" If I might add," I piped in when Landore opened his mouth to speak. I couldn't listen to the nonsense anymore," I would like to point out that I'm not interested in marrying anyone, presently. I would suggest you look elsewhere for a suitable match for Antoine. I'm sure you'll have no trouble, finding one. Antoine seems to be a wonderful bo.....man." I leaned back in the chair, still gripping on the edge of it. I kept my gaze downcast unable to look them in the eyes since I sort of knew that they disapproved of my opinion on the matter.
Silence settled in, after my heated speech, until Enid strode back into the room.
" I hope everyone is hungry. Dinner will be served. Lily, if you don't mind giving me and Harriet a hand," Enid light-heartedly said, making me raise my eyes. I was grateful that she was smiling since everyone at the table seemed rather, glum.
" Of course," I said as I pushed myself off the chair, and followed Enid to the trolleys on the side where Harriet was waiting.
I was unfortunate to be the one serving Antoine, and Marie while Enid and Harriet placed the remaining food in front of the others.
" Thank you for this lovely spread, but you shouldn't have gone through all this trouble just for us. A simple meal would have sufficed," Marie beamed, as she picked up her knife and fork, greedily eyeing the food on her plate.
" No trouble at all. The chef will be very pleased to hear the praise," We didn't have a chef. The mischievous smile on Enid's lips, while she looked around the table whilst everyone began tasting the food. And quickly the room was filled with appreciative hums.
Tempted, I scooped a minute amount of beef tartare onto a slice of bread.
" This is absolutely divine," Marie praised, relishing the taste, and I took my first bite and dissapointemt followed immediately after. Everything about that dish made me think of sweaty socks, and that was the end of my relationship with the beef tartare.
The rest of the meal had been somewhat of a challenge, but I was able to eat, a small amount of meat from the confit leg. I usually had a voracious appetite. Why did everything taste so differently? I wondered as I stared at the chocolate mouse with suspicion. Will you betray me as well? I silently questioned the mousse, while watching Mason from the corner of my eye scraping the remnants of his with his spoon.
Wary, of my newest enemy, I sunk my spoon in the mouse, and scooped the tiniest amount. I nearly screamed with joy when the creamy chocolaty melted in my mouth and I was grateful that the last surviving tastebuds hadn't failed me. Indeed it tasted delicious. I glared at the empty bowl before me, still unsatisfied with the insufficient amount I had been given.
I raised my eyes and looked around the table. Everyone looked absolutely stuffed, and barely breathing.
" Thank you for the lovely dinner," Marie and Landore chorused, and laughed at twinning moment.
" I'm pleased that you have enjoyed yourselves. Digestive, anyone?" Enid asked as she stood and looked around the table to see who wanted one. I for sure didn't need one. I had nothing to digest.
" So everyone, except Lily," Enid added making me look up at her. Lily wants some food, I wanted to say and settled sucking on the spoon since it still tasted like chocolate.
" You haven't told me, where you are going on holiday?" Enid asked as she placed the glasses with digestive on the table one by one.
" We are going skiing. The heat this year has been unbearable even up north. And then we will spend a week at the log cabin in the Valley, where the weather is nice and mild this time of year. Landore is hoping to catch some trout." Marie said as she sipped on her digestive. I was begging to hate that word.
" It sounds like a perfect holiday. For how long?" Enid asked as she finally took her seat at the table, waiting for the answer.
" Two weeks. Landore doesn't want to be away from his horses for too long. Actually, we were thinking to stop by on our way back," Marie replied as she shuffled in her seat. Oh, no. I couldn't cope with another night of the same. I had two weeks to find a way to escape the torturous upcoming dinner party.
" Of course," Mason said chuckling, " We would love to have you, " He said chuckling and glanced at me. I hoped that the brief moment of panic wasn't too obvious.
" Lovely," Landore chimed in," I'm afraid we will have to call it a night. We have an early start, so I'm afraid that we will have to take our leave. Hopefully, we will be able to spend some more time together, next time." Landore said as he pushed himself up to stand while Antoine was next to follow suit.
"Understandable," Mason sighed, as he stood while Enid and Antoine shortly followed. I was more than relieved that it was finally over.
" Darling, it was wonderful to see you. I hope we will be able to talk some more," Marie lovingly said taking Mason's hand into hers, " Remember that you can visit at any time," She added in the same loving tone, morose.
" Of course. I'll try to make time," Mason replied letting go of Marie's hand and turning to Landore to shake his.
" Until next time, Mason" Landore said as he turned to me and shook mine," Lily was wonderful to meet you. I hope that next time you'll feel more at ease." He met my gaze, and I was taken aback at the warmth in his green eyes.
" I apologise if I spoke out of terms," I shyly said as I let go of his hand.
Landore politely smiled and nodded, as he walked past me and made his way to Enid, while I was faced with Marie.
" It was lovely to meet you, Lily," She said a little uneasy, with a rather forced smile.
" Likewise, Mrs Whitmore," I managed to squeeze out those words, just as uneasy as she was.
The farewell seemed never-ending, as we slowly made our way to the door very much like a flock of geese, gaggling.