The Wives Of Edward Denbre, Robert F. Clifton [recommended reading .TXT] 📗

that it was impossible to see everything in one day.

For the rest of the morning he looked at the antiquities of ancient Egypt. As he stood looking at artifacts he wondered where and how did the artisans of that time get so much gold.

Moving on he stood with others gazing upon the cloth wrapped mummies. There was even a mummified cat wrapped from head to tail in whatever material they used back then.”

Satisfied that he had seen enough Denbre left the Louver and took a taxi back to the hotel. There, he returned the hotel restaurant and had a late lunch. Back in his room he used the telephone and called Henrietta. There was no answer. Then, at six thirty that evening was a knock on the door to his suite. He went to the door and opened it. Henrietta looked at him and said, “Are you ready?”

“Not quite. I called you earlier to ask you if there was a dress code, but you weren't in your room.”

“There is a dress code, but that's for those who insist in wearing shorts, or go barefoot with sandals. You look fine. Perhaps a sport coat.”

The couple took a cab to 35 Rue de Abbesses. Because there was a chill in the evening air they took a table inside the Le Sancerre instead of one on the sidewalk. Henrietta read the menu and translated it for Edward.

Arriving at the Cercle Montmartre at eight o'clock Henrietta showed her membership card and introduced Edward as her guest. He was then escorted to the baccarat tables. “When you done playing you will find me playing roulette”, she said as she walked away.

For the next two hours Denbre won a little and lost a lot.

He bet both with the house and against the house, but most times he lost. After losing ten thousand dollars he decided to quit. He tipped the dealer, got up from his chair and headed for the roulette tables. When he got there he saw Henrietta placing hundred dollar chips, betting on the color black.

“Looks as though you are winning,” he said.

“Yes, a little. I think I'm up a thousand francs, how did you make out?”

“I lost.”

“Oh well, the main question is did you enjoy yourself?”

“Yes actually, up until the time I went broke.”

“There's always the next time.”

“That's the way I see it.”

“What time is it?”

Edward looked at his Rolex. “Ten forty five.”

“Well, I've had enough. Are you ready to leave?”

“Yes.”

“Then I'll cash in my chips.”

Early the next morning Denbre answered the ringing telephone in his suite. “Hello.”

“Edward, if you don't have any plans for the day I'm ready to show you the real Paris. At the same time I want you to meet friends of mine, Emil and Shirley Beauvals. I think you will find them interesting. At the same time there might be the possibility of a business transaction for you. Emil is always looking for investments in the United States. I hope you don't mind, but I accepted a lunch invitation at their apartments.”

“Of course I don't mind, but I hope this isn't a white tie and tails get together.”

“No, silly, but I would suggest wearing a tie.”

“What time?”

“ Oh, about eleven, eleven thirty. I have a reputation of being prompt.”

“I'll be ready.”

“Good, now I need to bathe and dress. I'll meet you in the lobby.”

Denbre heard the disconnect and placed the receiver on the cradle.

Forty minutes later Edward sat in a chair in the hotel lobby reading a newspaper. He was interrupted when he heard,

“Have you been waiting long?

He looked up and saw Henrietta standing in front of him.

“No, not really.”

“Good, then I suggest we go.”

After walking through the revolving doors Henrietta asked the doorman to hail a cab, which he did. Once inside the taxi she told the driver to go to Seventeen Avenue Foch. She then turned her attention to Denbre and said, “Shirley is my best friend. We were roommates at the Burnside School in Maryland.”

“I never heard of it, is it a college?”

“No, a private boarding school for girls.”

“I see.”

“Shirley wanted to be a fashion designer, but because of her natural beauty became a fashion model instead. She came to Paris to work, met Emile and married him.”

“What does he do?”, asked Edward.

“He manufactures and sells concrete. There is a story, no one knows if it is true or not, that the concrete contained in the cement in the fortifications at Normandy came from his fathers factory.”

“What do you think?”

“I doubt it. Another story is that his father saw the threat of Germany and war and transferred most of his money to banks in Switzerland. Since Emile is filthy rich I tend to believe that particular story.”

When the cab stopped in front of the apartment building, the couple got out and while Henrietta waited, Denbre paid the driver. Next, he followed her through the entrance and up a flight of stairs to the second floor. Henrietta rang the doorbell and waited. The door was opened by the maid who said, “Bienvendue, M. et Mmme Beauvals sont dans la salle de se'jour.

( Welcome. Mr. and Mrs. Beauvals are in the living room.)

“Merci”, said Henrietta.

After the two women hugged and kissed Denbre was introduced to Emil Beauvals and his wife. “So Mr. Denbre, I understand that this is your first time in Paris. How do you find it?,” Emil said in English.

“From what I've seen so far it is a beautiful city.”

“Have you seen it at night?”, asked Shirley.

“Only the lights of the casino”, answered Denbre.

“Ah, so you are a gambler?,” asked Emil.

“I'm more of a loser.”

“But I'm sure you enjoy playing.

“Yes I do.”

“Now, Henrietta tells me that you have an investment firm.”

“That's correct.”

“Out of curiosity, what are the most interesting financial opportunities in America at the present time?”

Denbre had to think fast. His answer had to be a company with a product unknown and not on the stock market. “Actually, I'm looking at a new cereal company that plans to produce breakfast cereal in the form of the animals from Doctor Doolittle or Doctor Seuss. Before I left the States my information was that the company was leaning towards Doctor Seuss,” he lied.

“A childrens cereal I take it.”

“Correct.”

“When will it be ready?”

“Right now no one knows. Production is not the problem. The problem is shelf space in the major food markets. Shelf space, particularly for childrens cereals is expensive. The manufacturers see the price asked as cutting into their profits. Nonetheless I've seen this before. There will be an agreement reached. The question is how soon.”

“Interesting. Then they will be offering stock.”

“I'm sure. However, there is also the possibility that if an agreement can't be made that the manufacturer might sell the recipe and rights to any of the other companies in business. If I were you I'd wait. That's what I intend to do.”

“You will let me know when it is time to buy the shares I hope.”

“Certainly. Before I leave make sure I have all of your information, including your Fax number.”

The maid entered the room and said, “ Le de'jeuner est pre't.” (Lunch is ready) Denbre followed the two women to the dining room, Emil followed behind. Once they were seated, Edward said to Shirley,“You have a lovely home. I'm amazed at the size of it.”

“Thank you. It belonged to Emil's family and from what I have been able to learn was used often to host business associates. Beside what you see, there are five bedrooms and four baths. Margaret has her own rooms.”

“I assume that Margaret is the maid.”

“Yes.”

“Well, as I said, the place is lovely.”

“And what about you Mr. Denbre. Do you live in apartments or a private house?,” asked Shirley.

“I reside in an ocean front condominium.”

“And I take it then that you are comfortable there,” Shirley continued.

“I have to be. I own the building.”

“Enough about that. Let's eat”, said Emil.

Escargots Bourguignon was served first. Next came the entree of Truite Aux Amandes which was pan seared trout with a lemon butter and almond sauce, fingerling potatoes and spinach.

Edward passed on the white wine and drank water.

While the two women caught up on the latest news about common friends Emil suggested that the two men retire to the living room. Edward took a seat and listened to the boring voice of Emil as he explained the process of manufacturing concrete.

As the two women talked Denbre although nodding at Emil listened carefully to the conversation going on in the next room.

“So my dear, how are you making out now that you are alone?,” asked Shirley.

“Fine now. I was lonely at first, then I came to terms with the fact that Norman was gone. I got on with my life.”

“Still, I hope he left you well off?”

“Yes. As a matter of fact he left me one and a half million dollars after I sold the bank of course.”

“Very smart of you to unload the burden of operating the bank dear.”

“I think so. Besides, I know nothing about operating a business.”

Armed with that information Edward Denbre decided to attempt to court Henrietta Thornton.

They said their goodby's in Paris. Edward went on to Monaco where he played in the Monte-Carlo. Henrietta flew to London, visited with friends and then traveled back to Baltimore. Three weeks later Denbre sat in his Atlantic City Office and listened to his accountant advise him that after losing two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in the Paris and Monaco casino's he was on the verge of running out of money. He hung up the telephone and sat deep in thought searching mentally for a way to increase his funds. He thought of Henrietta.

It was now late Spring that time of the year when the ladies of local society planned their fund raisers. One was UNESCO. Edward remembered that Henrietta had mentioned that she supported the organization. He assumed she meant financially by making donations. He reached for the telephone, dialed her number and waited for her to answer. “Hello,” she said.

“Hello, and how are you this fine day?”

“Edward, what a nice surprise. I'm fine. How about you?”

“Still suffering from jet lag, but to tell you the truth I might have been born with it.”

“Did you call just to say hello or is this a business call?”

“Business? I don't think so. I'm calling because I intend to attend a lavish garden party being held to raise funds for UNESCO. Knowing that you have interest in the education of children I was wondering if you would like to attend the event with me?”

“When is it?”

“Saturday, May the seventeenth.”

“ Would you please hold while I check my appointment book?”

“Certainly.”

Three minutes later Henrietta came back on line. “I am free on that date. Yes, I'm looking forward to the event and seeing you again.”

“Would you like me to drive down to get you?”

“No, I'll drive my own car. I have business in New York right after that date so I'll leave Atlantic City after the event then go on to New York, but thank you for asking. You could make arrangements for me at one of the hotel casino's however.”

“I could, but I was hoping that you would stay with me.”

“Really? I have to think about that.”

“Come now. We're both adults. By now you should know that I'm not some perverted rapist. There is a perfectly fine guest room that you will have all to yourself. Please say yes.”

“Alright, yes.”

“Then can I expect you on Friday?”

“Yes I should be there by two in the afternoon.”

“Do you know the way?”

“Yes. If not I'll call you.”

“Excellent, see you then.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

Number Three

 

Henrietta Thornton stood looking out at the ocean through the glass pane door in Edwards condominium. “My, you have such a lovely view from here,” she said.

“Yes, but when the northeast storms hit the wind whistles and the rain pelts the glass. At times one would think that the entire building is going to be blown away.”

“You have a very attractive home Edward.”

“Thank you. I hope you found the guest room to your liking.”

“I