A long sigh escaped Nora’s lips. “That was so emotional. Thank you for arranging the tour. It has been unforgettable. But, am I wrong to tell you I missed the dark, mystical atmosphere of the old gloomy interior? I appreciate all of the restoration that has been done but ...” Her voice trailed off.
Luc grinned. “Pas du tout. You are not alone with those feelings. The new interior takes some adjusting and I’m happy you shared that thought with me. I’ve attended mass a few times here since the cathedral reopened, and each time I go inside I feel the same emotional absence of the old play of shadows and stained glass light. It will take time to warm to the new brightness for some of us.”
It was still snowing lightly, which made the experience of the morning that much more meaningful for Nora, as all snowfalls did.
Luc slipped Nora’s arm though his. “Fais attention. It’s slippery.”
Nora was glad to have his help and enjoyed the intimacy of walking arm in arm. While Luc led her across the street to a charming bistro, he pointed out the nearby Quai de la Tournelle.
“In the summer, this is a good place to come dancing. You would love it. There are special swing dance events as well as salsa and tango nights. Dancing there under the stars is incredible. You must come back then, Nora.”
It was an invitation Nora found most enticing.
As they finished their meals, Nora sensed a change in Luc’s voice, as if he was holding something back. He gently placed his hand over Nora’s, stilling her fingers as they fidgeted on the table.
“Nora,” he began, his voice low and tender, but strained. “There is something I need to tell you.”
She looked up and her eyes searched his face. After his recent personal disclosures, she wondered what he might want to tell her.
“I’m sorry to say it, but Giselle asked me to be the messenger. She didn’t go to Mexico to visit friends but rather to have treatment at a clinic for ovarian cancer.”
The words landed like cold water. For a moment, Nora couldn’t move.
It was such unexpected news. Her fingers gripped Luc’s.
“Oh no! How is she? Is she very ill? I’m so, so sad to hear this. We’ve FaceTimed often since she left, and she always looked fine.”
“Yes, she manages to hide her illness very well. She has been battling this for some time, and treatments here in Paris did not seem to be helping. Last summer she went to a clinic in Mexico and after two months under the care of their physicians, her condition improved dramatically. She came home with new medications and felt so much better.”
Nora struggled to regain her composure and asked, “Why did she go back there? Did her condition deteriorate?” Faint worry lines had appeared on Luc’s forehead.
“Yes. She had scans here in November which indicated the situation was worsening. That was why she needed you to come so quickly after her usual dog-sitter became ill.”
A lone tear trickled down Nora’s cheek, and Luc reached over to wipe it away. “It’s so crazy,” Nora whispered. “We only had those three days together, and yet I feel so close to her. Living in her space, caring for Atticus… And she made a massive impression on me. In those few days, she shared such passion for everything… Life, Paris, Atticus, her painting… She awakened feelings I had forgotten.”
“That has always been Giselle’s gift.” Luc’s voice caught as he spoke. “In any case, the doctors are hopeful their advanced treatment will give her more time. The clinic has the highest reputation, and I’ve been most impressed with the care when I went to meetings with her. So, we all need to stay positive.”
They sat without saying anything for a few moments.Words seem so futile,Nora thought.
Luc began to speak again, their fingers still entwined. “Giselle is going to call you this afternoon around four, but she wanted me to explain the situation first, to make the conversation easier. Will that time be convenient?”
“Definitely. I won’t go anywhere this afternoon until I hear from her. Chloe has plans for us later in the day. I keep forgetting it’s New Year’s Eve tonight. Apparently, we are going skating at Le Grand Palais. She even had me send my skates over before I left Canada.”
“Ah! Bravo! Every year for quite some time now, Le Grand Palais is transformed from an international exhibition hall into a Palais des Glaces for December and part of January. I hear it’s a great time. What a good idea!”
Luc became somber again. “I only flew home for a meeting yesterday and to see you today and then my wife and daughter tonight. I should have told you I always spend New Year’s Eve with Mathilde. I apologize for not thinking to tell you before.”
Nora shook her head and raised a hand in quiet acknowledgment, her expression marked by deep respect for Luc’s relationship with his family.
“Dominique and I always dress formally and take Mathilde a gorgeous new dressing gown with an orchid corsage. The home organizes a lovely short concert of chamber music, and everyone gathers in their elegant salon. The kitchen prepares a fine dinner, and we have champagne, of course. Even Mathilde has a sip. We always hope for some sign of awareness, but sadly there is none.”
After they ate, Luc took Nora home and accompanied her in the elevator up to her apartment.
“You must come in and see the magnificent flowers you sent,” she said. “It still looks like it was just delivered.”
Nora smiled as she gestured to the arrangement on the table. Luc gave an admiring nod. “Dominique helped plan it and the florist did an excellent job of following directions. Wow!”
“I’ve been enjoying it tremendously. And thank you for the tour today,” Nora said. “It was so very special.”
