Celine
came over this afternoon. She had arranged with Solange to bring two
of the baby rabbits over for Benjamin and Madeleine. The children
didn't know; it was to be a surprise for them when they got back from
school.
I've
spent the last few days reading academic papers, researching for my
historical novel. I needed a break and so decided to make Butternut
Squash soup for when Celine arrived. I drove to the market in Carnac
to get the vegetables. It was very busy, but well worth the journey.
I arrived back just before eleven, I'd managed to find some good
quality onions, celery, carrots and an assortment of herbs (thyme,
rosemary and sage) and, of course, the squash, which I nearly forgot!
I hoped the soup would warm us up, the temperature's dropped over the
past few days and nothing but mist and rain.
Celine
came at about three, carrying the baby rabbits in Napoleon's cat
basket. The journey was obviously a bit traumatic for them: they were
huddled together under the newspaper lining.
We
had the soup as soon as Celine came in. She had brought two baguettes
and watched, horrified, as I brought out the butter saying I would
ruin the taste of the bread. I distracted her with the soup which she
had to admit tasted very good. We were just finishing when Solange
brought the children over. They were so excited when we showed them
the rabbits, Celine let Benjamin hold one of them, telling him to be
very gentle, while his sister watched on in awe. We then went with
them to see the rabbit's new home; a hutch in the old stone barn next
to their house. Of course Benjamin splashed in every muddy puddle on
the way and Madeleine followed suit.
Solange
placed the rabbits in the hutch and they huddled together into the
corner. Solange explained to the children that they were very tired
and needed a good sleep after their exciting day. Celine asked what
they were going to call them, adding that she believed they were both
boys. Benjamin was delighted with this news, saying he would throw
them into the dustbin if they were girls. Thankfully, Madeleine was
out of earshot as she was on the search for fresh puddles to attack.
Benjamin thought about the names for a few minutes (his face screwed
up in total concentration). He then took a deep breath and announced
"Leopold et Lancelot." Solange laughed and explained that
these were heroes from his favourite cartoon.
When
we got back to the cottage we noticed the door was slightly open. In
the living room Pepin was standing on one of the dining chairs with
his nose hovering over the casserole dish. and when I laughed, he
turned and looked at us with such a guilty expression. Celine said
he's obviously very intelligent and knew he'd done something wrong.
We could hear Solange calling for him and, with an excuse to escape,
he leapt off the chair and bounded back to his house.
While
I made coffee Celine told me she hadn't been able to find out
anything about the haunted house but she would carry on trying. She
said she might go to St.Malo for a couple of days to research for her
book and asked if I wanted to go along with her. I said it sounded
like fun and asked her when. She said she wasn't sure as she needed
to arrange some interviews before we go. I told her about Ines and
Gavin, she says Gavin sounds like a self-centred idiot.
Before
she left we took another look at the rabbits. They were all curled up
together sleeping.
Celine
said she's sure they'll be happy in their new home.
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