Peeking Under the Covers

  Chapter 4 The announcement of the Douvry’s new, unfortunate situation was carried to Le Castel by M. Arnay upon his return from Paris. He briefly entered his wife’s rooms, where she was finishing dressing for dinner. “What interesting news do you have today, Maurice?" She asked, examining in the mirror the effect of the flowers that the maid had placed in her hair. “Nothing, absolutely nothing,” he said, then stopped. “However, yes, I did learn some troublesome news this afternoon. Robert Douvry came to my office to tell me that the financial corporation was abolishing his position as inspector.” “Oh, that is bothersome! The poor Douvrys have such unheard-of misfortune. So, no doubt, you will have to look for a position for him. Further to the right, with this rose, Julie,” she said, addressing the maid. “Shape it into a tiara. Yes, it’s better that way.” She turned her attention back to her husband. “You were saying, Maurice…”  “I was saying, my dear, that Douvry is a despe...

By the end of Chapter 3, we find Suzy's family in some dire circumstances. Her father (M. Douvry) has been let go of (I guess downsized for the time period) from his position as inspector at the financial corporation where he worked. His brother-in-law (M. Arnay) had secured the position for him, so a little friction is bound to arise. Bitterness and sadness permeate Chapter 3, especially between husband and wife. There is a sweetness there, though, that shines through. Mme. Douvry has been through so much with her husband concerning his career and, even though this will be yet another disappointment and hardship, she is willing to see it through with M. Douvry. As for Suzy, she's beginning to grow up. This story not only has a thread of romance in it, but it's also a coming-of-age story for a young girl finally understanding life can be a struggle. And sometimes, we have to pitch in to help make things work out! Chapter 4: Cast of Characters Suzanne (Suzy)   -- eldest daug...

  Chapter 3 continued... When Madame Douvry returned to the drawing room a little later, Suzy gave her an anxious look, for she had guessed that something was going on. But Madame Douvry's face remained indecipherable. She had that painful fold to her lips that Suzy always dreaded seeing settle there. André Vilbert came once again that evening, and Suzy took an interest in his work as usual. Her fears dissipated for a moment, but, after André left, her anxiety returned. She was now alone in the living room. Her father had retired to his study, and the boys were already asleep. In the next room, Suzy’s mother recited the twins’ evening prayers with them.  Without knowing why, the timbre of her mother’s voice made Suzy want to cry. She stayed where she was, listening, not having the courage to occupy herself with something else. Suzy anxiously waited for her mother to return, both wishing and fearing to learn the truth from earlier that evening. “Have mercy, my God, on those who...

 In Chapter 3 - Part 3, M. Douvry mentions something to his wife: “Do you still remember, Jeanne,” he resumed abruptly, “of that day in  the Caucasus  when I was nearly killed?”  Perhaps you're familiar with the Caucasus Mountains, but if not, then I'll give you a little info on the region and maybe figure out what M. Douvry, as an engineer, might have been doing in the region during the late 1800s and early 1900s. If you haven't watched the embedded video from the last posting, then feel free to view it here to give you a sense of the immensity of the Caucasus Mountains.  Mount Elbrus, (3,500m) As indicated in the video, the Caucasus Mountains basically form the intersection of Asia and Europe, and include six countries:  Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iran, as they run from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. The range is divided in two, with the Greater Caucasus in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south. Mount Elbrus is often c i...