Peeking Under the Covers

As we can see from chapter four, Suzy has irrevocably rejected the idea of traveling to Cannes with Lady Graham. Or so we are led to believe... Instead, Suzy is determined to use her piano skills and find students she can teach. A noble endeavor, yes? Well, I guess it depends on the time period and one's place in society. Suzy's place is very tentative. Her father has just lost his job and the wealthier side of her family (mainly, her mother's sister-in-law) seems to be struggling with the idea of appearances when it comes to the unfortunate Douvrys.  Let's see where chapter five takes us! Chapter 5: Cast of Characters Suzanne (Suzy)   -- eldest daughter of M. and Mme. Douvry Mme. Arnay (Charlotte)  -- Suzy's aunt and M. Arnay's wife Germaine Arnay  -- younger sister to Mme. de Berly Lady Graham  -- American friend of Mme. Arnay Madame (Mme.) Douvry   -- Suzy's mother Monsieur (M.) Douvry  -- Suzy's father Madame de Vricourt  -- woman with whom Su...

Nowadays, whenever Cannes, France is mentioned, almost immediately red carpets, hordes of media, and glowing actors in a gorgeous, glitzy setting on the coast comes to one's mind. That's all very well and true, but Cannes has a history that goes deeper than the film industry itself. Let's take a step back to the Cannes of the early 20th century... What was once a quiet fishing village along the Côte d'Azur, Cannes exploded in popularity among Europe's elite and wealthy individuals with the finished construction of Boulevard de la Croisette in the 1860s. This was a wide boulevard carved out along the seaside where one could see and be seen by those taking their winter vacations in Cannes. Soon extravagant hotels, villas, and casinos built up along the Boulevard de la Croisette. This elegant location eventually received the touch of nobility when Lord Henry Brougham, a former Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, visited Cannes and decided to build a villa. This endorsem...

 Chapter 4 continued... Madame Arnay looked at her poor sister, not daring to question her, a little embarrassed at the silence and the anguish-filled expression on her face. “Well, Jeanne?” she asked at last, unable to wait any longer. Madame Douvry looked up, torn from her sorrowful reverie. “Maybe you're right, Charlotte. Maybe I should resign myself to being separated from my Suzy. However, only if she agrees to it.” “Question her right away, for time is pressing! Any day now, Lady Graham could meet the travel companion she wants, and then...” Without answering, Madame Douvry rose and, ringing the bell, sent for Suzy. Before long, a light step resounded in the next room, and Suzy opened the door and came to offer her fresh face to her aunt to receive a welcoming kiss. “Mother, did you ring for me?” “Yes, Suzy. Your aunt has a proposal for you.” Madame Douvry's voice shook and that struck the young girl. “A proposal? For me?” she asked with a sort of anxious curiosity. “Yes,...

 Chapter 4 continued... “But, my dear, I have never been more serious. I even wonder how I didn't think of Suzy right away. To Lady Graham, she would be like a friend, and, moreover, would see her presence sufficiently rewarded. The salary that Lady Graham spoke to me about is one of a princely generosity.” “Charlotte,” Madame Douvry said, her voice trembling. “It’s painful for me to hear you speak in this way!” Madame Arnay looked at her bewildered. No doubt she was an accomplished woman of the world, but the practice of heartfelt tact sometimes failed her. “How strange you are, Jeanne. What do you find ‘painful’ — to use your word — with my proposal? I recognize that Suzy will be away from you, but in the end, five or six months goes by very quickly.” “Charlotte, if I proposed to you to send Germaine away, would you accept?” A gesture of impatience escaped Madame Arnay. What an idea her sister had in shifting the question in this direction. Why compare Suzy and Germaine, whose po...

 Chapter 4 continued... “‘Dear friend,’” wrote the old lady to Madame Douvry. “‘A young woman whose family I know very well, Madame de Vricourt, is at this moment looking for a music teacher for her two little daughters. I immediately thought of your Suzy. Madame de Vricourt is, for a few days, in the country, but at the beginning of next week, have Suzy go to her house on my behalf. I would be very happy if this interview could result in a favorable arrangement for your dear daughter. All my wishes, my dearest friend, for the success of this endeavor. I desire, as much as you do, to see this succeed.’” Suzy gave a shriek of joy when she read these few lines. All her obsessive fears vanished, and hope, very lively in her, was reawakened, so fervent and so infectious, that poor Madame Douvry even came under its influence. Her anxiety was somewhat lightened. On the very day that the blessed note arrived, Madame Arnay, who was passing through Paris, came while in between errands to se...