George's Grand Tour by Caroline Vermalle Read Free Book Online

breakfast in their dressing gowns. Ginette was very proud of her kitchen, which was equipped with all the mod cons. Her son had convinced her to have it completely redone two years earlier and she had chosen a red design from Ikea. The trinkets that covered almost every inch of flat surface were the only things that predated the Ikea trip.
    They were speaking in low voices because they were talking about George. Ginette had heard he was in a bad way, and askedafter his health with the requisite tone of concern. Charles, on the other hand, was not worried.
    â€˜Oh, he’s fine. George is going to live to be a hundred. He’s as strong as an ox, he’ll outlive us all.’
    â€˜But weren’t you telling me that the doctors—’
    â€˜No, no, no. Firstly, it’s not the doctors , it’s his GP, who’s diagnosed him with all kinds of things over the last twenty years, and is always trying to stuff him with pills. Because George never takes them, his GP is forever convinced he’s going to keel over and die any minute. But I’m telling you that’s not going to happen any time soon.’
    â€˜Glad to hear it.’
    â€˜Of course, only I’m not sure he agrees. Everything that’s really wrong with George is going on in his head. He’s a bit … sort of … depressed. So that’s why I thought a change of scene wouldn’t do him any harm.’
    â€˜A touch of depression then, you think?’
    â€˜More than a touch, actually. But don’t mention it to him or he’ll fly off the handle. Thérèse tried once, she told him about her homeopath in Bressuire. Apparently homeopathy is quite good for stuff like that. Well, he told her where to go, and that was the end of that.’  
    â€˜Shhhh!’ said Ginette, hearing George’s footsteps in the corridor.
    â€˜He’ll live to be a hundred, I’m telling you,’ Charles murmured emphatically.
    â€˜Morning everyone!’ George boomed. He looked as fresh as a daisy. ‘I slept marvellously. Hats off to your bed, Ginette.’
    â€˜That’s good to hear! Coffee, George?’
    â€˜Why not!’
    Breakfast was a masterclass in theatrical asides, with Ginette muttering to her brother, ‘He seems on top form, for someone who’s got depression’; George whispering to Charles about his proposed change of itinerary; Charles privately asking Ginette if they could impose for another night; and George anxiously nagging Charles for the answer.
    Finally, when the bread had been put away and the bowls had been washed and dried, they were all agreed that Charles and George would stay another night, a plan that suited everyone. The two companions would leave early the next morning, have lunch in Gâvres with the cousin, and then off they would go to Brest, the first step of the 2008 Tour, where they had booked a room at the Hôtel du Centre. In the meantime, they would go cockle picking in the Passage du Gois in Noirmoutier, the very spot where Olano had waved a dramatic farewell to his chances of winning the Tour in ’99. His head full of optimism, and anecdotes from Tours gone by, George began a day that would hold a special place in his pacemaker-fitted heart.

Saturday 27 September
    Brest (Finistère)
    Adèle looked at her watch. 8.57 p.m. France was an hour ahead, so it was a bit late to call her grandfather. She had promised herself she would call him once a week; that was ten days ago. She had kept missing her moment. But she remembered the Saturday-night entertainment show must still be going, so there was a chance he would answer. Her grandfather picked up at the second ring.
    â€˜Hello, Adèle?’ he said, sounding much more cheerful than usual.
    â€˜Yes, Grandpa, it’s me,’ she replied, a little surprised. ‘How are you, Grandpa?’
    â€˜Fine, great, I’m just sitting in the living room, watching the