Page 42 of Whispers At Dawn
‘May I do something to help in the kitchen?’ Lizzie asked.
The look of shock on Suzanne’s face made Lizzie smile.
‘But no, madame. That wouldn’t do at all. Monsieur Luc would be horrified.’ She paused, an expression of concern settling on her features. ‘Is there something you would like that I haven’t provided for you?’
Lizzie shook her head. ‘Oh no, not at all. Everything is wonderful. Please don’t take my offer of help as a criticism.’
‘Thank you,’ Suzanne said, relief in her voice.
‘It’s just that at home we have a much smaller house and since the war we barely have any staff, so I’ve grown used to helping out.’
‘I understand. Please don’t feel obliged to work here. We are more than happy to do our duties, but if it’s company you would like, feel free to drop in for a chat anytime. By the looks of it, Beau will be very happy to see you, as will I.’
Lizzie thanked Suzanne for her hospitality and kindness. ‘Is my husband back yet, do you know?’ Referring to Jack as her husband was still a novelty, but she said it casually as though she’d been saying it forever. Every time she called him her husband, she felt a warm fuzzy feeling in her chest. It was like a dress rehearsal of when they would be married.
‘I haven’t seen him return,’ Suzanne said.
Lizzie worried about Jack just as much as he did about her. She was still trying to find her feet on this joint operation and there was no doubt that although she loved how they lived together, it added an extra layer of complexity that she would have to get used to.
When she worked alone on a mission, she followed her instructions from the SOE to a point, but then found her own way of doing things. The benefit was she reported her actions to Jack after she had taken them and rarely asked for permission. It was smoother that way and avoided delays.
Now they were together, she had to run everything by him before doing it. His reaction to her going into the city alone was gut-wrenching. It was hard for them both to balance their feelings for each other with their duties, but they must find a way. The success of this mission depended upon it. Lizzie dreaded to think what Val would say if she discovered the true nature of their relationship.
Lizzie’s thoughts flicked back to a conversation she had with Val before they left. ‘You realise you’ll have to share a bedroomwith Jack to pull off your cover story? You’ll be newlyweds in the first flush of love.’
Lizzie had fought the heat stealing over her cheeks. ‘I understand. We’ve talked about it.’
Val had narrowed her eyes and appraised Lizzie. ‘Jack has something of a reputation. Well, he did before the war, anyway. I must say, he’s shown little interest in women since then, as far as I’m aware.’
Lizzie nodded, her heart hammering so hard the beat reverberated through her whole body. ‘I’m sure we’ll be fine. Jack is a gentleman.’
‘Yes, he is. I didn’t mean to disparage him in any way. It’s just that I’ve seen the damage that romantic entanglements cause in our line of work. We can’t risk it because falling in love affects our judgement.’
‘There’s nothing to be concerned about. We are co-workers, that’s all,’ Lizzie said, hating herself for lying to Val, whom she respected. ‘We’re both committed to the mission.’ Lizzie stopped herself from adding anymore reassurances because she was in danger of protesting too much. Jack advised her to use words sparingly when under scrutiny.
The noise of an engine snapped Lizzie back to reality. ‘Ah, that could be him. I’ll go and see.’
Lizzie hurried out of the kitchen with Beau on her heels, and they both bounded down the exterior staircase and raced to the outbuilding.
The old car was parked in its usual spot and Lizzie wondered where Jack had gone. She walked around the corner searching for him, Beau at her side, wagging his tail and making little snuffling noises.
‘What are you so excited about?’ Lizzie asked him.
Then she saw Jack coming into view around the corner and she ran towards him, and he scooped her into his arms.
‘Where did you go?’ Lizzie asked. ‘I came to meet you when I heard the car.’
Jack’s expression was sheepish. ‘I went to check your bicycle was back in the shed.’
Lizzie laughed. ‘Oh, ye of little faith!’
‘Not at all. It’s just I don’t like the idea of you roaming around a strange city with no backup, should you need it.’
Lizzie luxuriated in the glow of Jack’s tenderness and the comforting circle of his arms. She turned her face up to his. ‘And what would you have done if the bicycle wasn’t there?’
‘I would have gone straight back out to look for you. Anyway, let’s forget what a lovesick sap I am …’ He rolled his eyes.
‘I love you, Michel Dubois. And I love how you look out for me. Honestly, though, it was fine. Uneventful really.’ Lizzie sounded disappointed. ‘I had hoped for more of a breakthrough, but I met some interesting people, so it’s a start.’
