Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 9: A Duet With Peter

"Well, now we know how she feels about it!" Josette giggled. "Before I forget," she ran and opened a box on her bed, "...this is for her," she took out a stylish baby dress full of light pink ruffles, with a dark cherry-colored sash around the waist.

"How very pretty," Maman cooed. "You will be such a little princess," she told Lorie who squirmed in her arms, obviously wanting her freedom.

Madame Foret put Lorie on the floor. Lorie got onto all fours and started to crawl determinedly toward the pile of dresses her mother had left by her closet.

"Look! She's crawling!" Maman exclaimed.

Josette clapped her hands happily. "And she's going straight for the dresses!" They both laughed watching the baby who reached the pile and collapsed on top of it, rolling around and giggling.

"She's certainly a fashionista... like her mother," Madame Foret said.

"Well, you can't blame us, Maman. We are Parisians, after all. And Paris is the world's center for fashion." Josette replied.

***

At exactly four o'clock in the afternoon, Josette sat primly on the sofa in the parlor. She was wearing the peach outfit and dressed Lorie in her new pink ruffles before placing her on her lap. Simone opened the door and announced their visitors:

"Count Bartholy and Monsieur Peter Bartholy," the maid said rather pompously.

Josette smiled as the two made their entrance, taking their hats off. Josette examined Viktor's son and found him extremely handsome, although a bit pale. Peter was tall and slim, with dark hair and bright green eyes, like his father. He was elegantly dressed, in a grey day-suit. When he gracefully bent down to kiss Josette's hand, he murmured:

"Mademoiselle Lafoure , this is such an honor. You are the greatest soprano of our generation."

"Thank you, Monsieur Bartholy," Josette answered coyly. "You truly flatter me."

"As I already told you, my son cannot stop singing your praises," Viktor said when it was his turn to kiss the lady's proffered hand. "You look enchanting," he whispered so that only Josette could hear him, making her blush.

Lorie watched them interact while shaking her silver rattle.

"Oh, I see she likes the little trinket," Viktor noted, obviously pleased.

"She takes it everywhere with her," Josette answered. "I believe it's her favorite toy."

Once her guests were seated, Josette asked them:

"Would you care for some tea? And perhaps some scones?"

They exchanged an odd look before Viktor answered: "No. Thank you. We ate right before we left." He paused before adding: "But please... have some yourself if you wish. I'd hate for you to miss it because of us foolish men."

"That's quite alright," Josette assured him. "I'm not terribly hungry."

She noticed that Peter was watching her intently.

"So," she addressed him, "... Monsieur Bartholy..."

"Peter," he interrupted her. "Please. I feel strange when I'm called Monsieur Bartholy." He then asked: "May I call you Josette?"

"Of course," she answered graciously. "Peter," she continued, "What opera did you first see me in?"

"La Traviata," Peter said. "And, may I say... you were incredible."