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Show - 65 - and good looks were really something to see. To say he was entranced with Claudine wouldn't be exagerating and, I must add that he was arrogant. Perhaps we should not blame him. He came from a wealthy and aristocratic family whose bloodline could be traced back to the nobility of France. He could have married the best in Europe, but in his selfish way he was madly in love with Claudine. Also, I am afraid he took her for granted. He knew that the Gavens were overwhelmed by his wealth and background. They were determined that their daughter would marry Andre and because he had the idea that a girl's future husband should be chosen by her parents, he felt that there would be no obstacle in his way. "Andre certainly had not expected Dirk to interfere. To him, the young man was just a menial rogue and nothing to worry about, but that didn't stop him from being insanely jealous." Maddie picked up one of the shirts out of the laundry basket, placed it on the board and then proceeded to test the iron. I mustn't get distracted and burn one of your father's shirts," she said. "He is very particular how they look. Oh yes, where was I?" she went on. "There was a continual round of parties at Gaven House during Andre's stay. The house was constantly lit up. The cars were lined up in the driveway unloading young people in their party clothes. The baking and preparing of delicious French cuisine never seemed to end. I was constantly helping Mrs. Gaven and Claudine to dress and set their hair. We had two other girls working on the tables and the upstairs guest rooms while the cook never stopped preparing meals." "Where was Dirk while all this was going on?" asked Penny. Maddie's face clouded up. "Never once did the Gavens allow him in the house during the festivities. He would stand out in the garden staring into the house, while the music played, watching the young people coming and going. Often Claudine would sneak out and spend some time with him. |
