“Could have fooled me,” Ben remarked, tipping his glass in the direction of the partygoers. “From observation alone, I sensed quite a bit of bottom-kissing from these fawning sycophants – all for your benefit, of course.” He shrugged. “I never envy a host. It can be difficult wondering who is friend or foe, and most especially in these trying times.”
André spoke of the actual host – yet another man whose acquaintance he could make? – and perking up slightly, he added, “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the host as of yet. Instead, I’ve been making my rounds and harassing the locals – yourself included now, regrettably. If it eases your mind at all, you’re the very first who hasn’t made me want to pack my ears with sand.”
Deep down, Ben knew he should probably ease up on his snide barbs, but this persona of his had done well back when he was a student, and it presently served himself well since it gave him the pleasure of making digs at these preening, pompous ratbags.
André, however, truly wasn’t bad company – not at all – which only added insult to injury. Ben never allowed himself to view the enemy as human; that only made it all the harder to do what was necessary. And in war, the painful choices often were the most necessary.
“Does that mean you’ve been to Paris then?” Ben asked. “I, myself, have only been to our mother country, but perhaps someday I, too, can roam those streets and gain an appreciation for Parisian fashion.” He allowed a smirk to tip the corner of his mouth. “Or at least, appreciate it beyond seeing it worn so well on the fairer sex, of course.” The agreement about them being “off-key” was seen as a challenge. “Do you sing, sir? Perhaps if you lead the ‘musical charge,’ it won’t be nearly so tone-deaf.”
André properly introduced himself then and Ben extended a hand, attempting chumminess as they shook. “A pleasure, Major,” he greeted. “My name is John Bolton, a banker from Connecticut. I’m in town doing business.” He waved a hand. “But then, who here isn’t? I’m afraid that economics never rest.”
A small laugh escaped him regarding his exquisite commentary of the other party-goers. Truthfully, he wholeheartedly agreed with is assessment of those around them. “I do not envy the task of the host either. That being said, I do play host quite often - more often than I would like, but I digress.”
Finally there was at least someone else to give him a pleasant conversation. The others that had passed him by were just simply greeting as the standard. “I have been to Paris once a long time ago,” he subtly interjects. Granted it was not the experience the other probably believes he had, but he would allow him to think differently without any correction.
The officer chuckled, shaking his hand with a respectable nod. “Pleasure to meet you, John - and I dabble with music,” he answered on the subject of singing. “However, I highly prefer playing the violin or the flute. If I had to choose between singing or those, of course,” he smiled, a subtle laugh following his words.
His eyes turn toward the front of the estate, looking on as more people continue to arrive. “It should be an intriguing evening I believe. I do intend on playing later, if time permits me so, of course.”