The head chef and I had come up with the event’s menu together. To pair with the aperitif, the amuse-bouche was marinated crayfish, arranged in the crustacean’s original shape. In early spring, crayfish in Triste were soft from molting, so they were eaten with their shells intact. This unusual dish made for quite the lively conversation.
For the hors d’oeuvres, terrine made with river prawns was served alongside steamed and simmered endives. Both main ingredients were currently in season. The soup was a potage of freshly picked green peas, and the fish course was a creamy trout pie. After some berry sorbet to cleanse the palate, we had the meat entrée, a whole-roast fowl. Dessert was an almond soufflé and a side of locally grown raspberries.
Each dish was made with local products from this abundant region, and judging by the compliments coming from every which way, they were all well received. The banquet began and ended with a friendly atmosphere.
After the meal, the guests split up to socialize. The men went to enjoy a few rounds of billiards, while the women chatted enthusiastically over tea. The imperial delegation and royal diplomats hadn’t brought their wives with them, so the tea party was really just a family gathering of me, my sister, my mother, mother-in-law, and Mrs. Molière.
I had been so engrossed in catching up with my sister the afternoon past that I hadn’t had time to check in with the trio of mature ladies. How had they spent their day? I glanced at them from the corner of my eye and found that they were surprisingly relaxed.
My mother noticed my gaze and said, “Francette, you’re fortunate to have such a kind mother-in-law.”
“Y-Yes, I’m living very comfortably thanks to her,” I stammered.
“She invited a traveling merchant from the capital, so the three of us will be indulging in some shopping tomorrow.”
“Adele and I will be going to the festival tomorrow.”
“I see. We won’t intrude on you sisters, so go ahead and have fun by yourselves.”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
Gabriel was going to be participating in diplomatic discussions until our wedding day. I hoped we could at least attend the last day of the festival together.
“I’d like to stay longer next time. The nature is beautiful, the food is delicious, and everyone is so hospitable.”
It seemed that my mother had taken a liking to Triste. My sister nodded in agreement.
“Perhaps I’ll bring my brother and sister-in-law next time,” my mother said cheerfully. She was referring to the emperor and empress.
The eyes of my mother-in-law and Mrs. Molière widened, and they both trembled. Unsurprisingly, they really didn’t want that to happen. In fact, Gabriel probably would have fainted if he’d caught wind of the idea.
My sister quickly objected. “Mother, if you invite them here, you’ll be causing trouble for everyone.”
After a short giggle, my mother said, “Oh, yes, that’s right. How thoughtless of me. My apologies.” To her, the emperor and empress were family. I wished she would be more aware of their incredibly high status.
The tea party came to an end after about an hour. It had been an enjoyable day, but now that it had drawn to a close, I realized how much fatigue I’d accumulated. Coco prepared a hot bath for me, and I had a long, relaxing soak.
Before going to sleep, I was struck with the urge to see Gabriel. I hadn’t had a proper conversation with him all day. He’s probably tired too, though.
“Fra, Gabriel’s eyes were wide open and bloodshot. That’s the face he makes when he can’t sleep at night,” Wibble graciously informed me.
“So I wouldn’t be bothering him if I went to see him?”
“Nope! He’ll be really happy!”
“I’ll go and chat with him for a bit, then. Will you come with me, Wibble?”
“Of course!”
I pulled a gown over my nightdress and headed for Gabriel’s room, clutching Wibble to my chest. Light spilled out through the gap below his door, so he was probably still up.
“Gabriel, it’s me, Francette,” I said quietly so as not to wake him if he was asleep. “Are you awake?”
The door flew open.
“Fran!” The moment Gabriel’s eyes alighted on me, I was pulled into his arms.
Wibble, stuck in the middle of our embrace, wailed, “Wibble’s turning into a pancake!”
“I was just thinking about how much I missed you today!” Gabriel exclaimed.
“What a coincidence—me too.”
Wibble slipped out from between us. “Wibble will leave you youngsters alone now!” it said before leaving. Where in the world had it learned that expression?
“Gabriel, can we talk for a bit?” I asked.
“Of course. Please come in.”
Much to my surprise, there was a bottle of wine on the table in Gabriel’s room. The cork hadn’t been removed yet, and the glass next to it was empty.
“Drinking alone? How unusual,” I remarked.
“Since I don’t hold my liquor too well, I normally don’t drink,” he said. “But the delegation brought me this as a souvenir, and I thought I’d better try it so that I can bring it up in conversation. However, after setting up the table, I couldn’t get into the mood to drink at all. Because of all the wine tasting we did together, it’s as if my mind refuses to drink unless it’s with you.”
“I’m happy you feel that way.” I wouldn’t have been in the mood to drink alone either. Alcohol was something I enjoyed with Gabriel.
“Fran, may I ask you a favor? Could you drink a bit with me?”
“Yes, I can.”
Gabriel skillfully uncorked the bottle without making a sound and decanted the bright-red wine into a glass for me—just a little to start with.
“Let’s have a toast,” he said.
“To what?”
“Hmm...”
“To making it through this hectic day, perhaps?”
“That’s a good idea, but I’d like to recognize your efforts today first.”
Surely Gabriel had worked harder than me. “I didn’t do anything at all. I’d say you’re more deserving of praise for flawlessly carrying out your duties as grand duke.”
“Well then, let’s say since our efforts were equal, we instead toast in honor of the most beautiful lady in the world: Fran, who will soon become my wife.” After declaring that, his face became bright red.
“I’m surprised you can say that after meeting Adele.”
Gabriel tilted his head in confusion, as if he didn’t understand what I was saying.