‘Please sit down,’ said Paulette, indicating to the sofa. ‘My English is not very good.’
‘Oh, no need to apologise. My French isn’t very good,’ said Darcie. ‘Good job I have Matt with me.’
Paulette nodded in understanding.
It was something of an awkward silence that followed while they waited for the care assistant to bring Odile down to them. Matt gave Darcie’s hand a reassuring squeeze and started up a conversation with Paulette about the weather, from what Darcie could tell. Bless him, he was really trying to make this go smoothly and soothe anyone’s nerves. Whatever he was saying, it seemed to have the desired effect as Paulette gradually relaxed into the conversation and even laughed at something Matt said. Darcie caught Elaine’s eye and the younger woman gave her a reassuring smile.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the doors opened and a nurse wheeled in an elderly lady with white hair, combed neatly back in a bun.
‘Aunt,’ said Paulette getting up and greeting Odile. Thanking the nurse, Paulette wheeled Odile over to them. They spoke in French and appeared to be recapping on why they were there before Paulette introduced Darcie and Matt.
‘We cannot stay long,’ said Elaine. ‘Odile’s attention isn’t what it used to be and my mother doesn’t want to tire her out.’
‘I am not that tired,’ said Odile, her voice surprisingly clear for someone her age.
Darcie nearly fell off her chair. Odile spoke excellent English, even though her French accent was heavy.
‘Odile has always been able to speak English. She spent a lot of time in England,’ explained Elaine. ‘She switches between the languages.’
‘That’s amazing,’ said Darcie. She leaned forward towards Odile. ‘Thank you for seeing us, madame.’
Odile raised her head and her green eyes, although a little watery, were bright. ‘I do not get many visitors,’ she said. ‘It is nice to see someone new.’
Paulette said something to Matt.
Darcie looked to him for translation. ‘She wants us to get on with it,’ he explained.
Darcie took a breath and began to explain how she’d bought the contents of a luggage locker in England and the book and dress in the case. She took the sketchbook from her bag and passed it to Odile. ‘This was the book I found,’ she said. ‘The designs are signed and we think they’re by Nathalie Leroux– your cousin.’
Odile’s fingers trembled a little as she took the book with her age-spotted hands. She ran her fingers, twisted a little from age and arthritis, across the cover before opening it. Her mouth appeared to be working but no sound was coming out.
‘Aunt?’ queried Paulette leaning closer. ‘What is it? Do you recognise this book?’
Odile shook her head. ‘Nathalie. Nathalie.’ Her voice broke and a tear streaked its way down her face.
Paulette grabbed a tissue and wiped her aunt’s face. ‘This has to stop,’ she said. ‘Arrêtez. I do not want my aunt upset.’
Darcie knelt in front of Odile. ‘I’m sorry for upsetting you,’ she said. ‘Do you know Nathalie?’ She knew she was pushing her luck when Paulette had already asked them to stop but she was desperate to know about Nathalie.
‘I saidenough,’ said Paulette.
‘Maman, let Odile answer them,’ said Elaine.
Odile gave a heavy sigh. ‘She should never have gone there,’ she said, her voice crackling as she spoke. ‘I didn’t want her to go. It was too dangerous.’
‘Where didn’t you want her to go?’ asked Darcie, holding Odile’s hand.
‘To Paris. The Ritz,’ Odile replied, her gaze fixed on the book in her lap.
Darcie’s breath caught in her throat and she glanced up at Matt, who nodded his understanding of the significance. So far Darcie hadn’t mentioned the hotel. ‘What happened at the Ritz?’
Odile shook her head. ‘I loved Nathalie. She always took care of me.’ She smiled at a memory. ‘She taught me to sew. We made a quilt together.’
‘That’s lovely,’ said Darcie. ‘Do you still have the quilt?’
‘I think we have it,’ said Elaine. She looked towards her mother, who frowned without passing comment.
‘What happened to Nathalie at the Ritz?’ Darcie ventured, hoping to bring Odile back around to Nathalie.
