•Dichotomy•
|"A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different."|
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How many silhouettes can one trap in oneself? How many faces can a mask hide...
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Whenever summer transitioned into monsoon, La Vigne's mansion always hosted a bunch of meetings. But Claude had another reason to visit this year, as everybody knew.
A meeting was planned by the matriarch Mrs. Elysse Lavigne; she was the mother to his friend Chandler Lavigne.
The meeting's intent was obvious to both families, and neither party, particularly Claude, had tried to conceal it.
"Welcome, Maximus."
Claude was received politely by Mrs. Elysse La Vigne. His friend's wife, Sophia in front of him had matured into a refined lady, and he couldn't make out the outlines of that short, whiny girl from her anymore. Instead, she was cradling a little baby girl that was the spitting image of her mother.
"Thank you for the generosity, Mrs. Lavigne." He returned her formal greeting, and the two exchanged graceful smiles.
Between Elysse and Claude, there was nothing new to speak about. They were not very close, but they had known each other for a long time.
Their relationship hung by a thin string that her son was friends with such an important man. And she did not wish to have a beef with him just because she did not approve of Claude's inexplicable ways.
Elysse was not very much fond of Chandler being around Claude. But even she agreed that if she would have had a daughter, she might have tried to foster a better bond with him too.
Sophia cooed the sleeping girl as she silently watched the stressful interaction. And similar were the actions of Henry, who had accompanied Claude to Lavigne mansion.
They both knew, how Claude and her mother - in - law were born to steal the march to the marrow. This was the most important and apparent reason why they could tolerate each other.
Chandler was off to his business and wouldn't be back before dinner. His mother instructed the maids and cooks to prepare their afternoon tea in the floral orchards attached to the mansion's rear. Elysse adored the orchard, so in a way, it was also a form of expressing her sincere hospitality for Claude.
Sophia sipped her tea quietly and gratefully complimented her. She talked in a pleasant yet excellent manner, as one might expect from a woman of the Lavigne household.
"I've put a lot of effort into decorating this place. I'm looking forward to give it to a hostess who understands its worth."
In hushed voices, Elysse spoke up. Claude knew clearly of what she was hinting at. Though he found an outgoing person like Sophia perfect as a wife for an enthusiastic Chandler, Elysse did not share his opinions. The excited daughter in law contrasted the very poised and calm mother - in - law. But she loved her son and accepted Sofia for him.
"Sophia, why don't you give Jo to her grandmother and take Claude on a tour of the gardens."
Elysse's whisper to her daughter-in-law at the end of their tea break, marked the postponement of the supposed conversation between the two.
