The French Retreat (Falling for France Book 1) by Fortin Sue

Author:Fortin, Sue [Fortin, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Romaniac Press
Published: 2015-10-16T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Marcie followed with Asif as Will carried Fatimah up to the farmhouse. He lifted her with ease, despite his bad arm.

Once inside, Will placed Fatimah on the sofa and disappeared off into the kitchen to warm some soup and make hot drinks. Leaving Fatimah and Asif in the living room, Marcie went into the kitchen to help.

‘She can speak more English than we thought,’ she said.

‘I did wonder,’ said Will. ‘She probably knows quite a bit when it suits her.’

‘You sound very cynical,’ said Marcie.

Will ladled the soup out into two bowls. ‘Force of habit,’ he said. ‘I’ll try harder.’

Marcie didn’t say anything. She knew it was difficult for Will but she also knew there was a softer, more gentle side to him. She had seen it. She had experienced it. He just needed to change his default setting. She buttered some bread. ‘I suppose I’d better ring Ben in a minute and tell him he’s got a couple of extra house guests.’

‘The sooner the better, I’d say,’ said Will. ‘If he’s not keen on the idea, then you’ll have to break the news to Fatimah that she’s got to find somewhere else to stay.’

‘Oh, I couldn’t do that,’ said Marcie. ‘I’m sure Ben will be okay.’

‘Listen, I know in principle this seems like the right thing to do,’ said Will, ‘but it’s not going to be as simple as it sounds. There are certain things Fatimah needs to consider.’

‘Like what?’

‘Like whether she’s a refugee, a migrant or an illegal immigrant. It will hugely affect how she’s dealt with by the authorities.’

‘Can you speak to her?’ said Marcie. ‘You know more about it than I do.’

‘I don’t really but I’ll speak to her anyway. Let’s talk to her after she’s eaten. She’s incredible thin and weak. She might need medical treatment.’

Marcie sighed deeply. She knew Will was right to be cautious, but she also knew that there was no way she could have left Fatimah and Asif in the barn to fend for themselves.

The two new house guests soon ate their lunch and after clearing away their plates, Will and Marcie sat down in the living room with them.

Asif was fascinated with Marcie’s flute and she played a quick tune for him. His eyes lit up when she finished and held out the instrument to him. Asif put it to his mouth and blew. His attempts to hit even one note were comical and soon everyone was laughing.

‘I’ll show you later,’ said Marcie. She looked at Fatimah as the mother translated her words to Asif. The broad beam across the little boy’s face confirmed to Marcie the translation had been a success. It also confirmed to her that Will was probably right when he said Fatimah could understand English far more than she was letting on. Now seemed as good a time as any to broach the subject of nationality and status. Marcie caught Will’s eye and gave a small nod.

‘Fatimah,’ said Will. ‘We want to help you and Asif but we need to know where you’ve come from.

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