Cry of the Heart by Martin Lake

Author:Martin Lake [Lake, Martin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-08-17T22:00:00+00:00

HIGHS AND LOWS

Grasse, 25 July 1943

The summer was as lovely as the spring. The only thing which dampened Viviane’s spirits were her worries about Odette. What might she do now that she had discovered that David was a Jew? Her father’s adamant decision to embrace David as part of the family would ensure her mother said nothing. But Odette might be a different matter.

Alain had been in touch with Father Benoît who promised that he and Donati would search for a Jewish family to take David with them to North Africa. They waited anxiously and at the end of July they got a message that an elderly couple were willing to take him with them.

Viviane was unhappy about him being cared for by older people but Alain persuaded him that it was probably only a temporary measure. She still had misgivings but agreed to the arrangement. There was no indication of when the ships would make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, or indeed, if Donati had managed to arrange the transport. As the weeks drew on they decided to put all thought of David leaving out of mind.

Dorothy invited the family for a picnic on the last Sunday of the month. She seemed to have more food and wine once again and she was very generous with it so Viviane was more than happy to accept. Besides, Alain often pointed out how important it was to hear the point of view of a foreigner. Particularly one who was as well informed as Dorothy.

She was remarkably knowledgeable about what was going on across France and beyond. She used her radio to pick up foreign transmissions but Alain wondered if she was also in touch with elements of the Resistance.

It was a glorious day. The sky was a vivid blue with a few fleecy clouds floating high over the distant mountains. The sun was hot but a cool breeze blew off the Mediterranean which made the temperature more bearable. The cicadas were chirping without pause and there was the sound of birdsong from the tall trees sheltering the villa. Butterflies skimmed across the lawn and fat bumble bees sampled the vintage of the nectar from the flower-beds.

Dorothy and Marie had arranged the garden furniture under the shade of a huge old Cedar of Lebanon. Pierre had clambered up to its lowest branches to fasten a swing for the children to play on. Lucile had been hard at work all morning preparing the food.

‘I don’t know how she does it,’ Viviane said to Dorothy when she saw the food spread out on the tables.

‘Nor do I,’ Dorothy said. ‘Things are getting harder to find, as I’m sure Alain will tell you.’

Alain nodded. ‘I’m having a bit better luck with the Italians. Are you as well, Dorothy?’

She blushed a little. ‘If you’re referring to my admirer, then yes. Emilio Marinelli is a delightful old darling.’

She gave him a defiant look. ‘In fact, he’s heard about our little get-together and invited himself to join us.

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