A Special Lunch

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

The carriage ride was short, and we soon pulled up to Porte du Paradis. Delicious smells wafted in through the window. "Mmm," I said, "it smells so good."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“That it does,” I agreed, my stomach rumbling slightly in accord. Chuckling, I stepped out of the carriage and held my hand for her.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

I accepted his hand and stepped out of the carriage. "Thank you," I said. "Come, let's go inside."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

I led her inside and we were immediately shown to a table. Smiling, I held Rosalie’s chair for her.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"Thank you," I said to Fisher.

After he was seated, I said to the hovering server, "White wine for me, please, and my friend will have..." I trailed off, to let Fisher place his drink order.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Just water please, with a slice of lemon,” I told the server who hurried off to fill our orders.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

As the server hurried off, I said to Fisher, "You can open your present now, if you like."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

Smiling, I pulled the box from my pocket and opened it. My smile grew when I saw what was inside. Pocket watches were just becoming available and this was a very expensive gift.

“Thank you,” I said, smiling at her. “It’s beautiful.” I leaned over and kissed her softly.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

I returned his soft kiss. "I'm glad you like it," I said. "I wanted you to have something practical, but beautiful as well."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“It’s wonderful,” I said, smiling and taking the watch out of its box. I attached to fob to a button hole and slipped the watch into my pocket. “Thank you, so much.”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"You're welcome," I replied, as the server returned with our drinks. "It becomes you."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Why thank you,” I said, smiling. I lifted my glass. “Shall we toast?”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

I nodded, lifting my own glass. "You choose."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“No pressure,” I teased, grinning. I thought for a moment.

“To joyous and successful relationships, may they only continue to grow in the future,” I said, smiling at her.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"To joyous and successful relationships," I echoed with a smile, clinking his glass with mine and sipping.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

I took a sip of my water before setting the glass aside and taking up the menu. “This all looks delicious.”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"Have whatever you like," I replied, scanning my own menu. "I think with the weather being what it is, I'm going to get something cool. What think you?"

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“That sounds like an excellent idea,” I agreed, scanning the options. “I think I’ll have the vegetable plate. It sounds delicious, especially the lemon caper sauce.”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"Mmm," I said. "That sounds delicious. I think I'll have the cucumber soup and a fruit salad."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“That sounds good as well,” I said, nodding as I set my menu down. “What’s your favorite thing to eat?”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"Oh, I couldn't just pick one thing," I said. "I like to enjoy a whole meal, and let all the flavors compliment each other." I thought for a moment. "For example, a roast of lamb just doesn't taste as good without spiced rice with almonds, steamed string beans with rosemary, and a glass of red wine."

The waiter was hovering again, and after placing our orders, I turned back to Fisher. "I think my favorite meal, though, is canard de l'orange with yams and spinach."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

I laughed softly, smiling. “True, there are certain things that are only good with their accompaniments,” I agreed.

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"What about you?" I asked. "What do you like best to eat?"

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Anything with a strong lemon flavor,” I answered. “I just love that flavor.”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"Lemons," I repeated. "My cook makes a lemon bar that is just to die for. I'll have to ask her to make it sometime soon."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

I made a wistful face. “Oh, I love lemon bars,” I said. “I would be very grateful to share them with you.”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

"I thought that's what you'd say," I said, smiling. "I would be glad to share with you."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Thank you,” I said, smiling. “You are very kind and indulgent.”

[Rosalie de Merteuil]

I smiled sweetly. "I enjoy being kind and indulgent to those who make me happy. Those who don't however..." and my smile took on just a hint of devilry "...well, let's say I wouldn't invite them to share in my lemon bars."

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“I should hope not,” I said, chuckling. “They wouldn’t come near to deserving it.”