Spirit of the Nation ★ Female America

2. Triple Entente

September 18, 1910

The Seine River

Paris, France

"...and then I'll visit Ireland in Dublin for a week."

"Oh là là, so busy. I would die of homesick."

I narrowed my eyes as I recalled the long trips he used to take to the United States. When he heaved a loud sigh, I realized France was being dramatic again.

The cool evening was a welcome break from the long summer day. As the calm waters of the Seine reflected a sparkling orange sunset, gaslighters were beginning their rounds on the street lamps. Other couples also walked along the cobblestone path beside the river or sat on grassy knolls. In the distance, the music of a riverside couple's dance could be heard.

"Will you visit Angleterre?"

I gave him a sideways glance to make sure he wasn't joking. "Of course not," I laughed incredulously. "I've never set foot on English soil, I'll have you know."

He clasped his hands together. "Ah," he sighed happily. "I love to hear it."

A smile crept onto my face. England and I had exchanged letters over the last five years. Countering his frequent attempts to "enlighten" me on certain topics had become an enjoyable pastime of mine. Some debates filled upwards of fifteen pages, and I often reread them for entertainment. There was one topic that never failed to appear in his letters.

"Germany," I said. "What do you think of him?"

He let out a disgusted sigh. "An abomination on this planet."

I grimaced. In my isolation, I had forgotten about the seemingly endless wars between the French and the Germans. The Franco-Prussian War itself had so rallied the German states that it practically launched the nation of Germany into existence.

"Is it that bad?" I asked hesitantly.

"Allemagne knows he is not welcome in France," he stated evenly. "I meet with Prusse only when necessary, to keep the peace."

"I see..." My eyes fell to the path in front of me. "England seems quite taken with Germany, even though he's so young."

He scoffed. "He is as foolish as ever. A friend to all is a friend to none."

I nodded in agreement.

"This is my thought. Angleterre, Russie, and France—a circle around Allemagne," he said, drawing a triangle with his fingers. "A cage."

"Wait, you're close with England? And Russia?"

"Oui, oui," he said flippantly. "Economically, militarily..."

He made an amused sound when he saw the dumbfounded look on my face. I sighed and attempted to fight off a blush. "It's difficult for me to keep track of things in Europe."

"Eh...you need not bother."

His resigned tone drew my gaze. His eyes were fixed on the path ahead, and his lips were pressed together. He walked with his hands in the pockets of his slacks, his white shirt fluttering in the evening summer breeze.

I moved closer and looped my arm with his. "It sounds like you need a vacation," I said lightly.

With a droll hum, he secured my arm to his side. "An invitation?"

I leaned into him fondly. "Your invitation to the States is always open."

His steps slowed to a stop. Slightly worried, I moved in front of him to peer up at his face. He took both of my hands and pulled me into him, seemingly unaware of disturbing the flow of people around us. Suddenly, he leaned down and kissed me once, then twice. I blinked up at him, my heart fluttering from such a public display of affection.

"Oh, ma petite," he said with a sad sigh. "I envy you."

My eyebrows drew together.

"All the way across the ocean...safe and free."

His somberness made me look away. France was usually unbothered by current events, but his heart was clearly heavy tonight. It made me grateful to be free of European politics. As the distant music captured my attention, I smiled wryly.

"I know what will make you feel better."

"What?"

Pushing up on my tiptoes, I pressed my cheek to his scruffy face and whispered in his ear, "Dancing."

I felt him smile.

~

Oh là là | Omg!

Angleterre | England

Allemagne | Germany