“That’s why you should move into the hotel,” Meyer protested. “Join Arletty and Coco. Inga and Daisy. Their every need is met, as would yours be. You’d not want for anything. I would personally see to it.”

“It’s tempting,” Estelle lied. “But I find great comfort in my own home. A failing on my part, I suppose.”

“Not a failing. One must admire a woman who takes pride in her home. Perhaps you will share it with a husband and family of your own soon?”

“That is my fondest wish.” Estelle schooled her expression into one of wistfulness. She knew exactly what role the Reich expected their women to play.

Meyer nodded his approval. “I will instruct the kitchens that you may have whatever you need. A woman such as yourself should not concern herself over such trifling matters.”

As if Paris starving was a trifling matter, Estelle thought despairingly. There were not enough emeralds in the world to keep the city from starving but at least the gems on the bar in front of her would keep those who were already depending on her from perishing.

“I am much relieved,” she said, pressing her hand to her chest. “Thank you.”

“No, it is I who should thank you.” He picked up the necklace and examined it before putting it back down. “But I, in turn, have a request for you to make our arrangement final.”

“Oh?” Estelle tried to sound interested when all she wanted to do was escape the clouds of smoke and heavy scent of too many bodies and too much perfume.

“One more song.” He held up his hand as she opened her mouth to protest. “And I will escort you home myself. You do not need to worry about curfew.”

All hope of a quiet escape slipped away as she reminded herself that there was more at stake than her feelings. “Very well.”

Meyer clasped his hands together. “Wonderful. I cannot think of a better finish to such a successful day for the Luftwaffe and all of its fine people. Almost like a grand finale, as it were.”

“Oh?” Estelle gathered her wrap around her. “And what is it that I should be celebrating?”

Meyer glanced about. “I probably shouldn’t say anything but you’ll read about it in the papers in the next few days anyway, so I can’t see the harm.”

The bartender had moved away and was now pouring for a loud group of patrons.

Estelle leaned closer to the colonel as if hanging on his every word. Which, she supposed, she was. Just not for the reasons he thought.