Chapter 16
Not knowing how long she was going to be out and not wanting to leave Croque Monsieur on his own for too long, Mel took the dog with her that evening to walk into town.
The sun had already set when she left the villa and the evening was drawing in as she went down to the Rue de la République, where Evie was already waiting for her near the wonderful Café Pimm’s with its art deco signage and faded murals.
‘Shall we have a quick aperitif here?’ Evie said, gesturing to the café. ‘Then as it gets darker we can wander down and see the lights as we walk to my apartment for supper.’
‘Sounds good,’ Mel said. ‘Have you been busy writing the last few days?’
Evie nodded. ‘Yes, I’ve got back into a routine of writing daily now, and I’ve started my journal. I’ve also sent a feature with photographs to my editor at home. And I’ve got several ideas for more features. And I’ve read the first two entries in GeeGee’s journal,’ Evie added quietly.
‘Interesting?’ Mel asked.
‘Quite fascinating. She actually travelled on the SS ?le whilst it was still mainly a troop ship from America and then down through France by train. The war was over, but the physical scars were visible everywhere. I spent time yesterday trying to find the Pensione Provencal where she had a room. I thought it would be easy as she mentioned it overlooked a large square, and there was a niche in the wall with a figure of a saint carved in to it. Wrong.’ Evie shook her head.
‘I can’t tell you how many different buildings I’ve seen with some sort of niche or carved figure.
I guess it’s a French thing. I was, of course, hoping it would still be in existence, or that I’d spot a building that could have been a small hotel in the past. But nothing sprang out at me.
So many of the buildings have been modernised. ’
‘How about the Tourist Office? They might have some old photographs or pamphlets about the history of various places around the town. I saw a box of black-and-white photographs in Vintage Vignettes too,’ Mel added thoughtfully.
‘Perhaps there would be some street photos in there that you could align with the modern streets.’
‘That’s a brilliant idea,’ Evie said. ‘Tomorrow I’ll take a look in Vintage Vignettes.’
By the time they’d drunk their wine aperitifs and begun to make their way to Evie’s apartment for supper, the Christmas lights were shining brightly everywhere.
Canopies of lights like stars were hung across roads, trumpet-blowing angels led the way down through various streets and numerous Christmas trees outside shops and cafés were all shining brightly with flashing fairy lights.
As they climbed the stairs to Evie’s top-floor apartment, they heard some quiet jazz playing from the apartment below.
Evie gave a laugh. ‘If it wasn’t for hearing music and doors slamming occasionally, I’d think I was living in a ghost house – I’ve barely seen anyone else who lives here.
A girl said a brief bonjour earlier today, but she was too busy to stop.
’ Evie opened the door to her apartment and ushered Mel in.
‘I thought we’d eat out on the roof terrace.
I’ve got some candles and the light from the kitchen will stream across as well. ’
Mel opened the bottle of white wine whilst Evie carried the quiche and salad outside, placing them on the table, and within minutes they were enjoying their meal.
The quiet jazz they’d heard on their way up was replaced by someone on another unseen rooftop one or two buildings away playing a saxophone.
‘Do you sit out here and write?’
Evie shook her head. ‘I haven’t yet, but when I start my novel I might – it’s certainly very atmospheric up here tonight.’
‘It’s a lovely intimate space,’ Mel said. ‘Imagine what you could do with it if you were here permanently. Fairy lights, a few plants in pots, and a couple of those large lantern-type candle holders.’
Evie nodded. ‘But I’m only here for a couple of months.’ She stood up. ‘I thought we’d have dessert down in the Christmas market. There’s a lovely cake stand which has been calling to me every time I walk past it.’
‘Good idea.’
‘Does Croque Monsieur like quiche pastry crusts?’
As Mel went to answer, the dog was on his feet looking at Evie eagerly as if he’d understood her question.
‘He lives for any kind of food,’ Mel laughed.
Between them, they cleared the table, made sure the candle was out, and once back in the kitchen, Evie shut and locked the French doors. ‘Let’s go. I’ll clear up later.’
‘I can’t believe that it is less than two weeks to Christmas Day,’ Mel said, as they strolled towards the market alongside the marina. ‘Do you have any plans for the day?’
Evie shook her head. ‘No.’
‘Would you like to join me and my son Justin? I’ll cook something special for Christmas lunch. I know the French have their big celebration meal on Christmas Eve, but I’m English, so I’ll stick with my tradition.’
‘Yes, please. I’d love that.’
‘Good. Now where is this cake stall?’
‘Right here,’ and Evie stopped in front of an enticing array of delicious patisseries, including several varieties of bite-size miniature b?che de Noel cakes, a traditional-looking chocolate log, raspberry mousse ones, white chocolate ones, coffee ones and passion fruit mousse ones, all decorated with a mixture of meringue mushrooms, marzipan holly and berries and pieces of chocolate flake.
‘B?che de Noel for me, please – coffee and cream flavour, how about you?’ Mel said, turning to Evie.
‘A white chocolate one, please.’
When Mel had paid for both the treats, ignoring Evie’s protest it should be her paying for dessert, the two of them moved away and found a quiet spot overlooking the marina.
Afterwards, they wandered around the many stalls and Mel bought two hand-blown glass baubles for the tree she had yet to order and placed the box they were in carefully in her tote.
Evie insisted on accompanying her up to Place de Gaulle before leaving Mel to walk the rest of the short distance alone. ‘Thanks for a lovely evening,’ they both said at the same moment, and, laughing, they hugged each other goodbye.
Mel was thoughtful as she let herself into the villa.
It was certainly going to be a different Christmas for her this year.
But she was looking forward to spending the day with both Justin and Evie.
She’d get a tree, make or buy some treats from the market or patisserie, order some meat and organise a stocking for Justin.
And afterwards, she would try to find something to occupy herself whilst she was down here.
She wasn’t allowed to do paid work, but surely she could volunteer at somewhere like a charity shop or the Red Cross.
A sudden thought occurred. Maybe there was something she could do. She’d check it out tomorrow.