The Inheritance by Anne Allen

Author:Anne Allen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dual-time, Victorian Guernsey, Victor Hugo, family drama, romance
Publisher: Sarnia Press
Published: 2019-04-07T16:00:00+00:00

There were two more verses and it was titled Oh, why not be happy, Eugénie? and signed, with a flourish, Victor Hugo.

They looked at each other and laughed.

‘It gets better and better! I can hardly wait to see what their reaction is at Hauteville House. And there’s still the diaries,’ Charlotte said, shaking her head in bemusement.

‘Yes, I’m planning to read some each day and make notes of the more important entries. It’ll take ages, though, having to translate it as I read.’ Tess knew she had to be patient, but it was hard after the excitement of the wonderful finds. In a way, it no longer mattered to her whether or not Eugénie and Hugo had been lovers and she was descended from their union. She now had ample proof that they had been close and she could be proud of that connection. As she began returning the precious items to the boxes, Charlotte interrupted her thoughts.

‘With your permission, I’d be happy to help with the diaries. I could do what you suggest and write notes of relevant entries to save you time. And I hope you know you could trust me implicitly not to tell anyone what I read.’

Tess jumped at the idea.

‘That’s kind of you, and it would save so much time. As long as you’re sure? Could be a bit tedious reading of Victorian day to day occupations, particularly in French.’

‘You forget I’m a writer and used to research in French. I can fit it in around James’s naps and it will be good to keep my brain from atrophying. Really, you’d be doing me a favour,’ Charlotte said, laughing.

‘On that happy note, I’m due to have lunch at Colette’s and must be off. If you want to make a start on the diaries, feel free. Although I began reading the 1862 entries I didn’t make notes so that might be a good place to start. Or earlier if you like.’ Tess gave her friend a hug and left, a spring in her step from the morning’s discoveries. Time now to catch up with her old school friend and her baby.

Two hours later Tess left Colette’s house full of delicious homemade soup and memories of time spent cuddling baby Rosie. Colette looked to have settled into motherhood well, in spite of lack of sleep, and Rosie, she said, was a contented baby. Tess was inclined to put that down to Colette’s obvious contentment and joy in her baby and was showing signs of becoming a true earth mother, happy to be surrounded by children while preparing nourishing meals in the kitchen.

Tess detoured to the surgery, thinking it politic to check in with the practice manager now she had arrived. The meeting went well and, seeing the surgery again, brought back to Tess how much she was looking forward to taking up her role as a GP. There was no rush or melodrama, simply patients waiting quietly for their appointment. Tess knew there would be heartache and pain beneath the surface for some, but felt well qualified to cope.

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