Friend of the Family

‘I’ll keep an eye on them,’ said Josie with a reassuring smile, disappearing down the steps. Amy watched her go, wondering if she was thinking the same thing as her: this was all a long way from Westmead.

The adults settled down on the terrace on a series of chic outdoor sofas and Claire brought out a tray of drinks. David took his and offered a toast: ‘To Provence, sunshine and’ – he looked meaningfully at Amy – ‘relaxation with friends.’

Amy tried not to think about her Mode application and raised her glass.

‘No one had better even think about working,’ said Max. downing his drink. ‘Crappy phone signal, only internet’s via the satellite, and the post only comes about twice a week. Can’t even get the TV to work, not that you’d want to watch it.’

‘It’s okay, I’ve brought a book,’ said Amy. ‘I can’t actually remember the last time I read one all the way through.’

‘Same here,’ said Juliet. ‘I’ve brought an Agatha Christie, and this time I’m determined to finish it.’

‘I read all the time,’ said Max.

David laughed. ‘Yeah, right. I seem to remember at Oxford that you once paid a second year to read a book for you.’

‘In my defence, it was a deathly dull thing on jurisprudence about a foot thick. But nowadays I’ve got more time and I’ll read anything: thrillers, biography, science stuff, you name it.’

‘We have a library,’ said Claire proudly. ‘You’ll see it next to the dining room.’

‘This place is like a living game of Cluedo,’ said David. ‘You’ve done well, Maxie. Considering what an idiot you are, of course.’

Max raised his glass. ‘Duly noted.’

‘So how often have you managed to get here since you bought it?’ asked Amy.

Claire pulled a face. ‘The twins and I are here most of the summer, but Max flies in and out when he can.’

‘Busy busy,’ said Max.

‘Isn’t it a little, well, big for just the four of you?’ asked Juliet.

‘I’ll be honest, I was as surprised as you,’ he said.

‘What do you mean?’

‘What he means is that he hadn’t actually seen it before he bought it,’ said Claire, raising an eyebrow.

Amy and David gaped at him.

‘Funny story,’ said Max, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. ‘Met this guy in Monaco, Jean-Claude. Belgian he was, but loaded, private jet, all that. Says he’s got this place in Provence but never gets to go there, some sort of tax wrinkle. Asks if I want to buy it.’

Claire leaned forward. ‘Just to add, Max was pissed.’

Max waggled his hand. ‘A little refreshed, I will admit. Anyway, I said I’d take it off his hands. So I wrote him a cheque—’

‘A blank cheque,’ interrupted Claire.

Max nodded. ‘Luckily Jean-Claude had been on the pop too, so I think he missed off a few zeros. Total bargain.’

Claire shook her head ruefully. ‘Even so, you’re right, Juliet, it is a little too large.’

‘Well, we’re certainly happy to help you out by filling up a few rooms,’ said Peter, raising his glass again.

‘So, how about we go out to dinner?’ Max suggested.

‘I don’t know,’ said Amy. ‘Tilly will be knackered after the journey.’

‘Which is why you brought Supernanny, right?’