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Peter failed to make a move? Charles’s train of thought was interrupted by a new arrival.
    “We’re so sorry we’re late,” said Jena, trying to look sheepish but not succeeding. She didn’t appear contrite at all.
    “You should not be sorry at all,” answered Ariane. “It’s your honeymoon. You should savor it, take your time, and only do what makes you both happy.”
    “Which I guess they did, and that’s why they are late,” added Charles.  
    “Yes, we did,” answered a giggling Jena. Thomas tried to hide what could possibly be a slight blush by masking his face under the apron he was putting on.  
    “Way to go, guys!” Charles extended a high five to Jena. Looking around the room, he watched his audience. Thomas was grinning. If his wife was happy, he was happy too. Ariane and Mary had tender smiles on their lips. They looked as though they were fondly remembering being that young and carefree. Only George looked sullen. What a killjoy. Charles wondered what Mary saw in him. Judging by the way she glanced at him every other minute, he must have some hidden talents. As far as Charles was concerned, George’s type—somber and brooding—was a definite turn off.  
    “I wonder where my brother is,” Mary said after looking at the large clock over the ovens. “He’s usually very prompt. I hope he didn’t oversleep or get lost. George, would you please lend me your cell phone so I can call the hotel and check?”
    Just as George pulled his phone from the back pocket of his jeans, Peter walked in carrying a large white paper bag. “I got us croissants, pains au chocolat, and those devilish little things that have apple sauce in them.”  
    “That will be the ‘chaussons aux pommes’,” said Ariane, “my favorites. Let me get a tray for your bounty.”
    Charles watched Ariane rush to the dining room. Peter followed her with his bag of goodies. He heard Peter say something in a hushed tone but didn’t hear Ariane answer. Charles would have loved to be a fly on the wall to listen, watch, and get a clue as to what happened last night. He decided that since he couldn’t hear, no one else would.
    “So,” Charles broke the silence, “did anyone look at what we’ll be doing for lunch? I’m sure it’s in our notebooks. Ariane is so organized.”
    “You’re right,” said Jena. “All the menus are in there. Okay, ‘pot au feu’ and ‘crème brûlée.’ Oh no, that’s dinner. Where’s lunch? Oh, here it is. Lunch is a green salad and a ‘soufflé au fromage.’ Is that the cheese soufflé? I thought those were very complicated.”
    “Not at all.” Ariane came back in the room with a little flush that Charles didn’t fail to notice. “The soufflé is spectacular, but it’s not that complicated. That is why I thought you would enjoy learning it. It’s good to show off. It’s gotten me a couple of thank you letters from wives who used to it to shut up bossy mother-in-laws.”
    Peter put the large plate of breakfast pastries in the middle of the working area, and everyone dug in as Ariane spoke.

    ❦

CHAPTER NINE
Ariane

    ARIANE HOPED SHE SOUNDED NORMAL as she reminded them of the program of the day. They would cook, eat lunch together, and get a two-hour break before cooking dinner. She was trying to look cool, but her heart beat like a wild drum.  
    When had she gone to the dining room to get a plate, Peter had followed her. Did he bring the pastries for that purpose? Okay, no. That was silly. She was being ridiculous, paranoid. He had just seized the opportunity to get an instant alone with her. He had not touched her but stood so close. A clear invasion of her private space.  
    Looking directly in her eyes, he had said, “I’m not giving up on you.”  
    She acted as if she had not heard him, but the simple statement got her all confused. Again. But that was not the time to be confused. She had to teach and concentrate, not think about Peter.
    Thinking about him was what she