Page 62 of The Stranger

“I think Primrose means she doesn’t enjoy horse riding. But we’ll go together later this week, mon chou. And with Felix, of course. If he would like to come.”

My son nods enthusiastically.

“And fishing, Papa. You said you would take us fishing.”

“I remember you told me about that,” Primrose states. “Do you fish from the beach?”

“The ocean. Sylvie likes to take the boat, don’t you?”

“Yes!” She practically bounces in her seat. “Papa’s boat is the best. She’s named Etoile. She is like a shining star in the sky! Did you know boats are all ladies, Primrose?”

“I had heard something along those lines.”

“Captain Robert says it is because boats are unpredictable and so are women.”

“A boat with a captain?” Her brows rise, though I get the impression she is not impressed. “And Captain Robert sounds like a prince.”

“I don’t think so. He’s just the captain,” Sylvie answers earnestly. “But the boat, she is so much fun.”

“As fun as horse riding? And ballet and art class and swimming?” Primrose teases, listing off my daughter’s favored pastimes.

“It is important to try new things,” Sylvie parrots. “Emmy says it is how we discover and develop new skills and talents.”

“Well, I’m sure Emmy is much better placed to know these things.”

“Emmy is very clever,” Sylvie says.

“When will she be back?” Felix asks.

“I’m sure she’ll be with us as soon as she’s able,” I say as Primrose slides a sad-looking smile his way.

I enjoy these fleeting moments, the thawing of her attitude. Her open countenance and her smile, whether directed my way or not. Maybe the climate has relaxed her. Or her near brush with death. Or maybe the American. Fuck, I hope not.

“Are you not a fan of extracurricular activities?” There isn’t an ounce of innuendo in my voice yet still her eyebrows rise. Old habits die hard. For me at least.

She rolls her lips together as though taking a moment to formulate her words. “I think they have their place, and while I’m no expert, I do think children need time to be themselves. They also need time to themselves. A bit of boredom never killed anyone.”

“No one likes being bored,” Felix scoffs.

“You’re not meant to. But it’s good for you to be alone with your thoughts.”

“I’ve already had a lot of time to be a child. All the way back to when I was a baby and all the way forward until I’m eighteen!” Sylvie makes an expansive motion with her arms. “That’s a lot of years.”

“Yes, I suppose it must feel so.”

“And Emmy says many accomplishments will help me get into the best universities.”

“Yes, I’m sure they will.”

“Oh, papa! Maria said I could help her feed the goats after dinner. Can I, please?” She grabs my arm. “There is a new baby, and she said it would be better to meet him when the day cools.”

“I can take you,” Primrose says, putting down her glass. Inexplicably, my heart sinks.

“No need. She said to call her and that she would send Sophia to the house.”

My son sits suddenly straight.

“Papa?”