Page 50 of Love in Bloom

Camille was pleased when the Kollmans chose seats on their left and the foreign couple took the seats on their right. This meant that the Chans and Aarons were seated across from them, but it was easier to avert her eyes than to try not to hear poisonous words whispered in her ear—

always a possibility with both women.

“The candles are already on,” Camille noted. “I can’t wait to see the full effect in the dark.” She tapped a toe under the table.

Tristan’s hand stole onto her knee. “All in good time, my dear. Let’s eat so we have energy to appreciate the beauty before us.”

Camille looked at the three options on the menu. “Meat, seafood, or vegetarian. What are you in the mood for tonight?”

Tristan replied, “I’ll have the seafood.”

Camille read the description. “Marinated prawn and sea bass ceviche, black sesame shortbread, and baby salad leaves with cider vinegar for your appetizer, and for your main course, cod steak poached in cockle jus, sweet potato and yuzu cream, mini seared aubergine.”

“That’s the one. What about you?”

“I’m actually craving some toad in the hole and black pudding. I guess I’ll make do with the smoked foie gras glazed with mango on an allspice biscuit, cranberry and goji berry chutney, and roast veal fillet with morel cream, Soissons bean velouté with crispy bacon.”

Mrs. Kollman leaned over. “I don’t know what half the menu items are. I’m going with the vegetarian selection. You can’t go wrong with vegetables.” She winked.

“Very sensible.”

“I’ll save my calories for dessert,” Mrs. Kollman said.

“Yes, I’m looking forward to the double-chocolate crunchy praline with a hint of salt and Szechuan pepper too,” Camille said.

“Not like they gave us a choice.” Mrs. Kollman laughed. “It’s the only dessert on the menu.”

As the food was served,Camille and Tristan chatted over their day at the Jardin des Plantes with the Kollmans.

“Didn’t you just love the orchids in the greenhouse? Of course you did. How could anyone feel otherwise?” Camille tucked into her dessert.

“They were stunning. I still haven’t managed to keep mine alive. My husband keeps buying me new species, hoping I’ll have a green thumb with one of them, but they keep dying.” Mrs. Kollman heaved a great sigh.

“I haven’t attempted orchids yet. Maybe I won’t try after hearing your experience,” Camille remarked. She savored the praline, enjoying the kick of spice at the end.

“Well, if you ever want advice on what not to do with them, she could write a book.” Mr. Kollman chuckled and pecked his wife on the cheek.

“I could title it How to Kill an Orchid in Ten Days. What do you think of that?” Mrs. Kollman tittered.

“It’ll be a best seller,” Tristan said.

“Attention, s’il vous plaît, attention.” Lisette clapped her hands twice, and the group turned its focus on her. “Merci. I hope you have enjoyed the cuisine tonight. You have the next few hours to enjoy the gardens and château before the fireworks. I’ll meet you at the viewing spot indicated on your map. A few words about the château before you go. Louis Le Vau is the architect responsible for the Fouquet’s château. Inside you will feel that you’ve entered their home just as they’ve stepped out to enjoy the gardens or a party at a noble’s home. From the dome, you can get a panoramic view. This is the best way to see the work of André Le Nôtre. I encourage you to make the ascent while there is still daylight. All you see tonight inspired architecture and gardens for over the next one hundred years. Enjoy the magic and romance of Vaux-le-Vicomte.”

Tristan smiled and held out his hand for Camille.

She grasped it firmly in hers.

“Shall we head to the top first to catch the view in the last of the daylight, and then head down through the rest of the floors?”

“Perfect.”

“You two kinder run ahead,” Mrs. Kollman said and smiled. “We elders need more time to get there. We’ll catch up with you later.”

Tristan and Camille dashed for the staircase leading into the château.

“Whoa.” Camille nearly lost Tristan’s hand as she skidded to a halt on the marble floor. “I can hardly believe it.”

“Ah, ah. No peeking. First we climb.”

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