Chapter 12: The Dress

On Wednesday afternoon, three women and a wheelchair arrived at a boutique on the Rue de la République.

Lise pushed the chair, and Margaux carried the handbag.

Julien's grandmother sat in front and looked over the shop.

"I told Julien I'd come," she said. "Someone has to stop you buying black."

"I like black," Margaux said.

"Black is for funerals, and for women who hate their mothers."

"You like hiding in it."

The saleswoman brought out six dresses on a rail.

Margaux touched a deep emerald silk with a high waist and a long, clean line.

"This one," she said.

"Wonderful choice," said the saleswoman. "It's a sample, our last piece in your size. It will be ready by Friday."

The door chimed behind them.

"Oh, how lucky," said a bright, sweet voice. "I was hoping to find something just like that."

Manon stood in the doorway in a pale pink coat, with the sapphire pendant on her neck and a black credit card in her fingers.

Hortense stood behind her, silent, in pearls.

"Margaux," Manon said, and smiled. "What a surprise. Are you shopping for the gala?"

"We are," Lise said.

"I'm so glad. We all have to look our best."

Manon reached past Margaux and took the emerald dress off the rail.

"I'll have this one, for the stage. Thibault wants me in green."

The saleswoman hesitated. "Madame, that dress was put on hold for..."

"Do you know who I am?" Manon said. "I'm Madame Marceau."

The saleswoman went pale and said nothing.

Keep reading free with an account. Start My Husband Called Me Barren, Now a Billionaire Begs for Me from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.