“I think she can. And you, what do you think?” Claude led the way down the shop-filled street.
“She is more than capable. We’re both in agreement. Now all we need to do is convince Cosette.” Avery stood by while Claude looked into the shop window. The sparkle of a pin caught Claude’s eye.
The men went inside. While Claude bargained with the owner for the pin, Avery browsed the shop. He found nothing of interest in the small items and wandered over to the larger ones. He opened a cabinet and stared. His mind ran wild until ideas fell into place and a satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He reached in and carefully removed a pair of used red ballet slippers, reminiscent of Marie’s.
“They are beautiful.” The shop owner’s wife stood next to him. “Those were worn by the famous Marie Camargo.”
Avery gave her a stern side glance. He wasn’t thinking about how she obtained the red slippers. He was conjuring an idea filled with magic.
“Oh, I have them rightfully. They were among the items removed from her apartment when she moved.”
Avery said nothing as Claude joined him.
“Many people come to me for help to disburse their goods. We have recommendations from the palace.”
Still silent, Avery put down a gold coin.
“Will there be anything else?” The woman scooped up the coin and handed him the shoes.
“Wrap the shoes in a white box.”
The woman gave him a gracious nod, wrapped the shoes, and handed the package to him.
While Claude put on his new pin, Avery pulled a wide red silk ribbon from a hook and tied his package with a bow. Avery thanked the woman and they left the shop.
“You don’t think for a moment those are Marie’s red slippers, do you? If they are for Cosette, you can well afford a pair of new shoes for her.”
“She tells me I should use my druid magic to help her. Please, do not say a thing to her. Do you understand.”
“I can’t wait to hear what you have planned.”
SEVEN
In the morning, the dancers rushed into the studio as the skies opened in a downpour. It rained on and off most of the morning. By afternoon it settled into a steady rain.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Claude stood before them after lunch. “The opening performance is a few days away. You have all done a superb job. I’m happy to announce Madame Camargo has chosen the following dancers to perform the major role and solos on opening night. Cosette you will dance the major role. Soloists will be Suzanne, Aline, Luis, and Pierre. Dress rehearsals begin at the theatre this afternoon at four. Please do not be late. I want all the costume fittings completed. Soloists, meet me in the rehearsal room. We’ll go over your parts.”
Claude went to the far end of the room, the dancers following him.
The room was abuzz with congratulations. While Cosette and several others prepared for the rehearsal, the majority of dancers gathered their belongings to go to the theater for costume fittings.
“The major role was mine.” Suzanne stood in front of her with her arms crossed over her chest. “Take it and you must give something up. You can’t have everything.”
“Leave her alone,” one of the dancers said as he walked away leaving Cosette and Suzanne by themselves.
“I’ll take Avery.” Suzanne spit out the words. “Yes. I assure you he won’t miss you.”
“Suzanne, your tales aren’t true about the dancers or Avery. Does it make you feel better?” Cosette stepped closer. Suzanne tried to step back but found herself against a wall. “Listen to me. The major role was never yours or mine before Monsieur Garnier and Madame Camargo decided who would dance. As for Avery, you can’t take what doesn’t belong to you. Ask him and he will tell you he has no interest in you.”
Cosette moved away but turned back to Suzanne. “If you spent as much time studying and working on your dancing as you do lying and conniving, you could have gotten the part you wanted.”
“Suzanne.” Claude came up to them carrying sheets of music. “I added a new combination. It will suit you well. I want to work on your fouetté rond de jambe en tournant. Your leg should whip around effortlessly.”
While Claude worked with Suzanne, Cosette went to Avery’s office. The strain of the confrontation had taken its toll. A fire in the hearth dried the dampness from the room, and the cozy space soothed her to a point. She looked around. Avery wasn’t there.
She may have spoken back to the harassing woman, but did she believe her own words? If she deserved to dance the major role, why was she having so much difficulty with it? The intricate steps needed speed and precision, but both eluded her.
“I came from the rehearsal hall.” Avery entered the office. “I’ve a present for you.”