Pierre seemed to relax and genuinely smile as wine glasses were refilled and they all relished the meal.
Mami explained they wouldn’t remove the tablecloth until after Mass and the leftovers and crumbs were to be left on it.
“Another tradition,” Chloe whispered to Nora. “Just like the vacant chair, this is left in case the spirits of departed loved ones visit while we’re out.”
They looked at each other for a moment, knowing her explanation had brought thoughts of Jeremy. Their embrace lingered full of unspoken meaning.
“He would have loved all of this,” Nora said, “And been so happy we’re together in your new life.”
Their eyes glistened.
* * *
When Nora asked Chloe why they were leaving for Mass an hour early, her daughter gave her a knowing look and said, “You’ll see.”
They arrived at the ancient stone church, just minutes away, and already there was a hushed crowd of all ages by the front door. As they inched closer through the crowd, Nora saw a life-size crèche with people dressed to tell the story of the nativity.
“It’s a great honor in the village to take part in this crèche,” whispered Olivier, who stood next to her. “All of our family has participated through the years.”
After a few minutes the gathering parted, and three men and one woman walked to the nativity scene leading a lamb. They took their places in the setting just as the three wise men arrived bearing their gifts. A donkey and two goats had been placed in the crèche. The choir gathered around with lit candles and sang Provençal carols.
Nora had never seen anything like it and was overcome by the solemnity of it all.
When the choir finished singing, the congregants entered the church, which was filled to standing room for the entire forty-five-minute service.
As they left, Nora told Chloe she had been moved to tears several times. “The a cappella singing of the choir was so emotional.”
“I agree. The first time I experienced this, I couldn’t stop crying. It was embarrassing.”
Pierre had joined them in church and he looked at her just as she blew her nose. “Oh great,” she muttered to Chloe. “He’s caught me looking like an idiot again.”
Back at the farm, the first white tablecloth was removed by gathering each corner. Chloe took it out the kitchen door to the field, where the crumbs were shaken out to ensure a good harvest for the new year. Nora loved all the traditions.
Les Treize Desserts were ceremoniously set out. For the final sweets, Nora’s cranberry and persimmon tarte tatin held a place of honor next to Mami’s traditional bûche de Noël.
The tarte tatin was a hit and Nora breathed a sigh of relief. Mami praised her for her first-time contribution, and included a compliment to Chloe, who had given Nora directions. Nora thought Mami’s pastry dough was the crowning ingredient and she hoped to get the recipe.
The highest praise was for Mami’s chocolate bûche de Noël, stuffed with mascarpone whipped cream and tender chocolate sponge cake, all covered with whipped chocolate ganache. Chloe explained Mami had made it every year since she and Papi were married, without any change to the recipe.
Nora’s mouth tingled with pleasure as the silky, smooth flavors rolled across her tongue. “Mami, this is truly the most delicious dessert I have ever tasted,” she murmured. “I don’t want it to end.”
There were smiles all around the table. Olivier said, “Nora, we love to be here when a new guest is served Mami’s bûche de Noël because the first reaction is always just like yours. We wait for it. It never fails.”
As they began to tidy up, Pierre asked Nora if he could let Atticus go out with Fantôme for a quick run. It was almost two in the morning, and he said he would stay out with them. She agreed, confident nothing bad would happen to Atticus with Pierre watching.
When they’d first arrived, Nora had noticed how Fantôme responded immediately to Pierre’s loud, sharp whistle and wished she could whistle like that too. When she’d mentioned to Pierre earlier in the day how much she admired his skill, he had given her a crooked smile, which made her slightly embarrassed, like she’d said something stupid to him.
If only he realized how honest she’d been. If there was one thing she had wished for her entire life, it was to be able to give a sharp, loud whistle through her teeth. Every attempt produced nothing but a sad little raspberry sound and a spray of spit.
Once the dogs were back in the house, wishes of Joyeux Noël were shared again, and they all went to their bedrooms.
Nora lay in bed contemplating the busy events of the day, overwhelmed by the emotions aroused by all the traditions she’d experienced. She felt full, not just of delicious food, but also of warmth, well-being, and pleasure. She was soon fast asleep.
ChapterTwenty-Six
The smoky,comforting smell of the wood fire in the kitchen wafted up the stairs. Nora awakened with a smile as she breathed it in. She loved the smell and the memories it evoked; it took her right back to her childhood cottage days.
She’d always been a fresh-air sleeper, so the French doors to her balcony were open slightly, and the sound of water trickling in the fountain on the terrace was pleasing.
