Peeking Under the Covers

  Chapter 7 It was by chance on one of his usual evenings to Madame Douvry's, that André Vilbert learned Suzy would soon leave Paris. All afternoon, Suzy had been out with Lady Graham, who had taken a warm and real liking to her. Saddened by her husband's departure for America, the young Lady Graham would have liked to have Suzy with her already. She asked for her incessantly, desirous of having a companion during the innumerable errands she ran in Paris. Madame Douvry resigned herself to these daily separations from Suzy, so that at the moment of departure, her daughter might no longer see Lady Graham as a stranger.  Together, Lady Graham and Suzy had made a long stop at Worth's, where Suzy herself had been called upon to give her opinion on the designs proposed by M. Jean, the great  courturier . Then, in another celebrated fashion house, she had watched Lady Graham place on her tawny hair a succession of large and small becoming hats, all equally remarkable in original...

Finally, our poor, little Suzy has made a decision. As hard as it will be to tear herself away from her family, particularly her mother, she has agreed to accompany Lady Graham to Cannes.  Perhaps you might think Suzy is being melodramatic or overly emotional about leaving home and going away with a woman she barely knows to a place in France she has never been to. But, remember, Suzy is a young lady during a time of so much upheaval going on in Europe. She is only eighteen years old, at a time when not much was expected from a girl of this age who would have been from a certain station in life. A long separation from family would have been a daunting idea for Suzy, especially since she is so close to her mother. But then there is the handsome Georges de Flers to soften the blow of such a long time away from home... Chapter 7: Cast of Characters Suzanne (Suzy)   -- eldest daughter of M. and Mme. Douvry André Vilbert  -- friend of the family Lady Graham  -- American f...

  Chapter 6 continued... Then Lady Graham leaned over to Madame Arnay and in a lower voice asked, “Do you think that Mademoiselle Douvry would change her mind concerning her refusal? I find her so charming that I am very willing to go and plead my case to her myself. I’m sure I could not find more pleasant company. And since she’s your niece, well…Will you allow me to attempt to persuade her?” “Oh, certainly. You would be doing Suzy a great service by convincing her otherwise.” Suzy anxiously followed the young woman's movements, instinctively understanding that the two women were talking about her. When she saw Lady Graham approaching, nervousness consumed her. “Mademoiselle, although I am a stranger to you, will you do me the favor of granting me a moment with you?” Lady Graham asked when she reached Suzy. There was something cordial in the young woman’s smile that attracted Suzy. “My attention is all yours, Madame,” she said, following Lady Graham and coming to stand a little ap...