“I like words,” said Emma. “And don’t try to change the subject. How long have you been keeping Jérôme a secret?”
“He’s not asecret. I just didn’t happen to mention him.”
“I think it’s great,” said Blondine.
“C’est pas mauvais,”said Emma, and they all laughed. She sighed, laid her head back against the headrest, and closed her eyes.
“Since we’re on the topic of spilling secrets,” Rosalyn began, “Emma... are you all right? Blondine said you had an appointment at a research hospital in Paris.”
“I’m fine.”
“You seem tired. I mean, not for a normal human, but for you.”
“This is true,” said Blondine, glancing at Emma. “You are not normal.”
Emma chuckled. “I’ve had a few complications, but nothing to worry about.”
“But—,” began Rosalyn.
“I said I’mfine,” Emma said, an edge to her voice. She added in a gentler tone, “I’m frustrated that we don’t know what happened to Émile, and the baby, and I need a smoke. But otherwise, I’m fine.”
Blondine dropped them off at thegîte, telling Rosalyn she wouldbe back at eight in the morning, costumes in hand. Rosalyn helped Emma into the entry since her crutches made navigating through the door a challenge. Emma looked wan and weary; Rosalyn knew it wasn’t her imagination.
“How are you feeling about the festival?” Emma asked as they paused outside their respective chamber doors.
“Ugh.Ritchie James will be there, I have no doubt. And I’m not big on costume parties.”
“But Jérôme is taking you. That will be fun.”
“True. But you saw what happened at the last party. I just hope I can hold it together this time.”
“Why are you so committed to going, if you hate it so much?” Emma asked.
“Attending the festival is the reason my boss sent me to France in the first place.”
“This Hugh character—he sounds like more than just a boss. I mean, you’re unusually committed to him.”
“I owe him.”
“Why? Sorry to be blunt, Rosie, but wine reps are a dime a dozen, and you’re really not all that great at it. Surely he could replace you?”
“Thanks. I feel so much better now.”
“I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Hugh’s been an incredibly good friend to me. He was so supportive when Dash got sick, and after I learned just how much debt we were in. And on top of that, do you have any idea how much medical treatment can cost?”
“I got a crash course in it when I broke my leg in San Francisco,” said Emma. “Pardon the pun.”
“Even with insurance... Dash had to take all these pills,” Rosalyn said, realizing she had never told anyone about the medicinecabinet. “He was supposed to take one every morning and evening. One hundred dollars apiece. And then the antinausea meds so he wouldn’t vomit them up. And the blood thinning meds and the painkillers...”
“So Hugh helped you with the medical bills?”
Rosalyn nodded. “And it wasn’t just the medical bills, but our regular living expenses—the credit card debt, the car note, the mortgage—and the business itself was underwater.... Hugh bought our inventory, and the land, for more than they were worth. He gave me a job and let us live in the caretaker’s cottage on his estate.”
There was a long pause. “He sounds like a kind man.”
“A very kind man. And a little pushy. You should meet him. I have the sense you two would get along well.”
