Twist of Fate by Roberto De Haro

Author:Roberto De Haro [Haro, Roberto de]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781462070282
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2012-01-08T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 29

Lessons to be Learned in Paris

Prince Vasili seized Pierre’s hand and said to Anna Pavlova:

“Educate this bear for me! He has been staying with me for a

whole month and this is the first time I have seen him in society.

Nothing is so necessary for a young man as the society of clever women.

Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoi

War and Peace, I, 4

Quentin was awarded the Croix de Guerre at an outdoor military service in Paris, carefully staged by Colonel Pernot. The pilot and his cousins arrived at the site of the ceremony and were met by Albert and Sophia. They were overjoyed by their young cousin’s accomplishments and his reputation as an ace.

“Oh, Quentin,” said an emotional Blanche, holding his right arm, “you look so handsome.” Sophia was holding his left arm and said that earning two medals in less than six months was unprecedented. “I wish your mother and father could be here,” added Sophia.

Albert and Marcel said very little, nodding at what the women said, masking their immense satisfaction in their young cousin’s accomplishments. A person’s eyes, however, reveal much more than mere words, especially when expressing emotions and pride in the achievements of a loved one. The American had learned to read Albert and Marcel’s nonverbal communication. He sensed that the two men had an exquisite fondness and pride in his accomplishments. Quentin was like a surrogate son to Albert and Marcel, and temporarily salved a deep wound and filled an empty space in their hearts.

Among the invited guests were representatives from the British Embassy and senior members of the Royal Air Force. Quentin was surprised to see Ambassador Sharp and Brook Hamilton Stoner, accompanied by Houser and another man he did not recognize.

Turning to Raoul Mendeville, he asked in a hushed voice, “Well, I see the American ambassador has finally decided to join us, along with some of his staff.”

Raoul moved close to the Cajun and whispered, “How gauche of you, Capitain, to speak so of our American allies and friends.” The American smiled as he glanced at the French major, who flashed a faint smirk before resuming his cool and nonchalant demeanor.

After the medal ceremony, where several French officers were also decorated, the English and American reporters surrounded Quentin, while cameras clicked, and loud explosions from the flash units temporarily provided minor distractions from the tedious questions. Corbin Slattery was among the reporters, but this time he was subdued, content to ask a few questions, which Quentin answered with a saccharine smile. When at last the American aviator was able to pull away from the reporters, he noticed Healy Rohwer sitting on the edge of the dais, sketching.

He started to walk toward her when Louie Bondurant caught his arm and said, “Well done, Quentin. This is your second decoration in six months. You have acquitted yourself with great distinction in combat. Now we have a new challenge for you. Come to my office tomorrow and have breakfast with me.”

“Yes, sir,” said the American, saluting smartly and thinking, He’s calling me by my first name.

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