Years ago, while writing French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley, I particularly enjoyed recounting interactions with Antoine, my four-year-old ward at the Château de Montclair. He was such a sweet, goofy kid and he often voiced his affections for me with exuberant enthusiasm. His antics made me smile more often than not and I remember him fondly to this day. Here is an excerpt from my memoir.
Madame Dubois handed me Jocelyn as soon as I arrived home from Tours.
“I’m going to fetch the children from school,” she said grabbing her keys. “There are dishes waiting for you in the sink.”
I watched her leave and then strolled into the kitchen, stopping sharply as soon as I glimpsed the basin piled high with mixing bowls, cooking pots, measuring cups and spoons.
“Oh Jocelyn, I wish your mother would learn to clean up a bit along the way,” I groaned. “But why should she?” I went on. “There are au pairs to do it for her.”
After strapping Jocelyn into her bouncy chair, I filled the sink with warm soapy water and worked my way through the stack of greasy dishes. Just as I rinsed the last bowl, Antoine burst through the kitchen door.
“I found a frog after school today.” His French words tumbled out, far too rapid for me to understand.
“Please repeat slowly.”
“I found . . . a frog . . . after . . . school today.”
“Too slow, Antoine. What did you find?”
He proceeded to jump around the kitchen with his mouth opened wide, repeating “ribbit, ribbit, ribbit,” until I stopped him.
“I understand. Where is this frog now?”
He gazed up at me misty-eyed before speaking. “Mama made me leave it at school.”
“I’m sorry.” Repressing a giggle, I got down on my knees and took him into my arms. I felt bad for Antoine, but the mental image of Madame’s scrunched-up face when he showed her the frog tickled my funny spot. She didn’t strike me as someone who would be keen on amphibians.
Grabbing Antoine by the shoulders I suggested, “Shall we go to your room and play?”
“Yes, please!” he replied, clapping his hands together with renewed enthusiasm.
If you would like to learn more about my experiences in France, you can purchase my eBook or paperback at Amazon by clicking on this link, French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley The audiobook is also available at Audible.com.
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