Emilee had chosen the rue du Fauborg St. Denis to meet Matthew for their second date. The street had such a vibrant history because the gate was designed by architect Francois Blondel and was built in 1672 for Louis XIV.
Its arch celebrates the victories of the French army in the Rhineland when they pushed the border of France eastward. The word fauboug “suburb” indicates that this part of the street was once outside the city walls.
Emilee had begun a new job with a fashion wholesaler on this street and wanted to introduce Matthew to the shoppe. She hoped he would be on time. She valued punctuality as much as integrity and industry. Her watch showed 1 p.m. when she finished a small strawberry crepe she had bought from a street vendor.
Their destination later was the charming old-fashioned tearoom, the Patisserie Viennoise on the rue de ’Ecole where they would enjoy a more proper lunch. A vol-au-vent. The French poet Baudelaire was born here. The Hotel de Lecole at 51 Meuble had heard many voices in the radical debating club, the Cordeliers.
Matthew arrived precisely on time with a bouquet of fresh violets and a white cloisonne bracelet for her. They linked arms and began to walk. It was a sunny October day with little wind. The Seine River was deep and wide at this point so boat traffic and trading markets could flourish.
Their conversation flowed easily from one topic to the next. He did not interrupt her which previous beaux had done. That was a point in his favor, plus his voice was soft and melodic. Throaty and rich similar to a violoncello. It was a voice she could listen to and smile.
They passed the Samaritane department store at Point Neuf which had been founded by E. Cognacq and his wife, Louise Jay. The Pont Neuf (New Bridge) is actually the oldest in Paris. Its first stone was laid by Henry III in 1578.Since the public had access to the rooftop terrace of the store, spectacular city views would give Emilee opportunity to take photographs, a hobby she enjoyed and for which she had won awards. The couple sat for a while on the terrace simply glad to be alive on this lovely October day and to have companionship.
They had lingered in the sunshine long enough and were ready for lunch. The Patisserie was beautiful inside with pink tablecloths and flowers everywhere. The menu was eclectic and offered diners all things French. They ordered un amuse-bouche, Coquilles Saint -Jacqiues, a Salade Nicoise and Quiche Lorraine. For dessert they thought they would split the Tarte Tatin. Iced tea was the beverage with twists of lemon and turbinado sugar.
Emilee liked this man because of his manners and his business casual clothing and his sense of humor. She was so glad her cousin had suggested a blind date with him a month prior and hoped he felt the same way toward her.
Matthew was smitten with her and didn’t mind showing it. He complimented her dress and her hair style and even her new shoes. Emilee could hardly believe it. Such good fortune. He suggested the following week they enjoy a picnic before the weather turned too chilly.
The Paris October lent itself to romance and to the future. Matthew would return to his studies at the Sorbonne while Emily enjoyed her new job. The future looked bright with possibilities.
Just imagine all those possibilities!