t mind that either.’

‘No.’ Maia smiled for the first time. ‘He won’t mind at all. He proposed very soon after I moved in with him. It was me that wanted to wait. But you understand why this is sending me back to the past, don’t you? I mean’ – Maia bent her head and put a hand to her forehead – ‘if I’m to have this child and raise it, then why couldn’t I have kept my son all those years ago? Oh Ally, my head is in such a mess... Having all the same pregnancy sensations now just takes me back to that time at uni in Paris when I was so alone and scared. And then giving birth to a baby who would never know me as a mother and I would never know him as my son! I... how could I have given him away? How could I?’