Alexandra considered this. ‘I don’t think one truffle, even a big one like this, will be enough to keep your papa at home, but knowing that there are truffles here, on this land, that we could get more, might make a difference. Yesterday, while you were learning how to find truffles with Félicité and Henri, David and I explored the chateau. There are lots of little buildings that could be turned into accommodation for tourists. English people love staying in France. That could make money.’
Stéphie considered this. ‘Papa might not want people staying here. But if Félicité and Henri go away to school, maybe there would be people I could play with?’
‘Perhaps you could go to school locally? Then you’d have lots of people to play with.’
‘They might not want to play with the girl from the chateau.’
Alexandra took the knapsack on to her knee, searching for something. ‘They will when they find out that you’re nice and not a snob.’
‘What’s a snob?’
‘A person who doesn’t like other people because they think they are better than they are. Here, I brought chocolate!’
‘Can I give Milou some?’
‘No,’ said Alexandra. ‘I heard that chocolate is bad for dogs. Let’s give him the last bit of bread and pâté.’
‘He deserved it,’ said Stéphie, two seconds later, when the dog had gulped down his treat.
‘He certainly did.’
No one spoke for a few moments, and then Alexandra wiped the crumbs from the corner of her mouth. ‘Stéphie, you know that Lucinda is taking Félicité and Henri to buy clothes?’ Stéphie nodded. ‘Well, she may not buy you anything. So, if this happens, and you feel a bit sad to see your sister and brother with new things, I want you to know that I will take you shopping another time. If we can make him come, we’ll bring Papa, so you can have a special day too.’
‘But I’ve had a special day, Lexi. We found a truffle.’
Alexandra took Stéphie in her arms and hugged her.
Alexandra really hoped that Antoine would be back when they got home. Stéphie ran into the chateau through the courtyard into the kitchen. She was so full of joy and optimism Alexandra feared for her a little. She couldn’t bear her to be disappointed.
David was in the kitchen, cooking, very happy in what he had turned into his own space. Jack was sitting at the kitchen table, peeling cloves of garlic, and seemed to be back to his old self.
‘Hello, Stéphie. How nice to see you!’ said David. ‘Have you had a good day with Lexi?’
‘Yes,’ said Stéphie. ‘We found a truffle!’ She produced it proudly.
‘Good God!’ said David. ‘It’s enormous! Where did you find that?’
‘Up in the woods behind the chateau,’ said Alexandra. ‘Stéphie remembered everything about hunting for them that she learnt yesterday and we did what she said, and voilà!’
‘Is Papa here?’ asked Stéphie, picking up the truffle. ‘I want to show him.’
‘Um – Antoine telephoned. He is coming back tonight but a bit later and he’s bringing a business colleague who may need to stay the night.’ David looked at Alexandra.
‘He wants me to make up a bed?’ she asked.
‘He didn’t say as much but he did say if there was a bed ready it would be very helpful.’
‘Helpful is my middle name,’ said Alexandra.
‘Is it?’ said David, sounding astonished. ‘I thought it was something mad and aristocratic like Euphemia.’
Alexandra tutted and sighed at him. ‘I see you chaps have been at the rosé. Are Félicité and Henri home?’
‘Yes,’ David said.
‘And they really want to see you, Stéphie,’ added Jack.
‘I’d leave the truffle here—’ David called, but it was too late. ‘Oh well, I don’t suppose it will come to much harm. We’ll have to think how to cook it.’
