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‘It is our pleasure,’ she said, only to sigh and turn to look back at the restaurant, as if reluctant to part with such fine company. ‘I’m afraid, though, that duty calls, sir. Gentlemen,’ she said, nodding at them all, ‘we must get back to work, if we’re to open in a week.’
His pale eyebrows raised. ‘Can we be of any help, madame? I know you only have young Gilbert helping you, is that correct?’
Gilbert wondered where he expected her to get more help – from the struggling, half-starving women of Paris? Or the properly starving senior population who got so few rations it was a crime against humanity? Perhaps the Jews – most of whom they’d managed to drive out. Or from the capable men who were forced to trade their lives, hopes and dreams to fight against a madman’s ideology on the battlefields?
Marianne however just nodded cheerfully. ‘Yes, just Gilbert – but he works harder than ten grown men, I swear! I am the one who has the better deal, for it is like having a small army myself – I have to force him to go home or to take breaks.’
‘Ah, youth,’ said Busch, admiringly. ‘But still, let us help, madame,’ and he called several of the men who were awaiting outside. ‘Change of plans, we’re going to help Madame Blanchet this afternoon. Anything she needs to get this restaurant ready in time for opening – do it.’
There were a few looks of surprise. But they immediately gave their assent.
‘Just tell us what you need, madame,’ said Busch.
Marianne and Gilbert shared a quick look; there went their easy afternoon. Gilbert lingered for a moment in the street as the officers trooped inside, Marianne at the helm and beginning to direct them onto tasks. Busch was smiling, rolling up his shirt sleeves.
Several passers-by watched along with Gilbert. No doubt news of this would spread far and wide.
He heard a hacking sound and he turned to see an old man in a dirty coat with a venomous look in his eye spit on the ground. He held up two fingers with the back of his hand, then walked on.
Gilbert sighed, then went to help, thinking that despite what Marianne seemed to believe, they might need a miracle before the local people accepted this restaurant.
