THIRTY-EIGHTThe door opened even before Gamache and Reine-Marie knocked.
‘We’ve been waiting for you,’ said Peter.
‘It’s a lie,’ shouted Ruth from inside the cozy cottage. ‘We started drinking and eating without you.’
‘Actually, she never stopped,’ whispered Peter.
‘I heard that,’ shouted Ruth. ‘Just because it’s the truth doesn’t make it less insulting.’
‘Bonne année,’ said Clara, kissing the Gamaches on both cheeks and taking their coats. This was her first time meeting Reine-Marie and she was exactly as Clara had imagined. Smiling and warm, kind and elegant in her tailored and comfortable skirt and shirt with camelhair sweater and silk scarf. Gamache wore a tweed jacket and tie and flannels. Beautifully cut and worn with easy elegance.
‘Happy New Year.’ Reine-Marie smiled. She was
