Chantelle was sitting at the cafe, sipping wine when Mimi arrived.

“How was your Christmas?” Asked Chantelle

“Oh wonderful, I love my parents place so much. Just would have been perfect if Patrick had been there too”. Said Mimi.

Mimi told Chantelle about the painting she received from Patrick and Henri’s reaction when she told him about it.

“Why would he have a problem with that?” Asked Chantelle

“I really have no idea” Said Mimi

“I think Henri has always been a little jealous of Patrick” said Chantelle

“Really – why?” Said Mimi

“Because he’s always had a thing for you!” Said Chantelle

“No – I don’t think so. He’s always looked out for me and helped me” said Mimi

“And? Why?” Said Chantelle.

Mimi had never thought of Henri as anything more than a good friend, so she laughed it off. The women finished their lunch and promised to meet up soon.

Mimi and Patrick ate at the apartment that evening, discussing future plans over the delicious food they had prepared. Mimi asked Patrick if he would like to join her on the next trip to her parents. He agreed and they put a date in their diaries for a few weeks’ time. Mimi was excited to finally be able to introduce him to her family.

Three weeks later, Mimi and Patrick took the train down to the south west. Patrick loved the Chateau and the surrounding countryside. He took several walks with Mimi’s father and they discussed ideas for enlarging and improving various aspects of the Estate.

During the weekend, Mimi asked Patrick to help her hang the painting he had given her as a present. He seemed reluctant to hang it, asking her to wait until their next visit, when they would have more time. Mimi agreed and left the painting in her bedroom.

After a wonderful weekend, they went back to Paris. On the journey, Patrick told Mimi he adored her parents’ place and would consider moving there. Mimi said her father had already offered her a house on the estate. A house she had loved for years. The perfect house to hang her painting, she thought.

“But there’s just one proviso, ma Cherie” he said.

“Which is?” Asked Mimi

“That you marry me” said Patrick

Mimi was shocked. She hadn’t expected this so soon into their relationship. She hesitated before answering him.

“But what about your work and my work. And all our friends in Paris?” She said

“We can still work here. We can keep the apartment and commute when we need to” said Patrick

She thought about it. She loved Patrick and she loved the idea of living on her parents’ estate. She smiled at him and replied.

“Only if we get married at the Chateau” she said, thinking how wonderful a wedding would be if it was held on her parents’ estate. She smiled at Patrick, and agreed to his proposal.