CHAPTER 18
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LUCIA:
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LUNCHEON IN BLOIS WAS a subdued, awkward affair.
There was no mention of the scene at the château, no reference to poor Charley’s horrified expression before she high-tailed it down the staircase, Matthias following behind, no allusion to engagements or fiancées. We all met and shook hands civilly upon introduction and made polite conversation as if we had run into each other by chance in the town square. It almost farcically resembled a meeting of rival Park and Fifth Avenue socialites lunching at the Colony. Oh so civilized.
“Oh yes, I remember you, you’re Matthias’s friend from Ginny’s wedding,” Charley had said with a bright smile towards Vincent.
Matthias and I had to stop ourselves from cringing in pain.
Charley was exceedingly courteous an
