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Camille Valette’s funeral was private, attended only by Simon and his daughters. They were not close to the limited extended family, which was almost entirely on Camille’s side. More than anything, Simon just wanted to get the formalities over with and try to begin making a normal life with his daughters. Eventually, however, he was convinced by his cook, Merla, to have at least a small reception at the house so that their Castillac friends could come pay their respects. It was held on a Thursday afternoon, when many were working and not able to attend; Merla pointed this out but Simon ignored her.
So on that Thursday, Merla and her daughter Ophélie arrived just after Simon had returned from taking the girls to school.
“Shall we go over the menu?” said Merla to Simon, after bringing
