Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
“Come into my play area,” she said, clutching his arm.
With a stricken expression on his face Jack allowed himself to be led into the kitchen,
or at least that is what it was originally intended to be.
Superficial observation revealed that there was very little in the way of hobs and
ovens. Instead, it was festooned with trailing plants, some of which could have qualified
as being somewhat invasive. They trailed across worktops, over cupboards and some were
creeping up the walls. The entire room resembled a botanical garden conservatory and was
quite astonishing.
“I lurve to tend my plants here and the steam from my pots (pointing to a very small
hotplate) is veery goood for them,”
madame
purred.
Difficult as it was to assess, because of the undergrowth incursion, it did seem that this
room was pleasantly spacious. I guessed that after a couple of day's hacking back with a
pair of shears it would probably make a very decent cooking area. But not for us.
“So now you must have drinks with us by the pool,” she announced.
“Pool?” I said. “Ah, I did not realise you had a swimming pool
madame
.”
“Pah! These Engleesh agents they hear nothing at all (venomous look at poor Harry,
who was now looking very small) but yes, my pool, it is
magnifique
. Come to see it now.”
With that she turned and cried “
Beel
,
Beel!
we are coming for the drink,” and beckoned us
towards a bough of heavily nut-laden branches at the far end of the room.
We walked over to the refreshingly ordinary patio doors, which presumably formed
the entrance to the swimming pool.
Madame
, leading the way, popped her head out then
abruptly stopped.
“Beel, you are so naughty,” she said with a throaty giggle. “Our guests they are heer!”
Judging by the rustling sounds accompanied by a few grunts, someone had been
caught in his birthday suit and was dressing rather hastily.
“Oh God, get me
out
of here!” groaned Jack, as we were treated to another masculine
rumbling.
“Don't be silly, darling,” I retorted. “Just another few minutes and then we'll be off.
Why don't you and Harry go and collect the dogs while I chat to
madame
and
monsieur
, or
at least I presume that's who he's going to be.”
“Rather you than me,” said Jack.
With that he fought his way back through the vines to gather hapless Harry and the
dogs, humming the tune to
Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross
as he went.
I swear there was a twinkle in her eye when
madame
ushered me through.
The first thing that struck me was not the man, but how absolutely stunning the setting
was. It had been hewn from the rocks behind and the swimming pool was a freeform design
with a pale green liner and a waterfall that cascaded into one end from the rock face above.
The natural architecture meant that the whole area formed a private little nook
sheltered from both the elements and prying eyes. Mind you, I didn't think there would be
