The Designer(97)

‘I’ve taken over the business,’ Pearl said succinctly.

‘What business?’

‘You know. The girls. The postcards. Everything.’

‘You’re kidding.’

‘Funny, isn’t it? I’m doing just fine. Got a stable of my own now.’

‘A stable?’

‘Stupid tarts, like I used to be. They think it’s fun. I don’t disillusion them.’

‘Where do they come from?’

‘London East Enders like me, most of them. Longing for the bright lights and the high life. They haven’t had a bar of chocolate or a glass of champagne in their lives. I bring them over on the ferry. Juicy and fresh, and they don’t speak a word of French.’

Copper exclaimed in dismay, ‘Darling, how can you do that to other women?’

‘Easy. I know the ropes, don’t I?’ The door of the bar swung open, letting in a shaft of wintry light. It illuminated Pearl for a moment, showing Copper that Pearl’s face, once so pretty, had taken on a tough, hard look. The pasty sheen came from heavy make-up. But her clothes were showy and smart, and there were flashy rings on her fingers. The door slammed shut again, and the vision retreated into shadow. ‘They’re suckers. Why should I feel sorry for them?’

‘Because they’re innocent, the way you were.’

‘Nobody’s innocent,’ Pearl retorted. ‘They’re here for a good time, and I make sure they get it.’

‘But that’s cruel. You know what’s going to happen to them.’

‘They could end up like me, running their own business, if they’ve got the brains.’

‘Or end up dead in the gutter.’

‘Can’t you be happy for me? At least I’m off the cocaine.’

‘Really?’ Copper asked sceptically.

‘Well, at least I can afford my own stuff now. I don’t have to go on my knees to Petrus anymore.’

‘No, you get other women to do that for you.’

‘Don’t lecture me, Copper. You live your life and I’ll live mine, okay?’

‘Okay,’ Copper said sadly.

‘So tell me, how’s your Monsieur Dior?’

‘Spending money like water. Crystal chandeliers, mirrors ten feet high. It’s a palace.’

‘Is he going to sell some frocks after all that?’

‘He’s astonishingly extravagant. I get quite frightened sometimes. He was always so frugal, but now nothing’s too much.’

‘Having someone else’s six million francs in your pocket will do that,’ Pearl commented dryly. ‘I hope Boussac keeps signing the cheques.’

‘I have faith in Tian, of course. But when I say he’s extravagant, I don’t just mean what he’s doing at avenue Montaigne. I mean the clothes he’s designing. Some of the designs use twenty or thirty yards of silk. They have to have hundreds of pleats, just to make them wearable. It’s wonderfully romantic – but who’s going to pay those prices? And with everything still rationed!’

Pearl shook her head. ‘You can keep a bunny in a cage, but when you let it out, it’ll hop, hop, hop. Maybe that’s why Lelong kept him locked up all those years. How’s married life with Henry?’

‘He’s an angel. I couldn’t be happier.’

‘Does that mean you’re not bored yet?’

‘I’m married, not dead.’

‘Hold on to him.’ Pearl’s eyes gleamed in the dark for a moment. ‘He’s a handy fellow to have around.’

‘I intend to.’

Pearl dug in her handbag and started applying lipstick heavily to her mouth. ‘Can’t sit here all day chatting,’ she said, snapping her bag shut. ‘Much as I’d love to. I’ve got a business to run. Ta-ra, Copper Pot.’

They parted in the cold square. Copper watched Pearl walk away. She had the confident swagger of a woman of means. She’d landed on her feet, Copper supposed, but not in the way Copper had expected.



She began to feel really tired and sore on the walk home. She reached the house to be faced by an agitated Henry.

‘I’ve been worried sick about you,’ he exclaimed, helping her off with her coat. ‘Walking around the streets in this weather – and in your condition.’

‘Perhaps I did overdo it on this occasion,’ she sighed, allowing herself to be propelled to the sofa in front of the fire. ‘I’m a bit tired. Would you rub my back, darling?’

He obeyed solicitously, firm hands gently soothing away the aches. ‘Where have you been?’

‘I went to see Pearl in place Pigalle. You’ll never guess – Petrus has been deported and she’s taken over the business.’

For a moment, his hands paused. ‘Really?’

‘She’s covered in diamonds. Mistress of her own destiny. Did you ever?’

‘Life is full of surprises,’ he said, resuming the massage.

Something in his voice made her suspicious. ‘You’re not surprised at all.’ She turned to face him. ‘You knew!’

‘Well, one keeps one’s ear to the ground,’ he said blandly.

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’