"Afternoon at the Chateau."
A particularly unsuccessful late tale in which two World War II air-force pilots return to a scene from their past, a French chateau where each had enjoyed the food, wine, and company of a lovely Countess. With fond memories of drinking exploits, glorious gardens, and the flamboyant Countess herself, they anticipate a wonderful reunion, but instead are received by her sullen daughter, in jeans and sandals, who responds hostilely to their efforts at conversation. Bates suggests that her anger may derive from the knowledge that her father was not the Count but one of many Air Force officers known by her mother, indeed perhaps one of her two visitors. Driving away after an unbearably awkward visit, the men make small talk and attempt to understand the bitter young Bohemian girl. In Woman's Own (September 15, 1962), The Fabulous Mrs V (1964).