On the third day, in the darkness before dawn, the ship docked in Marseilles harbour. The sun was already high in the sky when Beatrice and Hugo joined the Conte on deck.

Buongiorno, my young friends. I trust you have slept well. The Conte greeted them energetically.

I have already spoken to my local contact, who informs me that the coach will be ready to leave at dawn tomorrow. The Conte continued.

I have an appointment with my bankers now. We will meet here at five this afternoon. The luggage will be safe on the ship, but it would be a great help, Sior Dieter if you would find suitable accommodation for tonight. The Conte concluded.

Hugo nodded in understanding.

You may count on us, Sior Conte.

The Conte bowed, smiled, walked briskly onto shore and was gone.

The air was crisp as Hugo and Beatrice stepped onto shore, but the sun shone brightly. Beatrice beamed at the thought of spending the day exploring this ancient city in Hugos company. It seemed perfectly natural for her to slip her arm through his, as they strolled along chatting, and for him to adjust his arm for her comfort.

I was told by one of the sailor, that the local dish here is a delicious fish stew, called Bouillabaisse. Hugo told Beatrice as they walked along.

Well lets try some! Beatrice suggested enthusiastically, laying her other hand also on Hugos arm, and squeezing it affectionately.

Lookhere is a tavern, and I am very hungry. She giggled.

As they entered they were greeted by the cosy heat of the open fire, delicious fishy smells emanating from the Kitchen, and a tall, buxom woman with raven hair, smoking a pipe.

Bonjour Madame, Monsieur. I am Madame Fanny. What can I do for you?

Bonjour Madame Fanny, do you serve a dish called Bouillabaisse? Hugo asked hopefully.

Mais bien sur Monsieur, I made some fresh this morning. Please come and sit down, make yourselves comfortable, and I will fetch some food for you, and something to drink? Maybe some of our local wine?

Some warm Rum, please Madame, for both of us. Hugo added, looking warmly at Beatrice.

Madame Fanny raised a critical eyebrow to herself and disappeared into the kitchen, reappearing a short while later with food and warm Rum.

Hugo took the opportunity to ask Madame Fanny if she could recommend a good Inn that could accommodate them for the night.

Mais bien sur, Monsieur. She replied

The best place is Le Logis du Panier, just a bit further down to the right.

So is this your Tavern, Madame Fanny? Beatrice asked as she finished her food, and gently wiped her mouth.

Ahh Non, Madame. It belongs to my father in law, Monsieur Cesar. The old balding one in the corner, playing cards with his cronies, as per usual. Madame Fanny indicated the card players with a nod of her chin.

My Son, Cesarion, is supposed to be running this tavern, but he is away who-knows-where, doing who-knows-what. Madame Fanny took a puff of her pipe and cleared away the empty bowls. She returned with two slices of apricot tart, which she set down in front of Hugo and Beatrice.

I usually run the fish stall outside, as did my mother, Honorine in her day, may the Saints keep her soul. Continued Madame Fanny, lifting her eyes to heaven, and taking a puff of her pipe.

I let her down so badly.

And your husband, Madame? Beatrice enquired

Away at sea. Madame Fanny replied bluntly.

That must be very lonely for you, Madame.

Ah que voulez vous Madame, when a man has the Sickness of the Sea Madame Fanny puffed wistfully at her pipe.

How did you let your mother down? Hugo prompted Madame Fanny.

The usual way a daughter lets her mother down, Monsieur.

You married badly? Against her wishes?

It was more a case of putting the cart before the horse, if you follow my meaning, Monsieur. Madame Fanny explained meaningfully.

Beatrice nodded with understanding.

Hugo looked perplexed.

I was unmarried. I was in love. I sinned. Madame Fanny clarified, thinking how innocent Hugo was.

But did your Fianc not marry you? Beatrice asked

Ohh he wanted to, but I could see that this caused him torment, and that his true mistress, the sea was calling him.

So what happened? Hugo and Beatrice asked in unison

I decided not to tell him that our Sin had born fruit. I pretended that I did not love him, and sent him away. He chose to believe me, and sailed the very same night.

Oh Madame, how dreadful! What did you do then? Beatrice asked.

I married Monsieur Panisse.

Monsieur who? Beatrice and Hugo asked.

A friend of Monsieur Cesar, over there. Again she indicated the card players in the corner.

I was honest with him about my Sin, but he married me anyway, God keep his soul She continued.

Is he also dead? Hugo asked, slightly concerned about the mounting body count.

Yes, sadly my dear Panisse died some years ago. Such a good man Madame Fanny dabbed her eyes with the corner of her apron.

What happened to the one who went to sea? Beatrice asked Did he ever return?

Yes. Three years later. He came to find me. To tell me that he had realised how much he loved me. He begged me to come away with him. But I had married Panisse by then, and could not betray him. He had been good to me, and was as a father to Cesarion. So again I refused Marius, and again he sailed away that same night.

That is a tragic and romantic tale, Madame. Beatrice exclaimed, stealing a wistful glance at Hugo.

But if Monsieur Cesar is your Father in law, and if the sailor is his son, you must have married him eventually. Hugo stated.

That is correct, Monsieur. Monsieur Panisse died, may the angels keep his soul, Marius returned, and finally we were free to marry. Madame Fanny Concluded taking a puff of her pipe.

So your story has a happy ending. Beatrice smiled hopefully, stealing another glance at Hugos profile.

WellA Happy Ending is a matter of opinion. Cesar is still playing cards, Cesarion is still who-knows-where, Marius is still away at sea, and I am still doing all the work. Madame Fanny chuckled cynically, as she cleared the plates from the table.

(Dedicated to Marcel Pagnol)