The Connoisseur

Chapter 27 - Garbo Talks!

When they arrived back in the harbour, night was drawing on.  Monte Carlo was glittering; the whole hill was lit up, and half the sea with the reflection of it.  Strings of coloured lamps festooned the marinas and pleasure boats, and the city resounded to the sound of humming engines, chattering, and light jazz from the clubs and restaurants that Sophia and Alexander walked past.

Sophia had relented – very, very easily – and they resolved to wait out the half-hour before meeting the famous Miss Garbo.  They retrieved a shawl and linen jacket respectively from their hotel room and walked the short distance to the actress’ hotel.  They waited in the bar, facing the entrance.  Sophia felt more than a little nervous, but she was excited as well.  If Greta knew about Alexander’s time travelling, then there were all sorts of things she’d love to discuss with her.  Acting tips could come in very handy, if she could summon the courage to ask for them.

Just as Alexander checked his watch, a voice spoke behind them. 

“I won’t be late, darling, I assure you.”

Alexander swivelled in his chair and leapt up.  “My God, you surprised me, Greta!”

The actress looked straight at Sophia.  “So says the man who showed me he was a time traveller,” she said, almost sighing.  “You must be Sophia.  A pleasure to meet you.”

“You too,” was all Sophia could bring herself to say.  Up close, Greta was very hard to read.  Her features were strong and powerful, yet furiously feminine.  Sophia now saw that her hair was greying, but that seemed to add a mature glamour to an already beautiful face.  She had kept her voice wholly neutral when meeting them, and did not seem open to pleasantries, for all that Alexander had said about their being friends.

And she had recognised Sophia.  Alexander must have mentioned her – her, an amateur Shakespearean wannabe – to one of the most famous actresses in cinema history.  Sophia blushed and stood taller at the same time.

“I did not see you come in,” said Alexander to Greta.

“The concierge has allowed me to use a back door,” she replied.  “Shall we go up to my suite?”

“By all means.”

Sophia, struck dumb, let Alexander lead her to the lift as Greta led the way.  She felt so small next to both of them.  Alexander’s mystery had slipped a little in the last few weeks, but now she felt the full weight of it once more.  This time, however, it didn’t worry her, though it tried to from time to time.

They went with Greta to the top floor of the hotel.  It was clear which suite was the grandest from the doorman outside it and the beauty of the decoration around the entrance, but they passed this by.  Instead, the actress led them to a smaller suite, though no less lavish. 

“Please, come in,” she said, holding the door for them. 

Sophia stepped through nervously.  Movie star or not, it was weird to be in someone’s hotel room for a friendly meet-up.  However, the moment Greta closed the door, the actress relaxed.  A calm smile broke out on Greta’s features, an expression which suddenly seemed completely natural to her.

“It is wonderful to see you, Alexander,” she said as the two of them kissed one another on the cheek.  Then she approached Sophia, and they did the same.  “And you also, Sophia.  I am sorry for my demeaning down in the lobby.”

“Demeanour,” said Alexander gently.

“Demeanour, of course!” said Greta.  Sophia only now noticed the Scandinavian hint in her American accent.  “I still have a few gaps in my English.  Yes, I am sorry for my demeanour.  Did you see the photographer?”