Taking a sip, Monsieur pronounced,
“This wine, Baudet, is from Burgundy and is the finest vintage, perfect to accompany salmon that is, in my opinion, the most noble fish. A toast to cook!” Everyone raised a glass. “Aldessa, my dear, you must appreciate this because you will not be pampered with such luxury in the convent!” He was the only member of the family to laugh at his quip.
The dinner ended with the macaroons of various colours and slices of black cherry tart.
Baudet bade Monsieur Beaulieu farewell, thanking him for the honour of dining with his family. Aldessa showed him to the door.
“You have acquitted yourself well, my love.”
“Did I? I’m not so sure, it was such a new affair to me.”
They kissed and he made his way down the path on to the silent avenue and back towards the
