Follow Your Star, Jennifer Bohnet [best fiction novels to read txt] 📗

fine. My news can wait until later. And talking of weight – you could do with putting on some, you’re scrawnier than ever,’ Patsy said, with sisterly bluntness. ‘I hope you are eating properly – or has organizing the wedding stressed you out?’

Nanette didn’t answer but sighed happily as they turned on to the track leading to Blackberry Farm. She was really looking forward to this weekend break. Life recently had been busier than she’d become accustomed to for the past couple of years and she was tired after all the excitement of planning the wedding.

She knew the twins always enjoyed themselves down here, and would disappear for hours at a time, exploring the woods and surrounding fields and helping Bryan around the farm, giving her some precious time to herself.

‘How’s Bryan’s mum? Enjoying her new home?’ Nanette asked, as they passed a pristine bungalow at the top of the lane.

‘Think so. But you know Helen. Drove Bryan mad for the first week or two wanting shelves put up and cupboards moved but she’s finally got it as she wants, although the kitchen will never be right – it’s far too small! And, of course, she’ll never like living there as much as she enjoyed the farmhouse – even though she moaned for years it was too big and draughty. She’ll be joining us for lunch on Sunday so you are sure to hear all about the drawbacks of having to live in a modern bungalow.’ Patsy smiled at her sister.

Once the twins had been fed and settled in their rooms, and Bryan was in the study working on the farm accounts, Nanette and Patsy made themselves comfortable in the sitting-room for a sisterly chat.

‘Glass of wine to toast the happy couple?’ Nanette asked, opening a bottle she’d brought from the reception.

‘A small glass,’ Patsy said. ‘I shouldn’t really, but I don’t suppose a sip will hurt junior, Aunty.’ She grinned mischievously at Nanette.

‘Oh, congratulations,’ Nanette said, hugging her sister. ‘When’s it due?’

‘Late June early July. No definite date yet. But knowing my luck it will be right in the middle of haymaking. Can you be here? I really, really want you around. Helen is already threatening to move back up here to help out. Promise me you’ll tell Vanessa you need to be here. You can bring the twins.’ Patsy looked anxiously at Nanette.

‘I’ll be here,’ Nanette promised. ‘Even if Vanessa is still paddling her canoe up the Amazon I’ll be here.’

‘Vanessa’s going up the Amazon?’ For once Patsy seemed speechless.

‘Yep,’ and Nanette told her sister about Ralph’s wish to make his new wife part of his film team. Patsy took it for granted that Nanette would be looking after the twins whilst Vanessa was away.

‘You’ll all be able to come down regularly. Oh, I’m really beginning to look forward to the next few months.’

Nanette shook her head.

‘Afraid not, Patsy. Mathieu has agreed to have the twins to live with him while Vanessa’s away.’ She took a sip of wine before adding quietly, ‘The only condition is I go with them.’

Patsy’s eyes widened in incredulity.

‘You’re not serious? I know it’s nearly three years ago and you’ve supposedly recovered from all the trauma, but are you strong enough to face things out there? You’re bound to meet up with certain people; certain situations are going to bring back painful memories.’

‘I know. I haven’t agreed yet. My first reaction when Vanessa mentioned it this afternoon was no, no, no.’ Nanette swirled the wine in her glass thoughtfully. ‘But Vanessa’s been very good to me – I owe her so much. I’d feel as though I’d let her down if I don’t agree. She desperately wants to go with Ralph.’

‘I’m sure she’ll understand if you say you can’t do it though,’ Patsy said. ‘Surely Mathieu could find someone local to help look after the twins for a few hours each day after school. And doesn’t his father, what’s his name, Jean-Claude, live nearby? I’m sure he’d be delighted to have some bonding time with his grandchildren. Personally I don’t think you need to go at all.’

Nanette looked at her sister. ‘I was thinking that maybe I do need to go – return to the scene of the crime as it were. Being airlifted out so quickly there were a lot people I didn’t get to say goodbye to.’

‘Not many of them have been in touch with you since though, have they?’ Patsy demanded. ‘Not even the Heel, despite insisting he was acting in your best interests at the time.’

Nanette flinched. ‘Perhaps by going I can finally close that particular chapter in my life,’ she said quietly.

Patsy shook her head. ‘Oh Nanette. If you feel like that I don’t know what to say or suggest. I just don’t want you being hurt again. I’m afraid you’ll find going back a lot harder than you expect. I only hope you can cope with any recriminations that occur. Just promise me that if you do go and things get too difficult you’ll come straight back here – with the twins if necessary.’

‘Where else would I go?’ Nanette said quietly. ‘But what do I do if I don’t agree to take the twins to Monaco? If I say no and Mathieu organizes some local help with the twins while Vanessa disappears up the Amazon, my job here vanishes.’

‘Oh, come on, Nanette. Vanessa has always treated you as part of her family. That’s not likely to change,’ Patsy said. ‘She’ll probably offer to find you a job in the office. She’s certainly not going to throw you out on the street.’

‘I guess you’re right.’ Nanette sighed looking at her sister. ‘Are you all right? You look a bit pale,’ she said concerned.

Patsy put down her untouched glass of wine.

‘Excuse me – don’t know why it’s called morning sickness, mine comes at all times,’ and she disappeared in the direction of the bathroom. ‘Back in a mo.’

An ashen Patsy reappeared a few minutes later.

‘If you don’t mind, I’m