I check with Solange and she can’t see a problem with us doing an adhoc bit of filming. She does warn me that it’s very busy today, but we decide to go for it, anyway.
‘It has to be a seamless transition between Elliot’s filming and mine, Lexie. Anything less will be second-rate and I can’t live with that.’
After a quick call to Cameron and a change of clothes, we head back to the gardens mid-afternoon to re-shoot the beginning. Once we find a quiet corner away from the crowds, it doesn’t take long, but the sun isn’t at a good angle and it’s a bit stop-start at first. Unfortunately, Cameron finds it a bit of a struggle at times, competing with the level of background noise. Eventually, we’re all happy.
Ronan is looking much more confident handling the kit and it has been worth redoing it, simply to boost his confidence. It’s yet another cost to accommodate, but in terms of team building between the three of us, we’re all feeling much more positive.
Thoughts of Ronan continue to fill my head on the way to see George. Not least, guilt over whether I should have come clean about the visit. But Ronan headed off on a high to research a new lead and I didn’t want to spoil his mood.
‘Hello, George,’ I call out, announcing my arrival.
He turns in his seat and gives me a welcoming smile. ‘You came, then.’
‘Who wouldn’t want to come and while away an hour in such a peaceful setting? Besides, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse, and you knew that.’
He at least has the decency to give me a slightly sheepish look.
‘Please, take a seat. Help yourself to a drink from the tray.’
There’s a bottle of red wine and a jug of water. I opt for the water, pouring myself a large one to quench my thirst.
‘I’m driving,’ I say, raising my glass to him, and he lifts his own in return.
‘It’s true I don’t get a lot of company. I’ve never been a very sociable man. People tend to annoy me very quickly. I like peace and quiet to think, but many gardeners are like that. We get used to our own company, you see. I never was a game player and I always said it as it was. Some folk think that’s trite; I call it honesty.’
‘Where are you from originally, George?’ I enquire, unable to place his accent.
He laughs. ‘The Lake District. I have fond memories, but it was a hard life in those days. My father was a sheep farmer.’
George lapses into silence and I’m content to sit here for a while with only my thoughts to keep me occupied.
‘I’ve nothing against Ronan seeking answers,’ George’s voice suddenly booms out. The tone implies that might not be true, because he sounds angry to me. ‘But I’m no fool.’
‘I don’t know what you think I know, George, but the reality is that I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m here with my business partner, Elliot, for three months to film an independently produced series about modern-day gardening at Versailles. My only interest in the past is a personal one.’
He stares at me for a moment and then grunts.
‘He likes you,’ he says.
‘Who does?’
‘Ronan. Do you trust him?’
What sort of a question is that?
‘Of course. Why shouldn’t I?’
‘He thinks I had something to do with his grandfather’s suicide.’
‘Suicide?’ My mouth goes dry.
‘Ah, so he hasn’t told you everything, then?’ There’s an element of satisfaction in his tone that makes it sound like some sort of accusation.
I put my glass down firmly on the table with a bit of a bang. If George wants to play games, then I’m done. Easing myself up off the seat, he then makes a motion with his hand for me to sit back down.
‘I had to check. Whatever I tell him, which is nothing as yet, he wouldn’t believe anyway. Fabien Arnoult was a troubled man in here.’ He taps his forehead with his finger. ‘It’s not what Ronan wants to hear. He says this is my last chance to get some facts down in black and white, because he’s adamant about publishing that third book. I’m not saying it’s a personal witch hunt, because he is a historian and the truth matters to him, but he also wants closure. The two don’t sit well together in this case, Lexie, believe me – but Ronan can’t see that.’
‘Closure?’
‘He won’t admit it, but I believe he feels his grandfather committed suicide because people turned against him. The project Fabien was in charge of was closed down due to lack of funds. He took it very personally and the truth is that everyone knew he had a point. It wasn’t that the chief gardener – or any of his peers – disagreed, but his plan could never have been put into action. There was some convoluted idea about drilling holes and using nutrients to force the tree roots to grow downwards, instead of spreading out sideways. Oh, it all sounded plausible and I suppose it could have worked, but at what expense? The gardens have always been the paupers when it comes to distributing funds because there never is enough money to go around.
‘If Fabien had been born in the 1600s, he would have emptied Louis’ coffers quicker than any of the gardeners of that time. To Fabien it was a travesty not to be proactive. The truth is that the gardens of Versailles were doomed to change over time, regardless of what anyone did. Fabien couldn’t bear that thought and refused to accept it was inevitable.’
My stomach begins to churn. So, it was Fabien’s project – why didn’t Ronan tell me? I wish I’d known earlier that his grandfather had committed suicide – for Ronan that must have been a particularly bitter blow, as his grandfather was the only male influence in his life. If he believes his grandfather was wronged, then how can he objectively listen to what George has to say?
‘I’m prepared to talk candidly to you, Lexie. But only you. You can record the interview, but I don’t want Ronan to be a part of it. The facts are what they are and I’m the only one left who knows what really happened.’
I don’t quite know what to say and it takes me a moment to gather my thoughts.
‘George, I… look, I think what you have to say is important and should go on record, even if it isn’t a part of Ronan’s research. However, it’s going to have to wait until Elliot is back, if you want it to be documented but would prefer it wasn’t Ronan doing the filming.’
I can see by the look on his face that his mood is changing towards me. I need to be very careful not to alienate him in any way.
‘Of course, Ronan is looking for answers. I understand that and it’s only natural given the circumstances. Please don’t hold that against him. But you’re right, it’s too emotive for him to be involved directly. But at some point in the future he will need to face up to what happened, and I understand why this is important to you, as well. I want answers about my grandma, not to publish, but so that my family can understand the other side to the woman we knew. So, I doubt that Ronan is looking to blame anyone, he’s just seeking the truth. Surely you can understand that?’
He narrows his eyes, turning to look at me.
‘I knew her,’ he declares. ‘So did Fabien.’
George presses his lips together as he gazes out across the river. My heart sinks as the silence grows and it becomes clear he’s not going to say any more.