Paris Pourri by Jamie d'Antioc

Author:Jamie d'Antioc
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Arcadian Lifestyle Publishing
Published: 2010-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

18

Gaspar had been thinking that he hadn’t seen much of what he called ‘his international set’ – consisting of Americans Jaimeson and Rosaletta, Irish Hilary, and Italian Luigi – lately and, although he wasn’t exactly worried, this niggled him slightly. He was confident that it had nothing to do with them not wanting to see him – after all, he was a respectable member of French high society, who wouldn’t want to know him? – but all the same, he didn’t like to feel forgotten. In fact, however, this was exactly what had happened – the gang had all been too engrossed in their own lives, their individual trials and tribulations, to see much of each other recently. Deciding, however, that it had been long enough, Gaspar had a word with Helga and they decided to organise a reunion get-together and give everyone a chance to catch up. It would be held, Gaspar decided, at his own family manor house in the country. Helga would do the organizing as Gaspar was far too busy for such things; however, he himself would send a personal invitation to Jaimeson whom Gaspar considered to be the leader of the group.

Jaimeson received the formal invitation in the post a couple of days later and was delighted with the idea. Hilary needed a break, as did he, and he was very pleased to have the opportunity to catch up with Luigi, Rosa and Bernard, as well as Gaspar and Helga. Jaimeson was also feeling in need of a break from the city and, from what he had heard from Gaspar about his family home, it sounded like the perfect rural retreat. He pictured the beautiful silvered stone walls, the rambling roses, and the miles of clean, unspoiled countryside. It would be lovely to have a few days of fresh air and relaxation. And, a French Sunday dinner at the family home – a great honour and, Jaimeson hoped, a great indulgence!

The house belonged to Gaspar’s parents and was in the village of Obernai in the Alsace region, just under five hours’ drive from Paris. Despite the ease of the drive, Gaspar only managed to make it out there a few times a year. Still, the nineteenth-century gentil-hommerie, or ‘gentleman’s residence’, was nonetheless one of Gaspar’s favourite places. It was, for him, the last repository of happy childhood memories – reminders of the carefree days before he grew up and became serious. Helga always listened to stories of Gaspar’s childhood, and the bêtises that he used to get up to, with her eyes wide with surprise. She just couldn’t imagine her stuffy husband doing anything rebellious or rule-breaking. She secretly hoped that this naughty, playful side would one day re-emerge – however, it had shown no sign of doing so yet.

Jaimeson was only too happy to leave the driving to Gaspar -though he hoped he had filled the car up with petrol this time... The two couples had decided to head up to the house together to prepare it for the arrival of the other guests shortly afterwards.

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