‘Now, I’ve had someone else in here today, so I’ve no need for you anymore this evening.’ She looked over at the gold carriage clock on the mantelpiece. ‘It’s nearly six o’clock. I’m dining out tonight. With Kranz.’ She gave me a pointed look. ‘Can you get my black evening gown with the gold belt out? Some suitable shoes and a jacket. You decide. I trust your judgement.’
I scurried off into the bedroom, amazed at yet another compliment I had received from Chanel. Taking the dress from the wardrobe, I paired it with a pair of black kitten-heeled shoes and a short fox-fur coat. Although Chanel hadn’t asked about any other accessories, I took it upon myself to select a pair of earrings with a matching necklace and a black leather handbag.
Chanel surveyed my choices. ‘As I said, I know I can trust your judgement. You’d make a very good apprentice. Just need this damned war to be over.’ She turned and faced me with a smile, one I don’t think I had received from her before. ‘That will be all. Get some sleep and I’ll see you in the morning. Seven o’clock sharp.’
‘Oui, madame.’
‘Oh, and if Kranz is here, don’t even so much as look at his gun this time.’
‘Non, madame.’ I dipped my head and left the suite.
I practically skipped down the back staircase as I replayed Chanel’s comments in my head and the last one about what a good apprentice I’d make. Could it be true? Was there a chance I could work for her?
I was so lost in my daydream that I didn’t notice Bochette at the foot of the stairs until it was too late and I crashed into her.
‘Sorry, madame!’ I gasped.
‘Look where you’re going, girl,’ she snapped. ‘Haven’t you got yourself into enough trouble for one day?’
‘Sorry.’ I went to sidestep her, but she moved into my path, blocking my way.
‘I don’t much care for what happened today,’ she hissed. ‘You may have fooled Tache and won some sympathy from him, but I don’t trust you.’
Her breath was stale and smelled of coffee. I looked down, but she grabbed my hair and yanked my head up.
I gave a cry of pain, grasping her hand to stop her from pulling me any further. ‘You’re hurting me.’
‘Shut up,’ she snapped. ‘I’m going to be watching you very closely from now on. You had better not put a foot wrong. Do you understand?’
‘Oui. Oui.’ I stammered as she gave my hair another yank.
The sound of footsteps on the tiled floor behind Bochette had her letting go of my hair. It was Tache.
‘Is everything all right?’ he asked, giving Bochette a questioning look.
‘Oui, monsieur,’ replied Bochette. ‘I was just making sure everything was all right with Leroux.’
‘And is it?’ Tache looked at me.
‘Oui, monsieur. C’est bon,’ I replied.
‘Good. Has Chanel finished with you?’ he continued.
‘She has.’
‘You can go home now. You’ve had a tiring day. We shall see you in the morning.’
I couldn’t get out of there quick enough. To be out in the fresh air of the Paris evening, under the open skies.
I strode quickly along the back alleyway of the building and out into the crowds, taking deep gulps of air. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my arm.
‘Nathalie.’
‘Alphonse! You frightened me,’ I said with a gasp.
‘Tache told me what happened today. I’ve been out of my mind with worry. I was so relieved when he said you had been released. I’ve been waiting for you.’
While I was touched by Alphonse’s apparent concern, it wasn’t him I wanted to comfort me. I wished Marcel was there instead. However, I forced a smile. ‘I’m all right. It was just a misunderstanding, that’s all.’
