Five French Hens by Judy Leigh

Author:Judy Leigh [Leigh, Judy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2019-12-04T16:00:00+00:00

20

Tess stared at the enormous man. His hand was still on her arm. He spoke again, the deep rumble of an unknown language from a far-off country. Her eyes were wide. She wondered whether she should make a run for it, rush back to the table to the safety of her friends. The man said something else, lifted the bushy brows and smiled. His eyes shone.

Tess gasped. ‘I’m sorry – I’ve no idea what you have said to me.’

The man chuckled. ‘English? Oh, I am so sorry.’

Tess frowned. The huge man had a heavy accent, as if his words were all stuck together with toffee, but she could understand him. ‘English, yes.’

He shook his head and waved a hand. ‘I saw your dress, your hair. I was sure you must be a Russian woman.’

Tess laughed a peal of relief. ‘Russian? Oh, my goodness, no. I’m from England. I’m here with my four friends over there – we’re on a hen party.’

The man smiled. Tess thought he looked kind now, not so threatening. He nodded. ‘Hen party. That is the tradition of many women enjoying time together before a marriage. I am right, I think.’

‘Yes.’ Tess beamed, all enthusiasm. ‘Your English is good. Are you Russian, then?’

‘I am, although I live in Paris now. Once I lived in England, in London. I did a Masters at King’s for one year, so I can speak English quite well.’ His eyes met hers. ‘You are not the hen of your party?’

Tess didn’t understand what he meant at first, then she trilled a laugh. ‘No, it’s my friend, Jen, who’s getting married. She’s the small one in the flowery dress, over there. There are five of us.’

‘Are you staying here in Paris for a long time?’

‘Four more days.’ Tess raised her voice to speak over the music as the man leaned his head towards her. ‘Jazz club today, casino tomorrow. We’re having great fun. We’re staying at the Sirène hotel. It’s lovely.’

The man nodded. ‘If you are looking for a casino, I recommend La Rêve. It isn’t too far from the Sirène, a short taxi ride, and it is a beautiful building in a wonderful location. The cocktails are very nice there too – they do a particularly good Moscow Mule. You should try it.’

‘Thanks, that’s really kind.’ Tess held out her hand. ‘I’m Tess Watkins, by the way. Pleased to meet you.’

The man gave a little bow then stood upright and took her hand. ‘It is my pleasure to meet you, Tess. Vladimir Borovik-Romanov.’

Tess gave a little trill of delight. ‘My goodness, that’s a mouthful.’

‘Vladimir.’ He smiled at her again. ‘Good to meet you, Tess.’

‘Indeed. Nice to meet you too, Vladimir.’ Tess flashed him a smile and sauntered away, twisting between tables. She was looking forward to telling her friends all about the Russian spy she’d just met outside the ladies’ toilets.

As she sat down, all eyes were on Cassandra, who was singing a powerful ballad called Ma mélancolie. Tess picked up her

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