The markets were volatile. Money was flying from country to country the way terrified skylarks, shocked by the sound of gunfire, scatter and then return, only to fly off again immediately in all directions. One of Détang’s acquaintances – a Dutch financier – advised Renée to beware of holding too much in francs: disturbing rumours were circulating on the Stock Market. He would gladly have taken responsibility for buying some stocks for her, but Renée had become as wary as a cat: this moneyman was too eager … He seemed impressive but did not inspire confidence. His name was Bernheimer. Nevertheless, any warning from him should not go unheeded. She started to look around for someone discreet who could ‘take care of her little savings’, as she politely termed it. She did not wish to go to the stockbroker who managed Détang’s portfolio: she preferred that her husband remain ignorant of her true wealth – Détang had the annoying habit of merging their two accounts whenever he needed money; ever since the crash of 1929, those times when he needed money were becoming more and more frequent in the couple’s life.
What do You think about The Fires Of Autumn (2015)?
