To Dream of Snow Read Free Page A

married. She was a young woman when she lost the love of her life after he contracted smallpox and died. Then she seized the Throne of all the Russias through a conspiracy. The more rightful heir, a mere boy, Ivan VI, is shut away in a fortress somewhere.’ The Comtesse paused dramatically. ‘Surely you would not wish to be employed by such a cruel and wicked woman?’
    â€˜I will take my chance,’ Marguerite answered firmly, ‘and make sure she never has any cause to turn against my fellow workers or against me.’
    The Comtesse sighed, seeing there was no changing the young woman’s mind. ‘Then you will need some instruction as how to address the Empress when you take designs to her and you must also be told about the customs that have to be observed by everybody. Before you leave here today talk to my personal maid. She will give you all the information and also tell you what will be needed in the matter of warm clothes and various necessities when travelling. It will be very cold in Russia by the time we arrive.’
    The maid proved to be friendly and helpful, adding a few warnings of her own. Marguerite made a list of everything she needed to remember.
    She kept up a quick pace as she retraced her steps back to work. The sooner she broke the news of her departure to Madame Fromont the better. Fortunately she had finished the major work on the gold-satin skirt and so she would not be leaving her employer with that task unfinished. Already new designs for the future were dancing in her head. She saw embroidering for the Empress as a challenge. It would be a French triumph to please her as well as a personal one. She welcomed the prospect wholeheartedly. Most important of all would be a new peace of mind in which she could find her beloved Jacques again.

Two
    I n her office Madame Fromont listened attentively as Marguerite recounted all that had taken place on her visit. Finally the woman gave a slow nod of her head and smiled at her reassuringly.
    â€˜I have no intention of putting any barriers in your way and I wish you well in this new venture, Marguerite. You need to get away from Paris for a while. You have never recovered from the shock of that day we all remember with great sadness. This opportunity could not have come at a better time for you or for me.’
    â€˜For you, madame?’ Marguerite was puzzled.
    â€˜I’m not well and my doctor has advised retirement. I have been postponing the moment, but now you have helped me come to a decision. If any of my workers are prepared to go with you, they are all free to make a choice, except the young ones apprenticed to me. They must remain. I have had several offers for the business and the would-be purchaser I favour most has needlewomen of her own, but has guaranteed that she will take on those wanting to stay. So why not speak to your fellow embroiderers after work today and see what happens?’
    Marguerite was astonished by the woman’s magnanimity, even though – unlike the majority of others in her position – she had always been a considerate employer. ‘You are helping me a great deal. Time is short as the Comtesse will be leaving in a matter of days. I had intended to try for volunteers among those I know in other sewing establishments.’
    â€˜There’s no need.’
    It was late evening when the day’s work ended and everybody was impatient to get home when Madame Fromont gathered her embroiderers together in the largest workroom. She spoke first, explaining that she had decided to sell the business. Immediately there were cries of dismay, but quickly she changed their anxious and, in some cases, frightened expressions by reassuring them that they would be able to stay on under the new owner.
    â€˜But,’ she concluded, ‘Marguerite has a proposal to announce with my goodwill and some of you may wish to take advantage of it.’ Then with a final glance at them all she