Les Destinées sentimentales

SENTIMENTAL DESTINIES

CHARENTE, WINTER 1900

“Man born of woman has but a short time to live.

“Like a shadow he flees and never stays.

“His days are swifter than a post.

“They flee away,

“they bring no good.

“Our dwelling is removed and carried away from us as a shepherd’s tent.

“But the mercy of the Lord is eternal.

“ ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ said the Savior... ”

PART I JEAN BARNERY’S WIFE

- I’ll do that. - It’s done.

- The summer dresses, too? - Yes.

Close the trunks and bring them down.

- Are Aline’s things ready? - Yes.

Aline, move aside, you’re in my way.

I’m sorry to see you both go.

It’s what you wanted.

- The letters... - I let you see them.

- But they imply... - What?

There was nothing between Dahlias and me.

You believe malicious gossip.

I feel no jealousy towards Dahlias.

I’m beyond such pettiness.

It’s your whole attitude that...

- You knew what being a minister’s wife meant. - Yes,

when I married you, you were a minister.

But do you still have faith?

I’ve shouted enough.

Regret it, and I’ll ask you to stay.

Out of duty?

Is that all?

Yes. As we agreed, you’ll live in Limoges

in the old Barnery house that you’re so fond of.

You’ll find life less humble there than here.

I won’t come to the station with you.

Mind the trunk...

You’ll see, Barbazac hasn’t changed.

I don’t remember a thing.

Our small Protestant community is very strong.

Were you in England for long?

Two years.

Georges, take my niece home.

Cousin Arthur is giving a ball... next month.

My son’s wife entertains lavishly.

Will you come, Pauline?

You may find my home gloomy.

I’m an ascetic since my wife passed on.

Uncle, I don’t wish to be a burden.

You’ll be a daughter to me.

I merely regret your father’s peculiar fate.

Dying in Egypt,

- far from home and you. - He loved Egypt.

But to be buried there!

He wanted that.

Don’t you like the first-floor room?

Sorry, it’s the smell of camphor.

I’ll be happier here.

As you wish.

We dine at seven.

This way, Mr. Pommerel.

Patrick!

- I’m late, Father. - You don’t come often...

My father-in-law was holding an electoral meeting...

- The deputy was there. - You’re going into politics?

- Good day, Loze. - Master Arthur...

- I’ve been approached... - Is it your desire, or your wife’s?

How’s your wife’s health, Lévèque?

She’s well, sir.

It’s very old.

A 60-year-old brandy...

Rateau’s selling two barrels. Should I buy?

- How much does he want? - What it’s worth.

Then it may be too much.

There’s no market for it.

Blend your cognac, bottle it, and lower your prices.

Bottle it...

Like your in-laws.

The Bourgaud-Duperrons have turned your head.

Their cognac sells well.

My brethren, receive the Almighty’s blessing.

May the Lord bless and protect you.

May the Lord look down favorably upon you.

Go in peace.

Remember the poor

and may God be with you and your families,

now and forever.

Amen.

I buried Garaud’s son yesterday.

Poor Garaud...

Business is too poor for me to buy his brandy.

People are tightening their belts.

It’s not so bad...

Will you come for lunch?

No, thank you.

- You’d meet my niece. - I saw her.

Does she suit you?

She’s a girl of today.

What did you think of my sermon?

I don’t share your social views. But it was good, very good.

I see inscrutable faces. People are judging me--

Stop thinking about it.

No one here understands my act.

It’s all over and done with.

Are you sure?

Luther said, “A minister’s sole sin is teaching the Word badly.”

In a way, those are dreadful words.

Why blame yourself? Nathalie wanted to leave.

Your mistake was to marry a woman who was not of your spiritual world.

She hated your calling.

I’m going to surprise you.

I’m planning to open a modern bottling plant.

- You? - Yes.

Apparently I have no choice. I’ll see your Uncle Barnery in Limoges.

If he agrees to help me,

I’ll offer him half of the profits.

You can always try.

- I don’t know anyone. - You’re going to have fun,

you can dance.

I’ll mostly watch.

This is your family.

Keep an eye on the young ladies for me.

The cloakroom is this way.

Look, Pauline, sterilized flowers.

Can you see my tiny scar here?

No.

- Are you sure? - No one will notice.

- They’re so pretty! - Hello, Pauline.

Fetch more ice for the champagne.

Arthur,

- tell the musicians to get ready. - I will in a minute.

Dance and be merry, I’m counting on you.

Here’s the deputy.

Tell me when you want to leave.

May I have the honor of a waltz?

May I have the honor of the first waltz?

May I have the honor of this waltz?

I think we can start the waltz.

That dress suits her.

A little low-cut. She’s so independent.

Who invited that character?

Isn’t he living in Paris with Reverend Barnery’s wife?

- Didn’t she kill herself? - Rubbish.

- Dahlias compromised her. - Of course, he didn’t!

Go on. And give the musicians a drink.

Anna, where’s Marcelle?

Over there with Peter Deed.

May I have the honor of the next waltz?

I’m sorry, I’m a little tired.

Pommerel, my dear fellow,

I know you disapprove of my methods, but will you try my new blend?

I’d be delighted.

Do you know, it’s sent across the Andes by mule.

I make no claims and I expect an honest opinion.

Aren’t you dancing anymore?

I was outside watching you with my uncle.

It’s fascinating to watch... people who don’t know you’re there.

What did you see?

You seemed sad.

- You weren’t close. - I never see you from up close.

Come to dinner.

- I haven’t been invited. - I’m inviting you.

I fear I need a more official invitation.

I’m addressing Jean Barnery. It bothers me, your being a minister.

Come on, Pauline!

You’re Philippe Pommerel’s niece?

You dance with everyone?

What do you mean by that?

I saw you, you kept changing partners.

I enjoy dancing.

I must save you from these oafs.

Grant me the next dance.

- I’m sorry, I feel tired. - No, not so soon.

So you know my uncle?

I’m very fond of him. He’s not as strict as people think.

He wasn’t such a puritan once.

He led a life... I mean, he lived well.

Yes, he lives a good life.

That’s not what I meant.

Pardon me?

Let’s have a glass of champagne.

No, I’ve had too much...

We’ll find a quiet corner for you.

No, I’m not that tired...

You can’t refuse...

Basket...

- Reverend... - How are you?

Very well, thank you.

- I saw your son. - He’s here with us now.

Have a seat, Jean Barnery.

I do my visits on foot.

I’m distracting you, then.

Not at all.

Out on your own?

I have to fetch Marcelle. Those Protestant youth meetings bore me.

You can drop me at the Périgauds’. It’s on the way.

All right.

- I was thinking of you. - Of me?

You could give a Sunday school class.

Don’t count on me to be a teacher.