Luc, who had a casual hand on Hattie’s shoulder, groaned. ‘That sounds marvellous to me.’
‘You always did have a sweet tooth. I remember when I used to make Breton salted sables. You and Alphonse would have eaten a whole batch in one sitting if I’d let you.’
‘They were very good,’ said Luc, pouring them both a cup of coffee.
‘Oh and look. A text from Gabby.’ Hattie waved her phone.
‘She’d already said yes, hadn’t she?’ Fliss folded her arms. ‘Good job we think can make one.’
‘Apparently the secret is to make sure your choux pastry isn’t too soggy,’ said Hattie archly.
‘If you’re not careful, you can make it, Miss Smart Arse,’ said Fliss.
Hattie snorted. Solange smiled at the pair of them. ‘I don’t think you’d let her.’ Solange’s gentle voice held laughter in it. ‘You wouldn’t want to forgo the treat of making it yourself.’
‘You’re so right, Solange,’ said Fliss, putting an arm around the older woman. ‘As long as we do it together.’
‘But of course. You’re not leaving me out.’ Solange put her hands on her slim hips in mock indignation.
Hattie and Lux exchanged a private smile. The transformation in Solange was quite something. The silent ghost that had drifted around the house had long gone.
‘It’s always a joy when thecroquembouchecomes out, everyone gasps in appreciation.’ Solange looked round at the three of them, her face brimming with happiness. ‘Your guests are going to have a wonderful day now that the château has come back to life.’
‘Our guests,’ said Hattie. ‘You’ve done as much as anyone to put the shine back.’
Solange nodded with a touch of satisfaction. ‘I can’t wait. To see their happy faces. For them to enjoy the hospitality. This house deserves to be full of people, enjoying each other’s company. Marthe used to throw the most wonderful parties when her husband was alive.’
‘I have to admit,’ said Luc, ‘I’m getting excited at the prospect. Solange is right, the house needs to be used the way it should be. I’ve had it to myself for so long, I’d forgotten. It needs to be shown off, enjoyed and shared. It wasn’t built to be used by one person or one family. It was built to entertain.’
‘And once we have final numbers, it will make things a lot easier,’ said Fliss with a glare at Hattie.
‘Gabby has promised them today.’
‘About bloody time,’ grumbled Fliss.
When Hattie disappeared to go and update her spreadsheet and Solange went to collect something from the dining room, Luc deliberately loitered for a minute.
‘Do you want a cup of coffee, Fliss?’ he asked pouring himself another one.
‘Yes, please. Black. I live on the stuff.’
‘Like Alphonse. You’re well suited,’ he said with a laugh, as he handed her a small cup.
‘Me and Alphonse?’ Her voice peaked in pitch.
‘You do know you’ve turned his head,’ said Luc.
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ said Fliss, giving him a sharp look. ‘He never has anything nice to say to me.’
‘I’ve known Alphonse a very long time. He’s shy with women.’ Luc crossed his fingers in his pocket and hoped that he wouldn’t be damned for all time for the outrageous lie.
‘He’s not shy, he’s just rude,’ replied Fliss, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
‘That’s because he doesn’t know what to say to you. To be honest … well, I’ve never seen him quite like this with anyone.’
Fliss turned, hand on hip. ‘Really?’ she sneered.
‘Oh yes,’ said Luc, widening his eyes in what he hoped was earnest reassurance.
