"We will start with our Pinot Grigio, the first vine transferred to the Archer family estate. It has remained as the family’s best selling wine for the past seven decades. You will find its flavor to be peach forward, followed by the trademark vanilla essence that mellows out the tang to create a satisfying finish. Our peaches and cream, if you will. Arthus Archer, the renowned photographer, would refer to this varietal’s flavor as the ‘golden ratio’." The sommelier chuckles as he explains the last bit.
Helena laughs as well. She picks up her glass and takes a long sip as soon as it’s poured. Everyone has taken a seat at the marble table. Servers go around, pouring wine into one of two glasses set at each seat. When the bottle reaches Barlow’s glass, he shakes his head and waves the server away.
"This lovely Pinot will of course pair perfectly with our first dish, the rosemary potato hash. The ensemble, including the selection available on our Prelude charcuterie, is the first chapter of our multi-course culinary narrative, Renaissance sur Terre. Please enjoy." The sommelier bows before leaving the room with the rest of the staff.
Thin crystal clear waterfalls drape between the columns of the upstairs bannister, falling along the western edge of the dining room and flowing into the stream that eventually leads to the reflecting pool. Golden sunlight, filtered through the hills of mustard flowers and flowing waterfalls, shimmers throughout the room. Everyone, except Barlow, takes their first sips in silence as plates of gourmet rosemary-infused hash browns are brought to the table.
For the Moreno’s, it’s a lot to take in. They’re all sat on one side of the table, while Helena and Jasper are seated on the other. Barlow is seated at the head of the table. He mostly stares at the table’s surface, occasionally looking up and acknowledging the presence of anyone who gazes in his direction with a subtle head nod. Helena looks around the table expectantly. Waiting for any positive reactions to the glitzy experience she has prepared.
"It’s good." Flavius speaks up first.
"Why thank you! It’s the family’s pride and joy." Helena smiles. "And the meal was designed to honor our dear Sebastian. Our little cook who traveled down to the blue marble for a fresh start."
The sentiment is sweet, though each of the Moreno’s internally acknowledge that she is emotionally overextending herself. She hasn’t seen Sebastian in almost a decade. Helena raises her glass for a toast. It’s an awkward start, but the rest of the table joins her.
"To Sebastian." She says.
"To Basil." Berkeley says. Genevieve nods.
"Yes… to our eldest son." Elisia concurs.
Helena then downs the rest of her glass in one swig and signals one of the staff to come refill her cup.
"Speaking of which…" Barlow adjusts his tie. His sitting posture is perfectly straight. "Mister and Missus Moreno, I have an update on your son’s whereabouts…"
"Ah, goodie!" Helena’s eyes become expectant again, looking around the table for anyone to be impressed.
"Your son has been kidnapped."
Everyone gasps. For a moment, a long moment, the room is completely still. And for the first time all morning, Helena’s smile fades.