L'amour prodigue

The story opens on a sun‑baked afternoon as a newlyweds' carriage clatters through a coastal village, its passengers flamboyant and restless. Flossie Joy, a bright‑mouthed belle in a straw hat dusted with grapes, tosses witty remarks at her bewildered companion Ettore, a monocled gentleman trying to keep order. Their banter crackles with the chaotic charm of a summer market, while the sea’s green‑absinthe mist churns beyond the cliffs.

Amid stalls of cotton candy, wooden rides and bustling children, the couple encounters a parade of odd locals—from gossiping vendors to sea‑weed‑scented fishermen—each adding a layer to the festive tableau. As Flossie declares their honeymoon “a real adventure,” Ettore sighs about practicalities, hinting at obligations that may pull them away from the carefree revelry. The opening thus sets a tone of light‑hearted satire, promising a journey where romance, comedy, and a touch of provincial intrigue collide.