“Would I have to work long hours?” she asked.
“Sometimes. Not so much in the shop, but when she needs sewing done, even the less-skilled needlework, you’ve got to do it.”
Janey poured the tea. “Do we get paid extra for those times?”
“No, but the wages are still pretty good.”
“What about men?” Janey asked, as though suspicious. “I bet there are men that come in.”
Anne smiled. “A few, who like to help their wives or daughters…or whoever…to choose. Some to buy gifts for their ladies.”
“Here, did that nice Mr. St. John ever do that?”
Anne blinked. “No, I don’t think so.” As if sensing she had disappointed her new friend, she added hopefully, “He did used to pay all the bills on time, though. In fact, latterly, they were all addressed to him.”
“Just latterly?”
“All the wedding clothes.”
“I knew he was a good man.” Feeling she had asked enough on that score for now, Janey shifted slightly. “But no men work there?”
“Sometimes, for deliveries. And, of course, there’s madame’s husband.”
Janey grinned. “Monsieur Veronique.”
Anne laughed. “Mr. Kenny. He’s as English as you and me.”
“Isn’tshe? I thought she just made up the French bit because people think Paris is the center of all fashion.”
“No, I think she really is French. The accent never slips.”
“What’s he like?”
For the first time, Anne looked uncomfortable. “He’s not so bad.”
Janey fixed her gaze on Anne’s. “He’s not one of those withhands, is he? Because I can’t be doing with that.”
“Oh, no.” Anne blushed. “He’s just a little bit…scary at times.”
Janey widened her eyes. “Scary? In what way?”
Anne gave an uncomfortable little laugh, shaking her head. “Oh, I don’t know. It’s probably just me. He’s one of those big, tall men, you know. It’s probably just his size that’s intimidating, but he did throw the delivery boy across the yard one day.”
“What for?” Janey asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe he crushed a dress or forgot one, I don’t know. The boy never came back, though.”
“I don’t think I like the sound of Mr. Veronique.”
“Mr. Kenny!”
“Whatever.”
“He has a temper,” Anne admitted. “But mostly he takes no notice of the likes of us.”
“Is he around much?” Janey asked, as though having second thoughts about working there.
“In the back, mostly, so you rarely see him except in passing. Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about him.”
