Part 4 of 5

The hush is broken by Ricketts, "Hey, folks, we're going dancing. Care to join us?"

Camille and Richard give each other a look before Richard speaks up, "Sorry, I AM on duty. Camille, however, can attend… if she so desires." He turns to her, "DO you so desire?"

She waits a beat, sees the anxiety in his eyes and decides to start adding bricks to Richard's new wall… the wall that has her on the INSIDE. She replies, "Thanks, Chris, but no. Things have changed for me since you were last down to the island. I'm sure my friends will take VERY good care of you. They've been looking for an English of their own so you'd better watch yourself."

Ricketts laughs as he helps his companions to stand, "Oh, I just knew I'd love this place! I felt it the first time I was down here. Even though it was hot as blazes, I could see DI Poole was happy… despite all the grumbling. After all, it's just weather, isn't it?" He winks at Richard.

Richard smiles, "Yes, just weather, but the scenery makes up for it, doesn't it?"

Ricketts laughs again, "Absolutely. I'll give you a call tomorrow, shall I? You can give me some tips on going native, wot?" Richard nods and the threesome take their leave.

Camille watches them go then turns to Richard, "Well, that's nice! Imagine the nerve of the man, coming all this way to woo me and THEN be so easily swayed by two pretty faces!"

Richard nods, "He's obviously an idiot… and I'm SO glad for that!" He turns to her, "I was really worried! The way you talked to him on the phone, I thought… I thought maybe…"

She smiles, "What? That I fancied him? Well, maybe I WOULD have…" Richard's eyes flare, "… except I had English excellence right here already. Accept no substitutes, right?"

He suddenly smiles, belief blossoming in his chest. It felt lovely and warm. "Right!" He stands, "And I have to get back to the station. Will you return with me?"

She regards him coolly, "No, I think I'll stay here, I have a lot to think about. As do you. Can I come by your place later? 9 o'clock? I'll bring wine." They grin and say in unison, "A mature Rioja!" He nods and takes his leave. She watches him walk away, already feeling bereft.

Her Maman is slipping into Richard's vacated seat within moments, "VERY nicely done, Chérie. I see your heritage is finally showing."

Camille levels a challenging stare, "And how long have you been eavesdropping?"

"Almost a whole year now. It has been VERY entertaining but I'm glad you finally made your move. Setting up all these blind dates was getting a bit boring. Besides, we can't let a perfectly good man like that go to waste, now can we? Or to the competition?" She arches an eyebrow.

She is parried by another arched brow, "I don't know WHAT you mean."

"Oh, yes, you do! Your friends have been scouring the island for their own English ever since you started telling stories about the goings-on in the station. I'm surprised they haven't tried to steal him away from you."

"They held off because they knew I would murder them if they tried anything!"

"Well, make sure HE knows it too. Some men need to be told, dear. They simply can't believe the fact of true love… and I don't think he's ever had it… true love, I mean."

"No, I don't either. And I WILL tell him, later tonight."

Catherine stands up, smiles demurely, "Shall I leave a light on for you?"

Camille smiles just as demurely, "Oh, I don't think so… but you never know. He's VERY English."

"Hmmm, then good luck, Chérie." She kisses Camille's cheek, "Enjoy him to the fullest, I think he may be a surprise." With that, Catherine leaves her daughter to her own thoughts.

END - part 4