‘He said nothing at the time and when we first arrived in France, we unpacked everything, and my paintings were brought up here to languish. It was several years later that I discovered what he was doing, by accident, really. By then I had my own little studio in one of the old stables. Sadly, it had to be knocked down when I began the renovations. I had graduated on to oil paint and I was signing my work. My mother was actively encouraging me as she could see that I wasn’t the weak man my father was and art was my destiny. We set up the market garden to generate some additional income to keep us going and things were working out well. She was as happy as she could be, given the circumstances.’

Nico’s face shows the shadow of a haunting smile as he thinks of her. Instinctively, his whole body shifts, discomforted by his thoughts. Placing his hands firmly on the arms of the chair, he turns his head once more, heavenwards. The silence is peaceful, but the sadness is tangible.

I have no idea what time it is when I stir, realising that Nico has touched my arm to awaken me. He leads me very gently back downstairs and into his bedroom, easing me back onto his bed and covering me with a blanket. My eyes are so heavy, and my head is full of a dream about a field full of yellow flowers; a picnic with my parents when we were young; Hannah merely a toddler. The sunshine is warm on my face and I welcome it as I drop back into a deep sleep.

When I stir in the early hours of the morning, my head feels so much better and the fever has left me. Nico is asleep on the chaise longue in the corner of the room. The instant I open my eyes, even in the gloom he calls out to me, softly.

‘Everything is fine, Fern. Go back to sleep. It’s time to let your mind relax and get some rest.’

28

The Introduction

Feeling much more like my old self this morning, I decided not to join the others on their Sunday morning walk. Aiden didn’t Skype yesterday because he’s travelling. Again. But I’m hoping that little icon will pop up on my phone sometime today. I can’t believe he’s unable to find a quiet corner and a decent enough Wi-Fi signal for a quick chat – even to reassure me that he’s okay.

Is it out of sight, out of mind? I wonder. Or is this more about what he’s choosing to hold back? The question that’s like a fire in my stomach is where’s Joss? Is she always lurking somewhere out of sight when he does take time to make contact?