AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She sighed, but nodded. ‘I know.’
‘So that means sleep. You have to always look your best.’
She pulled a face, but she’d known he was right.
After that, she made sure she was always well-presented, and when in doubt, armed with concealer for the shadows beneath her eyes.
‘Madame,’ greeted Busch with his fresh-faced, farm-boy smile. ‘You’ve moved fast, I’m impressed – just look at this beautiful sign.’
‘Well, that was young Gilbert’s work – he’s an artist – if it wasn’t for—’ she hesitated, ‘his mother’s illness, he would have gone away to art school. I’m lucky to have him,’ she said, touching Busch’s arm. His eyes flared in interest.
‘That’s good work,’ said Busch, turning to the boy, and enquiring about his mother’s health.
Marianne was pleased when he arranged to have a doctor be sent to look at Madame Géroux. She had hoped he would try to act the gentleman for her – Gilbert was risking a lot working here without even realising it. If she could find a way to help him too, she would.
As Busch began giving the other men orders, which they were quick to respond to, she made a show of looking impressed. ‘Oh, Herr Busch, that is so kind of you.’
He dismissed it but she could tell that he was pleased that she was happy. His cheeks were flushed. Soon he was praising her again and marvelling at all she and Gilbert had accomplished from the freshly painted exterior to flower baskets filled with pink geraniums.
She smiled wide. ‘Well, we couldn’t have done it without your help,’ she said.
He waved his hands. ‘It’s nothing,’ said Busch, dismissing her thanks, ‘I just signed a few papers, spoke to some colleagues, it was easy to convince them that a new restaurant was needed here. Madame, you are just what we need, agreed?’
There were enthusiastic utterances from the group.
Busch left his large hand on Marianne’s shoulder, and she touched his bicep, smiling even as she stared into his loathsome eyes.
‘Well, I am in your debt. You will always have our best table,’ she said.
He clapped his hands in delight. ‘Well, that sounds like a good deal to me.’
Soon Busch was offering to assist with the rest of the work in order to help them open quicker.
‘Just tell us what you need, madame,’ said Busch.
Marianne and Gilbert shared a quick look – there went their early afternoon. But she cheerfully turned back to him and began to tell him what she needed done. Soon several officers were trooping inside, rolling up their sleeves and beginning work.
Several passers-by stopped to watch. There was a hacking sound and an old man in a dirty coat spat on the ground. He held up two fingers with the back of his hand, then walked on.
Marianne watched the old man and then looked at Gilbert, who stared after him looking despondent. She knew what he was most likely thinking, that this restaurant wasn’t likely to be a success, but it already was. Their customers were already there, and while they were hard at work trying to help her, she was going to do everything she could to try and destroy them. The thought made her calm before she turned to go inside once more.
