“How much work do you think she’ll get, here or in America if she gets sued for damaging the wedding? And George is not only a powerful lawyer but also the Seigneur of La Canette.”
Laura thought about it. “So, the high profile publicity that Nicole hopes would shine on her will now be turned against her.”
“Exactly.”
Laura went back to the dress and started pulling pins out of the last seam. It was hand-stitched already. It just needed to be run through the sewing machine for the final stitching and it would all be done. There were more pins holding the chiffon over the bodice. When she released them, the translucent material fell in a cascade of pale champagne. The flowers and leaves woven into the silk underneath were visible as if through a mist.
“Oh my God, look!” Pierre unstraddled her legs from around the chair and came closer. “Are these little holes from the acid splash?” She fingered one of them. It was just large enough to push a pencil through.
“Yes, There are perhaps a dozen of them.” The woven pattern could show more clearly through them.
“It’s like a peekaboo,” Pierre said. She brushed the skirts to make them move and the holes shifted over another part of the pattern. Sometimes showing only the pearl white silk, sometimes a ghost of lavender, an edge of pale green leaf or blue grass.
Laura pulled at the skirts to make them sway again. This time, a glint of silver thread, like the sun catching a dew drop for an instant.
“This is genius.” Pierre’s eyes were shining. “How is this possible?”
“I hadn’t planned it like that but the acid damage works. I think I might remember this for future designs.”
“You know, I think Nicole did you a favour. Unintentionally of course but—”
“Yes she did. And, Pierre.” She met the other woman’s eyes. “Could you speak to Millie and George? I don’t want Nicole ruined.”
“She nearly ruined you.”
“She tried. And failed. Actually, I’m grateful to her because things...” She didn’t know how to explain it. “I just don’t want to build my career on the ruins of hers. Just make sure she leaves the island soon after the wedding.”
“And you don’t mind her using La Canette to further her career?”
Laura grinned. “Not at all. I hope she does.”
Pierre, still squatting by the dress, looked up, puzzled.
“You know,” Laura explained, “this island is pretty obscure. I never heard of it until two months ago. The more Nicole talks about La Canette, the more free publicity for us.”
“Us?” Pierre asked.
“Come, let me show you.” She led her out into the hubbub and buzz of the factory.
Asia’s leaflets stood in stacks along the desk. Laura picked one up and showed it to Pierre.
La Canette Silks
Unique locally woven precious silks designed by artist Laura Ford and inspired by the unique colours, landscape and seascapes of the magically beautiful La Canette Island
“Oh my!” laughed Pierre. “That’s a hell of a lot of adjectives in one sentence.”
Then the significance seemed to hit her. She looked around. Everyone was busy doing something.
For the first time since Laura moved her work here, there was barely contained excitement in the place.
Pierre turned wide eyes to Laura. “You mean, you’re taking over the business? You’re going to run it?”
Laura nodded.
Pierre threw her arms around Laura in a tight hug. “This is the best news I’ve heard, ever!”
“We are making scarves, too.” Samira came over with a folded blue greenish shawl. “For the wedding. This I think will suit your hair.”
