Page 24 of Whispers At Dawn
Lizzie laughed at the comical face he pulled, and feelings of pure joy bubbled in her chest.
They walked slowly through the narrow winding streets, trying not to stand out like they were new to the city, but keen to observe their surroundings.
It was around noon and the harsh sun beat down on them.
‘If my cartography is anything to write home about, we should see thePlace du Capitoleshortly.’
Jack’s cartography proved impeccable, and after a few minutes they entered a large square, where the City Hall dominated with its palatial façade.
The Tricolore, as well as the Vichy regime flag, were displayed proudly from the building.
Cafés lined the square, and the place was busy despite the noon sun. ‘I imagine people will return home for lunch soon, and it won’t be quite so busy,’ Lizzie said.
‘Perhaps, but I suspect the residents of Toulouse might not be quite as traditional in their habits as in Reims or Paris.’
‘Why’s that?’ Lizzie asked, as they scanned the plaza, searching for the best table to begin their city reconnaissance.
‘If the whispers we heard in London are correct, Toulouse is a sea of immigrants and political resistors. Before the war, the city was a haven for thousands of Spanish Republicans who fled the Franco regime, and on the fall of France, the French flooded the South.’
‘How fascinating,’ Lizzie said as they approached a pretty little café under the shelter of the arcades. ‘It’s baking hot, I think we’ll do well to sit in the shade.’
Jack pulled out a chair for Lizzie, and they took a seat and browsed the menu.
‘There’s not much selection,’ Lizzie remarked.
‘Luc said the rationing is severe and there are great shortages of many foodstuffs, despite the armistice and not being officially occupied.’
Just as a waitress arrived to take their order, a small cavalcade drew up in front of City Hall, and more Pétain standard flags fluttered from the vehicles.
The waitress cursed under her breath as she watched the scene.
Jack said, ‘We’re visiting relatives and have only just arrived. Who is that?’
‘That’s Pétain’s mob, the double-crossing tyrant who waves his flag to promote his fictional Free Zone whilst licking Hitler’s boots.’ She spat the words out with disdain.
‘I take it you’re not a fan of the new government,’ Jack said, his voice low.
‘You could say that,’ she replied.
A loud voice called to her from the café door, telling her to hurry.
‘Apologies, there isn’t much time for talking to customers, I’m afraid. We have our own strict regime under Monsieur Jacques. What may I bring you?’
They ordered coffee, and the waitress continued with her duties.
‘Well, that’s a promising start. If all the Toulousians are as outspoken and gutsy as her, we’re going to have a lot of fun disrupting the Vichy regime.’
After their coffee was served, Jack and Lizzie chinked their cups. ‘Santé.’
CHAPTER 11
Lizzie and Jack sat at a table outside the café talking and surreptitiously watching the comings and goings in the Place du Capitole, which was a hive of bustling activity.
Lizzie sipped her coffee and admired her new wedding band that glinted in the sun. ‘It’ll be strange not to wear this. I’ve grown accustomed to it already,’ she said, her voice inaudible except to Jack. ‘How are you finding yours?’
Jack glanced at his gold French-made wedding band and lit a Gauloises, blowing smoke rings in the air above his head, as if he had nothing more pressing to do than while away the afternoon in a café.
‘I don’t usually wear jewellery, but I love being married to you, so it feels good,’ he said, flashing her a smile that melted her heart.
