Capturing Paris Read Online Free PDF

inherited.”
    Annie, always an avid reader, had loved the magic of certain houses in books—like Miss Haversham’s, in Dickens; Margaret Mitchell’s Tara; or Manderley, which had prompted her to read everything that Daphne du Maurier had ever written. “Did they stay close friends when Antoinette came back to France?”
    â€œOh yes. My mother adored Antoinette and came to God House frequently. In fact, after I was born, my mother spent months at a time at Villandry. God House was a kind of refuge for both of us.” Daphne’s expression grew somber. Annie noticed just the hint of violet circles under her eyes. “After Mummy’s death, I pretty much moved in with Antoinette,” she said. “I was either there or in boarding school in England. My father was never around, but I don’t want to bore you with all of that.”
    Annie wanted to know more, but as Céleste’s longtime guest, she needed to be useful. It was time to clear away the cheese and bring out fresh plates for dessert. Annie and Céleste worked together with the easy rhythm of two old friends. Annie cleared the table while Céleste scraped the delicate white plates and lowered them into a dishpan of hot, soapy water. Annie got the dessert plates down from a high shelf, and Céleste divided the plum-and-almond tart into six slices.
    Céleste lowered her voice to a whisper. “What do you think of her? Georges was practically drooling over her when we met at the art gallery. It was his idea to invite her.”
    â€œI gather she’s not married,” Annie said.
    â€œWell, she’s not wearing a ring. When I invited her to lunch I asked her if there was someone she wanted to bring. She said, ‘No thanks.’ ”
    â€œThere’s something different about her. Wesley is certainly paying attention.” Annie hesitated a moment before confiding in her friend. “Wesley’s been so down lately. I hope he gets more work soon.” Annie had told Céleste about Wesley’s work problems, but she couldn’t imagine telling her how their marriage seemed to be deteriorating as well. She worried that she was failing Wesley at some deeper level.
    â€œI’m sure things will improve. Georges says the current government is ruining the business climate, but you know how conservative he is!”
    Back at the table, Annie hoped to hear more about God House, but Georges was telling Daphne about his brother’s place in Burgundy.
    After eating Céleste’s homemade tart, they moved back to the living room. Céleste carried in a tray with coffee and demitasse cups.
    â€œI’m afraid I can’t stay for coffee,” Daphne said. “I’m meeting a client in Passy. She has some chairs for me to appraise. I promised I would stop by before driving back to the country.”
    â€œOf course, we understand.” Céleste smiled. “We’re so pleased that you could come to lunch.” Céleste looked to Georges, whose face registered disappointment, and asked him to get Daphne’s coat.
    â€œThanks, Céleste, it was a heavenly lunch,” Daphne said. “I so enjoyed it.” She kissed Bill on both cheeks and wished him well on hisreturn to the States. “Good luck with all your projects,” she said to Wesley, offering him her hand. Then she turned to Annie. “We need to talk more about your poems.”
    â€œThat would be great.” Annie was surprised she remembered.
    â€œCheck your diary and give me a ring. I’m in and out of the city all the time.” She pulled a card out of her black leather bag and handed it to Annie.
    â€œCéleste, I want you and Georges to come out to God House. Perhaps this spring when the weather warms up.”
    Georges returned carrying Daphne’s coat, the deep blue cape with the black velvet collar. He shook it open and placed it over her shoulders. Daphne brushed past