The cottage of West Wycombe

Chapter 2

—— 2 ——

At the same moment, we arrive at Mrs. Hallow's mansion. This lady is a widow who owns the biggest cottage in West Wycombe. Her house is an absolute nightmare if you get lost. It has a tennis court, a basketball court, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool. A French-style garden and a vegetable garden complete the grounds. She can be fully independent since she also owns a farm. Each summer, she hosts a party where she serves delicious homemade food. Of course, the dishes are made by her servants since people here don't do anything on their own. This party is actually the only one that Chris and I are very excited to attend. It's always very festive and warm; the most influential people aren't invited —except for Chris— and everything just seems to be normal. It feels like a family dinner where everyone is genuinely happy to see each other. Mrs. Hallow is a bit like an aunt to all of us; she treats everyone like a member of her family, which makes her so lovable. But in reality, she is the Prime Minister. A harsh one. So, when we are all back in London, we have to adapt to her stiffness.

Mrs. Hallow appears by the front door with a large smile on her face. Usually, frowns and wrinkles appear on her face. But during summertime, she seems so peaceful. You could never guess that she's our Prime Minister.
"Come in, darlings. Dinner is ready."
"Sorry for being late," I say, offering her favorite bottle of wine.
"You always love to make an entrance. But I have to warn you, there is a new guest," she says with a serious tone.
She looks between Christian and me, and after inhaling deeply, she says: "He is Etienne de Vichy. A viscount... Darling, your father didn't set you up. Etienne desperately wants to meet you."
"Oh gosh. Chris, I'll need your help."
"You should help her, Chris. Etienne is a weird man. But he is influential, I couldn't refuse his request. He can help me with political matters. But I will make it up to you," adds Mrs. Hallow.
I believe it's her way to apologize since she never does. She wouldn't set me up and the same goes for my father. He knows my boundaries and would never go behind my back but this Etienne guy has to be very influential to be able to even be here.
On the side of the garden, I see my father standing next to a tall man whom I cannot recognize. I assume that it is the Viscount de Vichy by his very serious posture. It's quite subtle to see the contrast between the relaxed guests and the viscount who's dressed formally.
"I assume this is your very beautiful daughter, Mr. Barclay," says Etienne with a wide smile.
"Indeed, and she's accompanied by a very close friend of hers," he says with a weak smile to my best friend.
I hold my laughter in while Christian puts an arm around my shoulder.
"And you are?" asks Christian, holding his hand out to Etienne.
"Etienne de Vichy. I am here to meet Flora. I am very interested in purchasing her company."
I let out an uncontrollable laugh to express my confusion facing this man who traveled all the way to England in order to purchase my company that is not for sale.
"There must be some confusion, Mr. de Vichy. I am not selling my company."
"Oh, that I am aware, young lady. But I am looking to purchase or have a fair share in your very successful company."
"Miss Barclay," I interrupt him.
"Excuse moi?" (Excuse me?) he says with a laugh.
"Ne faites pas semblant de ne pas comprendre. Appelez moi Miss Barclay et rien d'autre. (Don't act like you don't understand, call me Miss Barclay and nothing else)And I insist, I am not looking for any investor since my very generous friend here will be working with me on my new project."
I often see people acting overconfident because of their wealth. While I understand why having money can make someone feel invulnerable, I shouldn't let my resentment towards such behavior lead me to act arrogantly myself.
Étienne De Vichy raises his eyebrows.
"Oh really?" he asks Christian.
"I will be investing in Flora's company. But the project remains private, as you can imagine. Thus, I do not believe she needs any further investment." replies Christian with much audacity.
"I'm sure you will be too busy with your family business. In addition, my title and status will be helpful to boost her popularity."
"To take everything into consideration, my daughter doesn't need help to be popular or successful. She did everything on her own without any financial help. So no offense to you sir Vichy, I do not think your stay In West Wycombe is useful. Flora has many talents and she certainly does not need help from anyone."
Etienne De Vichy takes an inspiration and nods slowly.
"You'll regret this." he says to me.
"I sure will." I answer ironically.
Men always think they can do anything. That is the first thing I have learnt since I was a little girl. I learnt it by the harsh way. Men can get away with anything. And that is something I fight against every day. Regardless of my opinion on male in society I do not consider myself as a feminist of the 21h century. Without a doubt, I fight for women's rights, I fight for men-women equality but I am not an extreme feminist.
Anyways, I can speak on this topic for ages but it will certainly bore you.

In front of me is a very beautiful marble table that Mrs. Hallow has brought straight from Italy. She has had it for years now and I have always loved it. The marble touch is simply delightful on a summer day. Chris points at our name tags and we head to our seats.
"He was a jerk," says my dad behind me.
"Hey! What about no swear words, old man?"
"Flora, I mean it. He was an absolute idiot."
"He is just a man, dad. I'm used to it, you know how they feel so cocky... But, it touches me that you stood up for me, dad. Thank you," I say.
"I read in the press that you take pleasure in making men shut up in a harsh way. It's quite brave, refusing to sigh with Dolce & Gabbana publicly."
"Yes, and I signed with their competitor. The world needs to get used to my temper, father."
"Will you stop calling me 'father'? It makes me feel old," he replies, and I laugh.
"You are old, father." He shakes his head, and together we burst into laughter.