The Gnome and I – Episode 13
A New Year and Valentine’s Day
To read from the beginning click here: The Gnome and I
The new year of 2015 brought even more snow and cold. Henri’s friends from Greenland had returned home to take care of their own winter chores. So that left me in charge of snow removal. Which, strangely enough, was a welcome change from being indoors.
Henri stood on my shoulders to get a better look at the icicles that formed all around the house.
However, by February, the novelty of snow shovelling had worn off completely. So I was happy to hear that Henri wanted to plan a special Valentine’s Day dinner as he had decided to make his courtship official with the gnomish librarian, Rita Booke. We looked through cookery books for ideas and planned a menu. I had volunteered to be the chef, so it had to be simple yet elegant, and something I knew how to cook. I also had agreed to be the server but I put my foot down when Henri suggested I wear a uniform. I am the Queen of this castle after all!
Valentine’s night arrived, freezing but clear, with twinkling stars. The table was set with my best china and silverware. Rita looked lovely and Henri was beaming. Before dinner, he presented her with a red rose and asked, “Voulez-vous me faire l’honneur de devoner mon fiance?” (Would you do me the honour of becoming my fiance?) Rita blushed appropriately and demurely answered, “Oui, mon cher.” (Yes, my dear.)
I served the meal, which turned out rather well, and was praised repeatedly. Henri and Rita insisted I eat with them. I opened a bottle of champagne that I had been saving for a special occasion and toasted the happy couple. In the course of conversation, I casually asked if the sound of little gnome feet would be heard in the near future. Rita was aghast! Henri whispered that gnome courtships lasted 10 years and most gnomes waited until they were at least 350 years old to marry. I apologised for my faux pas, blaming it on too much champagne, insisting that Rita surely didn’t look a day over 300.
Henri escorted Rita home. And I, of course, did the washing up. As well as finishing the last of the champagne.
MagickMermaid 
yes, i, too, would draw the line at a uniform!!
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Fantastic. Well done on putting your foot down with the uniform. That menu looks delicious.
They look so happy together.
Thanks for giving me a smile.
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The gnerve of that gnome sometimes is astounding! 😀
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Ha ha – he’s a cheeky monkey that’s for sure.
Rita will keep him in line no doubt.
I hope she’s not a gnagger or a gnarcissist!
These stories are so cool.
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Gno, she’s very cool. 🙂
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Just as well – Henri would never stand for that kind of gnonsense
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The path to marital bliss is gknowing how to create a gnome home of happiness.
(and making cheese toast!) 🙂
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That’s it – I need to find a gnome wife! Mind you, people wouldn’t understand and I’d get sent to prison knowing my luck. Cheese on toast – hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
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I think they will be a happily ever after story! 🙂
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You need to do some more reading up on gnomes in order to avoid putting your foot in it again 🙂
“simple yet elegant, and something I knew how to cook” – hmm, let’s see… “des beans avec le pain toasté”.
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avec un soupcon de fromage gratté!
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Now, cheese toast I can do! 🙂
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Yes, you are right. Thank goodness we had all been drinking. No telling what might have happened.
Actually I don’t think I’ve ever made beans on toast 🙂
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Well, I didn’t know that! I’m learning so much about gnome culture, thank you. 😀
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Everything you ever wanted to gknow about gnomes but were afraid to ask! 😀
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😀
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Personally, I vote for the uniform and recommend you serve the champagne with a little bar towel draped over your left arm.
I imagine you’re still blushing over the faux pas every time you see Rita. I agree, she doesn’t look a day over 299 to me.
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That’s what Henri suggested. He seems to frequently forget I am in charge! 🙂
Yes, I’m still embarrassed! Apparently 350 is the new 299 🙂
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I love Henri! These tales are so much fun!
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Thank you so much! He does provide comic relief! 🙂
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