“Cosette, hurry.” Her mother tapped on her door. “You’ll be late, and I must leave.”
“I’m getting up.” She listened as her mother left the apartment.
She threw off the blanket and tried to get out of bed, but found her legs trapped by the bedsheets. After working herself out of the tangle she washed and dressed. Her room straightened, she took her dance bag and tossed it into the wardrobe, then left for the sewing room.
“I was amazed when you danced,” Madame Vinier said. “I’ve never gone to the ballet, but since you were dancing I wanted to see what it was about.”
Madame Vinier went on to ask questions about the dance and the company. The more the woman talked about dance and the evening, the more Cosette wanted to run away.
Naïve. Last night her performance went well, but that was only one performance. One ballet. Even if Suzanne wasn’t correct about Avery, her mother was right. She had known him only weeks, not years. But the mere thought of never seeing him again, being in his arms, kissing him, tore at her heart.
“I must leave,” the dressmaker said. She took a pouch from the sewing drawer. “The jeweler has the gems to match these that I need for her majesty’s gown. While I’m gone, press the yellow gown and straighten the room. There are several items to be mended in the queen’s boudoir. The queen is away so you can work there if you like. You must be tired or did too much celebrating last night. You’ve barely said a word all morning.”
“Yes. I am tired. With all the excitement, I had a difficult time sleeping. The dancers were asked to see the artistic director today.”
“Take as long as you need. We can always catch up on the work.” Madame Vinier hesitated a moment. “I was proud of you; so were your parents. They stood in front of me. I’m off.” The woman was out the door before Cosette could say a word.
The last thing she wanted was to see Avery. Perhaps she could speak to Monsieur Garnier. Her spirits perked up. Yes. No need to see him or the other dancers. Practice ended at eleven and with the rest of the day off, everyone was sure to leave. She’d go a few minutes before noon.
She organized the lace and sorted the beads. Several spilled on the floor, reminding her of notes on a musical staff. Her mind wandered and she imagined Avery with the musical score, working out choreography for a new ballet. Blinking to clear the vision, she pushed him out of her mind.
She rolled the dress material and folded the smaller pieces. The soft deerskin would make a wonderful doublet. In her mind, Avery appeared dressed in his dance costume ready for the performance. His cream colored tights snug at his calf, his soft brown doublet trim at his waist which only made his shoulders look broader. She let out a deep sigh.Please, don’t torment me like this.
The room in good order, Cosette prepared the iron and took out the yellow dress. The soft silk reminded her of the softness of his touch, the warmth of his kiss.
Avery was everywhere. Perhaps once she declined his offer she would be able to move on.
The yellow gown was on the queen’s form when the mantel clock struck the noon hour.
She left the palace and made her way to the dance studio.
“Monsieur Garnier.” She knocked on his office door. He didn’t answer.
“The dance master left after class,” one of the dancers said. “Something about London. He won’t be back for two days.”
A chill across her shoulders and made her whole body shake. The last thing she wanted to do was speak to Avery. There was no avoiding him now. She sucked in her breath and headed for his office.
“Cosette.” Suzanne stood by Avery’s office door. “Did you get one of the lace fans the queen sent us? I don’t remember seeing any left. The queen probably didn’t give them to the temporary dancers.”
Cosette didn’t say anything. She raised her hand to knock.
“Oh, don’t bother him. He asked not to be disturbed. It was nice meeting you. We must dance together again. I’m sure Claude will ask you back next year or the next time he needs an extra dancer.” Suzanne turned and left the building.
Cosette shook her head, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.
“Suzanne, I thought I told you—” Avery opened the door. “Cosette.” The serious slash of his lips tipped at the corners and turned into a wide smile.
“You told everyone to come to your office today.”
“Yes, a gift from the queen. Come in. I worked all night on a plan including classes and performances. Let me show you.”
“I can’t. I’m here to thank you.” How was she going to get through this? Her insides were being torn out.
He stood in front of her. Her dream, her future, was shattering before her eyes.Quick, say the words and get out. Before you make a total fool of yourself.
“I thought about your invitation last night and must decline.” How she said the words without crying was beyond her, but she did.
His smile faltered for a moment then it fell apart, and his twinkling eyes, his beautiful twinkling eyes, turned dull in disbelief.