Last
night's gig was to celebrate Michel's parents-in- law Golden Wedding
Anniversary. At Alexander's suggestion, the party was held at Andre's
restaurant in Carnac.
The
place was decorated with red and yellow balloons and banners strung
across the ceiling proclaiming Felicitations Bernard et Yvette
and Heureux 50eme Anniversaire de Marriage. Each table held a
vase of red and yellow tulips. Somebody had gone to a great deal of
trouble. Alexander and Kieron were already setting up. Kieron was in
a cheerful mood, entertaining us with stories about his crazy
customers. Michel arrived a few minutes later and wanted to show me
the table in the centre of the room set up with a disply of framed
photographs of his parents in law on their wedding day with several
of their daughter, Antoinette, and a couple of their little
granddaughter, but none with Michel. I had the feeling he wanted me
to comment on this, but I said nothing.
The
guests were taking their seats as Ines turned up with Gavin. They'd
been asked to sing a duet; the theme tune from the 1964 film LesParapluies de Cherbourg by Michel Legrand (Bernard and Yvette's
favourite song). They'd been practising and were looking forward to
performing as it. Gavin was in his usual form; hard to ignore his
fake laughter as he circulated amongst the guests, dominating their
conversations.
The
guests stood and applauded when Bernard and Yvette made their
entrance with Antoinette. The room soon fell silent as Ines and Gavin
began their duet. They performed the beautiful love song so well
(obviously been rehearsing together). Bernard and Yvette were
beaming; they looked so pleased. When the song came to an end the
applause was deafening. Gavin bowed, kissed Ines, and then announced
in French that he had an important announcement to make. Clasping
Ines's hand, he announced in his booming voice that a date had been
set in September for their wedding. This drew further applause from
the guests. Gavin gave several more of his theatrical bows, paused to
congratulate Michel's parents in law, then, leaving Ines on the
stage, made a grand exit through the front doors. I wondered where he
was off to: there's something so fake about him.
As
soon as waiters started serving we began our first piece, LesFeuilles Mortes as sung by Yves Montand; another request from
Bernard and Yvette, but there was so much chatter at the tables I'm
not sure if anyone noticed. Our next piece was Besame Mucho by
Consuelo Velasquez. Ines was singing well, probably because she was
in a happy mood.
During
our break Alexander and I wandered out into the moon lit garden while
Kieron had disappeared into the kitchens. Michel was already out
there, pacing up and down, smoking. I asked him what he thought of
the evening so far, but was unprepared for the rant which followed.
Violently grounding what was left of his cigarette into the grass, he
told Alexander and myself he was desperate to return to Canada. He
hated living with Antoinette's parents. While they fussed over his
wife and daughter, they constantly interfered. He often felt as
though Antoinette was ganging up against him by siding with them.
Although they were saving, his job in the music shop didn't pay well
enough for them to find a place of their own. Antoinette had just
found out she was pregnant again. We congratulated him but, although
he was pleased, he was now worried that Antoinette would use the new
baby as an excuse to stay at her parents' home.
When
we returned to the restaurant, Michel made no attempt to go over and
speak to his wife and parents in law. In fact, it was Ines who was
talking to them, showing off her engagement ring. During the second
half we livened things up with Capullito de Aleli and the
upbeat So Danco Samba before the speeches. The first to speak
was an old man, a friend of the couple who'd been their best man, but
I couldn't hear a word he said. This was followed by Bernard's
speech; a long rambling recollection of his wedding day and stories
of married life. He mentioned their grand daughter and I wondered if
they knew about the new baby. I noticed Michel making a study of his
drumsticks, seemingly bored with the proceedings. Photos were taken
of the couple and several with Antoinette. Just as the replica of
their wedding cake was about to be cut, Michel dropped his drum
sticks with a loud clatter and strode over to his family and
announced he would like to say a few words. The room fell silent.
Bernard looked worried and whispered something to him but Michel
turned away and shook his head dismissively. First he congratulated
his parents in law, then, putting his arm around Antoinette, he
announced they were having another baby, and, soon after the birth,
they would be leaving for Canada to bring up their family there. I
couldn't help feeling sorry for Yvette. She looked devastated. I
thought she was about to cry. Bernard put his arm round her.
Antoinette stared ahead, her body rigid. She was fuming. The guests
were unsure of how to react. A few clapped and some called out
congratulations at the mention of the baby, but most were silent.
Michel avoided looking at us as he returned to his drums. We listened
to a recording of Sacha Distel singing C'etait plus Fort que Tout (the
French version of I Can't Stop Loving You) whilst Bernard and Yvette cut their wedding cake.
I
was glad to get away at the end of the evening. I went over and
congratulated Yvette before I left. She thanked me in a quiet voice.
Bernard was nowhere to be seen. I asked Antoinette if she'd enjoyed
the music and she hardly looked at me when she replied. She was still
extremely angry. Michel was also quiet as we packed away; just
muttered goodbye to us as he left. His wife and her mother were busy
collecting their photos and presents and ignored him as he passed by.
I understand Michel's frustration but I don't think he should have
made his announcement. I hate to think what will happen when they get
home. One of them is going to have to compromise and I don't think
it's going to be Antoinette.
No comments:
Post a Comment