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“Nice and warm in the house, but bitter cold outside, Merde! Now I have to write a second one. Setting it at Christmas. Pond freezing over- love to go out and skate but typing away by the fire. Actually really nice.”
As people arrived food was taken to the familiar kitchen and too many casseroles and pies were stuffed into the oven. Bowls overflowing with candied ginger and chocolate-covered cherries and sugar-encrusted fruit sat on the sideboard beside puddings and cakes and cookies. Little Rose Lévesque stared up at the bûche de Noël, the traditional Christmas log, made of rich cake and coated with the thickest of icing, her tiny, chubby fingers curling over the tablecloth embroidered with Santa Claus and reindeer and Christmas trees. In the living room Ruth and Peter made drinks, Ruth pouring her Scotch into what Peter knew to be a vase.
The lights on the tree glowed and the Vachon children sat beside it reading the tags on the mountain of brightly wrapped presents, looking for theirs. The fire was lit, as were a few of the guests. In the dining room the gate-legged table was open full and groaning with casseroles and tortières, homemade molasses-baked beans and maple-cured ham. A turkey sat at the head of the table like a Victorian gentleman. The center of the table was saved every year for one of Myrna’s rich and vibrant flower arrangements. This year splays of Scotch pine surrounded a magnificent red amaryllis. Nestled into the pine forest was a music box softly
playing the Huron Christmas Carol and resting on a bed of mandarin oranges, cranberries and chocolates.
Olivier carried the whole poached salmon to the table. A punchwas made for the children, who, unsupervised, stuffed themselves with candy. Thus did Émilie Longpré hold her réveillon, the party that spanned Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, an old Québecois tradition, just as her mother and grandmère had done in this very same home on this very same night. Spotting Em turning in circles Clara wound her arm round the tiny waist.
133 replies on “Postcards from Three Pines: A Fatal Grace”
I’m really looking forward to those postcards – but honestly Louise, I wouldn’t advise skating on that pond. Better stick to the books!
Once again, many thanks
Lois
I want to move to Canada even if there is not a Three Pines!
Your photo is gorgeous and makes me think it won’t be long before the snow
Starts to fall here. Looking forward to reading the Kingdom of the Blind.
Take care.
I have always thought that your words are like paintings on the pages, each one more exquisite than the last! I absolutely love all your books about Three Pines!
Thank you for Three Pines and all of its citizens! I came for a visit last fall and could not find it! Looked all over for it, but then I realized it was in my heart all along!
What gifts you share with us.
I sit quietly in fron of the fireplace in The Bistro at Three Pines and read your books.
They don’t even know I am there.
When I grow up, I want to be like Gamache. At age 68, I better get started! I look forward to each new adventure, and will soon indulge myself with a re-read of *all* his travels.
So beautiful, thanks.
Lovely. Even though it is hot and sultry here, I can imagine being a part of the celebration.
You are such a wonderful storyteller, as a reader I am transported into the cold weather, the delicious smells, and the characters who feel like real people. I am there
Can’t wait for the new book.
The people of Three Pines have become my very special friends. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all cared about each other the way they do. So anxious to see what happens next.
I am 3/4 of the way through my reread of Fatal Grace and I had to pull a blanket over as the descriptions made me so cold! I am loving looking back but knowing some portents of stories to come. I will be ready in November for the next book!
Love the postcards. Reminds me to reread the series from start to finish. My favorite books bar none. Thank you Louise for many happy hours.
Just finished it for the second time. Winderful descriptions if settings and characters. Always hate to leave Three Pines.
Three pines may be fictional here on earth, but is the place I hope to find in Heaven – your books take me there for a little while.
Well, I haven’t had breakfast yet, now I am starving. I appreciate your descriptive passages, they help to paint the whole story.
After last weeks postcard, I re-listened to Still Life, now maybe I have to re-listen to this one! It’s so hard waiting for the next book!
This is a lovely way to revisit a book that I read several years ago. It only take a short vignette to transport me back. Such a gift. Thank you!
Feels like going home with the warmth of Christmas and all it entails.
I just finished this one. Couldn’t put it down. The ladies had me guessing right to the end. Thank you.