Peeking Under the Covers

Chapter 9 Madame Douvry, who was working alone in the drawing room, suddenly set her work aside; and, as she had done many times during the day, took up again from her blotter the sheet of bluish paper covered with Suzy's distinctive handwriting. The letters from Cannes were full of tenderness, and now the only sensitive link that brought Mme. Douvry closer to her child, who had already been gone for more than six weeks. Under the soft light of the lamp, Madame Douvry began to read again what her daughter had written. “‘Darling mother, I don't want you to worry when tomorrow you don't see my scribble appear in your mail. That’s why I’m seizing a little moment of freedom to write to you. Lady Graham is giving a garden party now, and has entrusted me, at my request, with the task of supervising the arrangement of the flowers in the drawing rooms where serious people— those who do not play tennis!  — will seek retreat if need be. I am therefore transformed into a very busy per...