Rue Toulouse (4 page)

“As usual, Hyacinth, you’ve missed the point. It doesn’t matter what you want or what I want. Grandmère owns Ma Chérie. And as long as she’s alive, I will make sure it’s run exactly as she wishes.”

Paulette’s mouth formed into a thin line. “We’ll see about that.” She walked over to the display window, removed the yellow dress, and headed for the street door. “Charlotte, are you coming?”

Giving Caterine a final scathing look, Charlotte followed Paulette.

“We were supposed to stay until six and close,” Frances said. “But since you’re in charge, you can do it yourself.” Her two aunts turned on their heels and went out the door.

Alone, Caterine sighed. Could this day get any worse? She glanced around the one place she’d always felt at home. Oil paintings depicting nineteenth-century New Orleans hung on cream-colored walls. Delicate spindle-legged tables held Tiffany lamps. Brocaded loveseats awaited clients who could enjoy crystal flutes of champagne while being shown rich fabrics and silks. An archway with tied-back burgundy velvet drapes led to a world of exquisite lace-edged lingerie and Ma Chérie’s signature Fleur-de-Lis lotions, bath oils, and perfumes.

There were days when she wondered how she could continue to put up with all this family drama. She’d inherited her grandmother’s talent for design and her love of Ma Chérie. All she’d ever wanted to do was come to the job she loved and create beautiful clothing.

She knew the only reason her grandmother put up with the aunts working at the store was to appease her sons. This latest scheme of theirs might have pushed her grandmother too far. At the thought of an aunt-free Ma Chérie, Caterine smiled and headed for her office.

“Close the door behind you, Caterine,” Miss Dauphine said, seated behind a mahogany Queen Anne desk in the office they shared. “I wish to speak with you in private before Thomas arrives.”

The irritation in her grandmother’s voice made it clear her temper hadn’t cooled in the least. Before Caterine took her seat, Miss Dauphine asked, “Have you recently opened the safe?”

Surprised by the question, Caterine shook her head. “Why?”

“Have you had reason to go through the file cabinet?”

Again she shook her head. “I have everything on the computer. I only use the file cabinet for storing copies. What’s wrong?”

“When I came into the office, I noticed one of the file drawers wasn’t completely closed. Upon further investigation, I saw where a piece of paper had caught in the drawer. Then I noticed the painting covering the safe wasn’t straight. No one but you, myself, Frances, or Hyacinth has access to this room.”

Perplexed, Caterine shook her head. “Why would they snoop around? They could ask one of us for whatever it was they wanted.”

Miss Dauphine folded her hands upon the desk and leaned closer. “I haven’t the slightest idea, but they’ve both been acting peculiar lately.”

Caterine suppressed a smile. As far as she was concerned, her aunts had always been more than peculiar. They’d been downright scary.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

Miss Dauphine waved her hand in irritation. “Little things. I’ve caught them in hushed conversation, which they immediately stop when I enter the room. Hyacinth has been asking me about the running of Ma Chérie, and Frances has been hinting that she’d like more responsibility.”

“Don’t you think all of that was leading up to what happened earlier?”

Miss Dauphine rubbed her temples. “I don’t know. Perhaps I’m overreacting. God knows I’ve done my best to get along with those women, but as hard as I’ve tried I’ve never trusted or cared for either of them.”

Caterine reached out her hand and took her grandmother’s frail one in hers. “I know it’s hard to like someone when they’re greedy and self-centered.”

“If I thought it would help, I’d suggest they open their own store.”

Caterine smiled. “Grandmère, that’s a great idea. Then Paulette and Charlotte could run it and fill it with Paulette’s designs.”

Miss Dauphine shuddered. “Though that is a tempting solution, owning their own shop is not what interests them. They covet the power and prestige of Ma Chérie itself.” She slipped her hand from Caterine’s. “And that they shall never have.” She glanced at her thin diamond watch. “Thomas should be here any minute. Isn’t Paul and Elaine LaBeau’s party tonight?”

Surprised at the change of topic, Caterine nodded.

“Didn’t I hear that now that Paul has quit the police department he’s opened his own security business?”

“That’s right. Elaine said he’s doing rather well.”

“Good. Tell him I wish to speak with him about installing a security system in Ma Chérie. That should put an end to whatever those women are up to.” Her tone softened. “Your dress for tonight is beautiful. Did you design it?”

“Yes, thank you. Elaine wanted to kick off Carnival with a costume party.”

Miss Dauphine cocked her head. “I assume Jonathan will be escorting you.”

A lump filled Caterine’s throat as she stared down at her hands.

“Caterine?”

Swallowing hard, she tried to look nonchalant as she met her grandmother’s eyes. “No, I’ll be going alone.”

“Really? Why is that?”

Caterine hesitated. How could she tell her grandmother she’d seen Jonathan in another woman’s arms? Or about the confrontation they’d had, the thought of which brought back stirring images of her handsome rescuer.

“Caterine, is something wrong?”

Startled from her thoughts, she jumped. “I’m sorry, Grandmère. What did you say?”

“I asked you if there was something wrong. I take it by the scowl on your face there’s a problem between you and Jonathan.”

Caterine took a deep breath. “Jonathan and I will no longer be seeing one another.”

“Well, my dear, I hope you’re not too disappointed. I won’t pry by asking what happened, but to be honest, I can’t say I’m sorry. I never truly thought he was the man for you.”

Taken aback, Caterine stammered, “But I thought you liked Jonathan.”

“Oh, he’s nice enough, I suppose, though I fear he has a rather large ego, which in time would become tiresome.”

Caterine shook her head. “That’s what Elaine said. I don’t know how I didn’t see it.”

“Sometimes it’s hard to see what’s right in front of our face. The right man is out there, you just haven’t met him yet. Why, who knows, perhaps tonight you’ll meet a handsome stranger who will sweep you off your feet.”

Chapter Three

Remi leaned against the makeshift bar in the corner of the ballroom. Feeling as out of place as a mudbug in a bowtie, he sipped his cold Turbodog and studied the other guests. He’d take a smoky bar on the bayou with people clapping to a Cajun two-step over this glitz any day.

When he’d arrived, he’d spotted Paul and spoken to him briefly, then Paul had gone off to find Elaine and her friend. That had been quite a while ago. He reached in his pocket for his cigarettes. Finding it empty, he cursed.

“Can I help?”

He turned at the sound of the low sexy voice to see a red-haired Cleopatra standing next to him holding out a pack of cigarettes.

“Thanks, but I’m supposed to be quitting.”

Her cherry lips parted, showing small white teeth. “Well, handsome, if I can’t help you with a smoke, is there anything else you might need?”

He grinned. “I appreciate the offer, but I was about to leave.”

“Now, why would you want to do that? The evening is young. You never know what delights you might uncover at a masquerade ball.”

Why indeed?
What the hell was wrong with him? A beautiful woman was practically throwing herself at him, and he was about to walk away. In the past, he wouldn’t have thought twice about taking the lady up on her offer. They’d have a great night together then he’d be gone. That was until one lady had played him for a fool.

Perhaps Paul was right and it was time for him to have some fun. But as his eyes traveled over Cleopatra, he didn’t feel any stirring of desire. Great. Had Desiree messed him up for life? Then he thought of sky-blue eyes, long blond hair, and the attraction he’d felt. He forced a smile. “I’m sure there are delights aplenty,
cher
,
but not for me tonight.”

She gave him a seductive pout and ran her fingers down the front of his shirt. “Oh, I’m sure you can handle anything that’s thrown your way.”

Remi lifted her hand and gave her fingers a light squeeze. “I appreciate your confidence, but I’ll still have to decline. Besides, there’s a knight coming this way and he doesn’t seem pleased.”

Cleopatra frowned. “Damn, that’s Beauregard.
Boring ass
, more like. My friend Charlotte set me up with him, and I’m going to kill her next time I see her.” She gave Remi a hopeful look. “I can tell him I’m feeling ill, and meet you somewhere later.”

He shook his head. “Sorry.”

“As they say, you can’t blame a girl for trying.” She gave him a sultry smile and turned away.

He finished his beer as he watched Cleopatra take the knight’s arm. At the love-struck look on the man’s face, Remi sighed.
The poor bastard hasn’t a clue what he’s in for
. He placed his empty glass on the bar. He’d stayed long enough. Paul must have been delayed by other guests. Gumbolaya was playing in the Quarter. If he hurried, he might be able to sit in on a set.

Remi started across the room and for the first time in his life was struck speechless. Incapable of movement, he couldn’t take his eyes from the vision in silver.

Caterine paused at the entrance to the LaBeaus’ glittering ballroom, adjusted the silver mask upon her nose, and shook out the folds of her gown. Hundreds of guests clustered around tables laden with hors d’oeuvres, rich desserts, and fountains flowing with champagne.

Good grief, Elaine and Paul must have invited half of New Orleans
. She wove her way through the crowd. Fragrant canna lilies, dahlias, and irises filled tall vases and spilled from woven baskets. Elaborately carved white moldings adorned high teal-painted walls. Heavy cream silk draperies framed three opened French doors leading onto a third floor gallery. A floor-to-ceiling mirrored wall reflected costumed guests as they danced beneath two crystal chandeliers.

Caterine squeezed around Snow White and a scarecrow and still didn’t see Elaine. Impatiently she stood on her toes to peer over Marie Laveau and Henry the Eighth. She felt a sharp tap on her shoulder and turned.

“Looking for me?”

Caterine curtseyed. “Well, hello, your majesty.”

Elaine, as Marie Antoinette, snapped her lace fan shut and smiled.

“You look great,” Caterine said.

“Thanks. I always wanted to be queen.”

Caterine snorted. “Yes, well, just don’t lose your head over it.”

Elaine’s green eyes sparkled with amusement. “There’s always that risk. I was worried you wouldn’t come. What took you so long?”

“If you can believe it, my day got even worse.”

“Don’t tell me you heard from Jonathan again?”

“No, but almost as bad. My aunts and cousins were at their hateful best today.”

“Now what? No, wait.” Elaine signaled a tuxedo-clad waiter carrying glasses of champagne. “Drink this.” She handed Caterine a chilled flute. “And before you say anything I have to tell you your gown is absolutely stunning. Turn so I can get the full effect.”

Caterine pirouetted. The light reflected off the silver gown, making it shimmer and sparkle. Hundreds of faceted crystals, glittering like ice, cascaded down the front of the flowing skirt.

“You can tell your grandmère, once again, hats off to Ma Chérie. You outshine us all.”

Caterine narrowed her eyes. “She would appreciate hearing there are still those who don’t think she should turn it into a fashion mart.”

“I have a feeling that comment has something to do with the aunts from hell, so what have they done now?”

Caterine took a long sip of her champagne, then explained.
 

“They’re crazy. Your grandmère would never give up control of Ma Chérie, or allow it to be cheapened that way.”

“No, she would not. I’ve never seen Grandmère as angry as she was today. If they keep pushing her, I’m afraid she’ll do something to cause more problems than we already have. This has the potential to turn into a colossal Doucette family blowup. God only knows what kind of retaliation my cousins might come up with. But enough of my drama.” She gave a dismissive wave. “I want to forget about Jonathan and my family and have a good time.” She accepted another crystal flute from a passing waiter. “And I apologize for going on about my problems and not mentioning how fabulous everything looks. I especially love what you’ve done here in the ballroom. You and Paul did a wonderful job restoring the house.”