Hearts On Fire Episode 27
As light dawned, the only harm identified was paint damage to Marianna’s battered estate car and partial destruction of the annexe, where Charlie and Wizzy had been staying.
“Oh, dear!” Wizzy said when they went to see what they could salvage.
“That’s a bit of an understatement,” Charlie replied.
The two old friends stood with Jacopo, Mark and one of the local firefighters, viewing the remains of their accommodation.
Of the vine-covered trellis that had shaded their little patio, only blackened stumps remained, and one half of the wooden-roofed building was charred.
A firefighter ensured the building’s interior was safe before allowing the women to enter.
Fortunately, it had escaped largely intact, although their belongings were smoke-damaged.
Wizzy’s painting of the bench had been outside on the patio and had vanished along with its easel.
“Never mind,” Charlie said. “I’ll help you do another once we’re home.”
“Will you? That would be wonderful, thank you.”
“Well, if you can’t help friends, who can you help?”
Wizzy hugged her tight.
“Mind you,” Charlie continued, “you’ll have to help me with Old Masterson, too. I see she’s come through unscathed.”
Charlie was referring to her own painting, the one in a completely new and unfamiliar style for her.
Wizzy laughed.
“As you would expect from that old battle-axe. This new style is obviously meant to be, Charlie.”
“I don’t suppose you have to go straight home, do you, Wizzy?”
Wizzy wasn’t entirely sure what she meant.
“Well, I know Marianna’s arranging accommodation for us, because we can’t stay here. We should take the first available flight home. The retreat can’t go on after this.”
“Yes, yes,” Charlie replied. “I know all that. I mean, do you have to return home to Donald straight away?
“I thought you might come and stay with me for the remaining weeks, and we could paint together.”
Wizzy stared at her, not sure she’d heard correctly.
She’d never imagined Charlie would suggest such a thing.
“I . . . I’d love to.” Her head buzzed with ideas.
She’d have to spend ages on her phone call home this evening, reassuring Donald that she was fine.
But could she persuade him to let her continue the rest of her month abroad at Charlie’s home in Sussex, where they wouldn’t have the excuse of a tutor to learn from?
He wasn’t controlling – he just worried a lot.
“I’ll tell him this has shaken you up,” she thought aloud, “and that you need company to help settle your nerves.”
Charlie laughed.
“That’s right. Blame your mad friend. You’ll have to sleep on the put-up bed. You won’t mind that?”
Wizzy would sleep on the floor if it meant cementing this new understanding.
“I’ll also tell him you need to finish your new-style painting for the auction. As a businessman, Donald will understand that.
“Yes, I think that will swing it.”
Charlie stared at her.
“What auction?”
“Didn’t you get the e-mail? Our alma mater is holding an auction to raise funds for a new sports centre.
“You could finish your representation of Miss Masterson and donate it.
“What could be better than a superb painting of one of the old mistresses? It would showcase your new painting style to a huge audience.”
Charlie continued to stare.
“People would bid for it?”
Wizzy nodded vigorously.
“Of course they will, and you’ll get new commissions.
“I do hope Marianna will get back on her feet again soon, though.
“It would be awful if this was the final nail in Villa Davide’s coffin, just when things were going so well.”
“I hope not, too,” Charlie agreed. “I’ve quite enjoyed these last few days, even though I had misgivings about the flip-flop woman.”
Wizzy was about to chastise her friend for continuing to be rude about Julia when she noticed Charlie grinning.
“All right – I had misgivings about Julia!”
“She is rather good, isn’t she?” Wizzy returned.
“Assuming Marianna gets back on her feet, and Villa Davide is open again for business next year, we will both be back, won’t we?”
Charlie nodded and went to check the adjoining room.
“Yes, I think so.”
“But next year, I insist on paying for the flights. We’ll pay for business class,” Wizzy declared.
“But –” Charlie shouted through.
“Never mind ‘but’. I’ve hardly touched Daddy’s inheritance because I haven’t needed to.
“I can easily afford it for the both of us, and I think we deserve a treat.
“You’d get a better class of wine, too,” she added, thinking that might be the best selling point.
She heard Charlie sigh.
“Well, if you insist, Wizzy, who am I to refuse?”
To be continued…