“It’s going to be hot again, but I think the forecast called for a quick shower around lunchtime. Which is perfect, don’t you think? Perhaps we shall have a rainbow.”

“Mmm,” Judy agreed sweetly.

“I can’t work in weather like this. . . .”

“I have to, I’m afraid,” Judy told her. “But,” she added, taking up Gregoire’s line, “you’re right, work is so boring.”

Sophie went to her desk, sat down, and flicked idly through a sheaf of papers.

“More sales reports.”

“He said you wanted to see everything.”

“I did.” Sophie sighed. “But there’s so much of it.”

“You see that everything is fine, though, and I suppose that’s the important thing,” Judy said. This wasn’t strictly true, but Sophie Massot didn’t need to know it.

“I wish I could. I feel I’m just thrashing around here. . . .”

“I understand, Sophie,” said Judy, sympathetically. “You have to check everything out, you can’t just trust Gregoire, can you?”

Sophie’s dark head lifted. She stared at Judy.

“But of course I trust Gregoire!”

“Yes, of course.” Judy added lightly, “Up to a point, that is.”

Sophie sat down in her chair, looking dismayed. “You don’t think I trust him, Judy?”

“Coffee, Mademoiselle,” Marie sang out, arriving back with it. Judy reached for the bone china cup.

“Thank you; place the documents on my desk.” Judy looked at Sophie; she saw an opportunity and wanted to act on it. “Do you have time to take coffee with me this morning, or . . . I suppose you’re too busy,” she said, deferentially.

Sophie looked pleased. “No, I’d love to.”

“Another cup for Mme Massot,” Judy told Marie. “Black, one sugar. Is that right?”

“Perfect.”

Judy waited until Marie had come back with the coffee. “Hold my calls,” she told her, then she shut the door and gave Sophie her cup.

“I wonder, Madame . . . if I might speak frankly to you.”

Sophie sighed. “I wish you would . . . I wish anyone would. And honestly, Judy, how many times? It’s Sophie.”

“Well . . . of course . . . it’s just slightly delicate.” Judy smiled awkwardly. “You see, M. Lazard—Gregoire—he has been running House Massot since . . . you know.”

“Yes,” Sophie agreed dryly. She knew.

“He works very hard,” Judy said loyally. “He’s in the office all the time. I believe he does his very best for the company; he’s dedicated. . . .”

Sophie smiled, proud to hear Gregoire described like that.

“He’s been a good boss to you then?”

“The best,” Judy said. She trusted she would soon be able to make those words come true. “And then, of course, you show up.”

Sophie looked defensive. “You don’t think Gregoire minds . . . ?”

“He was very happy to see you,” Judy explained. “If you want my opinion, I would say he was glad for the chance to show you how he has kept his trust to your family, working the way he has.”

Sophie nodded.