Read Online Rendezvous in Cannes by Jennifer Bohnet - Free Book Online

the kitchen table writing a long list when they got home.
    ‘Hi. Tea will be in ten minutes. Tom, why don’t you show Cindy your tree house – but stay away from the villa. Anna’s just gone for a siesta by the pool. Try not to disturb her.’
    Daisy glanced at the list. ‘You and Anna sorted things?’
    ‘Yes. She wants a “1920s on the Cote d’Azur” theme. She’s asked me to try to find a pianist for the night – thank goodness I had the piano tuned last month!’
    ‘Sounds fun,’ Daisy said. ‘As guests, do we get to wear flapper dresses? I’ve forgotten – which evening is it? Must make sure I’m not busy.’
    ‘Tuesday. Don’t know about flapper dresses – I’m going to be in a bit of a flap I think. Can you help me with things? It’s a bigger event than I thought it was going to be.’ Poppy appealed to her sister. ‘I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t offered to do the catering.’
    ‘Tom can come and play with Cindy after school for a couple of hours Monday and Tuesday, if that’s any help,’ Nat said. ‘They seem to be getting on well,’ he added, as a burst of childish laughter drifted across the garden from the tree house.
    ‘That would be brilliant, thanks,’ Poppy answered. ‘Now all I need to do is work my way through this list before next week.’
    ‘Don’t worry, sis, it’ll all work out,’ Daisy said reassuringly. ‘Right now though, you’d better get some tea organised for Tom and Cindy before Nat has to take Cindy home and I have to get back down to Cannes. Eating outside? I’ll lay the table and then go and get the children.’
    Walking out into the garden Daisy saw Anna, asleep on a sun-bed under one of the pool-side parasols. Tom waved from the tree house and Daisy beckoned to them to come down, before turning to go back to the cottage.
    As they tiptoed past the end of the swimming pool, Tom told Cindy in a loud stage whisper, ‘That’s my friend Anna. She’s really nice. She lets me swim in the pool with her. She’s come for the festival like your mum and dad.’
    ‘Is she a film star like Mummy?’ Cindy whispered back.
    ‘Gosh no,’ Tom said. ‘She’s too old. I think she helps make the films.’
    Anna opened her eyes. ‘Hello Tom. Who’s this?’
    ‘This is my new friend Cindy. Her mummy is an actress.’
    ‘Hello Cindy.’ Anna said. ‘That’s a pretty name.’
    ‘It’s really Lucinda,’ Cindy said. ‘My mummy wanted me to be Charlotte but Daddy really wanted Lucinda, so Mummy said yes. My full name is Lucinda Charlotte Natasha,’ and Cindy smiled at Anna.
    Anna sat up and looked at Cindy. ‘Is your daddy an actor too?’
    Cindy shook her head. ‘No. I don’t know what he does but he’s always very busy,’ she said seriously. ‘It’s my birthday next week,’ she said. ‘Mummy says we might go and see the whales but Daddy doesn’t know yet if he can come.’
    ‘How old will you be?’ Anna asked.
    ‘Six.’
    ‘Tom. Cindy. Teatime. Leave Anna in peace,’ Poppy called.
    ‘Bye Anna,’ Tom and Cindy said together as they ran over to the cottage.
    Anna pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head and watched the children disappearing into the cottage, before slowly making her way into the villa to prepare for the party in Super Californie she’d promised to attend with Rick.
    With Cindy between them holding their hands, Daisy and Nat walked down to the grand belle époque villa where Teddy Wickham and his family were staying for the Festival. Nat pressed the security button, the gate swung open and Cindy skipped inside. Nat glanced at Daisy.
    ‘I’ve got tickets for the cinema on the beach tomorrow evening, want to join me? Not sure what’s showing – could be Tom and Jerry or a decent classic feature.’
    ‘Hey, don’t knock Tom and Jerry,’ Daisy laughed. ‘I’m a big fan. Shall I see you by the Carlton beach after the evening’s red carpet proceedings? I’ll need to take a look at that first. Should be finished about