It wasn't long before the announcement came over the intercom that we would docking soon and would we please vacate our cabins. I will never doubt that was the best channel crossing I ever made and there was still the whole summer to go on the sunny riviera!
We made the short train journey to Paris from Dieppe and made our way to the Gare de Lyon ready for the overnight TGV to Nice. Isabelle and Olivia shared a double couchette, I was alone in a double and the girls in another, the journey to the south would take 6 hours and we all agreed to get some sleep.
6am saw us pulling into Nice station and me wondering what the next few weeks held in store. Once we had all disembarked a porter put all our luggage on a trolley and took us to the front of the station where Marc and Virginie were waiting with two cars. Marc was driving a Jaguar XJ 12 and was the caretaker, gardener and occasional driver at the villa, Virginie was driving her own car a Citron Diane. Luggage was put in both cars and we set off for the villa, I sat in the back of Virginie's car with Isabelle in the front. These two were obviously good friends as they chatted and caught up with each other, Virginie was wearing a simple strapless T-shirt and denim shorts and whilst not a raving beauty was undoubtedly attractive with a Rubenesque figure her voice though was irresistible, it was husky and very sexy coupled with a soft French accent, I was nearly getting a hard on just listening to her!
"So Izzy, are you going to introduce me the young man in the back of my car?" Asked Virginie.
I had not heard anyone call Isabelle "Izzy" before but quite liked it.
"This is Simon and he is to be the companion for Lucy and Chantal for the summer and will accompany and look after Olivia when required."
"Bonjour Simon, it sounds like you will have your hands full this summer?"
"I'm looking forward to it, I have not been to the South of France before." I replied.
"I'm sure you are Simon! Maybe you can spare a little time for Izzy and me occasionally?" She said laughing with Isabelle.
"Er, yes I'm sure I can, that would be nice." I stuttered.
They both laughed and carried on chatting, whilst I speculated about the possibilities ahead. The drive from Nice did not take long and soon we were sweeping through the gates of the villa which was nestled just below the old village of Mougins. The drive was lined with cypress trees and opened out into a large turning area with a pond and fountain in the middle, on the left was a large garage with room for four cars, to the right a small cottage. The villa was semi circular, two storey in the middle with a single storey either side with all rooms overlooking the swimming pool and grounds.
"Marc will you please organise for the luggage to be taken to the rooms Simon would be so kind as to help him," Olivia asked. "Virginie will you please organise some fresh juice, coffee and croissants on the terrace, thank you, Simon please join us when you have finished with the luggage."
Virginie and Isabelle were to use the cottage, I was in the main villa on the ground floor as were Lucy and Chantal, Olivia had the master bedroom upstairs. My room was fabulous with an ensuite and a French door opening onto the pool terrace.
Once finished with the luggage I stepped out and joined Olivia and the girls at a large table that was positioned under the overhang from the massive balcony of Olivia's room.
"So here we are then, what do you think Simon?" Asked Olivia, "I adore it here, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather spend the summer."
"It's beautiful," I said, still taking it all in. "Enhanced of course by the company of three beautiful women!"
"We have little first night tradition Simon, we always have a cocktail party with a few of our friends and neighbours, dress will be formal, so I suggest we all have a rest and freshen up after the journey and meet up for a late lunch at one o'clock," Olivia said rising from the table.
The remainder of the morning and lunch came and went, I lazed around the pool for a little while before going to shower and get ready for the evening. I could see both Isabelle and Virginie working alongside some caterers preparing the pool area for the evening setting up a few tables and chairs laying out glasses and punch, putting several bottles of champagne in a silver ice bowl. There was a "summer kitchen" on one side of the pool where some light food was being prepared.
"What a world these people live in," I thought to myself.
I finished dressing in my dinner suit and looking in the mirror reckoned I did not scrub up too badly. People started to arrive at about 7pm so I went outside to join the party, if I'd had any thoughts about being over dressed they were soon dispelled as the "beautiful people" arrived in all their finery.
Olivia looked stunning in a fabulous pale blue taffeta gown and was very obviously a natural host greeting and chatting with each of the new arrivals. I looked around for either Lucy or Chantal as for now they were the people, however I could not see them any where.
"Have you seen the girls," I asked Isabelle as she passed by me with some canapΓ©s.
"No, but I am sure they'll be out soon," she replied.
Both Isabelle and Virginie were wearing light grey "maids" dresses with a small white apron tied at the back, I guess it's a little clichΓ©d but both looked very sexy in their uniforms.
It was while I was admiring Isabelle and Virginie that I was joined from behind by Lucy and Chantal.
"Looking good Simon," giggled Lucy as she placed her arm in mine followed by Chantal linking my other other arm.
"Thank you," I said taking in the the girls appearances.
They both looked stunning, Lucy in deep red satin strapless gown and Chantal in a white chiffon, Greek style gown.
"You both look gorgeous, easily the the Belles of the ball!"
"You are too kind, now let's get some bubbles and show you off to the locals," Said Lucy as she headed toward a tray of champagne.
It was a pleasant evening spent with two beautiful girls meeting many other gorgeous women.
"Seen many panties tonight? Asked Lucy with a sly grin.
"No more than the odd hint of an outline here an there, but all the the women looked so gorgeous it has been a real feast for the eyes," I replied.
It turned out that this was not due to be a late finish and by just after 10pm all the guests had gone, Virginie and Isabelle were helping the caterers clear up. Olivia came out to the terrace after seeing the final guests of.
"I think that all went well enough," she stated, "Now we can all start to relax properly, Isabelle, I hope there's still plenty of champagne left?" She asked as she slumped into one of the terrace sofas.
"More than enough Olivia! I'll bring some over."
"Thank you Isabelle, you and Virginie come and join us when you are ready."
Olivia seemed to be relaxing and was far less formal than at any time up to now, it was a still a beautiful warm evening with the Cicadas chirruping in the background as we sat drinking champagne and chatted.
"All done now," Said Isabelle as she and Virginie came and joined us. "I think we're a little underdressed for the occasion and have a bit of catching up to do on the champagne front!" She laughed.