Manof Chpt 68

Chapter 68

When Bruce boarded the Aquitania, he idly picked up a newspaper from a stack on the deck. Later, over a bottle of Macon Superieur and a magnificent dinner, he read his paper through the smoke of his ever-present cigar.

Furthermore, according to experts, it was impossible to
determine the age or provenance of the drawing. It is true
that da Vinci certainly arrived in France by foot, carrying
some paintings like the Mona Lisa with him.

But it has never been proven that the master left a drawing at Chateau Hautefort or that he even stopped there. No record of the route of his journey has ever been established without doubt.

In an interview with Comte Constantin d'Autefort, this
writer learned that the picture attributed to Leonardo Da
Vinci was hanging in the chateau again. Whatever it was
worth, it was not for sale. The Comte added that it was now
insured " for a substantial amount."

A Cable Arrives from Marie-Claude

The next day he received a cable from Marie-Claude. All it said was 'Bon Voyage et Merci". She had driven Bruce to Nice about ten days before. They did get to visit Montignac to say good bye to Detective Drollet. They later stopped at Lascaux but only to thank the director for helping then try to authenticate the drawing.

At Rocamadour, Bruce was truly moved by the site and the view. He walked up and down with a walking stick. He continued to make notes. "This will, one day, become the premier visiting sites in France. What a wonderful place for artists."

Their route took them past Cahors again and they decided to turn East and visit Figeac. As they stepped on the mammoth stone reproduction of the Rosetta stone, Bruce had that special tingle he had when he visited a historical relic of great importance. The reproduction had been installed as a memorial to Champollion, the Frenchman who had come across the stone. Figeac was his place of birth.

At Albi, they visited the Lautrec collection and at Carcassonne they dined in the tiny treed square on Casoulet, cooked in a traditional crock-pot, that culinary symbol of the region's gourmet cooking.

They Say Their Good-Byes

Finally they were back at the Negresco Hotel. They said their good-byes as Marie-Claude said she was going to visit Francoise Gilot and Picasso.

"I have presents for the children. I miss them."

Bruce held her close. "You are a special lady. I hope you find everything you look for."

"Finding is easier," she smiled when you're helped by people like you. You are the best. I shall never forget you. Perhaps, one day, we will meet again. In the meantime we want you to know that there is always room for you at Hautefort. Consider yourself one of the family."

"Does that mean I get a title?" Bruce joked.

Marie-Claude squeezed his hand. "We can always make you an honorary, something"

Bruce half bowed. "I am, honored. We shall meet again."

A week late, Bruce sailed for home. There were pressing things waiting for him in New York. Paintings still went missing or were often discovered daily in the strangest places. His desk was covered with enquiries.

There never seemed to be an end for his services.


	Chapter 68 When Bruce boarded the Aquitania, he idly picked up a newspaper from a stack on the deck. Later, over a bottle of Macon Superieur and a magnificent dinner, he read his paper through the smoke of his ever-present cigar. Furthermore, according to experts, it was impossible to determine the age or provenance of the drawing. It is true that da Vinci certainly arrived in France by foot, carrying some paintings like the Mona Lisa with him. But it has never been proven that the master left a drawing at Chateau Hautefort or that he even stopped there. No record of the route of his journey has ever been established without doubt. In an interview with Comte Constantin d'Autefort, this writer learned that the picture attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci was hanging in the chateau again. Whatever it was worth, it was not for sale. The Comte added that it was now insured " for a substantial amount." A Cable Arrives from Marie-Claude The next day he received a cable from Marie-Claude. All it said was 'Bon Voyage et Merci". She had driven Bruce to Nice about ten days before. They did get to visit Montignac to say good bye to Detective Drollet. They later stopped at Lascaux but only to thank the director for helping then try to authenticate the drawing. At Rocamadour, Bruce was truly moved by the site and the view. He walked up and down with a walking stick. He continued to make notes. "This will, one day, become the premier visiting sites in France. What a wonderful place for artists." Their route took them past Cahors again and they decided to turn East and visit Figeac. As they stepped on the mammoth stone reproduction of the Rosetta stone, Bruce had that special tingle he had when he visited a historical relic of great importance. The reproduction had been installed as a memorial to Champollion, the Frenchman who had come across the stone. Figeac was his place of birth. At Albi, they visited the Lautrec collection and at Carcassonne they dined in the tiny treed square on Casoulet, cooked in a traditional crock-pot, that culinary symbol of the region's gourmet cooking. They Say Their Good-Byes Finally they were back at the Negresco Hotel. They said their good-byes as Marie-Claude said she was going to visit Francoise Gilot and Picasso. "I have presents for the children. I miss them." Bruce held her close. "You are a special lady. I hope you find everything you look for." "Finding is easier," she smiled when you're helped by people like you. You are the best. I shall never forget you. Perhaps, one day, we will meet again. In the meantime we want you to know that there is always room for you at Hautefort. Consider yourself one of the family." "Does that mean I get a title?" Bruce joked. Marie-Claude squeezed his hand. "We can always make you an honorary, something" Bruce half bowed. "I am, honored. We shall meet again." A week late, Bruce sailed for home. There were pressing things waiting for him in New York. Paintings still went missing or were often discovered daily in the strangest places. His desk was covered with enquiries. There never seemed to be an end for his services. (The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci) FIN (This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental).