The Chateau

***

All too soon Gina returned to London. She let herself into her flat and picked up her post. It had been a wonderful wedding and she’d loved seeing all her family. Quite a weekend, bar the nightmares. They were vivid and disconcerting. And, the woman. Apart from dreaming of huge angry brown bears under her bed as a child, she’d never experienced anything like it. During one dream she’d thought she’d heard a woman calling. It was hard to understand but someone close to the woman, another female voice, was calling the name Anis-Frescoro or something similar. She couldn’t be sure. She wanted to confide all this to someone, her mother possibly. But what could she tell her; no she would never believe her. Everything in her mother’s garden was rosy and nice. And she’d go straight and tell Aunt Bernie.

Gina just hoped she would sleep better tonight, back home. It was always possible the altitude had been affecting her mind. It can do that, she knew. She’d had some pretty vivid dreams before in the mountains. Not as upsetting as these though. Anyhow, she was home now.

Spending time with her parents had been quite refreshing. Since starting up her new business in London, she hadn’t had much of a chance to get to see them these last twelve months. She did wonder if her father was OK. He’d seemed rather distant but had insisted he was fine. Maybe it was his reaction to the wedding; his baby boy getting married. There had been a lot of tears from him and her mother. Especially during James’s speech. That had really taken everyone by surprise.

Her heart wrenched again. Her brother and her new sister-in-law had already planned their family. That had really knocked her sideways. It was only difficult to take in because James was four years younger. She’d always teased him about being ‘Uncle James’ one day but, such as it was, she would be Aunty Gina before she was even a mother. Don’t you dare start feeling sorry for yourself!

In the office the following morning, Rebecca, Gina’s assistant, was already at her desk, brushing a vast curtain of long strawberry blonde hair down one side, as Gina arrived. She smiled as Gina scuttled in from the wind, forcing the door behind her.

‘Phew, that’s some wind this morning. How did the wedding go?’

‘It was amazing, thanks. Yes, all went to plan. And Switzerland, I’d forgotten how beautiful it all is. The lake, the mountains, sheer heaven.’ Gina almost blurted out something about her scary dreams but thought better of it. There was too much to do to start adding drama into the office.

‘Wasn’t it cold?’ Rebecca asked, sliding her brush into her bag and pulling out her make-up bag.

‘No, not at all, the weather was gorgeously warm. Montreux has a bit of a micro-climate, it’s a bit like the French Riviera.’

‘But no beach, shame.’

‘Oh, contraire, the lake has beaches, promenades, sailing boats. You should try it.’

‘Maybe I will one day. So how are the newlyweds?’

‘Yes, very good, they’re so happy together. So,’ Gina paused, ‘well suited and madly in love.’

‘Lucky pair. Where are they honeymooning?’

‘Venice, I believe.’

‘Oh, so romantic.’ Rebecca sat back dreamily.

‘Anyway, how are things here? Are they still buzzing?’ Gina scratched her head anxiously while peering at a large tin on Rebecca’s desk

‘Haven’t stopped,’ Rebecca said and went on to explain all the business activity over the weekend.

‘Brilliant. That’s what I like to hear. I shall have to go away more often.’

Gina, switched on her computer and began checking her emails. Flicking through and deleting rubbish as she went. She was surprised to see an email from Oliver Martin and opened it with curiosity.

Hope you had a good journey back. It was lovely to meet you at the weekend. I do hope we meet up again. Took the liberty of seeking out your website.

Hope you don’t mind me getting in touch. I wondered if you could give me some help with research, which I’m currently doing for a site in Battersea, riverside. 2, 3 and 4 bed apartments, four penthouses. If I send you spec and square footage, would you be able to give me some guide prices?

Also, I’ve got four of the villas I was talking about here in Montreux and would be happy for you to market the remainder in London. You wouldn’t be treading on any toes. Let me know and I can send you details. Maybe pop along when you’re next back in Switzerland. See them for yourself.

‘Interesting,’ she said aloud.

‘What’s that?’ Rebecca asked.

‘Oh, just someone I met at the weekend. Might be some new business,’ Gina said, dragging her fingers through her hair and then resting her chin in her palm. How he got the name of her business she didn’t know. She could only guess he’d asked one of her family. Well, she would have a think before she replied. She had met people before who were full of promises and she really didn’t have time right now to begin speculating on what could be years off, even if he was deadly attractive.

‘Coffee. Do you want one?’ Rebecca boomed, waking Gina from her trance. ‘And, cakes, of course.’

‘Mmm, yes please, before these phones start. What have you baked this time?’

‘Just some lemon cupcakes. Mum was cleaning out cupboards last night so I kept them simple.’

‘Ha! Lovely, do you think she’ll come and clean mine?’

Rebecca marched out to the kitchen with a snigger. ‘She probably would.’

The two of them managed to catch up on work and gossip while drinking coffee, Gina not giving too much away about Max and their recent drama. He often popped in and although she trusted Rebecca totally, she didn’t like airing her dirty laundry in the office. She did wonder though how long Max would be in the United Emirates for. She hadn’t thought to ask him. She didn’t really want to give him the impression she cared. But, of course, she did. She knew he wasn’t one to sit still, accepted that he’d be off to Manchester, Berlin or Milan at a moment’s notice, but United Arab Emirates was different. She presumed he’d organised his ex-wife to keep his daughters Daisy and Gracie, which was a shame, she had missed them this weekend.

A week later, Max texted Gina at five to say he’d arrived back the previous evening and would meet her at eight at the White Horse in Parson’s Green. Gina was quite pleased with this arrangement because it meant they were unlikely to argue in public. After another busy week she was tired but she’d felt rather lonely and looked forward to seeing him. She wished she could have at least arranged to see his daughters; they would have kept her mind off the nagging echoes of those nightmares too.

‘Well, what did you achieve in the United Emirates?’ she asked kissing him swiftly on the lips. He wore a self-satisfied smirk. It was evident he’d done well.

‘There is so much money out there, Gina. I’ve secured some nice large donations and after a talk I did the audience was so excited that I’m now putting a project together so that individuals or groups can get involved directly with business start-ups and mentoring in poorer parts of the world.’

‘Brilliant. That’s going to take quite some organisation. Does that mean you’ll be travelling more?’

‘I certainly will, but you can come with me.’ Max squeezed her hand then pumped his palms with energy and enthusiasm. He could hardly stand still. He ordered drinks and Gina felt her own plans drifting further down his list.

‘My business is here and needs me,’ she said.

‘How has that been going?’

‘Yes, good. We’ve had an amazing few weeks, a sign, I hope, of more to come. I need more hands on deck though, I can’t just up and leave.’

‘So there’s no way you could start a family yet then?’ he remarked sipping his beer and leaning against the bar.

Gina scowled into his grey eyes, the eyes that had once fired in to her and melted her.

‘Do you have to start? You’ve just got back. Anyway, it’s much better than I could have expected eighteen months ago when I set up. Luckily the market has turned. I’d certainly prepare myself and be organised with help in the office and childcare. At least I’d have time to get everything in place.’ Gina picked up her drink from the bar. Despite running a business Gina knew she’d always put a child first. But Max didn’t. He had two children but they didn’t feature at the top of his list any more than she did. It was so unfair. ‘Anyway, let’s stop there, we’re just going around in circles again,’ she said feeling defeated once again. ‘Oh, but, why don’t you organise for me to have the girls while you’re away. Especially if you’re going to be way a week at a time. I’ve missed them.’

Max shrugged. ‘I can speak to Mel and see what she says.’

After dinner, and listening to Max rant with fervour about his feats abroad, she refused to go back with him to his apartment instead agreeing to see him the following night. Yes, she wanted to feel his arms around her but how could she keep living this lie? They were so obviously in different worlds right now. She would have to do something. End it and move on.

With her decision made she arrived at his flat the following evening but she wasn’t prepared for what was waiting for her. He had a romantic table set with candles and bottles of wine, brand new red wine goblets and the aroma of a sumptuous dinner hung heavy in the air. She slipped off her jacket and kissed him lightly.

‘Well, this is a surprise. What’s all this about?’ she said hanging her jacket on a hook in the hall.

‘I just want to shower my beautiful girlfriend with love and attention. Show her how much she still means to me.’ He sidled up to her and took her in his arms.

She burrowed her eyes into his and stroked slightly greying temples awash with sun-streaked hair. He wore a healthy glow still from his time abroad. He pulled her closer.

‘I sensed yesterday you are unhappy, disappointed. I do know what it is you want and all I’m asking is another twelve months. I just want to get this baby up and running first,’ he told her now, brushing her face with his thumb while cupping her chin. He was just drawing his lips close when her phone rang. She was tempted to ignore it but she just needed to check who was calling.

Grabbing her phone from her bag, she saw her mother’s avatar.

‘Hi Mum, how are you?’

‘Oh Gina, I don’t…’

‘Mum. What’s wrong? Are you OK? Is Dad OK? What is it?’ she shrieked down the phone.

Chapter 5

‘Your dad.’ She began sobbing. ‘He’s gone Gina. He’s left me.’

Gina’s heart skipped. ‘What do you mean, what, just walked out?’ she enquired desperate for clues. She paced the room as Max looked at her wide-eyed and helpless. Listening intently and nervously tapping her leg while her mother collected herself she asked, ‘Are you OK, Mum?’

‘Yes,’ she sniffed. ‘He…he said he has fallen in love with someone else and that…’ she cried again, ‘he’s going to move in with her. Oh, Gina, I’m sitting here numb from shock. I don’t know what to do. I tried to speak to him but he said there’s no point, he’d made his mind up. He walked out with a bag five minutes ago.’

‘Whoa.’ She caught her breath. ‘Yes, it is a shock,’ Gina said biting her lip. She sat down for a few moments then jumped from the sofa. This was so surreal. ‘Look, Mum, is there anyone you can call to be with you until I can get there? I won’t get a flight until the morning.’ She felt herself trembling.

‘No. I don’t want anyone.’ Adrienne’s voice was curt.

‘I can drive. If I can get a crossing…’

‘No Gina, it’s too late to be driving,’ Adrienne told her.

‘What about Aunt Bernie or Suzanne?’

‘I’ll be fine. I want to be on my own, at least until you get here,’ Adrienne insisted.

‘Oh, Mum. I really don’t know what to say.’ She pinched her lips wondering what she should do or what she could say. Her mother was sniffing at the other end of the phone. Gina gave Max a helpless shrug. ‘Look Mum, I’m coming over in the morning but I’m at Max’s right now so I’ll go home and call you from there. Ring at once if you need me.’

Max caught her phone as Gina buried her head in her hands. A numbness washed over her. She noted he’d checked she’d ended the call before wrapping an arm around her.

‘Dad has walked out on Mum,’ she said, throwing her head back up. ‘I can’t believe it. He’s just packed his bag telling Mum he’s in love with someone else.’

‘Bloody hell!’ Max said, squeezing her close.

‘Fuck,’ Gina said wiping a tear from her cheek as the realisation hit. A flood of happy memories of the two of them gushed into her mind: the magic she’d once felt when her father drew her mother lovingly close and kissed her – it always wrapped a seal of comfort around her; the image of him trying to teach her mother to jump into the swimming pool in Italy one year. He’d picked her up and jumped in with her in the end and her mother actually began laughing once she’d got over the initial shock. They’d often been really sweet together. ‘I’ll need to go and book a flight and make calls and sort…’

‘Yes, yes. And call her back. Of course. If there’s anything I can do?’ Max offered. ‘Are you sure you’re OK? You look shocked yourself.’

‘I am. I mean, who’d have thought? It’s complete madness…I need to help Mum out. I don’t know how she’ll manage without him.’

Collecting her things while wiping her nose, she turned to Max. ‘I’ll call you,’ she said before pecking him on the lips and turning to leave.

On her return home, still dazed, she found the first available morning flight on the internet before calling Rebecca’s mobile, then her mother back. After an hour, she rang her father’s mobile. He wasn’t picking up. She packed her bags and left them by the front door. Her mind hazed. It kept drawing blanks as she asked herself over and over how this had all happened. She’d thought him distant, maybe upset at the wedding. Perhaps the wedding had finalised it all. Gina had so many questions as, she was sure, her mother had. It was two o’clock already; she had to be up again at four.

Arriving the next morning at Geneva airport, Gina boarded the train to Montreux. Tiredness was sucking out her energy but worrying about her mother’s well being was keeping her awake.

As the train began to border Lake Léman there was so much mist she couldn’t see much of Lake Léman nor the mountains, which was disappointing, but it was likely to burn off in an hour or two. It was brighter by the time Gina stepped off the train but she decided to take the road rather than the lake path. It wasn’t much quicker but the walk was what she needed after sitting down for hours. Once at her parents’ apartment, she let herself in and found her mother still in her dressing gown with red and puffy eyes. Gina rushed to her alarmed, throwing her arms around her. Her mother buried her head in her shoulders and began crying uncontrollably. Gina was unable to hold back either, letting her tears spill as she cradled Adrienne.

‘I couldn’t sleep,’ Adrienne told her several minutes later. ‘I don’t even know who this woman is but just the thought of your father…loving, touching someone else. Urrgh. It keeps turning my stomach.’

Gina pulled a face. ‘I can imagine, Mum. Must be a real shock,’ she said stroking her mother’s hair. ‘It’s awful. Try not to torment yourself with those thoughts.’

‘I can’t help it. It still hasn’t really sunk in.’ Adrienne slumped away and into her armchair swiping a glance at George’s empty one. ‘I keep expecting him to walk back in the door.’

Gina sat on the edge of the sofa facing her. ‘So what else did he say? I mean, do you know how long it’s been going on or how they met or why?’ Gina asked then walked to the kitchen area, reaching for the kettle and began getting the coffee cups prepared.

Her mother shook her head. ‘I’ve no idea. I had no idea. Like I said on the phone, it came out of the blue. He just came out of the bedroom last night with his large brown holdall; I was at the sink just drying my hands. I’d just put the dinner on the table.’ She sniffed and swallowed hard. ‘Then, he said. “I’m sorry, Adrienne, but I’ve fallen in love with someone else and we’ve decided to move in together.” Just like that and then I said “What do you mean?” and he just carried on walking. At first I thought he might be joking, I don’t know why, but when he got to the door, I thought, he means this, he’s going. I asked him to explain but he said he couldn’t be any clearer and went.’

Gina dashed to her mother as she broke down again. She held her shuddering body, allowing her to release her tears.

‘Oh, Mum, I don’t know what to say. I did try to ring him last night but he wasn’t answering.’ Rubbing her mother’s back she continued, ‘It’s really strange. I did think about ringing Aunt Bernie to ask if he’d spoken to her or gone to hers but I didn’t know whether you would want me to.’ Wiping her own eyes, she sat back. ‘I feel so useless.’

‘I know, I understand. I just don’t understand him though. Not a word.’

‘Presumably he’s taken his wallet and money, cards?’

‘Gosh, I’ve no idea. I hadn’t thought of that. He looks after all our money. He normally just leaves money out for me. What if…’

Gina took her mother’s hands. ‘Don’t panic. I’m sure he wouldn’t leave you homeless or without money. I’ll try to get hold of him again. Let me make this coffee.’

Now Gina was concerned. What if he had failed to provide? How would her mother cope? She’d never been self-reliant and, she imagined, she would struggle if her father didn’t pay the bills, although she was sure they’d paid cash for their apartment. That may be safe. Aunt Bernie was still the best person to ring but if her mother needed some time she had to respect that. She needed to ring her father. She rang his mobile again but still he didn’t answer. She texted him, urging him to call her. She finished the coffee and returned to her mother, still staring vacantly in her chair.

‘We’ll drink this and then you have a shower. That’ll make you feel a bit better at least,’ she told her mother handing her the hot mug.

‘I don’t feel like having a shower, Gina.’

‘I know but I think you should keep – ’ she stumbled on her words ‘ – to a routine. Keep yourself fed and watered and looking beautiful. You always look lovely.’

‘Didn’t do me much good, did it?’

‘Well, the way I see it is, if he walked back in here now and he saw you, he would think you could never manage without him. I personally, wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. If he’s been having an affair, he’s already betrayed you.’

Adrienne scowled at Gina. ‘My husband of thirty-three years has just walked out, how do you expect me to look?’ She held her cheeks, her palm spreading across her face, trying to contain her sobs. ‘I’m not like you, Gina. He’s my life. I care about him and I’m hurt. I don’t care if he sees me like this.’

‘Oh sorry, Mum. That’s just me. I’ll shut up. I’m sorry, I’m still just so shocked, and I’m sure, like you, confused. I don’t know how I’d react in all honesty.’

‘I’m going back to bed,’ Adrienne said, lifting herself from the chair and shuffling off, hunched, to her bedroom.

Cursing herself for upsetting her mother, Gina apologised again. ‘I’m so furious at him for hurting you like this.’

‘I’m tired. Maybe I’ll feel better after some sleep.’

‘You haven’t got any tablets or anything in there, have you? I mean, I don’t want to leave you alone…not in your state of mind,’ Gina said with panic in her voice.

‘No. But I wish I…never mind. I need to sleep.’

As her mother closed the door, Gina paced. For the first time in her life she felt helpless. With her own relationship struggling too, she failed to reach any answers. It seemed men still ruled. Did what they wanted.

What could she do? Respect her mother’s feelings and help her cope, she supposed. Looking through the fully stocked cupboards it seemed she didn’t need to go shopping. She tried her father’s mobile again, leaving him a message to call her urgently. She then left her mother a note and slipped out. She needed to walk.

She took the path along the lake towards the centre and continued until she reached Château de Chillon towards the end of the lake. A kiosk was open outside and, feeling a thirst, she bought a small bottle of water and an ice cream with some change in her pocket and headed back down the path.

A smaller path led her down to the shore where rocks formed a tiny bay just feet from the vast castle wall. She perched on the rocks and looked out across the lake. It wasn’t as bright as her last visit had been. Clouds and mist harboured the distant view but added drama. The mountains peaked dark grey above a bruised sky like shark fins protruding from the murkiest ocean. It was dismal but the sun was trying its best to sneak through. She peered back at the castle, its turrets towering above. It was beautiful in a haunting medieval way. She couldn’t remember ever visiting it before but noted a tour for when she had time.

She tried her father’s phone again and every few minutes thereafter but he continued to ignore her. She couldn’t bring herself to call her brother. God no, he would be horrified to discover his parents’ marriage had disintegrated having just tied the knot. Instead she rang Rebecca in the office who confessed it was busy but said she would manage there and sent her condolences. Lydia, she relayed, had agreed to do a few hours where she could. It was fortunate she could assist during school hours. At least something was sorted out, if only for the short-term.

She climbed some steps and began to meander back along the lake path.

***

Ollie Martin had begun the day early. He and Thomas, his foreman and good friend, had run through the schedules for the villas. With the first villa completing its second fix, Ollie inspected the sanitary ware and kitchen cupboards waiting to be fitted. The wall and floor tilers could now begin and the painters could return to complete the walls and woodwork. The landscaping surrounding the villa could also start.

He returned to his office and checked his laptop. He still hadn’t received a reply to his email. He wondered if Gina had seen it. Maybe she was busy. He’d give her a few more weeks but the option on the land in London had only two months left so, although he considered London a safe haven for his next investment and the property portals provided a huge amount of information, he would appreciate her input. It would also be an opportunity for her too. Not to mention an excuse for him to make contact.

Thomas wandered in removing his jacket and hard hat.

‘How would you feel about working in London, Tom?’ he asked conscious that it would be difficult with his family in Switzerland.

Thomas grimaced. ‘It wouldn’t be ideal but I have bills to pay.’

‘I’m spreading my wings a bit. London’s still a good investment,’ he told him as he watched Tom unroll a huge site drawing.

‘Well, you have to go where the opportunities are like me. I would prefer to stay with you.’

‘Yeah, we work well together so think about it.’

‘I’ll speak to Anna,’ Thomas said, nodding his head and spreading the drawing across his desk. ‘It’s all about schools nowadays.’

‘Oh, I completely understand. Yes, a bit different from when we started out and we could stagger round bars. Have a chat with Anna about it. Let me know,’ Ollie said, thinking how lucky Tom was. He certainly had a beautiful wife and super kids. He wouldn’t want to uproot them but wanted Thomas to stay with him.

Sitting back in his chair, staring at the screen, he had to admit it was always drink which made him brave. He had made a fool of himself being so drunk at the rehearsal and calling out to Gina. He’d probably completely blown his chances. He just wished he had a natural confidence with women. He was so inept, particularly with women he really liked. Why did it always go so wrong when he found someone that really stirred him? He could only conclude it all stemmed back to being rejected and, publicly humiliated, by Phoebe Barton-King in his first year at university. He’d been surprised when she’d agreed to go out with him. It had taken several drinks and a crass chat-up line to ask her. She’d been the girl all the guys buzzed around like bees around a honeypot, but she’d left a bitter taste after just four weeks. Just as his confidence was growing, she’d taken great pleasure in telling all his friends in the bar that he was the biggest and most boring dork she’d ever met. Adding that he was still tied to his mother’s apron strings. It was the worst moment of his life and for weeks afterwards he’d seriously contemplated suicide. Luckily, it was his mother who had got him through it.