Page 34 of Daughters of Paris

‘Do. We can use the wine cellar.’ Sébastien fetched a paper serviette and scribbled on it. ‘Here is the number for the café. I am here until curfew every night and if I have gone then my cousin will take a message. If you need anything you can ask, and if you want to be a part of what we are doing, let me know.’

When she got home Fleur found Colette in a state of excitement, standing in front of a display of hats and scarves laid out across the dining table. She ran across the room and pulled Fleur into the centre.

‘I’ve been waiting for you to come home.Mèreand I have been talking. It was wonderful to see so many women showing defiance this afternoon, wasn’t it?’

Despite her weariness, Fleur smiled at the memory.

‘We are going to do it again,’ Delphine said, walking into the room. She was dressed in a sunflower yellow, floor length evening gown that was at least ten years out of fashion but fitted her voluptuous figure perfectly. Louis arrived home at that moment, raised his brows at the sight of his wife, and listened while Delphine explained again.

‘We will not be cowed when we wait in line. We will dress in our best and brightest clothes to show them that Parisiennes are not scared of them. Let them keep their grey and green. We will have every other colour in the rainbow.’

She raised her cocktail glass then wobbled upstairs to her bedroom.

‘Is she really going shopping in that?’ Fleur asked Colette. She was exhausted from the walk and the horrible feeling of being watched. It didn’t seem like bravery, more like stupidity.

‘Probably not that exact gown, but I’m sure she will wear something striking.’ Colette began to gather the scarves. She gave Louis a worried look. ‘Papa, do you think we are being foolish? You didn’t say anything.’

‘I haven’t seen your mother this happy for such a long time. I didn’t want to spoil her fun. Evening gowns won’t bring down an army, but if it makes her feel more confident what harm could it do?’

Colette left, bearing her accessories, and Fleur looked down at her dress. It was old and slightly ill-fitting. After the long walk to and from Montparnasse it bore perspiration marks and dirt. She straightened her belt and caught Louis looking at her.

‘Fleur, you are the most sensible member of this household by some degree.’ He lit a cigar. ‘We have not talked properly about your situation since the death of your aunt.’

Fleur’s stomach twisted into knots. Before he could tell her she would have to leave, she began speaking.

‘Monsieur Ramper has had to reduce my days. I can work for you, if you will let me keep living here.’

Louis smiled. ‘I will do better than that. I will pay you what I paid your aunt. If you are willing to combine your ration coupons with the rest of the family and take over the duties Agnes used to do, you will have wages and a home under my roof for as long as you choose.’

Fleur didn’t anticipate the weight his words lifted from her shoulders. A sob of relief welled up and she covered her eyes to hide her tears.

‘I’m sorry, I know you have more ambition than to be a housekeeper,’ Louis said.

Fleur sniffed and wiped her eyes. She managed a faint smile. ‘I’m very grateful, truly, Monsieur Nadon. It is more than I hoped for.’

‘Life is going to get hard, Fleur. Not everyone is strong enough to bear that and war changes people. Some for the worst, and some for the better. I believe you are one of the strong ones.’ He picked up a scarf that Colette had overlooked, running his fingers through the long fringe. ‘I have not told my wife or daughter yet, but my factory is being requisitioned and turned over to the manufacture of parts for the use of the German army. I will actively be aiding our oppressors.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Fleur said.

He waved his hand to dismiss her words, but his eyes were bleak. ‘It is hard to stomach but it was inevitable as soon as our government abandoned us. I hope France will prevail, and this will not last for ever. Will you leave me alone now,ma petite? It has been a long day for me, and I will be working late.’

Fleur went upstairs. She hung the scarf over Colette’s door handle and her brow furrowed. She had seen the expression on Monsieur Nadon’s face and caught the upwards glance as he had spoken of strength and changes.

Monsieur Nadon had confided in Fleur before his wife and daughter.She stared at herself in the mirror, cheeks flushing with pride.

You are one of the strong ones.

She was determined to prove him right.

The following afternoon she snuck to the concierge’s office, which had been empty since Michal had vanished, and called the café. Sébastien answered.

Fleur licked her lips. Her throat was dry but what she was about to say was important.

‘Yes. I want to be involved. I want to play my part.’

‘What are you going to print?’ Fleur asked.

It was the first day of September and she was sitting on an upturned barrel in the cellar of the café, along with Sébastien and Pierre.

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