Read Online Games (Timeless Series) by Sandy Loyd - Free Book Online Page B

the spot beside her. They all scampered inside the room and up on the bed. Hugging them, she said, “I will miss you, but I also miss my mama and papa. I have not seen them in a while. You would not want me to miss seeing them, would you?”
    Three-year-old Melanie piped up. “You hafta see your mama and papa, Auntie G. We unerstan’. Don’t we, Sam?”
    “ Yes.” Sam nodded bravely.
    “I will not be gone long,” Giselle whispered, giving all three one more hug. “How about I bring you something? What would you like from the general store?”
    “Sweets!” they shouted unanimously.
    Chuckling, Giselle stood . “Sweets, it is. Now go and find Minnie and Maizie while I finish packing, s’il vous plais . I want to leave as soon as possible, so I can be back more quickly.”
    One by one they climbed down from the bed and rushed from the room, Sam in the lead and baby Rebecca trailing.
    Giselle wondered where they got all their energy . She ignored the twinge of envy she felt toward Libby. Children weren’t in her near future. Refusing to dwell on the reasons why, she grabbed her bag, headed out of her room, down the stairs, and out to the stables where Jake had a horse waiting.
    Once mounted, she directed the gelding toward the main road.
    After an easy ride, she dismounted in front of her sister’s dress shop. Giselle waved, spying her sister from the window.
    Marguerite Dubois rushed out, hugged her, and then pulled her into the store . “I cannot believe it has been ages. You should not have stayed away so long.”
    “You are right.” Giselle laughed gaily. “How have you been? Where are Mama and Papa?”
    “At home . Mama was not expecting you for another hour or so. Come. Let me show you my new designs. Then we can go find them.”
    Marguerite led Giselle into a back room, filled with bolts of silks and satins of every color, steel female forms, some with gowns in various stages of being completed, and other sewing clutter. Marguerite moved over to an armoire, opened it, and took out a dress.
    Giselle rushed up and touched the beautiful garment. “Oh, Marguerite. You have outdone yourself. It is absolutely magnifique .”
    “ Oui , I think so too. I also think it would look divine on you.” Marguerite held the burgundy silk creation up to Giselle. “After all, I had you in mind when I thought it up. No one else will do it justice.”
    “What a wonderful surprise.” Giselle fingered the silk admiringly. “Thank you, Marguerite. You are too generous.”
    “ Mon Dieu . It is not much. Just a little time and material. What I really love is seeing how my gowns look on beautiful women. You and Libby make my creations come alive.” She eyed her sister thoughtfully. “It is also good for business. When people see the two of you wearing my gowns, my business goes up the next month.”
    “I have to try this on . Here, help me,” Giselle said excitedly, suppressing a delighted gurgle.
    “In a minute . Let me show you what I created for Libby.” She took out another gown and held it up to Giselle.
    “Libby will love it . This color is perfect for her. Where did you find this exquisite midnight blue satin?” Giselle sighed. “It is such a shame that your talent is wasted here in Shelbyville. You should be in Paris.”
    Marguerite’s soft laughter filled the room . “ Non , Giselle. I do not need to be in Paris to create beautiful clothes. Making gowns for you and Libby gives me plenty of joy. Besides, as I have always said before, the ladies in Shelbyville like dressing well and I provide the means. You do not need to be in a big city to want to look nice. I do very well here and now I will never leave.”
    She caught the secret smile her sister sported, which, along with her words, caused Giselle to take a closer inspection of her face . Her beautiful sister glowed. With a knowing smile, she said, “Come now, Marguerite. Confess. Something is going on that you are not telling me. You seem happy. In