The French Adventure Page 14

  ‘I’m sorry to trouble you but I’m trying to trace someone by the name of either Thomas Waverley, or Thomas Parker-Laurent, who studied at the École nationale vétérinaire de Toulouse. I have no idea if he moved away from the area, so I’m phoning around in the hope that someone will recognise the name.’

  ‘I know a Tom Laurent. Lovely man and so compassionate. He runs several practices, but they are rather scattered. His work is mostly of a charitable nature for people who can’t afford to pay vet bills. I’m sure one of his staff would know of his whereabouts, but the last I heard he was working abroad. Let me find some contact details for you.’

  I’m still in shock, having told myself that this was such a long shot it was unlikely to throw up any information at all. So, he’s a Tom now and he’s dropped Parker from his surname. I wonder if he fell out with his father after he left Saint-Julien-de-Vouvantes?

  When I ring the number I’m given, the receptionist doesn’t know when Tom is going to be there. She explains that he’s mobile, working the odd day here and there to help out at his various practices, but he does a lot of charity work abroad. She gives me yet another number to ring. He has five practices in total and she explains that while they do charge people who can afford to pay, those who can’t have their animals treated for free.

  I ring the number she gives me and eventually get through to someone who seems to know his whereabouts.

  ‘Tom is travelling, as usual. He is due back here at this clinic sometime around the middle of next month. He blogs and that’s probably the best way to find out where he is, at this particular moment in time. Just type in Le vétérinaire ambulant and his blog will come up. He has a Facebook page, too.’

  ‘Thank you, I will. He doesn’t know me but I have something of value to return to him and I’d rather do that in person as it’s irreplaceable. Where are you based?’

  ‘We’re in Nîmes. Do you want to leave your contact name and number?’

  ‘If you don’t mind, that would be great.’

  This person has been extremely helpful and even before I put the phone down I’m typing with one hand and up comes the travelling vet’s blog. I click on the translation button, as it’s in French.

  Oh, my goodness, Tom’s face is staring back at me. Tousled brown hair, streaked by the sun and a tan that goes with the outdoor life he seems to lead. The home page is literally covered with photos of his travels and his work with animals. I click on the most recent blog post and discover that he’s currently working as a volunteer in an African wildlife rehabilitation centre. There are some harrowing pictures of a group of men rescuing an injured lion believed to have been shot by poachers. But equally there are some very positive photos of monkeys, antelope, reptiles and birds being released back into the wild.

  I sit back in my seat feeling rather overcome by what I’ve seen. I don’t know what I was expecting, but the reality is that Tom has become the sort of man of whom his mother would have been very proud indeed. It’s clear he loves what he does and obviously money is not an issue for him, running practices here in France and being able to donate his time freely abroad. What jumps off the screen is his sense of caring and, at the same time, adventure. He is living his dream by the look of it. He has a kind face and bright, smiling eyes. This is a man who wouldn’t be content to sit behind a desk, but who needs to be active all the time.

  A notification flashes up on my screen and I see it’s a reply from Pat. Reluctantly I click on it, eager to read what she has to say, but rather loath to take my eyes off Tom now I finally have a face to go with the name.

  Oh, Anna! I had no idea.

  Karl is saying that when you return to the UK there will be a big party. He’s telling people that you guys didn’t realise how close you’d become until after you left for France. He made it sound like quite a love story. There are going to be a lot of shocked faces when the truth comes out.

  Karl is back in the office for a while as his project is on hold. He hasn’t been around much but whenever I saw him he wasn’t his usual self; I think he felt a bit lost without you here. Anyway, there are big changes coming and he’s been working long hours. One of the directors left rather abruptly after an argument at the last board meeting. There have been a stream of conversations going on behind closed doors and Karl seems to be spending a lot of time here with Robert these days.

  I don’t really know what to say to you, but it’s obvious to everyone Karl misses you. He isn’t having some sort of mental breakdown, is he? I mean, announcing his engagement to you like that is shocking after what you’ve told me. How on earth he’s going to get over this, I don’t know, because he really seems to believe it’s going to happen.

  If there’s anything at all I can do, please just let me know and I’ll be in touch if I hear anything further that I think might help.

  Pat

  What a nightmare! And most annoying of all, Robert seems to have totally absolved Karl of any blame whatsoever with regard to our blatant breach of contract! Perhaps Pat’s right, and he really is having a breakdown, or he’s delusional. Either way, what am I going to do about it? I grab my phone and dial Lizzie.

  ‘Morning, I have an update.’

  ‘This is early for you to ring. Why aren’t you working on getting my gîte ready?’

  She laughs, totally unaware that today’s little hitch could be a real setback.

  ‘There’s a lot going on today with the electrics and I’m surplus to requirements. I’d only get in their way as my next task is to tackle the painting.’

  ‘Sounds good; two weeks and Daniel and I get to sample some of that peaceful existence in rural France. I simply can’t wait. So, what’s the latest on Karl?’

  A sigh escapes my lips of its own accord and I realise I really have no idea what to do next.

  ‘I spoke to Pat back in the office; she works in accounts, and I told her the truth. She said that Karl’s project is on hold and he’s back in the office. He’s told everyone we’re engaged. They’ve been told that he’s planning a party to celebrate our engagement on my return. It seems Karl is spinning some sort of story about realising how we felt about each other after I left for France. He’s trying to smooth the path ready for my return so that it looks like a genuine excuse to appease Robert and the board. She was totally shocked when I explained the situation.’

  ‘It’s almost unbelievable. I mean, Karl is such a professional and this is… weird. And he hasn’t been in touch, even though you sent the ring back?’

  ‘Nothing. What do you think I should do next?’

  The seconds tick by and I know Lizzie is as lost for words as I am.

  ‘I don’t even know what to suggest. I know you don’t want to hear this, but if you were back in the UK this would be a lot easier to handle. For a start, he wouldn’t be able to make rash claims like this as you’d be there to refute it.’

  Oh no, Lizzie thinks I should go back to sort this out.

  ‘I can’t go back at the moment, Lizzie. I have things going on here and I don’t think I have the emotional energy to deal with it. Karl made this mess and I feel it’s up to him to sort it out. Do you think there’s any harm in just waiting to see what happens?’

  There’s a little laugh full of irony.

  ‘Well, eventually the truth will come out when you don’t turn up and fall into his arms. Anyway, what’s going on at your end, other than renovation work?’

  ‘It’s a long story and I was saving it for when you arrive. But I found a box with some jewellery in it, hidden in a wall I was repointing, and I’m hoping to return it to the owner. It turns out that he’s this amazing guy; he’s a vet and he also does volunteer work in animal conservation. He’s in Africa at the moment teaching at an animal rehabilitation centre but I’ve been told that he’s due back in France sometime next month. The jewellery belonged to his late mother.’

  ‘Ah, Anna, that’s a totally unexpected surprise. You sound smitten.’

  I gulp.
‘Oh, I… um, well, I’ve been reading his travel blog and the life he leads is so inspiring. When I think of Karl who’s so self-centred, yet this guy, Thomas, who had a really rough start in life, has made his life really count for something.’

  ‘I’m guessing he has the rugged, outdoorsy look to go with it?’ She sniggers.

  ‘Well, he looks easy on the eye in his photos, I will admit. But that’s not what this is about. As a young boy, a lot of people here grew close to him. What I’ve been told leads me to believe there is a lot of sentimental attachment to the items I found. When I hand the jewellery box back I have a lot of messages to pass on to him from people I’ve talked to.’

  ‘He sounds interesting. At least it’s something to take your mind off Karl’s antics. Listen, if your gut instincts are telling you not to do anything about all that right now, then leave it alone. It’s up to Karl to contact you to explain himself. I certainly haven’t heard from him, so maybe reality will dawn and he’ll come clean. At the very least he owes you a massive apology. I must go or I’ll be late for my first appointment. I’m counting the days until our trip. Take care, Anna, and speak soon.’

  It’s Not Easy to Shake Off the Past

  Work on Le Manoir’s website is going well, although Mum clucks around me like a mother hen when I insist on eating lunch in my room. By mid-afternoon I’m more than ready to stretch my legs and enjoy a little company, so I head downstairs. It’s deserted and I saunter out into the garden. I can hear hammering and sawing noises coming from the gîte. I walk purposefully past the front door without turning my head for even a glance. I can hear the murmur of voices coming from the secret garden. Sure enough, when I pass beneath the rose covered arch there appears to be a tea party going on.

  ‘Ooh, those scones look good! Hi, Mrs Callaghan – this is a surprise!’

  ‘Sarah was passing and called in to see Sam and to take a sneaky peek. However, we weren’t in there for more than a minute because they’re having a few problems and we thought it was best to make ourselves scarce.’

  Sarah and Mum exchange a meaningful glance.

  ‘That’s exactly what I thought this morning. It’s such a pity as things were going so well.’

  ‘Now you’re here, sit down and have a scone. I’ll go and make some more tea. I was hoping Dad would join us, but Honorine’s lawn mower isn’t working and he’s popped over to have a quick look at it.’

  Mum disappears leaving just the two of us.

  Ziggy suddenly bounds across the garden, intent on escaping from of the intensity of the heat and seeking the shade of a large, leafy bush. I’m wilting a little myself, but with her, albeit beautiful, fur coat this heat must be almost unbearable. The sound of Sam’s mum’s voice breaks the silence.

  ‘How are you enjoying your stay, Anna? And please do call me Sarah.’

  I can see up close, that Sam has her eyes and yet in other ways he’s undoubtedly his father’s son. They are both stocky, hearty looking men whereas Sarah is a very slim and elegant lady.

  ‘It’s a wonderful break and I’m enjoying the physical work. But it has been fun working on the new website, too. It’s nearly finished and I’m also designing some new leaflets. Mum and Dad haven’t seen any of it yet, so I only hope they will be pleased.’

  Sarah smiles, her eyes scanning my face with interest.

  ‘Sam has been enjoying your company and he tells me you’re very driven and focused. I think that scares him a little, to be honest with you.’

  We exchange smiles. She’s wondering what I think of him.

  ‘He’s an interesting guy. I’m still trying to fathom him out.’

  She crooks an eyebrow.

  ‘Well, when you do, please do enlighten me!’

  That raises a laugh that I can’t hold back and I immediately feel the need to explain myself.

  ‘He’s quite complicated, isn’t he? I mean, at work he’s focused and time driven. He doesn’t waste a moment. But I’ve been up to his barn and it’s like he’s a different person entirely. Maybe it’s too much to spend seven days a week doing the same thing?’ I add that by way of an excuse, rather than saying what I’m really thinking: that he lacks focus when it comes to his own project. Well, it’s not so much focus as it is to face the fact that he, too, needs help and not just the little community around him.

  She lifts her eyebrows, a frown settling upon her forehead.

  ‘I can’t argue with that, I’m just amazed you can read him so well. It’s not breaking any sort of confidence to admit that Neil and I are very worried about him. That’s what parents do and he’s well aware of our concerns. Our hope is that eventually he’ll be in a better place mentally so he can then accept our help.’

  I’m surprised she’s being so candid, but then it’s not like talking to a total stranger. I’m now beginning to suspect that Mum has shared one or two things about me with her. I realise Mum needs an outlet for her concerns and they have become great friends.

  ‘He’s a good teacher and very patient; he just doesn’t say a lot. Well, most of the time and then when he does it’s a surprise. Until it comes to an abrupt halt.’

  ‘Ha! Ha! Ha! That’s my Sam.’ Her laughter quickly fades and her mood becomes sombre. ‘He wasn’t always that way, Anna. He was a very sociable, outgoing young man. His life hasn’t been an easy one and I miss the old Sam. I just hope that meeting up with his friends in Cannes isn’t going to be a mistake.’

  I can feel that she wants to tell me what happened but we can both hear Mum calling out to Sam and Gérard that she’s leaving them mugs of tea. And now she’s on her way back to join us.

  ‘Here you go. Earl Grey this time; it goes perfectly with scones and jam. There’s lemon or milk.’

  I can see that Mum instantly picks up on the silence between us and she’s understandably curious.

  ‘I was telling Anna how impressed Sam has been that she’s prepared to tackle anything. It’s looking good, isn’t it? Have you sorted the furniture yet?’

  Sarah deftly manages to draw Mum into a different sort of conversation and I smile at her over the top of my cup.

  ‘Not yet, but tomorrow Geoff and I are off to Tours to do some shopping, which includes a visit to the large antiques market at Rabelais on Sunday. I’m hopeful we’ll find everything we need. We already have a new fridge in the garage waiting to be installed and a drop-leaf oak table I bought ages ago. At least that’s a start.’

  ‘I went through some of those old boxes Dad pulled out of the other gîte. There are some rather wonderful iron grilles I put to one side. I was thinking of wire-brushing off the rust and giving them a polish. They would look amazing as wall art against the exposed stonework. What do you think?’

  ‘I wondered what that little pile was at the side of the garage. It seems to grow by the day,’ Mum smiles across at me.

  ‘I found a few old door knobs that could be used as light pulls in the bathrooms to replace the plastic ones. Just to add a bit of character. And did you see that old wine crate? It wouldn’t take much to turn it into a nice little bookshelf. There are—’

  Suddenly the sound of door chimes fills the air as the wireless receiver sitting on the tray kicks into life.

  ‘Now who can that be, I wonder?’ Mum immediately makes her way back up to the house. The moment she’s gone Sarah turns to me.

  ‘How long do you think you will be staying, Anna?’

  ‘I’ve let out my house for six months and after that I’ll head back. I’m probably going to move again so I can start over afresh.’ I have no idea if Mum has told her about Karl.

  ‘I’m asking because… because Sam needs a friend. Although he doesn’t say much, I can see you’ve made him think about a few things in a different light. That trip to Rennes, for instance. That was so out of character for him but it gave me hope. Maybe he’s ready to start living his life again but to do that he needs a stimulus. Helping you to track down Thomas has made him break out of his comfort zone a lit
tle. Please don’t mention that we’ve discussed this and maybe we can talk some more when it’s convenient.’

  I can see how anxious she is and I take the piece of paper she hands me with her mobile phone number written on it. Mum appears with her arms full of flowers and I quickly nod in Sarah’s direction before lifting the teapot to offer her more tea.

  ‘Anna, these are for you.’

  I stare at her and then at the roses. There must be fifty of them. All white. She hands me a small card.

  I love you with all my heart. When you come back things will be different, I promise. And the ring will be waiting for you, my darling. K x

  ‘Unbelievable!’ My anger instantly makes my face flame. ‘Will nothing stop him?’

  Sarah looks shocked and Mum’s face has fallen.

  ‘It’s her ex. He’s refusing to believe their relationship is over,’ Mum explains.

  ‘Or that our so-called engagement is in fact a hoax! Oh, Mum, what should I do? It’s all over Facebook and he’s told everyone I used to work with that there will be a big party when I get back.’ For the first time in this sorry little episode my eyes begin to well with tears.

  Mum dumps the flowers down on a chair and comes to throw her arms around me, while Sarah looks uncomfortable.

  ‘Darling, you should have told me it wasn’t just a case of receiving that ring in the post. This isn’t normal behaviour, Anna, he’s almost become a stalker. We have to do something to stop this.’