Page 14 of The Beautiful Ones

“Yes.”

It was not precisely all, but I did not consider Cécile’s private memories their property.

Madame studied me.

“You will not encourage her questions.”

“I cannot prevent her from having them.”

“You can prevent yourself from feeding them.”

“Yes, Madame.”

She came around the writing table.

“The Deweys and Georges will arrive this afternoon. Cécile will greet them properly and remain with the family through dinner. If she becomes distressed, you may take her into the garden until she recovers, but you will not remove her from the gathering without my permission.”

“I understand.”

“There is something else.”

I waited.

“Cécile is not to be left alone with Judge Dewey or Mr. George.”

My eyes went to Monsieur.

He stared toward the window.

“What if either gentleman asks to speak with her?”

“You will see that it does not happen.”

“How?”

Madame’s mouth thinned.

“You are an intelligent girl, Elin. That is why we keep you.”

The word settled between us.

Keep.

As one kept a horse.

As one kept an account book.

As one kept anything useful until it ceased to be so.

My contract still had an ending.

I reminded myself of that.

One hundred and fifty-seven weeks.

“Will that be all?”

“For now.”