Sisters of the Resistance (The Wartime Paris Sisters) by Jina Bacarr

Author:Jina Bacarr [Bacarr, Jina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

An hour later and I’m still explaining to these two women I adore that nothing will change with me coming back to Maison Bleue.

‘Except I am now in charge and you will do as I tell you. Cook, clean, serve my guests. And make certain I always have a clean pair of silk stockings.’

‘Justine,’ Maman says with concern, ‘silk stockings when our POWs barely have clean socks?’

I keep my lips tight so I don’t smile, keep my eyes lowered so she doesn’t see the hot tears welling up at her goodness, the softness she holds in her heart for her ‘boys’. I can’t tell them I’m a double agent without putting them at risk.

‘My needs are all that concern you, Maman. And the general’s. General von Klum will be staying here from time to time and will occupy the guest suite. You will treat him with the same respect as you did Monsieur.’

It is at that moment I know I’ve hit a nerve so raw in both women, my usually serene Maman grabs Madame by the shoulders and holds her back from coming for me. Madame mutters a few words in Russian, but her meaning is clear.

No one takes the place of Monsieur, especially a Nazi.

‘Please, Justine,’ Maman begs, ‘no more. I can’t take seeing you like this. It’s horrible.’

Madame speaks her mind. ‘If that despicable Gestapo man hadn’t threatened your dear maman and Cook and Albertine, I’d drag you out of my home by your bleached blonde hair. Now let us be. We have nothing more to say to you.’

‘I’m not finished, Madame.’ Oh, is that me? My voice is harsh like a cold wind biting at your cheeks. ‘We are still Parisiennes and you will continue to act as Frenchwomen. Be feminine, kind. Show exquisite taste and good manners. And never forget that our Nazi friends now run Paris. I can only protect you if you behave yourselves. Am I making myself clear?’

‘Very, Justine.’ Madame plops down in the Louis XV chair, holding her head in her hands, murmuring about a fat Gestapo man who will never enter her house again if she can help it. I noticed the silk on the seat is torn, but she doesn’t explain why.

Herr Geller, of course.

I get on with my agenda.

‘I realize the idea of serving SS officers won’t be easy for you, but once you accept your new position at Maison Bleue, things will go better for you.’ I cringe inside. ‘Who knows? Perhaps I can secure more food rations for the household. General von Klum is an aristocrat like you, Madame, and you will find him an eager listener.’

She turns up her nose and moves her mouth like she wants to spit at me. I smile. Madame’s spirit is a thing to watch, but I have to break her a little to keep her safe. ‘In spite of what you think about him, Madame, the general has helped me adjust to these new times.’ I forego any mention of the major.

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