Mary looked out of the window as the taxi glided along the tree-lined avenue. Suddenly, the chateau came into view, and Mary smiled. Everything looked just as she recalled.
In the hotel foyer, the cream carpet was immaculate, and Chopin’s preludes played quietly from discreetly hidden speakers. Freshly cut lily-of-the-valley sprigs had been arranged in vases. The side tables were grouped around the comfortable armchairs Mary remembered. Those chairs must be rather old now, she thought, but they had been reupholstered perfectly.
‘Welcome to the Chateau de Mayonne. How may I help you?’ the receptionist asked.
‘We have a double room booked in the name of Mason,’ Mary replied. ‘Mr Mason will arrive separately. We weren’t due to arrive until this afternoon, but…’
‘No problem,’ the receptionist smiled. ‘May I offer you one of our speciality coffees while we finish preparing your room? Or a quick tour of the hotel grounds, as it’s not busy at the moment?’
Mary accepted the offer of coffee gratefully and chose an armchair close to a window overlooking a flower-filled courtyard. ‘Please join me,’ she said, as the younger woman set down a tray with china cups, a silver cafetière and rainbow-colored macarons. ‘I do believe you are allowed to take coffee with the guests?’
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin July 27, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S WEEKLY dergisinin July 27, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest