Bella... A French Life by Marilyn Z Tomlins

Author:Marilyn Z Tomlins [Tomlins, Marilyn Z]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780992670030
Amazon: 0992670039
Publisher: Raven Crest Books
Published: 2013-12-15T16:00:00+00:00

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I wait in the courtyard with more coffee and what has been left over of the amandine, while Fred and Colin get cleaned up. Colin’s doing so in his bathroom; Fred, as he always does, is doing so under the tap in the scullery off the kitchen. After a few minutes Fred steps out into the courtyard.

“Miss Bella, about Paula’s birthday, which, as you know, is in a few days’ time. Colin will be coming to our party. He’s a great guy, Miss, not at all a snob despite he’s so learnt and writes newspapers and books and such stuff.”

“That’s nice, Fred, him coming to your party.”

“Will you come too, Miss? Paula and I talked about it this morning and we thought it would be nice to have you join us. It’s not going to be anything posh. Just the usual, in fact. We’re going to grill a few sausages, open a few bottles of wine, have some beer. A bit of music too. Just as we always do.”

Colin joined us while Fred was talking.

My parents never socialised with the staff, only ever having gone to their homes when there was a death in their family. I have however broken this unwritten rule of theirs, having attended the christenings of their children and their anniversary celebrations, never having wanted to hurt their feelings. Of late, though, I have been declining all invitations politely, yet the invitations have not ceased.

“You wouldn’t miss me, Fred,” I say.

Colin looks from me to Fred.

“Come on, Miss,” says Fred. “Come and join us. My boys will be coming from Le Havre and you’ve not seen them for a while, and believe me, they are big men now. Handsome too, like you would not believe it.”

Trying to think of a noncommittal reply to offer Fred, I look at Colin but he holds both his hands up in the air to indicate his neutrality on the matter.

“I’ve whipped some cream to have with what’s left of the amandine,” I say. “Shall we sit down?”

I point to one of the courtyard’s small mosaic tables where I had set out the coffee things.

Don’t be such a wet, Bella, is what Marius will say about the birthday party, but Marion’s comment will be quite the opposite: Not with the staff, no, Bella, you should not mix with the staff. If I do not know what to say to Fred it is not because I am a snob like Marion, but because I am doubtful about the wisdom of attending the party with Colin. I will have to drive him to Fred’s place and drive him back here again. And what about the dancing at the party? Unlike Jean-Louis’ parties this one will not be for just watching the kids dance, but for dancing the waltz and the foxtrot and the sensual tango to Fred and Paula’s record collection of accordion music. Miss, if you should come across the latest Yvette Horner compilation, please get one for us. I will fix up with you on your return.

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