Chapter 17

Ritz Hotel

"Hello! Hello! Ritz Hotel. Don't leave Miss Ivancich, I'll pass you suite number 52.*" 

"Hello Daughter. I missed you. I hope you can come to breakfast with us. I'll be waiting here at the bar at one, okay?" 

At one I arrived at Vendôme, intimidated in front of the great door of the Ritz. And intimidated I had stepped on the soft carpets, passing by very elegant people.

As soon as I entered the bar the shyness disappeared because Papa came immediately to meet me. "How many years, indeed centuries, that I haven't seen you. Damn if I missed you. Listen, Daughter: an old friend of mine is coming soon and I want to surprise him. So please, whatever happens, pretend you don't know me. Then you will understand why. A glass of champagne? I recommend it. Do you know George? Besides knowing everything about drinks, George knows almost everything about horses. George, this one is Adriana Ivancich of Venice."

"Enchante**, Mademoiselle" smiled the barman, placing a crystal glass in front of me. 

"What do you think will happen tomorrow at Auteuil?" Papa asked George. 

"Maybe Bataclan," replied the barman. "But I'm not too sure. There seems to be a new pony that's going to give it a hard time."

* this sentence was spoken in French; "Ne quittez pas mademoiselle Ivancich, je vous passe suite number 52."

** A greeting used when introduced to someone for the first time, especially by a man when introduced to a woman.