Read Online Sense and French Ability by Ros Rendle - Free Book Online

investigating the area. She seems friendly.”
    “Well, we have enough houses for sale around here but more English? We don’t need more.” M. Demille said.
    “So few young French do up the older properties, Monsieur. They prefer to build on land that’s always available than put in the money and effort to renovate. At least we take their money to keep our village going.”
    “Harrumph! They are spending their money in our local shops, I suppose but I don’t like it! I don’t trust them.”
    “Maybe she would buy me out and I could go and live with Edith?” Madame Altier smiled at the thought that had popped into her head.
    He frowned. “How is your sister?”
    “She was so poorly just before Christmas and she keeps asking me when I might sell. I don’t know though. It’s my home. I warned my visitor not to go there!” Madame Altier nodded at Jerome’s, her face expressing a sour look.
    “I was in there last night,” M. Demille said. “I told him his yard is a disgrace. I hinted he may not get the ducasse business this year,” he added with a smirk.
    “Is that so?” Madame Altier asked, leaning in closer.
    M. Demille tapped the side of his nose in a conspiratorial fashion. “You never know,” he added as he took his leave.
     

 
    Chapter 5
     
    On returning home, Fliss was hardly able to contain her feelings of uncertainty, nerves and extreme excitement. She had spoken to Edward a few times on the phone while away. Tonight she would see him, and must explain her plans in full. He would be hurt, would not understand ,but would accept it with good grace. He loved her. How much of a fight would he put up for her? Part of her hoped he would, but she also hoped and suspected that he wouldn’t make a fuss. He was almost always too kind and considerate.
    ‘I’m increasingly sure that I need this change. Something major. Perhaps I’m being unreasonable but I really, really need this challenge. Am I being selfish? I’ve been self-less for too many years already!’
    She unpacked and dressed for the evening with care. She wore the green dress that Edward liked. It brought out the colour of her eyes, he said.
    ‘Why am I taking so much care of my appearance? It isn’t for him. Be honest at least. I’m giving myself confidence and courage.’ Fliss frowned at her own thoughts.
    She brushed her hair vigorously in the hope that it would shine. As she peered into the mirror to apply makeup, she understood and recognised that she did not love Edward – perhaps she never had.
    At exactly 7.30pm the doorbell rang.
    She sighed.
    “Fliss.” Edward beamed and folded her into him. “I have missed you,” he mumbled into her hair.
    No flowers, and they were fore-going a film tonight. A change of routine!
    ‘A varied taste of things to come?’ She wondered this optimistically. ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ She had a brief moment of hesitation.
    “I was going to bring flowers,” Edward said, contradicting her thoughts, “but I ran behind and I knew 7.30 was approaching. I didn’t want to be late.”
    “A few minutes here and there don’t matter,” she said as he released her. “To have flowers every time isn’t necessary either Edward, although I love them,” she added,
    “Shall we go, and I’ll hear all about your little holiday on the way?” he asked.
    ‘Little holiday. He has no idea even though I’ve explained so many times.’
    They ate at the cosy Italian place on Market Street.
    ‘It shouldn’t be too busy at this early hour. I need a clear head and a quiet scene to approach my news with him. It is more than details of a little holiday, after all!’
    “So,” he asked, “how did it go?”
    While they rode she told him of her journey in more detail, about the people she had met and the things she had seen. It was important to keep it general until they sat together and Edwatd was not concentrating on driving.
    ‘Perhaps I’m prevaricating and putting off the moment when I have to