Versailles was like a fairy land made of mirrors and gold. It being early April, its gardens were in full bloom. I’d never seen so many tulips in one place before.

“How do you like my home? I know it is humble, but I try to keep it neat.”

I playfully punched him in the arm. “You should see my gardens at home. I call it ‘Central Park.’”

He laughed. “I think I’ve seen your park in movies before. It is very nice, but I think you’ll agree that my gardens are a bit nicer.”

Before I knew it, the day escaped from me and we were finishing our meal at this cozy little restaurant down the block from Hotel Regina called Lucilles. I was eating something called steak tartare, which looked frightening but was actually quite delicious. Sebastian ordered duck confit. I drank too much red wine and as a result, I found myself laughing at everything and nothing.

Sebastian observed me over his wine glass. “You are positively radiant, Emily.”

“Merci beaucoup, Sebastian.”

We were silent during the walk back to my hotel.