An Unexpected Affair by Jan Ellis Read Free Book Online Page A

some fun together, aren’t we old girl?” he said patting the Combi’s shiny green side.
    “Hmm, not too much fun I hope.”
    “I won’t do anything you wouldn’t do, Ma.”
    “Well, I expect you to have a bit more fun than that!” she laughed, as he caught her in a bear hug.
    “Oh, I’m sure that you and Auntie J will have a brilliant time.”
    “Any problems, call me. Okay?”
    “Will do.”
    “And make sure that the van is back at the shop on Monday morning.”
    “Yes, mother.”
    “Bye love,” she whispered, watching as Joe turned the van and drove it confidently away towards the south coast and the best beaches.
    It was a long way from Devon to southern France, so Eleanor had arranged to spend the night with Jenna and Keith in Islington then catch an early train out of the international terminus at St Pancras. “It’s all timed so that we’ll be in Chevandier in time for an aperitif in the square,” she had explained to her sister. As soon as Jenna had suggested going with her, Eleanor’s view of the trip had changed completely. Her nerves were gone and she was determined to have a great time, visit some museums and galleries, do some shopping, eat excellent food and – just maybe – take peek inside Chez Christophe.
    Her sister lived in an imposing stuccoed terrace house in one of the borough’s shady, tree-lined streets. It was now worth nearly a £1 million, but Jenna and Keith had bought it in the early 1980s, well before the area had become popular with City types. Keith was fond of telling people that ‘yuppies hadn’t been invented’ when they’d moved in. It was a big, rambling family home, full of noise and clutter. Just like a house should be, thought Eleanor as she rang the doorbell.
    Opening the door, Jenna kissed her sister then led her down the corridor and into the basement kitchen where Keith was busy with his casserole. Jenna loathed cooking but, fortunately for her, Keith was a great cook, and enjoyed experimenting with food. He had retired early, Jenna said, because he had so many cookery books to work his way through.
    Keith stopped chopping onions and wiped his hands on his pinny before giving Eleanor a peck on the cheek. “And how’s my favourite sister-in-law?”
    “I’m perfectly fine,” she replied, hugging him back. “And how’s my favourite chef?”
    “Nervous – I’m not sure that I should trust you two to go off on your own,” he said, peering at them over the top of his glasses.
    Jenna stopped laying the table to give him a kiss. “We’ll be just dandy, Kiff my love. Now, where’s that cassis? El and I need to get into the spirit of things, and I think a kir royale might be just the thing.”
    She poured a little of the fragrant ruby red liquid into three champagne flutes and topped them up with fizz. “Cheers Sis, and happy holidays!”
    “Don’t you mean bonnes vacances ?” said Eleanor, as they all clinked glasses.
    “You see? My little sister will look after the language side of things, and I’ll just hang around looking glamorous.”
    “Hmm, that’s what I’m afraid of,” said Keith. “No holiday romances allowed, do you hear?”
    Jenna winked at Eleanor, “Perish the thought!”
    After supper Eleanor had a luxurious bath and went to bed early, determined to get a good night’s sleep. After a couple of hours she awoke with a start, not sure where she was. She put on the light, drank some water then fell back into a deep sleep.
    The next day dawned bright and clear: perfect travelling weather. Keith escorted them to the Eurostar terminal and hugged them both. “Have fun, you two.”
    “Oh, we will Kiff, don’t you worry.”
    “Bye, Keith,” said Eleanor, kissing her brother-in-law on the cheek. “Don’t worry about Jenna. She’s the sensible one, remember?”
    “Hmm, I wouldn’t believe that for a minute. Now hurry up and get on that train.”
    Later, when they were in their seats and their bags safely stashed Eleanor