The doctor was studying his handiwork approvingly. He was the sort of man who inspired confidence. He had held the hands of those who were dying, he had removed tumors, set broken bones, welcomed lives into the world.

“So tell me,” Ettie said. “What do I need to forget?”

The doctor put one hand on her shoulder. “Thou shalt not kill.”

Ettie nodded, her chin out. “I’m already aware of that.”

The doctor handed her a mirror. “And you may have to occasionally look at yourself.”

She did so and was surprised. She had mysteriously turned into the other person, the girl Nicole who she pretended to be.

“I know you want vengeance,” the doctor said. “But remember, this is also about the future of others.”

The doctor fixed them a meal that was simple, but good. An omelet with mushrooms, some brown bread and butter, white wine, which they insisted she drink. People might ply her with alcohol and what then? Would she remain sober or give herself away? She nodded and drank, and came to appreciate the taste by the end of her second glass.

There was a room in the barn where Ettie would stay. It had been built for a groom, but there were no horses now. Victor said good night, ready to return to the farm. He’d be back when he knew more of his mission.

“Which we won’t discuss with anyone. It’s between us.”

“For which I had to cut my hair.”

“I’ll cut mine, too, if that makes you happier.”

“It will.” Ettie grinned.

“Then it will be done.” He went out the door, calling over his shoulder, “I was planning on cutting it anyway.”

Ettie was tipsy as she walked out in the chilly dark toward an old chair outside the barn. She sat to breathe in the mountain air. She was finally here, in the place where she had found a future. Still, night after night, the past was with her. When she closed her eyes, her sister was beside her, as she would always be.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

THE SILVER ROSE

RHôNE VALLEY, NOVEMBER 1942

WHEN THE MOTHER SUPERIOR WAS a girl of eight, and her name was still Madeleine de Masson, her mother and father were killed in an auto accident and no one told her. Suddenly, her parents weren’t there. Her mother did not come to kiss her good night, and there was such great sorrow attached to that loss, the mother superior still could not put her emotions into words. She understood why the girls at her school wept for their mothers at night.