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Libby left soon after and Suzette took the empty cups and plates through to the kitchen. She’d wash them later. Right now she wanted to go for a walk and think about things. Her mobile rang as she picked up her camera.

“Hello, Malik. How are you?”

“Fine. Any chance of you coming back here? I need to talk to you.”

“No. I’ve just rented somewhere for a couple of months.”

“A couple of months?”

Evie could hear the panic in his voice.

“I’ve told you several times I need some time on my own. You can talk to me now.”

Malik sighed, conceding defeat.

“I’ve had an idea about your next career.”

“Tell me.”

“The next time I see you. I need to talk to a few people to see if it’s feasible. There’s no reason why it wouldn’t be, but you know me. I like to cover all eventualities.”

Silently Suzette substituted the word control for cover. Malik did like to feel in charge – even if he wasn’t. She was beginning to have ideas of her own for a life after dance.

“What time is your appointment with the immobilier?” Agnes asked Isabelle as they walked along the canal path towards the auberge. It was the day before they were leaving for Nice and Libby had invited them for lunch.

“Two thirty, so there’s plenty of time,” Isabelle said. “This house sounds exactly what I’m looking for. It’s in a small hamlet, three bedrooms, a good-sized kitchen, a large garden and neighbours not too close. Plus it’s not too far away from you.”

“Good. I’m looking forward so much to having you living back up here,” Agnes said. “I’ve really missed having you around. Besides, I’ll be able to help you with things,” she added, looking at Isabelle.

Isabelle laughed and stood still to look at her mother.

“You’ve guessed, haven’t you?”

Agnes tried to look innocent but failed.

“Guessed what?”

“That I’m pregnant and you’re going to be a grandmother.”

Agnes smiled and hugged her daughter.

“I wasn’t sure, but hoped I was right. It is so exciting. When is it due?”

“Early February.”

“And Alain? Is he thrilled?”

“Now he’s got used to the idea he is. The fact that I’ve decided to come back here has helped. We didn’t plan this baby and he’s been worried about how I’m going to cope with him being away so much.”

Agnes hooked her arm through Isabelle’s and they continued walking.

“Oh, it’ll be such fun having a baby in the family. Can we tell Libby today?”

Isabelle smiled.

“Of course.”

Margaret Scott

Margaret is a sub-editor within the Production Team on the "Friend". Her main job is to work on the stories and make sure the magazine leaves us in its best possible guise. When not doing that, however, she either has her head buried in the old “Friend” volumes or is out and about giving talks or going on Warner trips (fab!). She hates cheese.

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