I was ready to leave. Mrs. Troussant kept saying how she wished Jacques was
there to see me off. He was taking exams. It was midMarch, and the buds
were forming on the trees. Sprouts were growing in the vineyard, and just
the day before we'd put out stakes. Jacques and I used to do it, and have
mudfights. As I was getting my trunk together, I saw that a letter had come
for me from Frankfurt. I immediately grabbed my letter-opener and ran it
through the top. I opened it. Dear Bridget, Frankfurt is wonderful. The
pubs are rowdy at night, so I study at the local coffee houses. They aren't
anything like we're used to! The Germans certainly can't make a decent cup
of coffee. I hope things are good at home. I should be home this April, in
time for the beautiful blooms. Maybe we can go to Paris for a weekend. We
have some issues to discuss. I am anxious to see you. I often think I see
you. Just at peculiar moments in my busy day. You'd love the University
here! Its you who should be here. Or at least with me. I need to see your
face again. I hope you can make a trip here before the harvest.
My studies are calling me. Much as my heart is calling me to you.
your devoted scholar,
Jacques
I sighed. I needed to see him before i left. I wanted someone to miss me. I knew he did already, but I don't know, just to see him as I left would help this hollowness inside. The French and their obsession with love! Though, I knew I was entranced as well. They saw me to the station. I got onboard, and waved till they were well out of sight. Mrs. Troussant had told me of a bordinghouse to go to. They'd already sent in my letter. So when I got off the train, I was optimistic. Paris was in a deep fog. The men on the train with me had cigars that made me nearly gag. I was really glad to be out of there. I was the only woman in there. I headed for the address written on a piece of paper she'd stuffed onto of my gloves on my trunk. It was hard work lugging around your life in a trunk. I got there, and groaned when i found I had to go up stairs. I did and rang the little bell. A stout woman came and met me at the door. She was all smiles and "Bonjour! What tis your name?" I smiled And said "Bridget Cummings. Monsuier and Madmonselle Troussants told me that you reieved my letter?" She laughed and nodded. She then picked up my trunk with one hand, and led me up the stairs. "My name is Lisette Lejuene. Le petit De'jeuner is at 6o'clock sharp. " She called over her shoulder. I'd have to eat breakfast at 6 in the morning? I never did, even at harvest time! I thought as she showed me my room. She placed it at the foot at the bed. "We mainy have young ladies here. You'll meet them tonight at le diner. It is at 5 o'clock sharp. Extra blankets are in this chest. She pointed to the chest under the windowseat. ""Merci beaucoup." I said. She smiled and went back downstairs. I flung myself down on my bed. And sighed.
your devoted scholar,
Jacques
I sighed. I needed to see him before i left. I wanted someone to miss me. I knew he did already, but I don't know, just to see him as I left would help this hollowness inside. The French and their obsession with love! Though, I knew I was entranced as well. They saw me to the station. I got onboard, and waved till they were well out of sight. Mrs. Troussant had told me of a bordinghouse to go to. They'd already sent in my letter. So when I got off the train, I was optimistic. Paris was in a deep fog. The men on the train with me had cigars that made me nearly gag. I was really glad to be out of there. I was the only woman in there. I headed for the address written on a piece of paper she'd stuffed onto of my gloves on my trunk. It was hard work lugging around your life in a trunk. I got there, and groaned when i found I had to go up stairs. I did and rang the little bell. A stout woman came and met me at the door. She was all smiles and "Bonjour! What tis your name?" I smiled And said "Bridget Cummings. Monsuier and Madmonselle Troussants told me that you reieved my letter?" She laughed and nodded. She then picked up my trunk with one hand, and led me up the stairs. "My name is Lisette Lejuene. Le petit De'jeuner is at 6o'clock sharp. " She called over her shoulder. I'd have to eat breakfast at 6 in the morning? I never did, even at harvest time! I thought as she showed me my room. She placed it at the foot at the bed. "We mainy have young ladies here. You'll meet them tonight at le diner. It is at 5 o'clock sharp. Extra blankets are in this chest. She pointed to the chest under the windowseat. ""Merci beaucoup." I said. She smiled and went back downstairs. I flung myself down on my bed. And sighed.