Tides of Honour by Genevieve Graham

Author:Genevieve Graham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

TWENTY-FOUR

She went to the dressmaker the next morning after Danny had gone to work. He hadn’t come home until three hours before he had to get up, and they hadn’t spoken a word to each other all through those long, cold hours. Audrey had closed her eyes, refusing to cry, but all the time she craved his touch and had to fight the urge to slide closer, press her back against his. But he hadn’t moved toward her. He hadn’t reached for her at all.

So she stepped into the street outside their little house just after ten o’clock, Pierre’s little card tucked in her pocket. She had no idea if she would actually use it, if she would be brave enough to do as he had so generously suggested. But the very idea of walking into a store she had, until then, considered out of bounds and maybe even walking out with a purchase appealed to her on many levels.

It was quite a distance to the shop on Hollis Street, and she was glad she’d thought to bring an umbrella. It wasn’t quite raining yet, but the clouds were closing in. All she could do was hope it only rained, didn’t snow.

The little store was called Nanette’s Boutique. The front was white with a big, beautiful window out to the street, and two breathtaking gowns were on display, one in light pink with ivory lace, the other an elegant black satin. Everyone seemed to wear black these days, respecting those lost in the war, but Audrey had decided she just couldn’t. What she needed more than anything these days—besides a return of the old Danny—was colour. And since she was going to be on display as an artist, it only made sense that she show off a little of it. She blinked up at the pink gown, appreciating its delicate cut, the folds of the skirt lightly sweeping the floor of the display window. It was absolutely beautiful. But Audrey didn’t want pink.

A little bell rang when she opened the door, bright and cheery, and such a welcome change from the grey outside that she couldn’t help smiling. A neatly dressed woman came from the back of the store to greet her, all smiles, though her eyes flicked skeptically over Audrey’s coat. Audrey had expected that kind of reaction, and she didn’t blame the woman. Danny was right, but he was also wrong. She knew she didn’t fit in—not as she was. A change was needed, and if Pierre Antoine wanted to help her make that change, she wasn’t about to argue. Yes, she was as poor as a church mouse, but the little card in her pocket was worth more than anything she’d ever owned, including her gold wedding band.

“Good morning,” the woman said sweetly. “Can I help you with something?”

“Oh, I hope so,” Audrey said, wanting to please her. “I’m looking for a gown for a dinner party.” The shadow of a frown crossed the woman’s brow, and Audrey smiled.

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