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Date Posted: 16:46:00 02/03/08 Sun
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: port137.dialup.bfree.on.ca / 66.207.116.137
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 138
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods" on 00:49:40 01/29/08 Tue

Chapter 138

The guests began gathering in the Trudeau ballroom around seven o’clock and Chuck was one of the first to arrive. The room was the best and largest the hotel had to offer and Chuck realized that they’d need every square foot.

‘Four hundred guests!’ he thought. ‘And society reporters and their escorts. Now if only the bimbos Michel used to date can behave themselves! Oh well, if not, their ‘bouncers’ know what to do.’

Davenport, he noted, had all the exits covered and had also strategically placed men throughout the building. The management of the hotel was also involved with the night’s security.

The party co-ordinator appeared briefly, speaking to Chuck and assuring him that all the arrangements they’d discussed would be carried out flawlessly by their staff. The parties held here were always done with the best of taste, so Chuck was not unduly worried.

There were many round tables set up throughout the room, set up charmingly with small centerpieces of orchids and pink roses. Each small circlet of delicate blooms surrounded delicately fashioned crystal candlestick holders that contained pale pink candles; while the head table was set up on a smaller scale, and clearly just for two. The hotel’s best china, crystal and silver were in evidence as well. Uniformed waiters were scurrying, finishing up on the preparations and wonderful aromas could be detected in the air. The party co-ordinator had also set up a white orchid and pink rose covered arbour where the happy couple would renew their vows with Father Philippe.

While Chuck reviewed all of this, the reporters present didn’t seem to have the common sense to leave him alone. Finally deciding that he’d had enough, Chuck resigned himself to the fact that sooner or later he’d have to talk to the insistent throng that couldn’t seem to leave him alone.

With a sigh, Chuck gathered the journalistic horde together at the far end of the ballroom. At first, most of the reporters present were well mannered and well behaved and Chuck breathed a sigh of relief taking the opportunity to politely answer their questions, both in regard to Samtech’s newest acquisitions, but also in regard to the new Madame Samuelle.

“I honestly do not know that much about the lady.” Chuck admitted sincerely to the assemblage of journalists. “I’ve only met her once… and talked to her one other time on the phone.”

“Oh come on Monsieur Johnson, surely you can tell us all about Michel Samuelle’s new bride. My editor…”

“And you are?” Chuck inquired, pausing in his response in order to place this annoying woman reporter who didn’t appear to be listening.

“Gabrielle Langlois… with the Gazette” Gabrielle said proudly.

‘I know that name…’ Chuck thought, as he searched his memory for where. ‘Mon Dieu!’ he thought as the realization struck him. ‘Gabrielle Langlois! She’s the reporter who called the office right after Michel returned demanding to know everything about Nikita! Well Mademoiselle… your pushy manner has just shut this ‘press conference’ down!’

“Ladies and gentlemen… as I said, I don’t know that much about the lady. Now, I’m sorry, but that concludes our interview. I have other duties tonight that I have to attend to as I’m sure you’ll understand. If you’ll excuse me please…” Chuck said, deciding that was the only way to shut her down.

“Oh come on Monsieur Johnson! You’re not just going to walk away from us, are you? Our readers will want to know about this lady.” Gabrielle prodded insistently.

“Mademoiselle Langlois… is it?” Chuck asked politely.

Thinking she had an inside tract now with Samuelle’s closest friend, Gabrielle nodded happily.

“You’re a very insistent woman, aren’t you?” Chuck asked softly.

“Oui… I am.” Gabrielle replied proudly. “So… tell me…”

Deciding that he’d had enough of her antics, he made his mind up to be blunt. The woman had been haranguing him long enough and needed to be put in her place.

“Mademoiselle Langlois.” Chuck said with a sigh, cutting off her next demand for more information on Nikita. “I’m a stubborn person too. I know you don’t believe me but, I’ll repeat what I said earlier. I’ve just met Madame Samuelle, and I’m as much in the dark about her personality as you are. All I do know about her is that she’s very shy.”

“But….” Gabrielle pushed further.

Robert stood stoically to the left of Gabrielle during this exchange and rolled his eyes at his date’s absolute lack of tact and intelligence. He’d dealt with Monsieur Johnson on various occasions in the past, and he knew that tone of voice quite well. So did the other reporters, who quietly dispersed into the crowd and left the three of them standing alone.

‘He’s upset.’ Robert thought shrewdly. ‘She’s not going to get another thing out of him. I could have warned her, but I knew she wouldn’t listen. She goes beyond stubborn… Mon Dieu I hope he doesn’t tell her off.’

“You must know something..” Gabrielle began again.

“Yes. I know she’s a lady, unlike someone else I could mention.” Chuck replied snidely; while looking directly into Gabrielle’s eyes.

Robert couldn’t help it. In spite of how he felt about Gabrielle, he snickered. Seconds later, his date’s face blossomed with a fiery red.

“How dare you!” she retorted angrily, glaring at Chuck and him equally.

Robert glanced away guiltily, but continued to listen avidly.

“You’d be surprised what I’d dare, Mademoiselle.” Chuck replied firmly, as he glared back unrepentantly.

“But…” Gabrielle stuttered.

“No buts Mademoiselle. Please keep in mind that tonight is a celebration for the Samuelle’s and that you have been invited out of courtesy as a member of the press. There will be no interviews tonight. If and when that occurs… and I repeat *if*… that will be up to Monsieur Samuelle.”

“But… surely you can tell me….” Gabrielle began again, undeterred by Chuck’s firm pronouncement.

“No. I have nothing else to say to you. The Samuelle’s deserve their privacy like anyone else. Madame Samuelle is very shy and she doesn’t know anyone here besides her husband and me. Please have the decency to show her that Montréal’s citizens have some class.” Chuck retorted, annoyed beyond all patience.

“Oh come on now Monsieur Johnson. My editor…” Gabrielle continued, undeterred.

Chuck’s temper flared and he cut her off ruthlessly.

“No. This is a wedding reception, Mademoiselle.” Chuck shot back. “A word to the wise. I know your editor and I don’t think he’d care for your behaviour right now. I assure you, if you or anyone else gets out of line tonight, security will show you to the door.”

With that, Chuck spun on his heel and left a sputtering Gabrielle glaring after him. He had other things to oversee and tonight he had his hands full on a personal level as well. Tomorrow was his birthday and his sister Marie had arrived in Montreal to surprise him. When she had found out about the party and his lack of an escort, she had invited herself along. Chuck didn’t really mind because now he could introduce her to Nikita. He had no doubt the two women would hit it off at once.

“How dare he!” Gabrirelle repeated furiously, sputtering in a rage as she stared incredulously at Chuck’s retreating form. “I’ve never been..”

Robert smiled ruefully. Inwardly he had to admit that Gabrielle had deserved everything Monsieur Johnson had said.

“Gabrielle…shhhh… the man’s right.” Robert whispered consolingly in her ear from his vantage point on her right. Grabbing a glass of white wine from a passing waiter, he handed it to his date and continued what he had begun saying. “This is a reception… a party. Here, drink this wine and calm down.”

“Calm down?” Gabrielle spat out in disgust as she took the glass and angrily tossed the contents down her throat without really tasting it. ““I don’t want to calm down. How dare he speak to me that way!”

“He dares because he’s Samuelle’s best friend and we’re nothing but lowly reporters. You’re not going to get your ‘scoop’ tonight Gabrielle, so just deal with it.” Robert said logically

“Deal with it? Robert!” Gabrielle said insistently. “The man insulted me!”

“Maybe so, but you deserved it.” Robert replied.

“How dare you!” Gabrielle exclaimed. “Why would you say that?”

“The man was right Gabrielle and you wouldn’t stop pressing him for details. This is a wedding reception, and if the lady’s as shy as he says, then this is not the time or place to press for information.” Robert replied. “Get your story another time.”

“I don’t want to wait for another time! Don’t you understand? There might not *be* another time Robert! I have to beat the competition and get a scoop! That’s why I was pressing him for information!” Gabrielle fumed.

“I understand that…” Robert began consolingly.

“No, I don’t think you do understand! Finally I have a chance to show Louis that I’m a good reporter and that man won’t give me a thing. You’re not helping either!” Gabrielle seethed.

“And you’re not helping the Gazette’s cause in getting a story in the future by aggravating him with your childish behaviour. He’ll only tell Monsieur Samuelle that you’ve been annoying him and then no one at the paper will be able to interview his new wife.” Robert explained calmly.

‘Monsieur Samuelle might even call Louis,’ Robert thought, ‘and if he hears about her behaviour tonight he’ll reprimand her again. Or fire her!’

“My behaviour! I’m not being childish, I’m just trying to get a story!” Gabrielle maintained in a huff. “Louis doesn’t think I’m a good reporter and I have to prove him wrong!”

“You don’t need a story Gabrielle, you want one. We ,both know there’s a world of difference between the two. You’re not going to get a story tonight, sorry.” Robert said with a shrug of his shoulders. “The man’s right. Your timing is inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate!” Gabrielle wailed. “Robert, how can you say that? I need to get a story!”

“No. What you need to do is deal with this situation gracefully.” Robert said firmly as he shifted the camera he’d brought from work to his other hand so that he could drink his wine.

“Deal with it? How can you say that? I thought you were on my side.” Gabrielle objected.

“I am.” Robert said simply. “However, a good reporter has other options.”

“Other options?” a puzzled Gabrielle echoed as she glared at her date. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Gabrielle, can’t you understand?” Robert said impatiently; while restraining her from snatching another glass of wine from a passing waiter. “This is a wedding reception, and unfortunately you’re not going to get that scoop tonight.”

“But..” Gabrielle sputtered.

“For goodness sake Gabrielle! Think it over! Samuelle’s an important man and if you upset his wife or do anything to ruin this party, Louis will hear about it. Believe me, you don’t want that to happen.”

“But… “ a stubborn Gabrielle began again to object…”you don’t understand…”

“No, I don’t think you understand.” Robert replied firmly. “Leave well enough alone Gabrielle. “She’s Samuelle’s wife and you’re not going to get what you want tonight.” Robert said firmly.

“But…” Gabrielle began in objection once more, only to be firmly and swiftly cut off in her protest by her date.

“No. If you’re smart you won’t harass the lady tonight. You don’t need to. Write about something else….. anything else. All I know is that an exclusive is not in the cards, okay?” Robert argued in return.

“But….” Gabrielle sputtered again. “I want to know who this girl is. I want some dirt.”

“Dirt?” Robert replied incredulously. “I don’t believe what I’m hearing! How would you like to face an attitude like yours if you were to marry an Anglais and move to Toronto?”

“Oh please. As if that would happen Robert.” Gabrielle said scornfully. “Can’t you see what’s going on here? Obviously the girl’s married him for his money.”

“Oh.. I see… and if she’d been Quebecois we wouldn’t be having this conversation, is that it?” Robert retorted sarcastically.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Gabrielle shot back furiously.

“Gabrielle, you’re assuming.” Robert said bluntly.

“Am I?” Gabrielle sneered.

“Oui, I think you are.” Robert replied in a resigned tone of voice. “I didn’t think you were like that.”

“Like what? Proud to be French?” Gabrielle replied haughtily.

“No… I’m proud to be French too.” Robert replied with a sigh. “What I’m saying is that you’re being mean spirited. Monsieur Samuelle’s a handsome, personable man. Are you saying she couldn’t possibly love him because she’s English?”

“Well, it only stands to reason….” Gabrielle began.

“You know..” Robert said, cutting off her attempts to convince him, “Louis was right about you.”

“What?” an outraged Gabrielle replied, as she made an attempt to snatch another glass of Chardonnay from a passing waiter, only to be thwarted once again by Robert.

“Gabrielle!” Robert said sharply. “You don’t know anything about Madame Samuelle! You’re assuming you know her heart and her motives without ever talking to her! That’s totally unfair and unprofessional.”

“No… it’s logical. Those Anglais are always out to get us..” Gabrielle began again.

“Now there’s a unfair and unreasonable assumption if I’ve ever heard one.” Robert replied, shaking his head in disgust. “You’re exaggerating! Grow up, will you Gabrielle? It’s highly unlikely that anyone in Ontario even knows who Michel Samuelle is.”

“I doubt that.” Gabrielle said with a sneer. “I’ll bet she targeted him the minute she met him.”

“And you know this how?” Robert replied in a disgusted voice. “Were you there when they met? Do you even know the circumstances under which their first meeting took place?”

Gabrielle sighed and shook her head. “You’re being just as naïve as ever.” She said with a sneer. “Why couldn’t I be right?”

“I don’t know… why couldn’t you be wrong?” Robert asked flatly.

“I’m not.” Gabrielle replied smoothly.

“We’ll see.” Robert responded.

“Oh please..” Gabrielle replied.

“Gabrielle, all you wanted before was confirmation that there *was* a new Madame Samuelle.” Robert reminded her. “Remember? Why are you being like this?”

“Like what?” Gabrielle grumbled.

“You sound spiteful and jealous and right now I see little difference between you and those bitchy society types over there.” Robert said with a sneer. “It’s going to be hard enough for Madame Samuelle tonight without you adding your attitude to the ones she’s sure to encounter from them.”

“What’s going to be hard for her?” Gabrielle said sneering back. “She’s just married the wealthiest man in Quebec. No… one of the wealthiest men in all of Canada!”

“Have a little compassion, will you?” Robert demanded softly. “The lady’s left behind everything and everyone she knows in Toronto. Look at this crowd Gabrielle… really look. There has to be over four hundred people here. People she doesn’t know. Most of them are not going to welcome her just because she’s English and can’t speak French. She has to be terrified!”

“Fine… so she doesn’t know anyone here but him. So what?” Gabrielle snapped.

“How comfortable would you be walking into a room full of strangers who you knew were going to judge you based on who they think you are, rather than bothering to actually find out who you really are?” Robert inquired.

“Is that what you think I’m doing?” Gabrielle snapped.

“Oui, that’s precisely what I think you’re doing. As far as I can tell, you’ve tried and convicted the lady already, and she’s not even here yet!” Robert said shaking his head in disgust at her manner.

“So?” Gabrielle spat out. “I’m right! I know I am. The Anglais in this country have dominated and used us for years. Why wouldn’t she be just like them… out to use us… and him?”

“I know our history as well as you do Gabrielle.” Robert said with a tired sigh. “You’re referring to things that have nothing to do with this lady. What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing’s wrong with me!” Gabrielle shot back. “Not a thing!”

“Oui, there is.” Robert sighed tiredly. “It’s like you’ve decided to hate her just because who she is. That’s unreasonable… she can’t help any of that. It happened a long time ago. Why are you insisting on dragging that up…here and now?”

Gabrielle stubbornly refused to answer,

“On top of that,” Robert continued. “this is the lady’s wedding reception. Why are you determined to spoil it for her?”

“I’m not.” Gabrielle said stubbornly, as she glared at her date. She was not impressed with the way Robert was speaking to her.

“I think you are. This isn’t about the Anglais, is it? It’s not even about Monsieur Samuelle. You’re still mad at Monsieur Johnson. All you’re worried about is whether or not you get an exclusive, and impress Louis.” Robert retorted insightfully. “Grow up, will you? You don’t have to pry information out of Monsieur Johnson or anyone else to get a story.”

Gabrielle snorted and looked at her date disdainfully. “So what do I do about a story then?”

“Look. Louis will be happy with any story you can come up with as long as it’s accurate.” Robert continued. “Besides, I think you’re missing the bigger picture.”

“What bigger picture?” Gabrielle demanded.

“Look around you mon amie.” Robert directed. “What do you see?”

“Society types.” Gabrielle replied. “So what? They’re all high society types. Why wouldn’t they be here?”

“And I thought you wrote the society page.” Robert chuckled. “Look again. I don’t know about you, but I’ve counted at least six of Samuelle’s old girlfriends here so far tonight.”

“So?” Gabrielle demanded. “How does that help me?”

“Oh come on now. I’m a guy and I understand this… why are you missing it?” Robert said with a smirk

“And what am I missing?” Gabrielle asked in a petulant voice.

“Gabrielle, you’re so wrapped up in what you want that you’re loosing your focus.” Robert said gently.

“I am?” Gabrielle replied with a slight sneer. “Suppose you explain it to me then?”

“Gabrielle… think about it. Do you honestly think this evening is going to pass without at least one of these spoiled society brats making some sort of scene?” Robert inquired. “Samuelle’s a very wealthy man, and I can’t imagine all of them taking his marriage meekly.”

“Robert.. you’re a genius. I’ll just interview them…” Gabrielle began as her face lit up in anticipation.

Robert, however was quick. He grabbed her arm, swiftly halting her progress towards the society types seated at the far end of the ballroom.

“You’re not going to do anything of the sort.” He hissed after grabbing her arm. “You’ll only stir them up and if Louis finds out you did that, you’ll be in so much trouble he might fire you.”

“So, what do you expect me to do then Robert?” Gabrielle whined. “I want a story and Louis wants me to get one.”

“Are you sure that’s how it is?” Robert queried. “Are you sure this isn’t your pride talking here? You were very upset with Louis when he trashed your story before, weren’t you?

“Of course I was! I worked hard on that and he called it garbage.” Gabrielle seethed.

“I was there Gabrielle, remember?” Robert said softly. “The man had a lot of valid points, and you know it. You’re mad because he didn’t print what you wrote.”

“Of course I was mad! The man doesn’t think I’m a reporter! I have to prove him wrong!” Gabrielle said stubbornly.

“Gabrielle, your pride is going to get you fired.” Robert said with a grimace. “What I would suggest you do is sit down over here with me, shut up and watch. Sooner or later one of those rich brats are going to provide you a story that no one can fault you for writing.”

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