by Sandra Cox
She leaned forward. “I don’t know anything about the orphanage but I’d like to.”
“It’s been in existence for about five or six years. The two of them have helped an amazing number of us. They’ve taken those of us living on the streets in, given us a place to live and an education. Most of us get our degrees in the States, which I know has cost him a small fortune. In return, all that is asked of us is that we go back to India and help those less fortunate than ourselves.” He gave a heavy sigh. “There are thousands.”
Gabby leaned back against the sofa. She felt like she’d just been run over by a Mack truck. Who would have thought that there were such unplumbed depths to Christopher Saint?
“I’ve probably said more than I should. We haven’t exactly been sworn to secrecy but we have been told not to ever discuss it outside of the orphanage.” Henry was beginning to look uncomfortable. He ran a finger inside his collar as if it felt too tight.
She leaned forward. “I’m very glad you told me. It explains a great many things about him that I didn’t understand.” Like why he’s a thief.
Her heart lightened. She felt giddy with happiness and wanted to giggle, to dance. Her fiancé was a thief, a premier thief.
Henry stood up. “I had better be going. Would you give him my regards? I leave for India tomorrow.”
She held out her hand. “Of course I will.”
He took it in a firm grasp, his palm warm.
“Thank you, Henry.”
He nodded. She showed him to the door, the critters trailing along behind.
After he’d left, she shut it and leaned against it, still smiling. She looked down at the cat and dog watching her. “I must be losing my mind. My fiancé is a thief and I’m actually happy.”
Ned woofed and wagged his tail.
No, that wasn’t right. She was happy because there was a very good reason for what he did. Not one that would stand up in a court of law mind you. But nonetheless he was hardly doing it to line the coffers.
She blinked as the door thumped against her back. Gabby took a step forward, turned and opened the door thinking Henry was back.
Tamara and Beatrice came tumbling in. For several minutes pandemonium reigned as Gabby tried to pick the two older women up off the floor and Ned and Jericho did their level best to lick their faces.
Once she had the ladies more or less on their feet again, Gabby announced, “I had a visitor. Guess who? No you’ll never guess. Henry. Did you know Christopher has an orphanage?” Gabby was practically dancing.
“Yes, dear,” Tamara replied, holding a sack of bright red tomatoes that had somehow survived their precipitous entry.
“You did? Of course, you did.”
Beatrice walked toward the kitchen carrying a bag of shiny red-green apples. They had been to the farmer’s market.
Gabby reached for the bag. “Let me take that for you.” She slid the paper strap on her arm and followed Beatrice to the kitchen. “Would you like some iced tea?”
“I’d love some. I am parched.” Tamara took off a wide-brimmed straw hat that framed her face and had a mint-green ribbon hanging down the back and fanned herself.
They all trooped into the kitchen. Gabby got glasses out of the oak cabinet while Beatrice put away the fresh fruits and vegetables.
After she filled the glasses with ice, she poured the rich-colored beverage over the ice and put a mint leaf into each glass. After serving the older women, she sat down herself and sipped the tea. The cool beverage slid down her throat.
Tamara was watching her, a small satisfied smile on her lovely ageless features. “I know a darling little boutique that has the most beautiful wedding gowns. Would you like to go?”
Gabby smiled. “That would be lovely.”
“Say tomorrow morning?”
“Tomorrow morning,” Gabby confirmed.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Gabby and Tamara got up bright and early and headed for a courtyard café that served chicory and beignets.
Both women felt this little treat was a necessity to prepare for the grueling hours of shopping ahead.
Gabby sipped her savory brew while watching a fat gray pigeon work the tables, gobbling down the crumbles the customers threw him.
She sighed in contentment. The wrought iron black fence kept the world at bay while allowing them to watch it go by. Red hibiscus and purple crepe myrtle draped the courtyard. Greedy as the pigeon, she stuffed half a sugar-coated beignet in her mouth.
Tamara sipped her chicory. She set her cup down and said quietly, “He can’t continue you know.”
Her mouth full, Gabby nodded vigorously. She swallowed the sweet treat and wiped the sugar off her mouth with the back of her hand. “I know.”
Her eyes fired with determination. “He’ll stop if I have to use the last breath in my body to convince him.”
Tamara daintily patted crumbs off her mouth. “Knowing Christopher, I can’t believe he intends to continue with this after he’s married.”
“He damn well better not,” Gabby muttered under her breath.
“What did you say, dear?”
“Oh, nothing.”
She sipped her coffee. As she set her cup down, the words tumbled out. “Do you think I’ll ever see my globe again? Your globe,” she corrected.
“No dear. You are right, it’s yours. And yes, I do think so. In fact, I know so. The globe will find a way home.”
Gabby gave her a skeptical look. “I hope you are right. Are you ready to go?”
Tamara nodded and stood up. She tossed her remaining beignet to the pigeon.
Gabby held on to hers determined to share it with one of the thinner birds that lurked on the fringes of the pigeon’s territory.
They were in the French Quarter. The ladies walked several blocks to the boutique, gazing in store windows, watching the tourists and generally enjoying their outing.
Tamara stopped in front of an elegant little shop. A mauve colored sign with gold lettering proclaimed Dianna’s Boutique.
She opened the door and Gabby followed her in. A chime tinkled as the door opened announcing their arrival. A large white cat got up from the white satin chair it was setting in, stretched and yawned.
One of the most beautiful mulatto women Gabby had ever seen stepped from behind the counter.
Passersby gawked through the storefront window.
“Ms. Tamara, it is so good to see you. It’s been too long.”
The women shook hands.
The beautiful woman tilted her head. “And what brings you to my bridal shop? Are you looking for an ensemble for the Beauer’s wedding perhaps?” She had glanced at Gabby out of the corner of her eye, but her main attention was focused on Mrs. James.
Tamara drew Gabby forward. “We’re here to buy a wedding dress for Christopher’s bride.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes widened and she looked ready to faint. “Christopher is getting married?”
Gabby wasn’t sure if she liked this woman or not.
“Dianna, let me introduce you to Christopher’s fiancée, Gabriella Bell.”
Dianna took Gabby’s hand and squeezed it firmly. “I’m so happy to meet you.”
“Gabby dear, this is Ms. Dianna Blanchard.”
“I am so thrilled you’ve chosen my shop for your wedding gown. Now what did you have in mind?”
“Well, I…”
“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll show you what we have.”
Dianna led them to two white satin chairs next to the cat.
An associate of Dianna’s came out balancing a silver platter with two steaming cups of chicory topped with whipped cream and two bottles of water. Gabby glanced at Tamara and bit back a groan.
She gingerly accepted the aromatic brew and gave a sickly smile of thanks. She sat it down on the antique table at her elbow and reached for the water.
Gabby uncapped it and drank. The cool clear liquid slid down her throat. She glanced over to see Tamara sedatel
y drinking her chicory. Gabby grinned. God, she loved that woman.
At that moment, Dianna and three shop attendants walked out their arms full of rustling white gowns.
Tamara and Gabby looked at the beautiful full-skirted gown encrusted with pearls and shook their heads.
The next was a slinky little number covered in sequins.
“That would look good on you, dear,” Tamara patted at the whipped cream clinging to her upper lip with a tissue.
“It’s not me.”
“Perhaps something a bit more simple.”
Dianna arched a brow and motioned a redheaded shop attendant forward, a silk gown strung across her arm.
Tamara leaned over and whispered to Gabby. “Oh, dear, I should have never used the term simple. I’ve probably offended her.”
Gabby bit down on her lip to keep from giggling. She was a bit overwhelmed in this classy, high-priced boutique. She shopped end of season, off the clearance racks, at the local department stores.
The attendant glided forward and held it up. It was a simple off-the-shoulder white silk.
“You would look absolutely breathtaking. Why not try it on.” Not waiting for a reply, Dianna took the dress and headed for a dressing room, discreetly placed down the hall.
Gabby trailed obediently behind, sinking into the luxurious white carpet with each step, hoping she wasn’t tracking dirt on the immaculate floor covering.
The maroon silk dressing room curtain rustled as Dianna pulled it back and placed the dress carefully inside. The space was roomy, wide enough for Dianna, Gabby and the dress.
Gabby waited for Dianna to step out.
“You will need help with the dress.”
“If it doesn’t bother you, it doesn’t bother me,” Gabby muttered under her breath, pulling a red tank top over her head.
“Did you say something, Ms. Bell?”
“Oh just commenting on… Never mind it was nothing important.”
Gabby slid out of the long white muslin skirt she wore and stood in her plain white cotton bra, briefs and sandals.
Dianna nodded. “You have an excellent body. It will be a pleasure dressing you.”
She opened the curtain stepped out and snapped her fingers. Another attendant came hurrying forward, handed her something and left.
Gabby shook her head. You need to be a mind reader to work here. Then she took a closer look at what Dianna held in each hand. “Candy dishes made from play dough.”
Dianna gave a brief laugh. “So droll, Ms. Bell.” She held out her hands. “Put them on.”
Rolling her eyes, Gabby unhooked her bra and plopped on the silicone, self-adhesive cups.
Dianna pulled the white silk dress over Gabby’s head, zipped the back then opened the curtain so she could step out.
Gabby looked at herself in the three-way mirror. An elegant woman she didn’t recognize stared back at her.
“My dear, you look breathtaking. Why don’t you show Mrs. James?”
Gabby walked out to Tamara, the silk rustling with each step.
Tamara smiled at her.
Sadness flickered over Tamara’s face as she admired the gown and then was quickly gone. She’s thinking of Dilly. Impulsively she held out her hand. “I want to carry yellow daffodils.”
Tamara understood immediately. She took Gabby’s long fingered hand in her own and squeezed it. Her eyes glittered like amethyst pools. One lone tear spilled out and trailed down her petal soft cheek. “My dear, that may be the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me. And I’ve had a lot of kindnesses come my way over the years.”
She wiped the tear away then smiled at Gabby. “So do you like the dress, dear?”
Gabby hedged. “What do you think?”
“I think you look absolutely stunning. But to be quite truthful, I don’t recognize our dear Gabriella in it.”
Gabby gave a relieved sigh. “You and me both. I’m afraid this top would fall down, leaving me exposed with nothing but silicone pasties.”
Tamara burst out laughing.
Dianna waited at a discreet distance.
Gabby shook her head.
Dianna clapped her hands and another clerk came hurrying forward, a gown in her arms.
They walked back to the dressing room, Gabby, Dianna and another clerk, this one a pretty oriental. Gabby grimaced wryly. I feel like the pied piper.
Dianna opened the curtain. Gabby stepped through and turned around. Dianna unzipped her dress. The gown fell in a white pool of silk at her feet.
Gabby stared in fascination at her silicone, self-adhered pasties.
“Hold up your arms.” Dianna was all business.
Gabby obeyed and another dress was slid over her head.
Dianna spun her around and zipped her up. The woman barely reached Gabby’s shoulders with heels on.
Gabby flinched as Dianna zipped the tight-fitting dress, taking a small piece of skin with it. Lord, she hoped she didn’t bleed on it.
Gabby looked in the mirror. This one had a street length straight silk skirt and bodice. A draping of chiffon covered her shoulders and trailed down her back to end at the hem of her dress. A light row of sequins edged the chiffon. The chiffon plunged to a V between her breasts. Gabby raised her eyebrows. What would Daddy think of this getup? She almost giggled.
Dianna threw back the curtain and Gabby glided out. The skirt was too tight to take her usual long strides.
Gabby and Tamara both looked at each other and shook their heads. “Do we have a date yet, dear? Just in case this process takes longer than I supposed?”
Gabby shrugged helplessly. “He doesn’t even know I’m going to marry him. I’ll let him pick the date.”
“That’s a mistake, my dear. It’s well intentioned but a mistake nonetheless. You leave it to Christopher and you’ll find yourself before Judge Hermodson the next day.”
Gabby laughed. “I see your point.”
Dianna joined them. “Well ladies?”
“No. They are beautiful. But I’m just a simple sort of girl. I need something a shade less elegant.”
Dianna shook her head. “That’s too bad. You wear them like a queen.”
Gabby’s face softened and a Mona Lisa smile played across her features. Christopher had called her his Nordic queen as they lay in each other’s arms after their tempestuous lovemaking.
And speaking of her fiancé, why hadn’t she heard from him before now?
A brief image of Christopher dripping blood as he had the last time she’d seen him in the globe surfaced in her mind. She shook her head to clear it.
Tamara leaned forward. “Are you all right, dear?”
Gabby drudged up a smile. “I’m fine.” No need to share that grisly image with Tamara. Besides, with or without the globe she would know if something was wrong. And she fully intended to make sure that image never became a reality.
Dianna stood studying her, tapping her finger against her lips. Her eyes lit. “I have it!” She turned and walked briskly to the back.
When she came back a moment later a gown the color of old ivory filled her arms. Even before she saw the gown’s design, Gabby knew it was hers.
Dianna held it up for her inspection.
Gabby and Tamara looked at each other and smiled.
Dianna, Gabby and the clerk hurried to the dressing room, as much as one can hurry in a tight-fitting dress.
Dianna helped Gabby out of the gown. She caught it before it quite hit the floor. Gabby fidgeted, her impatience mounting.
Dianna and the clerk exchanged gowns. Gabby closed her eyes as the cool silk dropped over her head. The store owner zipped the back and straightened the shoulders.
Gabby opened her eyes. She looked in the mirror and smiled. The gown was a simple shirtwaist with a fitted skirt that had a built-in train. Rows of silk-covered faux buttons ran from a high-necked collar to the waist. Antique lace three inches wide graced the cuffs, the neck, ran down beside the buttons and trimmed the train. It was p
erfect.
Dianna smiled in satisfaction. “You like?”
“Very much.” Gabby studied her reflection. She looked truly beautiful and it was her in the mirror not some sophisticated Barbie doll.
Dianna opened the curtain and motioned her forward. “Shall we?”
Gabby walked out of the dressing room and stopped in front of Tamara. “What do you think?”
Her head tilted on one side, Tamara studied the gown. “I think you look absolutely beautiful. It’s perfect. What do think?”
“I want it.”
Tamara sighed in relief. “Now that we’ve made that decision, we need to look at headdresses and shoes.”
She looked up at her future daughter-in-law’s face and her gaze sharpened. “What is it, dear?”
Gabby’s feeling of euphoria dissipated like mist rolling off a river. In its place was an inimical feeling so strong, she could feel the hair on the back of her neck curl.
She looked around. Two young women stood on the sidewalk watching her through the picture window. One was a pretty African-American, the other an oriental with her hair pulled back in a ponytail.
Her gaze swept over them and moved on. While Gabby’s eyes traveled around the shop her subconscious prodded her. What was it about the oriental woman that bothered her?
She glanced back. Their eyes locked. Hatred sparked from the oriental’s eyes and washed over her. Lai!
“Call the police!” yelled the policeman’s daughter.
Lai grabbed the arm of the woman she was with and disappeared into the crowd.
Gabby bolted for the door.
“No, no. You can’t wear that gown outside.” Dianna flung herself at Gabby’s knees with a tackle that would have made The Saints proud. Both went tumbling to the ground.
“She’s getting away,” Gabby howled, pounding on the carpet in frustration. When she finally untangled herself from Dianna’s death grasp and stumbled to her feet, she found the door blocked by the three clerks. “Call the police!”
She hurried to the dressing room, with Dianna in hot pursuit. Dianna got her out of the gown in record time. “Do you want this gown?”
“Yes,” Gabby panted. She pulled on her shirt and skirt, not bothering with her old bra. “Put the pasties on my tab,” Gabby called over her shoulder as she ran out.