A Rose Petal Summer by Katie Fforde

Author:Katie Fforde [Fforde, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781473539914
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2019-02-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

They had all had a glass of champagne, the conversation was general – about the journey, the wonderful weather, the history of the chateau. But when Pascal had refilled the glasses, Amalie got up.

‘Caro? I know from experience that these boys want to talk about old friends and what is new in the world of perfume. Would you like a tour instead? We can take our drinks. I am longing to show off my efforts to someone who appreciates the finer points of wallpaper and fabric.’

Caro got to her feet. ‘That sounds like me. I’d love a tour!’

‘Come, then.’

Caro happily followed as Amalie led the way back through the salon with the double doors and into the hall.

‘This is gorgeous.’ Caro gestured to her surroundings. ‘That candelabra is amazing.’

‘We found it in one of the old barns. It took a lot of sweat and effort to restore it and even more to hang it.’ Amalie looked up with a satisfied smile.

‘I love restorations,’ said Caro. ‘When my father was alive I used to help him do up boats and barges. I was mostly the finisher; I did French polishing, veneer, things like that.’

‘Why don’t you do it now?’ Amalie studied her as if she was really interested in her answers. ‘It sounds as if you miss it?’

Caro shrugged. ‘I wasn’t interested in taking on my father’s business after he died, and I have a daughter, I wanted something a bit more regular. I got a job selling artists’ supplies. I really enjoyed that and did it for years, but sadly, the shop closed.’ Just for a second she allowed herself to think about Alec’s ancestral home. A little subtle restoration would make a huge difference there.

‘So how long have you and Alec been together?’ Amalie asked.

The question came as a bit of a shock – the assumption that they were a couple. ‘We’re not really together like that. We’re more like – colleagues, I suppose.’

‘But you would like to be a couple?’

Amalie’s frankness was irresistible. ‘Well, I would, I’m not so sure about Alec.’

‘I understand. I too am suffering from unrequited love. I had a boyfriend for many years, but he would not commit. I felt I should leave him before my childbearing years were over. But I think of him always.’

‘That won’t be for years yet, surely? Your childbearing years, I mean.’

Amalie shrugged. ‘I still have to find the father. Come and see the orangery; apart from the floors, it’s one of our few completed projects.’

They walked down a corridor the walls of which showed partially stripped wallpaper against ancient plastered walls. It was a finish Caro rather liked.

‘It is easy for Pascal,’ said Amalie. ‘He has a girlfriend. When we have made an apartment for them, she may move in. I hope not. I don’t like her. I would prefer him to have been gay with a lovely boyfriend who could help us with the restoration.’ She paused. ‘But things rarely turn out just right. Here we are!’

The orangery was magnificent.

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