favourite festival is Deauville,’ Anna replied. ‘Less trade, far more about the films. Same with Venice, but Cannes is the big one, as I’m sure you’re aware. The important one in the industry.’
‘The public come to see the stars, but people in the film industry simply want to do deals. At least that’s what Marcus, the photographer I’m working with, tells me. Is your company exhibiting here?’ Daisy asked.
‘Yes. I have to show my face at a couple of meetings with some American clients. And probably go to a couple of parties.’ Anna paused as she took in the view of the Mediterranean glinting in the sunshine.
‘Where are we now?’
‘Skirting Antibes. A few more minutes and we’ll be passing the celebrated Eden Roc Hotel, where, I’m told, the best people stay and fabulous parties are held. Another ten minutes and we should be on the outskirts of Cannes.’
‘Spectacular views,’ Anna said, looking out across the bay as they drove down the hill.
While Daisy concentrated on the narrow winding coast road as it made its way around the Cap d’Antibes and on through Juan-les-Pins, Anna enjoyed the changing scenery.
The sudden whoosh of a TGV train rushing past on the railway line that followed the road as it approached Golf-Juan made her jump. Approaching Cannes, the traffic began to build up and soon they were reduced to a crawl.
Anna saw Daisy glance at the dashboard clock before sighing and saying, ‘At this rate, it’s going to take us ages to get to the villa.’
‘Have you got things lined up to do this evening?’ Anna asked, guiltily aware her plane being so late had probably created a few problems for Daisy.
Daisy nodded. ‘I’ve got to finish and file my first report for the newspaper, do a spot of internet research on this big director who’s just died, take a look at tonight’s stars on the red carpet and then I get to go to a party later.’ She glanced at Anna. ‘Don’t suppose you knew this Philippe Cambone, did you? Work with him even? Any info – personal anecdotes or anything – would be gratefully received.’
‘No, I never worked with Philippe Cambone, so unfortunately I can’t help you with anything other than what you’ll find on the internet.’ Anna turned to look out of her passenger window, effectively finishing the conversation.
‘That’s a shame,’ Daisy said, disappointed. ‘There’s not much info out there. Seems Mr Cambone was a very private person. Oh good, the traffic is clearing, we’re on the move again.’
‘Are we going via the Croisette?’ Anna asked.
‘Only so far. The police will probably have barricaded the road before we reach The Bunker, ready for the evening screening.’
‘The Bunker?’
‘Local name for the Festival des Palais,’ Daisy explained. ‘We’ll have to take a right and go round the back streets. Hopefully it won’t add too much time to the journey.’
With a silent Anna beside her, Daisy concentrated on her driving and ten minutes later turned into the villa entrance. Poppy, hearing the electric gates opening, was waiting by the front door to greet them.
Daisy turned to Anna. ‘Poppy will look after you now. Hope you don’t think me terribly rude, but I must dash and try to catch up with a few things before I walk back down to Cannes. I expect we’ll bump into each other over the next few days, either here or in town. Enjoy the festival.’
‘Thanks for meeting me, Daisy. Do come over with Poppy and have glass of wine with me when you’re not so frantic.’
‘I’d like that,’ Daisy said. ‘Thank you. Ciao,’ and she ran down the path to the cottage, leaving Anna with Poppy.
‘This way,’ Poppy said, taking Anna’s suitcases and leading the way into the Villa Flora. ‘I’ve never rented the villa out before,’ Poppy continued. ‘I hope everything is okay for you,’ she added anxiously as she showed Anna around and explained everything she needed to know, including the code for the entry gates. ‘If there is anything I’ve forgotten to provide, you will tell me, won’t you?’
‘Please don’t worry,’ Anna said. ‘I’m sure you’ve thought of everything. It looks fantastic.’
Long buttercup yellow curtains hung either side of the French doors and windows. A bookcase lined the wall alongside the fireplace and a small glass table holding some glossy magazines and candles was placed between a couple of inviting cream sofas with deep feather cushions. A large terracotta pot filled with lavender stood in the fireplace, infusing the whole villa with its perfume.
‘There’s a welcome box in the kitchen with a few basics – cheese, eggs, baguette, tomatoes, milk, butter – and there’s a bottle of rosé in the fridge. Enough, I hope, to keep you going until you get to a supermarket,’ Poppy said, going into the kitchen with its views out over the patio towards the swimming pool.
Just then Tom ran into the kitchen. ‘Mummy, can I have one last swim before Miss Carson gets here? Oh, you’re here already,’ he added, seeing Anna.
‘Tom, please say how do you do to Miss Carson,’ Poppy said. ‘Then go back to the cottage. I’ll be there in a moment to get your supper.’
Anna held her hand out for Tom to shake. ‘How do you do, Tom? My name is Anna.’
‘How do you do, Anna,’ Tom said seriously. ‘Do you like swimming?’
‘I do indeed and I guess you do too.’
Tom nodded. ‘Only now I can’t. Mummy says the pool is yours while you’re here and nobody else can use it ’cause you’re paying for it.’
‘Tom!’ Poppy exclaimed.
Anna bent down to talk to Tom. ‘Ah. Well, I expect my friends will be coming for a swim, so if you’re my friend I can invite you and Mummy won’t mind then.’
‘Now?’ Tom asked hopefully.
‘No,’ Poppy answered before Anna could say anything. ‘Anna has to settle in this evening. Besides, it’s almost your bedtime. Cottage,’ and she held the kitchen door open for a reluctant Tom to leave. ‘I’m sorry,’ Poppy said, embarrassed. ‘I’ll keep him out of your way while you’re here. I’ll take him to the beach so he can swim.’
‘Poppy, it’s not a problem. Please let him come for a swim. I like having children around. Besides, I expect when Leo gets here, we’ll be out and about most days.’
‘If you’re sure. Now, I think I’d better leave you in peace to settle in. If you want anything, just come over to the cottage. Bye for now.’
5
Closing the door behind Poppy, Anna went upstairs and pulled her swimming costume out of her case. The pool was too tempting to resist. The unpacking could wait.
The water was warm and inviting and Anna swam ten lengths before turning over and floating lazily on her back, allowing her mind to wander over the upcoming days.
So
