“I agree with you,” she said.
————
“WHERE IS YOUR PARENTS’ house in the Loire?” Alexa asked. She and Tom had left the Café Voltaire and were walking back toward the Faubourg Saint-Germain and Tom’s apartment.
“They’re in that beautiful two-hundred-mile stretch of the Loire that is known as the Valley of the Kings,” Tom answered. “It’s between Orléans and Tours, and the reason it’s called the Valley of Kings is because there are so many magnificent châteaux there.”
“Yes, I learned all about the Valley of Kings in Anya’s French history class,” Alexa informed him. “Almost three hundred châteaux stand there, including some of the greatest … Chambord, Cheverny, Chinon, Chaumont, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Close-Lucé, and Chenonceau, and I know it’s a very beautiful area.”
“Sublime,” Tom said, glanced down at her, added, “but my parents don’t have a grand château, Alex. Just a charming manor house in rather lovely grounds sitting on a bend in the River Cher, a tributary of the Loire. Basically it’s quite a small estate, and that’s one of the reasons they love it. Also, it’s only about an hour and a half from Paris, so they can easily move back and forth between their apartment here and the Loire.”
“So we could go there and back in one day, couldn’t we?”
“Yes. If we decide to go and see Jean,” he answered quietly. “But as I said, I must think about that idea, and I must also mention it to my father. I don’t want to cause any problems for my parents.”
“I understand, of course. By the way, did you tell your father the whole story? About Jessica and Lucien, I mean? Or did you just ask him about his neighbor?”
“I told him the whole story. You’ve met Dad, you know what he’s like. He wasn’t CEO of a giant American company in Paris for twenty-five years for nothing. He knew what questions to ask, how to get to the root of it all, and I must say he was very understanding, wanted to help in any way he could.”
“I knew he would. I always liked your father, he reminds me of you. Or, rather, you remind me of him in so many ways.”
Tom laughed. “I’m a chip off the old block, is that what you’re saying?”
“Yep. And where is Jean’s house? I suppose it must be nearby?”
“Not too far away, and it’s not a house, Alex. It’s one of those grand châteaux we were just talking about. Very old.
Been in the Beauvais-Cresse family for centuries. I think it was built in the 1600s, or thereabouts. It’s quite magnificent, and basically it’s an agricultural estate, a lot of farming goes on there.”
“At Anya’s you mentioned something about a title.”
“That’s right. Jean is the Marquis de Beauvais-Cresse, to give him his accurate name.”
“I see.” She sighed. “It’s such a peculiar story, isn’t it? The way Lucien just disappeared overnight …”
“There are thousands of cases of missing persons,” Tom told her. “Hundreds of thousands, if we consider all the countries in the world. People do disappear, and just like that.” As he spoke, he snapped his thumb and finger together, then continued. “Some are the victims of foul play and their bodies are never found. Others do suffer an injury that results in amnesia. And then there are those who disappear because they want to.”
“I know, that’s the problem.”
Noticing the disconsolate expression on her face, the sudden weariness in her tone, Tom changed the subject, said, “Have you ever been to Chenonceau?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“I want to take you there. But that won’t be possible if and when we go with Jessica to the Loire. So perhaps you’d come another weekend. We could stay with my parents and I’d drive you over there, it’s not very far. You see, this is the thing … Chenonceau has a connection to Mary Stuart … the petite Reinette d’Ecosse, as she was called in France in those days.”
“What connection?”
“The legendary château was once the home of Henri II, who gifted it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, but Henri and his son Francis II, and his wife, Mary Queen of Scots, all spent a lot of time there.”
“How interesting. I’d like to see it, and some of the other châteaux as well. There might be one or two people, owners of châteaux, who would let us film there for a fee.”
“I’ve no doubt.”
They walked on in silence for a while. At one moment Tom stopped, took hold of Alexa’s arm, and turned her to face him. Looking deeply into her eyes, he said, “Quarrel or no quarrel, you really are being a good friend to Jessica. I admire you for that.”
“When Lucien disappeared, her life changed radically,” Alex replied. “Never to be the same again, that I surely know. Because his body was never found, there has been no closure. I’m sure that’s why Jessica hasn’t been able to settle down with another man. In my opinion, that is. And if I have a chance to help her, as I now think I do, why wouldn’t I?”
Tom searched her face, then brought her into the circle of his arms. Against her dark head he said softly, “I see into your heart, my sweet Alex … and you are truly a good person.” She did not answer, and he held her tightly for a moment longer. And then he thought: She fills the empty places in my heart, she makes me whole.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“I’M SO GLAD YOU COULD COME EARLY, DARLING,” ANYA said, smiling across at Alexa. “I just want to go over a couple of things before the others arrive.”
“And I have something to tell you,” Alexa responded, settling in the chair opposite Anya. The two women were sitting in the small library that opened onto the gardens. It was another beautiful day, and the French doors were wide open to reveal a view of the cobbled courtyard and the cherry tree.
“What is it you wish to tell me?” Anya probed.
Alexa shook her head. “Tell me first why you wanted me to come earlier than the others, and then I’ll explain something to you, an idea I’ve had.”
“All right.” Anya sat up a little straighter in the chair and continued. “I want everything ironed out between the four of you today, Alexa. This feud is beginning to be ridiculous, and I’m looking to you to create harmony among you.”
“I’ll do my best, and I agree with you actually. After yesterday’s confrontation with Maria, I don’t like the thought of any more of them. They’re too upsetting. Let’s face it, we’re all around thirty and we should know better by now.”
Anya nodded. “I’m glad you feel like being conciliatory. That’s the way to go, and once you’ve talked it through, I’m going to take you all out to lunch.”
“Oh, that’ll be nice!” Alexa exclaimed. “But you should let us take you. To somewhere chic and expensive. We can all afford it now.”
Laughing, Anya said, “There’s something else I want to mention. I would like Nicky to invite Tom to my party. Would he come, do you think?”
“I’m sure he would.” Alexa flashed her a wide smile.
“That’s what I thought. I’ll tell Nicky to send him an invitation. I’m also going to tell Kay to invite her husband, and naturally Maria will be accompanying Nicky. But I don’t know what to do about Jessica. I’ve no idea if she’s in Paris alone or with someone. In any case, I think she ought to have an escort.”
“You still haven’t seen her yet?”
“No, darling girl, I haven’t. I asked her several times to come and have a drink, or lunch, but she’s hiding behind her work. I say hiding because I think she’s staying away on purpose.”
“But why?”
Anya made a moue with her mouth, and then explained. “Jessica identifies me with the past, in particular the last few months she was here in Paris, when Lucien went missing. I think deep down she’s a little afraid to see me because of the memories it will evoke. Memories of Lucien, the pain she suffered, her anxiety and fear … those sort of things. Remember, Jessica hasn’t seen me since you all graduated. It’s been seven years. And she links that time to him.”
“I kno
w. But I’m sure she’ll open up today, and we can find out if she’s here alone or not. I’ll do everything I can to make her feel at ease, and Kay too.”
“And Maria. Don’t forget Maria, Alexa. She was awfully nervous yesterday. Afraid of you, I do believe.”
“I suppose I was a bit fierce,” Alexa admitted, looking shamefaced. “I’ll be nice, I promise.”
“Now, what is the idea you said you had? An idea for what exactly?”
“Finding the truth. Remember what you would tell us … the truth sets you free, you used to say.” Alexa took a deep breath and shifted her body in the chair. “I think Jessica and I, along with Tom, should go down to the Loire, seek out this Jean fellow, and confront him.”
“You could be on dangerous ground here, Alexa,” Anya warned. “As I’m sure Tom has told you.”
“Yes, he has. But I wasn’t suggesting a real confrontation during which we ask him if he was once using another name and working as an actor in Paris. I just want him to see us, Jessica in particular. If he is shocked, we’ll know immediately his alias was Lucien.”
When Anya was silent, Alexa stared at her and asked, “Well, what do you think?”
Anya ruminated for a few seconds, then posed her own question. “What does Tom think?”
“He’s cautious.”
“So am I.”
“Why, Anya?”
“Alexa darling, you can’t go rushing around the countryside accusing people of leading a double life.”
“I didn’t say we’d be doing that … I said we’d go over to his house on a pretext, just to see him, let him see us. Get his reaction or nonreaction.”
“I think I’d like to hear what Tom has to say.”
————
A MOMENT LATER Anya was standing up, walking across to the door, a huge smile illuminating her face.
“Hello, Jessica,” she exclaimed. “It’s wonderful to see you.”
“And you, Anya, after so long.”
The two women embraced and then Anya stepped back and stared at Jessica, an appraising look in her light blue eyes.
What a lovely woman Jessica had become, elegant in her well-tailored black pantsuit and white silk shirt, her long, pale blond hair falling around her tan face. She was still the all-American girl, tall, long-legged, slender, and as pretty as she was seven years ago. But there was a sadness in her eyes, a wistfulness in her smile, and Anya was sure she knew the reason why. Lucien Girard.
Anya also knew she had been right all along about Jessica’s reluctance to come and see her. In Jessica’s mind she was part of the past, part of another life, one Jessica had buried so deep within her psyche, she did not want to resurrect it. Could not, perhaps. At the same time, Anya was certain Jessica had not really moved on, that deep within her soul she still yearned for Lucien. She was thirty-one and still not married. Anya had immediately noticed there were no rings on her fingers. It seemed to her that Jessica needed closure. Maybe Alexa was right about going to the Loire to discover the truth. Might it not set Jessica free?
“Come in, come in, don’t let’s stand here in the doorway!” Anya exclaimed, taking Jessica’s arm, leading her into the room. “Here’s Alexa. And the others should be here any moment.”
Alexa had risen and she stepped forward, her hand outstretched. “Hello, Jessica, it’s been a long time,” she said, striving for genuine cordiality.
Jessica inclined her head, rather curtly, Alexa thought, and took her hand, shook it. “Hello, Alexa.”
Alexa recoiled slightly; there was such coldness in Jessica’s voice, and her demeanor was equally as icy. Fasten your seat belt, kid, she told herself. We’re in for a rocky ride.
Anya had noticed Jessica’s extreme coldness and she instantly filled with dismay and just a little trepidation. She had been foolish to think everything would go smoothly; there was obviously enormous animosity between the women. She had been somewhat aware of that at lunch yesterday when Maria and Alexa had flown at each other so fiercely, both of them sounding bitter, angry, and ready to continue the estrangement.
Anya said, “Jessica, do sit down,” and taking her own advice, she lowered herself onto the sofa.
Jessica did as she asked, glanced around, and then said in a softer tone, “I’d forgotten how lovely the library is, Anya. It’s just charming, the way you’ve redecorated it.”
“And I must tell you how proud I am of you, Jessica, and your work. The houses and apartments you’ve designed are simply superb. I’ve loved seeing them in the magazines over the years. Congratulations, my dear.”
“Thanks, Anya. And everything I know I learned at your school.”
“The school can’t teach anyone taste and style, you know, and you have an inbred sense of style, enormous taste, Jessica. I always told you that.”
“Yes, you did, and you helped to make my dreams come true professionally. You and the other teachers were just extraordinary. I’m so lucky, I had the best training in the world, and what’s stood me in great stead is my knowledge of history; English, French, and European furniture through the centuries; antique fabrics; and classical architecture. You taught me so much, Anya.”
“Thank you again for those kind words.” Anya settled back against the cushions and asked, “Are you by any chance in Paris alone, Jessica?”
“I’m alone, yes.”
“I see. The reason I ask is that I thought you may wish to bring someone with you to my party, be escorted by a friend that evening. And if that is the case, I will have Nicky send him an invitation.”
Jessica blinked, and her brows furrowed together, then she nodded in a positive manner, her face softening. “I think I would like to bring a friend, have an escort that night. One of my clients happens to be in Paris. His name is Mark Sylvester, and he’s a movie producer from Hollywood. But he’s working on a picture, shooting here and in London. He told me the other day that he’ll be back and forth between the two cities for the next month or so. I’m sure Mark would love to come.”
“I’m delighted. May I ask where he’s staying, my dear?”
“The Plaza Athénée, and I’ll tell him to expect the invitation. Thanks so much for being so considerate, Anya.”
Suddenly, Maria was gliding into the room looking stunning, beautifully put together in an ankle-length black skirt and a matching jacket, long and sleekly tailored. It slimmed her down even more, and underneath the jacket she wore a low-cut black silk blouse. Her long neck was enhanced by a gold necklace composed of ancient medallions, and she wore matching earrings. Her black pumps had very high heels, and she actually looked willowy this morning, Anya thought.
But when Maria spotted Jessica seated on a chair near the fireplace, she came to a sudden halt, looked hesitant. Maria appeared uncertain whether to enter the room or not.
Anya, detecting this at once, pushed herself to her feet and hurried to her, embraced her. “You’re looking wonderful,” she said, wanting to imbue confidence in her. “Here’s Jessica and Alexa, and we’re just waiting for Kay.”
The words had hardly left Anya’s mouth when Kay came walking in from the front portico, exclaiming, “Oh, dear, Anya, am I late? So sorry.”
Swinging around, Anya smiled at Kay and shook her head. “No, you’re not late at all. But now that you are here, my dear, I would like to get down to business.” Escorting Maria and Kay into the room, Anya continued. “The business being solving your problems with each other.”
————
ANYA THREW ALEXA a pointed look as she returned to her seat on the sofa.
Understanding exactly what was expected of her, Alexa rose, walked over to the fireplace, and stood in front of it. She glanced at Maria and Kay, whom she had not yet greeted, and said, “Hi, Maria, hi, Kay.”
Both women acknowledged her, although neither sounded very friendly.
Alexa said, “Anya asked me to speak to you about our falling out with each other seven years ago, just before our graduation. Her birthday party
’s on June the second, and, understandably, she doesn’t want any bad feelings between us on that very special occasion. She thinks we should sort out our differences. In order to do that, I think we must all speak about our feelings, get things off our chests, so to speak.”
“I want the air cleared,” Anya murmured, and settled back against the cushions, hoping they would be friends by the time she took them to lunch.
Alexa unbuttoned the jacket of her black pantsuit, pushed her hands into her pockets, and went on. “Yesterday Maria and I did begin to sort out our differences, so I’m going to let Maria explain how she and I fell out. Then perhaps Jessica could respond.”
Maria was totally taken aback, and she appeared to be startled as she sat up straighter in the chair and looked around at everyone. After a moment, she cleared her throat, and said haltingly, “Alexa blamed me yesterday. She said I told Jessica lies about her. But that’s not correct—”
“Yes, it is!” Alexa cut in peremptorily, and then took a step back. “I’m sorry for interrupting, Maria. Please continue.”
Looking at Jessica, Maria said, “I didn’t tell you any lies. Truly I did not. I told you what I believed to be the truth … that Alexa had been flirting with Riccardo Martinelli, my boyfriend at the time, and that she was trying to steal him from me.”
Alexa had to bite off another exclamation, this time of denial. She was infuriated with Maria once again. She forced herself to remain calm, clenching her hands in her trouser pockets.
Jessica was nodding. “Yes, I remember that. You explained that you were worried Riccardo was going to become involved with Alexa. Because of her behavior. That you thought she was after him. You cried a lot. And, yes, I did believe you.” Jessica glanced at Alexa. “And I did take Maria’s side, there’s no question about that.”
“But it wasn’t true!” Alexa protested. “And don’t you think you owed me the benefit of the doubt, plus a chance to defend myself? You condemned me without a trial, so to speak.”
Jessica bit her lip. “I guess that’s true.” She narrowed her eyes, and a thoughtful expression crossed her face. “But I did see you flirting with Riccardo at the party Angelique’s mother gave. You were draped all over him when you were dancing, clinging to him, pressing into him. That’s what cinched it for me.”