Manof Chpt14

Chapter 14

(A view of Brantome, above, as Marie Claude continued telling her stories)

The next morning, armed with the addresses of the lawyer and the art restorer, they headed to Brantome.

Marie Claude continued her stories as they traveled towards Brantome.

"You'll like this town. It's as though it was built on an island. There are actually five bridges onto the main business section. At the wooded base of the crescent shaped cliff, at one end of the city is a large Abbey. It has a long history dating back to a time when men lived in caves. You'll see them, I'm sure."

Later, she added, "We'll be in the Green Perigord and this town makes one feel that time has stopped. The Dronne River surrounds the town which is referred to as the 'Venice of Perigord'.

The Abbey dates back to Charlemagne in about the 9th century. The bell is considered the oldest in France and sits on the rocky ledge behind the remnants of the original monastery. That first monastery includes the 'last judgment' cave. The troglodyte caves are just beyond. There's a fish farm nearby. The Dronne teems with trout. But that's for another day."

Bruce smiled. How he would like to spend a day fishing for trout in the rushing Dronne instead of fishing for a centuries old drawing that could be anywhere in the world. But he had to start somewhere.

"Later, if we have time, I'd like you to see Bourdeille. It's just up the road. It will tell you more about the Abbey. But first, I suggest we head to The Moulin de l'Abbaye. It's a charming hotel with a wonderful dining room. We can leave the car there, see Dr. Biot, and then return for lunch. I took the liberty of calling Dr. Biot before we left. He'll see you at eleven. Then, after lunch, we can spend a short half hour with Maitre Picard. He's an old family friend and he is anxious to meet you."

"Does he know why we're coming?'

"No. I never need a reason to see him. I've known him all my life."

"Ah, bon," Bruce remarked, beginning to feel at ease with the French language."

Marie-Claude awarded him with a smile and drove on.

The Moulin was a smallish building built next to a waterfall. It had a welcoming air about it and Marie-Claude was greeted with the deference due a lady of special status.

(The Moulin, a smallish building near a waterfall, had a welcoming air about it)

"Mr. Kellner and I will take lunch at one PM."

The maitre 'd nodded and made a note on his reservations list.
"We shall leave my car here for the time we are away. We have a meeting."

"Oui Mademoiselle."

The reservation was secured. Marie Claude led Bruce to the door. Across were caves cut out of the mountain. Next door was the huge Abbey. They walked past it and turned down a busy street.

(Click here for Chapter 15)


	Chapter 14 (A view of Brantome, above, as Marie Claude continued telling her stories) The next morning, armed with the addresses of the lawyer and the art restorer, they headed to Brantome. Marie Claude continued her stories as they traveled towards Brantome. "You'll like this town. It's as though it was built on an island. There are actually five bridges onto the main business section. At the wooded base of the crescent shaped cliff, at one end of the city is a large Abbey. It has a long history dating back to a time when men lived in caves. You'll see them, I'm sure." Later, she added, "We'll be in the Green Perigord and this town makes one feel that time has stopped. The Dronne River surrounds the town which is referred to as the 'Venice of Perigord'. The Abbey dates back to Charlemagne in about the 9th century. The bell is considered the oldest in France and sits on the rocky ledge behind the remnants of the original monastery. That first monastery includes the 'last judgment' cave. The troglodyte caves are just beyond. There's a fish farm nearby. The Dronne teems with trout. But that's for another day." Bruce smiled. How he would like to spend a day fishing for trout in the rushing Dronne instead of fishing for a centuries old drawing that could be anywhere in the world. But he had to start somewhere. "Later, if we have time, I'd like you to see Bourdeille. It's just up the road. It will tell you more about the Abbey. But first, I suggest we head to The Moulin de l'Abbaye. It's a charming hotel with a wonderful dining room. We can leave the car there, see Dr. Biot, and then return for lunch. I took the liberty of calling Dr. Biot before we left. He'll see you at eleven. Then, after lunch, we can spend a short half hour with Maitre Picard. He's an old family friend and he is anxious to meet you." "Does he know why we're coming?' "No. I never need a reason to see him. I've known him all my life." "Ah, bon," Bruce remarked, beginning to feel at ease with the French language." Marie-Claude awarded him with a smile and drove on. The Moulin was a smallish building built next to a waterfall. It had a welcoming air about it and Marie-Claude was greeted with the deference due a lady of special status. (The Moulin, a smallish building near a waterfall, had a welcoming air about it) "Mr. Kellner and I will take lunch at one PM." The maitre 'd nodded and made a note on his reservations list. "We shall leave my car here for the time we are away. We have a meeting." "Oui Mademoiselle." The reservation was secured. Marie Claude led Bruce to the door. Across were caves cut out of the mountain. Next door was the huge Abbey. They walked past it and turned down a busy street. (Click here for Chapter 15)