A Great Reckoning (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #12)

by Louise Penny

“Oh God,” said Olivier, coming over to check on them and looking out the window. “I don’t think I’m ready.” “Neither are we,” admitted Reine-Marie, following his gaze to the snowy village green, now white. “You think you are, but it always comes as an unpleasant surprise.” “And arrives earlier and earlier,” said Armand. “Exactly. And seems more and more bitter,” said Olivier. “Still, there’s beauty,” said Armand, and received a stern look from Olivier. “Beauty? You’re kidding, right?” he said. “No, it’s there. Of course, it can stick around far too long,” said Armand. “You’re telling me,” said Olivier. “It gets old,” said Reine-Marie. “Gets old?” asked Olivier. “But having the right tires helps,” she said. Olivier put the empty croissant basket back down on the table. “What’re you talking about?” “Winter, of course,” said Reine-Marie. “The first snow.” “What’re you talking about?” asked Armand. “Ruth,” said Olivier, pointing out the window at the elderly woman with a cane, and a duck, approaching the bistro. Old, cold and bitter.