Page 52 of Love In Provence
‘We could do it here. Just like we do every night. We eat together. We just cook and make sure people have a nice time,’ says Maria. ‘Jen could put up more bunting.’
‘But who would come, once the mayor and Carine have been? We can’t get that many people around the table in the barn and people won’t drive up here. We’re a good stretch out of town.’ All the reasons why we shouldn’t do it are tumbling into my head.
‘This is about putting food on the table to pay our way, but it’s about remembering Henri too, isn’t it?’ Ed says.
‘And it’s about making us feel at home, even though we’re here … we’re home,’ says Keith.
‘A Friday-night supper club!’ Maria agrees.
‘What about going back to the riverside clearing?’ asks Jen.
‘It’s a good idea, but it doesn’t feel safe now the kids have muscled in there,’ I say, wishing I could think of somewhere we could rent.
‘What address is Henri’s registered to?’ Ed says.
‘The bistro.’
‘So, effectively, it’s still where the business is based …’
‘You mean I could go in and claim my space?’
‘You could indeed,’ he says.
‘But it’s a very small kitchen.’
‘We could do the next best thing and serve meals outside it – like we did when we first started the lavender bakes,’ says Stephanie, warming to the idea. ‘Hit them right where it hurts!’ she says, with a sharp twist of her fist.
‘We need somewhere people can sit to share food and conversation,’ I say.
‘What about your Romani caravan? We could take it down to the market,’ says Ed.
‘Wouldn’t be easy,’ I say. ‘It hasn’t moved in years.’
‘We need somewhere bigger,’ Maria says.
I’m beginning to think this just isn’t going to happen.
‘I know somewhere,’ says Stephanie, flicking through the old lavender recipe book.
‘Oh, no, not your unit. You need that for your baking. I’m not going to let you give that up.’
A rare smile pulls at the corners of her mouth. ‘No, better than that. You need somewhere with tables and chairs, right?’
‘Yes,’ I say.
‘With French charm? Antique furniture?’
‘But we’re not going to …’
‘In the heart of the town, not far from Henri’s?’ She’s grinning.
My eyes widen. ‘Are you saying what I think you’re saying?’
She nods. ‘Thebrocante!’ She beams.
‘A pop-up supper club at thebrocante?’ Rhi repeats.
‘Oui, of course!’ Stephanie says excitedly. ‘Cook the food here and take it there.’
