She glanced at her mother. Really looked at her. “Did you ever have dreams?”
Her mother blinked and gauged her answer. “Yes. I had dreams, but some dreams are just that. Dreams.”
“Not mine. Mine were within my grasp.” Cosette left her mother and went to her room. She sat on her bed and stared at the rosebud. The beautiful flower had opened more.
She plucked it from the glass and went to toss it out the window. But she couldn’t. It was all she had of her great achievement.
As she replaced the rose in the glass, her mother knocked on her door.
“Cosette. Come quick.”
All she wanted to do was be left alone. She didn’t want to see or talk to anyone.
“Cosette.” Her mother’s whispered was urgent.
“Mother, please.” She opened the door and stopped. Avery and her father stood in front of her. Before she could ask why he was here, she heard the rustle of silk at the apartment door.
Queen Marie entered. Cosette and her mother dropped to a deep curtsy. Her father and Avery bowed.
“I asked Avery how you liked my gift. I was disappointed when he told me you didn’t come for it. So here I am to deliver the gift to you myself.”
The queen handed her a white silk cloth. Cosette went to the table and unfolded the material and gasped. She turned to the queen.
“Your Majesty. I have never... I was told you gave fans… I don’t know what to say.”
The queen picked up the small ruby slippers on a velvet ribbon and tied the gem around Cosette’s neck.
“I had Madame Vinier and the jeweler work on this today. This is the first of many tributes you will receive not only from me, but from many people.”
The queen stepped back. “I told Avery he must produceLes Caractères de la danse. The ballet that made Marie Camargo famous. He said you are the only dancer who can fill her shoes. I was again disappointed when he told me you declined to attend his school.”
“I appreciate your confidence, Your Majesty.” Cosette didn’t have any idea what to say.
“Then you will be at Avery’s studio tomorrow. Your dancing is precise, just as precise as your small stitches.”
Cosette’s eyes widened.
“Ah, you didn’t think I noticed. Your technique follows you everywhere from dressmaking to dancing.” Queen Marie started to leave.
Helpless, Cosette turned to Avery.
There was that twinkle in his eyes and those pursed lips that needed to be kissed.
The queen turned to Cosette’s parents. “You have a daughter with a talent the world should see. Her talent must be nurtured, not neglected. Cosette needs someone who knows how to develop her career, not a king’s footman.”
Cosette gasped at the queen’s words.
“Don’t look so surprised. Few things get past me. Marcel is a good young man, but not for you. He is far too… insensitive.” The queen turned to her parents. “Your daughter is special beyond dancing. I see it in everything she does. Cosette will make us all proud.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Her father bowed.
“I will appease the boy. I know a young girl who will be able to handle him and make him happy.”
“Now, I’m off.” The queen marched out the door. “Tomorrow, Cosette. At the studio,” she called over her shoulder. As fast as the queen arrived, she departed.
SIX
The next morning wasn’t gray. The next morning was a brilliant red orange. The next morning Cosette came down the street and entered the dance studio. She peeked into the rehearsal hall. Claude motioned for her to come in. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. She was glad Avery wasn’t there. Suzanne’s words still swirled in her head. As much as it pained her, she needed to sort that out.