Then I became more precise.
“You sat at my daughter’s table and ate a meal she practised for weeks to honour you. You used a language you believed protected you to insult her in front of her.”
Neither of them moved.
“That is not the behaviour of people with cultural refinement,” I said. “In Lyon, we would call it the behaviour of people with money but no manners. That is one of the most common forms of poverty.”
Hélène attempted to interrupt.
“I am not finished,” I said pleasantly. “You have discussed my family for two hours. Now it is my turn, and I am giving you the courtesy of speaking in a language you understand.”
I told them what Claire had built.
She had created a successful career in a difficult industry without financial help. She had established herself in a city far from home and earned the respect of people who knew far more about the world than expensive watches and elegant dinners.
