The Marriage Plot - Jeffrey Eugenides [187]
Leonard remained attentive, and sweet, and Madeleine hoped that their fighting was over.
The plan was to spend their last two days in Monaco, before taking the train back to Paris for their return flight. On a cloudless late afternoon, the first truly warm, sunny day of their trip, they boarded the train for the twenty-minute ride. One minute they were passing cypresses and glittering coves, the next they were arriving in the overbuilt, overpriced precincts of Monte Carlo.
A Mercedes taxi took them up a corniche to their hotel high above the town and harbor.
The front desk clerk, who wore an ascot, said they were lucky to have come when they did. The Grand Prix was starting the next week and the hotel was completely booked. Now, however, it was relatively peaceful, perfect for a couple on their honeymoon.
“Is Grace Kelly around?” Leonard asked, out of the blue.
Madeleine turned to look at him. He had a big smile, his eyes glassy again.
“The princess passed away last year, monsieur,” the desk clerk replied.
“I forgot about that,” Leonard said. “My sincere condolences to you and your countrymen.”
“Thank you, monsieur.”
“This isn’t a real country, though, right?”
“Excuse me, monsieur?”
“It’s not a kingdom. It’s just a principality.”
“We are an independent nation, monsieur,” the clerk said, stiffening.
“Because I was wondering how much Grace Kelly knew about Monaco when she married Prince Rainier. I mean, she probably figured he was the ruler of a real country.”
The clerk’s expression was now impassive. He produced their room key. “Madame, monsieur, I hope you enjoy your stay.”
As soon as they were in the elevator, Madeleine said, “What’s the matter with you?”
“What?”
“That was so rude!”
“I was just playing with him,” Leonard said with his antic smile. “Have you ever seen the movies of Grace Kelly’s wedding? Prince Rainier’s in a military uniform, like he has some great realm to defend. Then you get here and you realize the whole country could fit inside the Superdome. It’s a stage set. No wonder he married an actress.”
“That was so embarrassing!”
“You know what else is a joke?” Leonard continued, as if he hadn’t heard her. “The way they call themselves Monegasques. They had to come up with a special, slightly longer name for themselves because their actual country’s so dinky.”
Leonard charged into their room, tossing his suitcase on the bed. He went out onto the balcony but in a few seconds came back in. “You want some champagne?” he said.
“No,” Madeleine answered.
He went to the phone and dialed room service. He was operating just fine. The qualities he was displaying—extroversion, vitality, boldness—were the qualities that had attracted Madeleine to him in the first place. Only now they were amplified, like a stereo with the volume turned up so loud that the sound distorted.
When the champagne arrived, Leonard told the waiter to set it on the balcony.
Madeleine walked out to talk to him.
“Since when do you like champagne?” she asked.
“Since I got to Monte Carlo.” Leonard raised his hand and pointed. “See that building? I think that’s the casino. I can’t remember what Bond film it’s in. Maybe we should go check it out after dinner.”
“Leonard?” Madeleine said in a soft voice. “Sweetie? If I ask you something, promise you won’t get mad?”
“What?” he said, already sounding irritated.
“Are you feeling O.K.?”
“I’m dandy.”
“Are you taking your pills?”
“Yes, I’m taking my pills. In fact”—he went back inside to get his lithium from his suitcase, then returned—“it’s time for my medicine right now.” Popping a pill into his mouth, he tossed it back with more champagne. “See? I’m fine and dandy.”
“That’s not even something you say. ‘Fine and dandy.’”
“Apparently, I do say it.” He laughed at this.
“Maybe you should call your doctor. Just to check in.”
“Who? Perlmann?” Leonard scoffed. “He should call me. I could school that guy.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Nothing,” Leonard said, gazing down at the distant