Madame Rose; Pierre de Villerglé

Among the fashionable enclaves that have sprung up around Paris lies the charming village of Maisons, where the Seine glides beside tree‑lined avenues and elegant villas. The Maison‑Blanche, a modest white house set in a walled garden of hedges, stands at the edge of the park, its simple rooms overlooking a meadow that meets the river. Though the surrounding estates flaunt lavish gardens, this house retains a quiet, country‑manor feel, making it a perfect retreat from the city's bustle.

The house is occupied by Georges de Francalin, a man in his thirties who arrived with his loyal dog Tambour, an elderly servant named Pétronille, and a silent, gray‑haired footman, Jacob. He brings with him several crates of books, a small boat, and hunting gear, filling his days with reading, walks in the forest, and occasional trips on the Seine. Rumors swirl among the villagers about why he has chosen this seclusion—perhaps a recent financial reversal or a personal tragedy—but Georges remains inscrutable, letting only his routines speak for him.