by Jan Moran
“Thank you, so do you.” His warm scent, mingled with ocean air, wafted to her nose; it was the scent she’d first loved on him so many years ago. She glanced away, suddenly aware that her heart was pounding wildly in her chest.
He lifted a hand to her face, and brushed a wisp of hair from her forehead. “My darling Danielle,” he said, lowering his voice. “We must talk. How is tonight, after dinner?”
Danielle hesitated, then shook her head. “I can’t,” she murmured.
“Tomorrow, then.”
“Not tomorrow, nor the next day.”
He let his hand rest on her shoulder again. “I must see you.”
She looked up into his eyes and felt her resolve slipping away.
He glanced over his shoulder.
Danielle drew a sharp breath, and before she could stop herself, she said curtly, “Is Victoria looking for you?”
“I need to see you alone,” he whispered, urgency rising in his voice. “You know we need to talk.”
She shook her head sadly, very much against her will. “The war is over. You’re home now. You have a wife and daughter, and you should turn to Victoria for support. It would be wrong for us to continue our—our friendship. It’s over.” There. I’ve said it, she thought, though she felt as if a piece of her soul had shriveled and died.
Jon looked as if she’d slapped him. He took a half step back, and let his hand drop from her shoulder, brushing her hand.
She felt his fingers entwine with hers. Oh, mon Dieu! A surge of electricity sparked down her spine, dredging up more memories. What am I doing?
Jon leaned in toward her and she felt his warm breath on her neck. “It’s not over, Danielle,” he whispered, his voice gentle, yet firm. “It will never be over between us.”
34
The next morning dawned crisp and clear, the sky a vivid cerulean blue, heralding a perfect winter day. Danielle peered from her suite at the Savoy Hotel. A light snow had fallen the night before, dusting the city in velvety white.
She yawned and stretched before the window. Thoughts of Jon had kept her up half the night. She shook her head sadly, knowing her feelings were futile. As soon as she saw Victoria, she had accepted the reality. Jon is married...happily or otherwise, it doesn’t matter. It’s over.
Just then, the telephone rang. “Hello?”
Marie said, “Liliana and Jasmin and I are downstairs having breakfast. Nora’s taken ill, so I told her to stay in bed and called the hotel doctor to tend to her. I wanted to let you sleep longer, but the girls are anxious to go out.”
Danielle promised to meet them shortly and hung up the telephone. They were going to Harrods department store to shop for winter clothing, then meet Libby for tea. Danielle had also planned a meeting with the store’s executive buyers responsible for her perfume and evening dress accounts. She bathed quickly and dressed in a chic ebony wool suit, draped her warm sable coat around her shoulders, then hurried downstairs to meet her mother and the girls.
Danielle strode across the lobby, where she spied her family.
“Mama, look at my snowball,” Jasmin said. In her mittened fist she held a lump of snow, which Liliana was attempting to wrest from her grip. The snowball was melting, dripping on the fine Oriental carpets in the lobby.
Danielle suppressed a smile at the sight of her spirited young girls. Memories of her childhood holidays in the Alps sprang to mind, of having snowball fights and sledding with Jean-Claude and friends. She’d always loved the pristine scent of fresh fallen snow.
“Thank goodness you’ve come down,” Marie said, laughter bubbling in her voice. “I couldn’t keep Jasmin inside, she’s so enchanted with her first snow experience.”
“It’s beautiful, but I heard a storm is on the way tonight.” Danielle wrapped a cashmere muffler around her neck and pulled on leather gloves.
They emerged into the nippy air, and at her request, the doorman motioned to a taxi.
“Let’s go, girls. Jasmin, no snowballs in the taxi.”
“But Mama,” Jasmin wailed, “I want to take it with me.”
“You can’t take a snowball with you,” Liliana reprimanded her, sniffing in a very grownup manner. “Jasmin’s too young to know any better.”
With that, Jasmin dropped the snowball onto the sidewalk and scrambled into the taxi after Liliana.
Danielle and Marie slid into the back seat. “Harrods in Knightsbridge, please,” Danielle said, and settled back to enjoy the ride.
Danielle thought London was beautiful, with its spacious parks, charming mews and elegant townhomes, although remnants of rubble still remained from the German air raids. Danielle knew Britain was struggling to overcome years of devastation and deprivation, but she could feel a sense of hope and relief in the people.
As they approached Harrods, Liliana and Jasmin pressed their noses excitedly against the windows. At the entryway to the venerable department store, carolers dressed in hoop skirts and velvet muffs were singing holiday songs as Britons embraced the celebration of a peaceful holiday season.
They exited the taxi and swept into Harrods. Amidst the rush of the holiday crowd, Danielle found a salesperson and bought several warm outfits for the girls, as well as a new suit for her mother.
“Liliana is quite the young lady,” Marie commented as they shopped. “She’s a good influence on our wild child.”
Danielle arranged to have everything delivered to the hotel, and by the time they met Libby in the tea room, they were all exhausted, but happy.
Danielle had a wonderful time catching up with Libby. The girls enjoyed their first proper British tea, complete with thin cucumber sandwiches, crusty scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry jam, and delicious Earl Grey and Darjeeling teas.
Danielle left her family and Libby to finish their tea while she met with the buyers at Harrods. The executives showed her the new Parfums Bretancourt section in the parfumerie, and Danielle was extremely pleased with the large amount of space dedicated to her line. She shook hands with all the salespeople and spoke to several of their best clients, who had asked to meet the creator of their favorite perfumes.
Next, they rode the elevator to the eveningwear salon, and once again, Danielle took time to greet the staff and their clients. The executives showed her to their private offices, where she learned that Harrods wanted to double its spring order based on her line’s popularity. She agreed, thanked them, then made her way back to her family.
When she entered the tea room she paused and sucked in her breath. Jon was sitting at their table. No, I can’t do this, she thought, panicking. She was turning to leave when Libby spotted her and called out.
“Danielle, look who’s joined us.”
Jon turned around. “I hear you’ve been meeting with the executives,” he said in a friendly tone. “How did that go?”
Danielle arranged a smile on her face, though she still felt like fleeing. “Wonderful, the Bretancourt line has been well received.”
Jon pulled another chair to the table for her. She felt his eyes linger on her as she sat down, but then he turned his attention to Jasmin and Liliana, asking them what they’d bought, and how they enjoyed London. Still shaking on the inside, Danielle marveled at the ease with which he spoke to her daughters. The girls seemed to like him, so Danielle relaxed a little. This isn’t so bad after all, she told herself, not with everyone around.
When the conversation lulled, Libby said, “What brings you to Harrods, Jon?”
“I had to have a new suit for Abigail’s wedding.”
“Well, I’ll say, you’ve filled out in all the right places. Just look at your muscles,” Libby said, playfully squeezing his arm.
Liliana giggled, and Jasmin made a muscle of her own, which sent both girls into gales of laughter.
“Feisty, aren’t they?” Jon said, winking at Danielle.
“Like their mother,” Marie said.
Danielle’s lips parted in astonishment.
Marie s
hrugged. “Well, it’s true. You were a stubborn little girl. You had definite ideas, even then. Both the girls take after you, each in their own way.” She smiled at Danielle. “Don’t frown, I mean that in the kindest way, ma chère.” She turned to Jon. “I’m so proud of my daughter. She’s become quite a trendsetter in America.”
“Indeed she has.” Jon looked at Danielle, leaned back and crossed his long legs, his eyes dancing as a smile played at the corners of his mouth. “I saw your evening dresses upstairs. They’re stunning.”
Danielle felt herself blush and then, embarrassed by her reaction, felt her face grow even warmer. She swallowed and tilted her chin. “Shopping for your wife?” She winced inside as soon as the words left her lips. Now why did I say that?
“No, Abigail told me I should see your work,” Jon said smoothly. He glanced at his watch. “I must hurry to pick up my suit, though.” He hesitated, then looked directly at her. “I’d sure appreciate a woman’s advice on the accessories. Danielle, would you mind accompanying me, just for a few minutes?”
Libby was quick to answer for her. “That’s an excellent idea. We’ll meet back at the hotel, Danielle. You don’t mind, do you Marie?”
“Not at all,” Marie responded.
Danielle stood up. “Well, since you’ve all worked out my plans, I suppose we’ll be on our way.” She exchanged kisses on the cheeks with Libby and her mother and the girls before they left.
Jon touched her shoulder. “I’m glad I ran into you, Danielle. I enjoy having a woman’s perspective on style.”
“Don’t be silly, Jon, you don’t need my help at all.”
He gazed into her eyes and, it seemed, straight into her soul. “Oh, indeed I do,” he replied. “I need your help in every way imaginable.”
Danielle felt herself flush again. Why did he keep overstepping her boundaries?
She glanced at the clock. “We haven’t long before the store closes.”
“Then let’s not waste time.” He offered her his arm, and Danielle rested her fingertips lightly on his arm, taking care to keep her distance.
She accompanied him to the men’s department, where they assembled his formal attire for the wedding. Jon had also ordered three suits, and Danielle laughed as Jon tried to pair together ridiculous ties and shirts. “You know better than that,” she said, and smiled warmly at him.
“Hold it right there,” he said. “Just like that, that’s the way you looked when we ran into one another at the flower shop. That’s the way I always remember you.”
She shook her head as the smile faded from her lips.
“Danielle, I’m sorry if I said something wrong. But you must admit, fate intervened today to bring us together.”
“Fate?”
He shrugged and pushed his hand through his thick hair. “Libby might have mentioned that she was meeting friends here today.”
“I see. Well, we’re all good friends now, aren’t we?”
Jon looked crestfallen, but before he could respond, the sales clerk interrupted. “We’re closing now, sir. Will you be taking these items with you, or would you like us to send them to you?”
Jon arranged for the clothes to be sent to his family’s home, then he and Danielle made their way downstairs.
By the time they emerged from Harrods, snow was falling again. A long line of people waited for taxis.
Jon frowned. “This is an unusually heavy snowfall for London. Look at that queue, we should wait and have a drink, it’ll be easier to get a taxi later.”
Danielle shivered in the dusky blue twilight. “Let’s make that a hot drink, shall we?” The sun had set, and the cold air sliced through her.
“You’ve grown accustomed to California sunshine.” He rubbed her hands in his, warming them for her, and Danielle felt the sensation spread through her limbs.
They ducked into a nearby pub, found a table near the fireplace, and ordered their drinks. As the snow intensified, the room grew crowded with people seeking sanctuary.
Jon looked worried. “This storm is growing worse. You’re not far away, but I’ll certainly have trouble getting home.”
“Where are you living?” Danielle pulled her chair closer to his to allow people to pass behind her.
“About an hour outside of London. I planned to take the train from here, then drive home. I parked my car at the train station. But there’s no way I can cross country roads tonight, not in this weather. The roads won’t be clear.”
“What will you do?”
“There’s no room at my parents’ home, what with the wedding party in residence. Libby’s home is not far away. I’m sure I can spend the night there.”
Danielle nodded. “Perhaps the snow will ease soon.”
“Would you like another drink?”
“Just one more.” The fire was toasty, and she hated the thought of going out into the cold. Besides, I’m enjoying myself, she thought, smiling at Jon.
They toasted to their health, then Jon looked at her with curiosity. “There is something I’ve wondered about, Danielle. Why did you stop writing to me?”
She drew back in surprise. “Me? You were the one who stopped writing. I only heard from you once after you left Beverly Hills.”
He shook his head. “When your letters stopped, I thought you had changed your mind.”
Danielle stared at him. She was feeling the effects of the alcohol, and it was making her light-headed. But she knew what she had to say. She had to be honest with him. “I did change my mind. You’re married, Jon.”
“I was married before.”
“But the war was on, and I knew you needed support to keep up your spirits.”
“So did you.”
“I suppose I did,” she murmured.
“The war is still on, Danielle, it’s just moved to the home front.”
“Victoria?”
He nodded. “It’s been bloody awful. You can’t imagine.”
“Oh, I believe I can. Cameron was no walk in the park, God rest his soul.”
“Poor old fellow. I was truly sorry to hear about him.” Jon looked at her, concern evident in his eyes. “Are you all right? I mean, since Cameron—”
“I’ll be fine.” Her stomach clenched, and she turned up a corner of her mouth. She leaned forward and touched his hand. “Abigail told me about the baby.”
He shook his head sadly. “You know it’s not my child.”
Danielle entwined her fingers with his, nodding and listening.
“And what’s worse, I don’t think I ever loved Victoria. Not after you.”
She bit her lip. “Jon, don’t....”
“No, hear me out, Danielle. We didn’t talk about any of this when we saw each other in Beverly Hills. I didn’t want to ruin that one perfect day we had together, and it was so unexpected. It was truly heaven, Danielle.”
She smiled sadly. “I really loved being with you, Jon, but that’s all it was. One perfect day.”
“You know it was more than that, Danielle. See, after you married Cameron, nothing mattered any more. So many of my friends had been killed. I really didn’t think I had a chance. The least I could do was to give my family an heir. A noble act, that’s how I saw the marriage. And I have to admit, I felt a sense of pride for a short while, about being the chap who landed Victoria. She was every man’s dream.”
“She is beautiful.”
“Not on the inside.” Jon brushed a wisp of hair from Danielle’s forehead.
Danielle smiled softly as their eyes met. “We simply weren’t meant to be, Jon.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Believe it, Jon, it’s easier this way. We’re just good friends.” As she spoke, she felt her stomach recoil against her words. And I’m lying to myself.
His gaze held hers, and she swore he could read her mind. After a long moment, he spoke. “Then we’d better go.”
They drained their glasses, then rose, pushed through the crowd and stepped outside.
&nb
sp; Danielle caught her breath. “Look at the lights of London,” she exclaimed in awe. “They’re back on.”
“That’s right, no more bombs dropping from the sky. We’ve taken back the night, Danielle.” He grinned and waved his hand toward the city. “You’ll see more changes, too. The city is slowly being rebuilt. London is coming back to life, and won’t she be grand?”
They hailed a cab, but the snow impeded their progress, and it seemed to take forever to navigate the short distance to the hotel. When they finally arrived, the driver turned off his meter and said, “That’s it, this is as far as I go tonight.”
“Would you see me to the train station?” Jon asked. “It’s not far.”
The cab driver shook his head. “I’ve got to get home meself. Storm’s just beginning, it is.”
Jon peered up at the Savoy with a wry smile. “Perhaps there’s room at the inn.”
They stamped snow from their feet, then walked inside to inquire at the front desk. Only one suite remained.
“I’ll take it,” Jon said.
The desk clerk took his information. “How long will you be with us, sir?”
“Until the thaw,” he replied with a laugh. He turned to Danielle. “I haven’t any luggage, so it won’t take me long to settle in. How about dinner?”
They stepped onto the elevator, and Danielle inclined her head. “I’ll see.” She knew she shouldn’t, but.... She got off on her floor.
“I’ll call you in ten minutes.” He leaned out the elevator and whispered to her. “I’m willing to take out the whole family, but really, I’d rather it was just us. As good friends, I promise.”
She laughed. “Ten minutes. I’ll hold you to it.”
When she opened the door, she found that in the adjoining suite Marie had already changed into her evening loungewear, and the girls were having their baths.
“I don’t think we’re going anywhere tonight,” Marie said. “Not with this weather. The girls are so tired, and Nora’s still sick in bed. I’ve already ordered room service. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, Maman.”
“How was Jon? Handsome man, isn’t he?”
“Hmm. I suppose so.” Danielle remained standing, still wearing her coat.