Chapter 26 – 'My cup runneth over'

It was the first Thursday of September, and Camille got dressed for her interview.

She had tried to swap interview appointments with others from her course so she could have the day off, but unfortunately, it hadn't worked out, and she was stuck with her original appointment. It was really most annoying that she had to go and see the HR folks when she knew that Alain and Isabelle would arrive this afternoon – she had so wanted to pick them up from St. Pancras station. They had opted to take the train, and Camille would have loved to meet them at the station… but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

However, Richard had promised her to pick them up and take them to her flat – his leave had already started – so they wouldn't get lost. In the evening, they'd all get together – Richard had made a reservation in the little restaurant in Stanmore. That way, Alain and Isabelle wouldn't have to get into town, and they could start to make plans for their stay.

With satisfaction, she checked her reflection in the mirror – this should be fine for something official like a job interview… she wore a black knee-length pencil skirt with needle stripes and a white blouse with elbow-length sleeves, together with moderately heeled black court shoes. She wouldn't wear a jacket with this, but to be on the safe side, she had tucked a colourful light shoulder scarf into her satchel. The air-conditioning system in the training centre was a bit unpredictable and sometimes came up with arctic temperatures.

Originally, she had considered wearing a colourful statement necklace, but then she had decided against it – it would perhaps come across as too bold. So, she had settled for her gold necklace with the anchor pendant, along with small golden hoop earrings. Her hair was styled in a snazzy chinlength bob – she had recently got a proper haircut – she just had needed to get a reward for herself after the exam results had arrived: she had passed with flying colours. Later on, she had found out that she was actually among the top five graduates of her class – not bad for someone who hadn't been so familiar with the British police system in the first place…

Richard had objected when she had announced that she would finally get a 'chic' haircut to celebrate, but then he had admitted that it suited her very well. She knew he was terribly proud of her accomplishment – although he had not been overly demonstrative about it and claimed he had always known that she was extraordinarily smart. It had been obvious that he'd been worried she'd get megalomaniac if he praised her too openly…

When she tucked away a skittish loose strand, the golden ring on her hand gave a sudden flash in the sunlight, and she smiled happily.

Richard's proposal had totally overwhelmed her – she had hoped he'd come forward eventually, but she hadn't known if he was ready yet. She had been half-determined to propose to him instead of waiting for him to make up his mind, but then she had realised that it would perhaps intimidate him, and also, she didn't really have all that much to offer when it came to the 'mundane' aspects of life… like accommodation, a safe workplace or savings. They couldn't possibly exist on love and air alone, and it would have come across as strange and maybe even presumptuous if she had made the crucial move – after all, he had a house, he had a safe job, and he had savings whereas she only had herself – and the vague perspective of a job – to offer. She had been well aware of that discrepancy. So, approaching him would have been a bit difficult…

The whole issue had solved itself nicely by him taking the plunge and asking her to marry him. And it had been so romantic!

Well, maybe not in everyone's book, and surely, Barbara Cartland would have turned up her nose at his proposal and classified it as 'breach of decorum', maybe as 'awkward' or 'maladroit'… but that didn't bother her one bit. Barbara Cartland's opinion didn't matter – and she was dead, anyway.

Actually, come to think about it, it had been surprising that Richard hadn't chosen a different place, a different time and a different tone – considering how keen he always was on doing the right thing and following a certain procedure, this more or less improvised act, performed in the bedroom while both of them were wearing their sleeping attire, seemed a bit out of character.

However, he had given her an explanation a few days later – he had been encouraged by her reaction to the snippet of the film they had watched together. The dark and ominous cloud of expectations that had hovered over his head and made him wonder if he'd ever muster up the courage to ask her had disappeared when she had given him to understand that she wasn't really keen on all the 'embellishments' that seemed to be vital for so many women, if you wanted to believe the tabloids and magazines.

Richard had been unsure if he could master the scenario that seemed to be expected from him – and it had been a huge relief to realise that Camille couldn't care less. Once this realisation had settled in his brain, it had inspired him to finally give it a go and pay no heed to potential pitfalls any more. Still, he hadn't been sure when to do it so he had mulled over it for a little longer – then, however, he had realised that their relationship had reached a point where he shouldn't really worry any more.

That hadn't helped with his nervousness, of course. But it had been such a happy weekend, somehow he had felt an even more intense intimacy with her, they seemed to have come to a level in their relationship that surpassed all his original expectations… he just had to go for it. He hadn't told her with so many words, but his attempts at explaining had made sense to her.

She marvelled at the ring again as she stood there in front of the mirror. It was simple, yet elegant and beautiful. Richard had confessed that he had already ordered it a while ago although he had only picked it up very recently. It was custom-made; he had asked the workshop owner if he could design something that would match the necklace and earrings that he had purchased for Valentine's Day. He had made a rough draft of what he had had in mind, and the workshop owner's wife had then drawn up several versions – and this one had been Richard's favourite.

"I wanted something special," he had explained, "something out of the ordinary solitary diamond ring fashion, something unique…"

When Camille had remarked how perfectly the ring fit and asked curiously how he had known her size, he had looked a little guilty, then he had admitted that he had snatched the compass ring from her memory box and taken its measurements before giving the final OK to the jeweller's workshop, just to make sure that the ring wouldn't be too snug or too wide. He explained "You had mentioned that it had fit quite well, particularly considering it was an adjustable ring, so I thought I'd doublecheck… and actually, I hadn't been too far off the mark, but the jeweller was grateful that I could give him a precise specification… It was finished the day afterwards…"

So that also explained why she had found her memory box half open a little while ago… he had hastily taken the measurements with the small stainless steel ruler that he always carried with him, along with his penknife and a few other utensils, and then returned the ring into the box right after he had come to stay with her on the evening after her exams. How cunning of him…

Remembering his little proposal speech, she smiled tenderly. It had been far from perfect – at least from a conventional point of view. But it had definitely come straight from his heart, and that was really the only thing that counted for her… and she had found it very romantic because it had just been so like him to be nervous and befuddled in a situation like that!

After a last scrutinising glance into the mirror, she turned around, picked up her satchel and made ready to leave.

Richard checked his watch once again – shouldn't the train be here by now? Then, just an instant later, he heard the loudspeaker announcement he had been waiting for… the Eurostar would arrive any minute now.

And indeed… There it was… the train arrived, came to a halt, and as if by magic, the doors slid open.

He had positioned himself at a preconcerted strategically advantageous spot and watched the passengers disembarking the train, hoping that he wouldn't have to wait for much longer. Alain and he had agreed that it would be best if they just met up at this spot instead of both parties trying to make their way through the masses of passengers, meandering from one side to the other until they had found each other, so he just stood there like a statue and waited. His thoughts wandered off to tomorrow's event – and to how much he was looking forward to Camille's face tonight when she'd realise it would not only be Alain and Isabelle coming to visit, and he was also pleased with himself for having managed to make all the arrangements for yet another surprise – his parents would come to Camille's graduation event, too.

Ah, there they were – he saw Alain's bulky figure in dark jeans and a checked shirt, and right behind him was Isabelle, small and bouncy, dressed in black trousers and a short-sleeved mustard yellow top. They looked exactly how he had remembered them. Next to Isabelle, he saw a slim figure, wearing blue jeans and a blue and white striped shirt with a boat neckline… Her wavy dark blond hair bobbed up and down as she walked along the platform. She looked familiar, yet he was unsure for a moment – although it was not that he hadn't her expected to be there - but, indeed, it was Catherine.

He realised that he had never seen her in anything else but blindingly colourful floating dresses, with turbans and headscarves, dangly earrings, statement necklaces and funky bangles. It was quite startling to see her in this more urban attire! And he had never realised how similarly Camille and her mother moved – even the way they walked was similar. They were both very attractive women – each in her own way.

In a sudden flash he also realised that Catherine was closer to him in age than Camille – just on the other end of the timescale. That had honestly never occurred to him before – once he had overcome the shock that Camille's mother was quite a bit younger than his own parents, he hadn't thought about the age difference between her and himself any more. Now it struck him, though, and for a moment, he wondered if Catherine perhaps thought that her daughter was throwing herself away by getting engaged to be married to someone who was quite a few years older.

He realised that he was nervous. He knew that Catherine knew that he and Camille had got engaged. Of course, Camille had told her, and beforehand, he had informed Catherine about his plan to ask Camille in an e-mail a while ago. Her response had been very friendly and positive, she had actually wished him luck - and he hoped that she meant it, especially considering that they hadn't always had a smooth rapport (the infamous chicken soup episode had always hung between them and cast a shadow on their relation).

In his message, he had suggested that she'd come over for Camille's graduation because he knew how much she missed her daughter – and vice versa. They had exchanged a few e-mails, and he had then put her in contact with Alain and Isabelle to make the final arrangements for the trip. He had insisted on paying part of her trip, and she had gracefully accepted his generosity – he had interpreted that as a sign of goodwill. When everything had been settled, he had also brought his parents into the loop – without mentioning his plan for proposing, though – he hadn't wanted his mother to get over-excited too early.

Of course, he had known that both his parents would be pleased to get invited to the event. And it hadn't really surprised him to find out that they already knew that Catherine would be coming – he had figured out by now that his mother had kept in touch.

However, he had managed to make Catherine promise that she didn't mention his plan to 'pop the question' – he had explained that he would want to tell them in person, and Catherine had understood – she was a mother herself, obviously, and had she been in Jennifer's shoes, she would have been hurt to get the news from a 'third person', too – so it hadn't been hard for her to give him her word that she would keep quiet.

Richard and Camille had told his parents during a weekend visit that had taken place not long after they had got engaged, and the announcement of their engagement been celebrated properly by going out for lunch on a Sunday – Camille had objected to Jennifer cooking a full roast for all of them as she felt that Richard's mother deserved to get spoilt for the occasion and shouldn't spend hours in the kitchen. This had brought her a slightly bewildered sideways glance from Graham and a raised eyebrow from Richard, but in the end they all had been happy. Jennifer had noticed her 'menfolk's' reaction, and it had been obvious that she had felt it was a good thing that finally someone came along who questioned the family's established habits and traditions and brought some fresh air into the house.

So, Richard knew that his parents were more than happy to welcome Camille into the family… but how would Catherine react to having him as her son-in-law now? It was one thing to get informed and 'notified', but a personal encounter was a completely different thing. Would she just put on a happy face for Camille's sake, or would she really 'accept' him?

He didn't have to worry for much longer. After Alain had vehemently shaken his hand and patted his arm with his free hand and Isabelle had got on her toes to hug and kiss him on the cheek – completely ignoring his starchy posture (they were in public, after all!) – Catherine came up to him, a disarming smile on her face, and opened her arms… Richard couldn't do much but endure yet another hug. He didn't actively respond, but he didn't shy away, either, despite his reservations. Sarcastically, he thought that he'd better get used to this – French habits would become part of his daily life before too long, anyway… He registered Catherine's perfume, there was a soft kiss on his cheek, and then she whispered in his ear "Thanks for the invitation, Richard – and congratulations! It was about time that you and Camille got your act together!"

So, she really had meant what she had said in her e-mail – that she was happy they had met again and worked on their relationship – although it hadn't been sure at all that things would work out between them…

Aloud, Catherine now said "So, what's happening now, Richard – will you brief us on where we're going from here?"

"So, how did it go?" Richard asked when he had opened the door and Camille sailed into the house, looking quite content with herself, if not even a little smug. With an amused smile he watched her as she kicked off her shoes and dumped her bag, obviously quite satisfied with what the day had brought so far. He couldn't wait to see her face when she'd realise that there were more surprises waiting for her…

"You look amazing, by the way! And I take it that you got an offer?" he added, closing the door with a soft click. She turned around and nodded. "Thank you, and yes, I did," she confirmed, "and although it's not ideal, it's good enough, and there's even an amusing twist about it…"

She came over to kiss him properly, and he held her close for a moment before saying "Come outside and let's have a drink in the garden – we can talk more there, okay?"

Some time later, he knew that she had been asked to join the team in Barnet – under Angela Tyler's lead. It was part time – 80 per cent of the regular work load, so that meant a four day week.

"DI Henderson never came back," Camille explained, "and poor Young had to take over part of her responsibilites. He nearly lost his mind over the chaos that Henderson had left. They had another inspector filling in on a temporary basis, but it didn't work out in the end for whatever reason, and so they decided they need another DI on a permanent basis. Their budget got cut, though, so it's not a full time position for the time being – although that might change again eventually – and naturally, that means they can't possibly offer it to someone who's on the lookout for a regular promotion. So, they figured they'd offer it someone who has just finished the course and is eager to earn their spurs, so-to-speak. Since I haven't got anywhere to return to, yet am superficially familiar with the station and the team already, they thought I might be interested – and I accepted."

Her voice had a triumphant undertone, and when he made a remark that she sounded very pleased with herself, she laughed and said apologetically "True… it might not be my finest character trait, but somehow it fills me with satisfaction that I can go back and show them what a fantastic cop I am. Actually, given the fact that they actually expressly requested HR to ask me shows that they know already, but… oh well! Apparently, Chuck Norris has praised me to the skies, and the certificates from the other stations were very positive, too!"

She sat back in her garden chair and went on "But tell me, have Alain and Isabelle arrived? And have you taken them to my flat? How do they like it? Did my neighbour make a fuss because of the key? When are we going to see them?"

He explained that everything had gone according to plan, that her neighbour – who had kept the spare key – had been extremely welcoming, and that Alain and Isabelle both were delighted with the little flat. Much to Camille's inner amusement, he stressed how excited Isabelle had been with having the flat entirely to themselves – that had obviously played right into his hands, and he couldn't help but show some complacency in that context…

He had also showed them where the restaurant was, and they'd meet up at 7.30 p.m., he concluded. He had wanted to give everyone – including herself – some space to breathe before getting together – it had been a long and exhausting day for Alain and Isabelle, and Camille had been tense, too – so it had seemed best not to rush things.

Camille agreed, put her glass to the side and stretched lazily – before getting up and announcing that she'd take a shower now and get changed then… On the way inside, she bent down to kiss Richard, and as he watched her moving inside, running a hand through her hair and picking a dead leaf from a plant in the living room, he couldn't help but smile – how amazing his life had become since she had re-entered the scene…

After the usual greeting ceremonies of hugging and kissing one another plus exchanging the usual friendly niceties in French had been accomplished and they had all sat down, Camille was about to give the waiter a sign so they could order, but Richard stopped her, indicating that he needed a bit more time to make a decision. Camille gave him an annoyed sideways glance – they went here so often, he should know what he wanted, really! He was surely only trying to get her attention – silly behaviour. She suspected that he was jealous because her friends were visiting…

However, Alain and Isabelle indicated that they were happy to wait and looked through the menu once more.

They were sitting outside, at a large table for six people, and Camille began to complain that a smaller table would be nicer and more intimate. Richard remarked that she shouldn't be such a fusspot, and Alain and Isabelle smirked at the conversation that developed from there. Of course, they both knew it was just diversionary tactic from Richard to keep Camille from noticing what was going on behind her back.

Suddenly, Camille felt a gentle tap on her shoulder, and a familiar voice said amicably "So, have you made up your mind and are ready to order?"

Camille whirled around and jumped up like a scalded cat – and fell right into her laughing mother's open arms. Richard watched the two women hugging tightly, chattering enthusiastically and looking at one another with love and affection, but also some scrutiny in their eyes – it was heart-warming to see their excitement. His surprise had turned out really well, as it seemed.

When they finally sat down, Camille kept holding her mother's hand and then turned to the others, asking with a certain tremolo in her voice "Why didn't anybody tell me? Whose idea was this?" They all looked into Richard's direction who suddenly found himself in the centre of attention and began to fiddle around with his napkin, not quite sure what to say now.

He started clearing his throat, but before he could say anything, Camille – who was sitting next to him – had leant over to kiss him – not just lightly, but with quite some enthusiasm. He didn't get much of a chance to react as it was over in what seemed like a flash to him, leaving him dumbfounded and somewhat embarrassed. A bright smile on her face, she clutched his hand. She'd thank him more elaborately later on…

"Bonne nuit!"

Isabelle looked up from her book and smiled gently in Catherine's direction. "Bonne nuit," she responded with a slight nod, and Catherine disappeared in her daughter's bedroom.

It was interesting, Isabelle thought, how similar their friend and her mother were in some respects – and how different in others. In any case, it had been fun to watch Catherine, Camille and Richard interact this evening… It had been obvious to her that Richard had felt a little self-conscious about meeting Catherine, and the feeling had apparently been mutual – Catherine had appeared guarded, almost cautious sometimes. Most of the time, she had been very open and friendly, and the way she had greeted him at the station had been definitely warm and affectionate – so she surely wasn't against Camille's connection with him, but there had been an immanent underlying reservedness in her behaviour sometimes that had made Isabelle think. Well, maybe it had only been due to the fact that she didn't quite know how to handle the situation.

But whatever – she would have to get used to it. It was clear that Camille wouldn't let Richard go.

With a content sigh, she put her book to the side, switched off the light and snuggled up to Alain who was already far away in the land of nod – she was looking forward to the next few days. They had made all sorts of plans tonight, and if only half of them materialised she'd be more than satisfied.

In the bedroom next door, Catherine stretched out in her daughter's bed – it had been a long time since she had slept under a duvet, but she'd surely get used to it… She'd have to get adjusted to a lot of things in the future…

It had been unexpectedly strange to see her daughter so openly in love with the man who had been such an enigmatic tight-lipped nitpicker for most of his time on Saint Marie – and it had been even more strange to see that – while Richard still was starchy and reserved in many respects, he had opened up and learnt how to communicate since she had last seen him. He had even laughed a few times! And he hadn't worn a suit, but casual trousers and an informal jacket. He had looked like a different person!

She had appreciated his clear and to-the-point e-mails – he wasn't one to beat around the bush, but he was always polite in his messages – but she hadn't quite known what to expect from the re-encounter…

Well, she had a clearer picture now. It was quite obvious that Camille and Richard had adapted to one another and kind of 'fallen into line' – they still had their differences (and that would never change!), but they seemed to be so much more in sync than during the time they worked together in the Caribbean. It was like Richard knew instinctively what Camille wanted – and the other way round. They had grown together. They were 'one' – without having relinquished their individuality.

They were in love.

It had been eye-opening to see them together, and Catherine realised now that she had always half-expected her daughter to return to the Caribbean after that police course in the UK – even when she had heard that Camille had met Richard again and they had slowly built up their relationship.

In theory, she had known that Camille was serious about staying with him, and when he had e-mailed to inform her that he was about to ask Camille to marry him, she had known that he was serious, too – Richard wasn't one to play around. Still, it was one thing to know it – and yet another one to see it.

She turned over and sighed. She had seen boyfriends coming and going when Camille had been a teen, but once she had moved to France, she had lived her own life, and Catherine hadn't really known much about her relationships – and after Camille's return, there hadn't been anyone serious in her life. And so she and Camille had lived together as friends – the age gap between them wasn't really glaring as Catherine had been quite young when she had had Camille. They had relied on one another… when Camille had moved to the UK, Catherine's life had changed, too. And now, it seemed the change was going even deeper than she had assumed.

Camille would stay here where Richard was, and they'd build up their life here. If they had children together, she would be the far-away, distant grandmother – and Jennifer and Graham would be the local grandparents who'd look after the children when Camille and Richard wanted to spend a romantic weekend away.

Catherine wasn't quite sure how she felt about that.

But she knew she'd have to find a way to deal with all the implications that came with Camille's and Richard's marriage. Camille was a grown woman and had to live her own life – just the way she had to live her life, too… She'd have to re-define her rôle, maybe…

Camille was blissfully unaware of her mother's thoughts and feelings, but Jennifer Poole could see the mixed emotions in her eyes when she and Catherine got together again. The Pooles had come to pick up Catherine, Alain and Isabelle and take them to the training centre where Camille's graduation ceremony would be held. While Graham made polite conversation with Alain and Isabelle, Jennifer and Catherine had a bit of a tête-à-tête and discussed their children's plans for the future.

Although Catherine didn't say much, Jennifer noticed a certain melancholy in her voice when she was speaking. She could certainly understand – she had spent quite some time on thinking about Catherine's situation and wondering how she might feel – and she had understood that Richard's and Camille's forthcoming marriage would mean some sort of turning-point for Catherine, too.

She knew that her friend was a pragmatic and resilient person, so she would find a way to deal with the situation – still, she was determined to help and support her as much as she possibly could. Catherine would spend a little over two weeks in the UK, and she'd stay with her and Graham for four days after Camille's graduation, so there'd be plenty of time for deep conversations…

With gratitude, Jennifer remembered what Catherine had done for her while she had stayed on Saint Marie – and she knew she'd have to make every effort she could to give back to her.

Isabelle smiled as she followed Alain and Richard who were cutting their way through the crowd – it was admirable how they managed to remain polite, yet persevering in their efforts to make it easier for her, Catherine and the Pooles to get to their numbered seats in the second row. Camille had panicked a little because she had only signed up for three seats – for Richard and her French friends – but Richard had put her at ease… as soon as he had known for sure who would come, he had called the training centre and informed them that there would be a few additional guests attending on Camille Bordey's behalf – and there had been space for everyone.

The new graduates were sat in an extra section so they could access the little stage more easily. Much to Camille's amusement, they had been asked to sit in alphabetical order so there wouldn't be a commotion each time one of them was called. They were already sitting on their chairs, each of them trying not to appear nervous and secretly – or openly – looking out for their family and friends. Camille smiled when she saw Richard and her friends, together with her mother and Richard's parents – how sweet of Jennifer and Graham to come to the event! – and her heart was almost bursting with love for them all.

She turned around to Claire who pointed out who her nan was – she had come with one of her cousins and was sitting in the third row, not far from Camille's entourage – and when she turned back again, she caught an understanding glance and a brief nod from Stephen… his eyes had widened when he had recognised DCI Poole – in a dark suit, dress shirt and exquisite tie, as he knew him - in the audience, and he had obviously put 2 and 2 together… Camille gave him a slightly apologetic shrug – even if Richard hadn't been on the scene, Stephen would never have had a chance with her. But it wasn't necessary to tell him so – it was enough that he realised that she was involved with someone else.

Catherine sat down between Richard and Jennifer, and after a few more minutes of nervous chit-chat and general restlessness the audience suddenly became silent when the head of the training centre got on stage and greeted them all with a little speech. Fortunately, he realised that people weren't here because they wanted to listen to him speaking, so he made it short and began to call the graduates who came on stage one by one.

There were several people before Camille – but finally, she was called to join the small group of graduates on the stage… She got up, and as she walked up with swinging steps, in her dark blue lady's suit, the white blouse and the dark blue checked scarf that some of the female cops wore these days instead of the tie, Catherine felt a lump in her throat – there she was, her little girl… all grown up…

She turned to look at Richard whose eyes were following Camille – there was pride in his gaze, but also an open and unconcealed love that nearly made her choke. Her right hand was squeezed by an emotional Jennifer, and although he appeared to focus solely on Camille, Richard suddenly retrieved a handkerchief that he passed on quietly to Catherine…

Camille received her certificate, and when she had turned around and found her place in the line of graduates on stage, her eyes wandered over to the second row in the audience. She knew now what the saying 'My cup runneth over' truly meant…

Her loving glance embraced the six people who looked up to her – these six people who had always believed in her, encouraged her and tried to make her life easier…

She had done it.

She had finished her course, she had graduated with honours, she had landed a job, and – last, but not least! - she had found love. The future was bright, and she was excited and curious to see what was waiting for her around the next bend.

Happiness, relief and pride flooded through her, and her eyes got a bit misty. It had all been worth it – although she hadn't known what to expect, and it hadn't always been plain sailing, she had done the right thing by leaving Saint Marie and coming here. Sure, ships weren't meant to stay in a harbour all the time, but she'd stay anchored for the moment.

And Richard and she would find out together where they wanted to go from here…