The Lost Weekend
Friday 6th
June 1994
4 pm
Champs-Elysees,
Paris
The early summer sun beat down on the wide boulevard
as the two young women walked down the street, drawing admiring looks from the
women. Diana de Grechy was a tall, thin
blonde, her hair falling softly over the shoulders of her short sleeved summer
dress, her long legs smooth as her feet sat in the three inch heel shoes. She smiled at the men, enjoying the attention
as she put her large sunglasses over her forehead.
Her American friend, Juliette Huntingdown, was equally
happy, wearing a pair of cargo shorts with a short sleeved blouse, and
sandals. The day was over, her classes
were finished, and with her own long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail she
could feel the sun on her neck.
“This is too good a day to be cooped up inside,” Diana
said with a smile, “we should go out tonight.”
“We can’t – Klaus’ sister is arriving today for a
visit, and besides – haven’t you already double booked for later?”
“Oh, yes,” Diana said with a smile, “and we have that shoot
tomorrow, non? With Grace, Stella and
the others.”
“Indeed – and the video shoot on Sunday, so I think we
have more than enough…”
“Diana my dear?”
“Papa!” Diana
ran forward and embraced her father, who was impeccably dressed in a dark
blazer, white shirt and grey trousers.
His black hair was cut short, and the twinkle in his eye unmistakable.
“”Will you be in town for the weekend?”
“I intend to be,” Guy said as he kissed Juliette’s
hand, “May I buy you dinner tomorrow?”
“I will call you – you are staying at the club?”
“Of course.”
“And Mamma?”
“Sadly not, but she sends her love,” Guy said as he
looked round. “Ah – forgive me, I will
contact you later.”
“Sigi and Guy?
We’re really in for it this weekend, aren’t we?”
“And I would have it no other way,” Diana said with a
smile as she hailed a taxi. “Come on – I
need to get back before Charles arrives.”
“Honestly Diana – you’re as bad as your father,”
Juliette said as they climbed in. “Rue
de Grenelle,” Diana said as the taxi drove off, the tall sandy haired man
watching them as they went past.
6 pm
Rue de Grenelle
Diana’s Apartment
“I’ll get it,” Juliette said as she went to the door
of the apartment.
“Thank you ma Cherie,” Diana said as she pulled the
dark haired young man into her bedroom.
The apartment was one the du Grechy family maintained in Paris, and
Diana’s father had been more than happy for her and Juliette to share it while
here. If nothing else, it saved on the
rent.
Juliette’s smile broadened as she looked at the tall,
broad shouldered young man standing in the doorway.
“Why Klaus,” she said quietly, “hello.”
“Hi,” he said as he smiled, Juliette standing to one
side as he came in – followed by a young girl, who looked as if she was
thirteen.
“Hi, I’m Sigi,” she said as Juliette closed the
door. “Thanks for letting me stay Miss
Huntingdown.”
“It’s Juliette – and this isn’t my place. I just room with Di.”
“It’s amazing though,” Sigi said as she looked
round. “I like your friend, Klaus.”
“She’s really seventeen?”
Klaus nodded and smiled as he said “do not be fooled
by her youthful looks – my sister has a very sharp mind. Perhaps while she is away from Father for a
few days…”
“He still trying to dictate,” Juliette said as Sigi
sat down, and they went into the kitchen.
“He is a man steeped in tradition,” Klaus whispered,
before he gently put his hand on Juliette’s cheek, and felt her rub against
it. “I think she will blossom in time.”
“And what do you have to say to me,” Juliette
whispered as Klaus leaned down and gently kissed her.
The sound of the apartment doorbell broke the moment,
as Sigi said “I’ll get it.” Walking to
the door, she opened it to see a sandy haired man standing there, holding a
bunch of flowers.
“Oh – I’m sorry, is Diana home,” he said.
“You mean my cousin,” Sigi said with a smile, “come in
– I am sure she will be out of the shower soon.”
“Oh lord,” Juliette whispered, “Diana’s other date is
early.”
“Please sit down,” Sigi said, “and I will see if…”
“Hello Henri,” Juliette said as she came out of the
kitchen, “I’ll tell Diana you have arrived.
Sigi, can you get Henri a drink?”
“Milk, coca cola, or water, Henri,” Sigi said with a
smile as Juliette tapped on the door of Diana’s room.
“Diana, darling, Henri is here.”
“I’ll be out in a minute,” Diana called out as
Juliette walked back to the kitchen.
“Watch,” she said as she and Klaus looked out of the
window, in time to see Charles climb out of the bedroom window, pulling his
jacket on as he moved along the balcony, and then climbed down the ivy that
covered the rear of the building.
“Diana is incorrigible,” Klaus said with a laugh as
she appeared, wearing a silk kimono.
“Henri, darling – sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“It’s all right – your young cousin kept me company.”
“My… Why thank
you, cousin,” Diana said as she smiled at Sigi, “Henri, will you help me?”
“I like her,” Sigi said as Diana took Henri into her
room, “I’m going to enjoy this.”
“Sigi, do you mind if I take Juliette to buy some
things for dinner?”
“Sure, Klaus,” Sigi said with a smile, “go and play
kissy kissy. I’ll read a magazine here.”
“You wound me, little sister,” Klaus said as he took
Juliette by the arm, and left her to read her magazine.
9 pm
“Now, you are to have an early night, do you
understand Sigi?”
“Yes, Klaus, or Father will be very upset with me,”
the young girl said in a sing song voice.
“Don’t worry Klaus, we’ll keep an eye on her,”
Juliette said as she walked him to the apartment door.
“So, my cousin?
A very good move,” Diana said with a smile, now wearing a short linen
skirt and vest top.
“I used to play the same line for some girls at
school, if their parents called unexpectedly,” Sigi said with a giggle as
Juliette closed the door.
“Right,” Sigi said as she stood up, “where are we
going to go now?”
“Go?”
“OH come on – My first time in Paris, with two of the
most beautiful models in the world, you must know somewhere we can go…”
“Sigi,” Diana said, “both Juliette and I have a shoot
tomorrow morning with other models…”
“Oh please – PARIS!!!”
“Well,” Juliette said, “I know Alice and Mandy were
going to the Moulin for a drink with their boyfriends – we could drop in and say
hi at least?”
“Oh very well then,” Diana said, “come on – we’ll see
who else is around.”
9.30 pm
The Moulin
Nightclub
“You have got to be kidding me?”
“I wish I was Darling – but I did a test this morning,
and I have an appointment booked at Harley Street for when I return.”
“Have you told him yet?”
“Told him what?”
The two women turned and smiled as they saw Juliette
and Diana standing there. One had spiked
hair dyed red, and wore a black leather mini-skirt and string vest over a white
t-shirt, her black ankle boots and fishnet stockings enclosing her legs. By total contrast, the other woman was
wearing a pale blue sweater over a white blouse with a peter pan collar, a
pleated knee length skirt and white stilettos.
“Hey Ju, Di – I thought you two had a shoot tomorrow,”
the punk said.
“And we all have Sunday – but our young friend here
wanted to see some sights. Sigi, meet
Mandy Carrow and Alice McKinnon. Tufty,
Bats, this is Sigi von Furstenheim.”
“Oh – related to the handsome young count?”
“My brother,” Sigi said with a smile, “but this is my
first time out of home unsupervised – a treat for doing so well in the fencing
competition.”
“Aren’t you a little young to be in here?”
“I’m seventeen, Miss Carrow – and I wish people would
believe that,” Sigi said as the waitress came over.
“She is,” Juliette said as they sat down, “so what do
you have to tell Viscount Millingham, Mandy?”
The two women looked at each other, before she said
“that he may have to make an honest woman out of me.”
“Will? Make an
honest woman of you?” Diana laughed as
she looked at Mandy, and then looked at Alice.
“Oh – oh my, you mean?”
Mandy slowly nodded as the women looked at each other.
“How long?”
“No bloody idea,” Mandy said, “but you may have to…”
“There you are,” a male voice said, and Sigi turned to
see a man in a long leather duster standing behind them.
“Hey Will,” Alice said, “is that man of mine with
you?”
“He’s just coming,” Will said as he looked at
Mandy. “Hey lover – you all right?”
“I need to talk to you – over here,” Mandy said as she
grabbed his arm and took him to one side.
“What’s going on,” a tall brown haired man said as he
came over.
“Wait,” Alice said, “three… two… one…”
“WHAT!”
The group watched
as Will looked at Mandy, and then hugged her, before he called out “HEY! A bottle of champagne over here – I’m going
to be a dad!”
“Will Fitzstuart,
ladies and gentlemen,” the other man said.
“Sit down and
celebrate, Duncan,” Alice said as she pulled on his hand. “This is Sigi, Diana and Juliette’s friend.”
“Pleasure – oh my
god did he just…”
The group watched
as Will dropped to one knee, and took Mandy’s hand, saying “Mandy Carrow, will
you marry me?”
“You sure you
want me, darling?”
“Oh yes – never
been more sure.”
“Well, it’s a
double celebration then – two bottles!”
“Oh please – may
I…”
“Why not – so who
else knows?”
“We’re the first
– so let’s par-TAY!”
“Champagne only,”
Juliette said as three bottles and glasses were produced.
“So you’re all
models,” Sigi said as she sipped her drink.
“We are,
darling,” Mandy said as she sat down, Will putting her arm round his new
fiancée, “But we’re the clean living, sober variety.”
“Usually,” Diana
said with a laugh. “What Lady Amanda
Barber means is we don’t do drugs.”
“Unless you count
the occasional drink, Countess de Grechy,” Mandy said with a wicked grin.
“Wait – you’re a
lady and a countess? Wow – I am in the
right company.”
“Is that right,
Your Serene Highness Princess Sigrid?”
“Oh come on,”
Sigi said as she blushed, “I don’t want to hear that…”
“We’re the
commoners here, aren’t we Ju,” Alice said with a smile.
Juliette nodded
as she said “well, we’re all models as well, right sisters?”
“We are indeed
Pelican.”
“Why does she
call you Pelican?”
“Long story,”
Juliette said as she shook her head, “long story.”
“Do you do drugs
Sigi?”
The young girl
looked at Mandy and said “You mean steroids?”
“No, I mean
things like Coke.”
“A girl once got
me to try a joint at school, but I threw up, same as I did the one time I tried
a cigarette.”
“Good,” Diana
smiled.
“I remember my
nanny saying smoking would stunt my growth, but look at me and I swear I only
ever had a few puffs…”
“Poor Little
Sigi.” Juliette hugged her and laughed.
“But you’re wise
to avoid it,” Mandy said, “some of our friends are into that sort of
thing. You didn’t see them today – I’m
amazed they were still standing.”
“Who?”
“Come with us
tomorrow you may meet them,” Juliette said.
“I’m worried about them though – especially Sweets.”
“They’ll be all
right,” Alice said, “I hope…”
“Well if you are
going to be out of commission with a baby on board, Lee is going to lose one of
his favourite models for a while.” Diana spoke.
“Who is Lee?”
Sigi asked.
“Alexander
McQueen darling,” Mandy drawled, “Lee is his real first name, and most of his
older friends and insiders call him that.”
“Mandy actually
walked his graduation show when he left Central Saint Martins,” Will boasted.
“My parents won’t
let me buy any of his clothes.” Sigi shook her head.
“I’ll see if I
can find you a couple of bits darling.” Mandy smiled.
“Thanks – I think
he’s amazing, but they are so strict…”
“Won’t last
forever,” Will said as he finished his glass, and poured more champagne in.
“You know when
people read the announcement in the Court Circular, most people aren’t even
going to be aware that it’s you two getting married.” Alice said as she changed
subjects.
“Yes, I can see
that…’Lord William Fitzstuart, Viscount Millingham, eldest son of the 13th
Marquess of Ordford, of Ordford Castle Yorkshire, to marry Lady Amanda Bamber,
the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Fairhaven, of Melford Hall, Suffolk’…I
ask you, who is going to think that is you two?” Duncan asked.
“Only the initiated,”
Mandy said, “on which note, you’re all coming to the wedding, no questions
asked – and on another note, when are we going to tell our parents?”
“We’d better call
them in the morning,” Will said, “when we can really shock them.”
Alice smiled and
then frowned slightly as three stunningly beautiful women walked in, their
blonde hair flowing, especially on the tallest of the three.
“Uggh I see the
Unholy Trinity just arrived.” Alice shook her head.
“The who?”
“Those three
Sigi,” Juliette pointed, “Grace Gresham, Charity Royce, and Stella Jameson.”
“Oh my God, they
are all so beautiful.” Sigi breathed her admiration.
“Don’t be fooled
Sigi,” Alice leaned over. “On their own…”
“Or when they are
sober.” Will added.
“…they are all
fine, but together they are pure trouble.”
“Especially with
that bastard Johnny McCabe feeding them drugs.” Mandy shook her head. “Isn’t it
bad enough he hooked Charity on smack, but I hear even Grace now is doing
cocaine,” she shook her head.
“Why would they
do that,” Sigi said as she looked at Juliette.
“Who knows –
maybe they just need to,” Juliette said as she shook her head while the club
owner came to the small stage.
“Open mike night,
ladies and gentlemen – who wants to be first?”
“Come on – forget
about them,” Diana said as she stood up and went to the mike. “This is for the happy couple,” she said into
the mike with a smile on her face as the music started.
Oh,
the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
And it shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe?
And he keeps it out of sight
You
know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves, though wears old MacHeath, babe
So there's never, never a trace of red
“I love Brecht,”
Sigi said as she watched Diana, her beautiful singing voice carrying round the
room. Juliette smiled, and then looked
at her watch.
“I need to get
back – Jack Linklater is expecting me at nine tomorrow.”
“Oh Jack the Lad
– should be fun. The trinity is due with
him at ten thirty.”
Saturday
7th June
9
am
Rue
de Grenelle
“Oh my head,”
Sigi said as she walked into the apartment, “How much of that champagne did I
have?”
“Not too much,”
Diana said, “here – some water and a couple of aspirin will help.”
“Where’s
Juliette?”
“Gone to work –
we’re meeting her for…” Diana stopped as
she went to the apartment door, talking quietly and then coming back.
“Who sent those,”
Sigi said as she looked at the large bouquet.
“No idea – from
an admirer is all it says,” Diana said as she looked at the card. “Now – croissants, scrambled eggs and salmon
– the food of royalty.”
“Are you not
working today Diana?”
“Yes, but I am
not needed until later.” Looking at the
young girl, Diana said “can I tell you a secret?”
Sigi nodded as
Diana said “I enjoy modeling, but it is not what I want to do all my life. I want to do something more…”
9
am
Champs
de Mars
“Oh that is
beautiful Juliette darling,” the fair haired man said as he took shot after
shot of the blonde in the chiffon dress.
If anything, he was more flamboyantly dressed, his pale lilac cravat
flowing out of his red silk shirt.
Juliette smiled
as the wind blew her own scarf out, and held onto the base of the tower in her
three inch heels.
“Jack darling,”
Juliette said as she shielded her eyes from the sun, “explain to me again why I
am hanging off the Eiffel Tower in a gown, whilst trying to stand on these damn
heels.”
“You are hanging
there because I’m trying to pay homage to the greats of my business,” Jack
Linklater said, “and you need the fee that Vanity Fair are paying you to
maintain yourself while you live and study here in Paris. So, my dear darling Juliette, a little less complaining
and a little more beauty, please?”
“Yeah I guess
that’s true.” Juliette said as she shook her head. Work had been plentiful in New York while she
studied at FIT, here in Europe though she was a virtual unknown, and bookings
were thin. She was just glad that Missy Auerbach, her booker in NYC had
remembered she still existed and tossed her this bone, when Jack Linklater
needed a Paris based model.
All in all
Juliette envied her friend Diana de Grechy so much. Everyone knew Diana was
going to be a superstar in the modeling world. To tell the truth Ju was a bit
jealous, Diana had it all, looks, brains, money from her family’s estates, and
more men then you could shake a stick at.
Juliette knew her
fate ultimately was to be running an office of some sort in an import/export
business, with hopefully a rent-controlled apartment to come home to on the
subway each night. She compared that life with the jet-setting model aristocrat
and model that Diana would become…No envy was not good, nature dealt you a hand
and you played it the best you could.
“Jack – how goes
it?”
“Well, well, if
it isn’t my two favourite women in the world,” Jack said with a smile. “Juliette, darling, you have earned a break.”
“Mary, is that
you,” Juliette said as she walked over.
“Ai, it is,” Mary
Thomas said, her long brown hair falling over the shoulders of her Laura Ashley
dress. “How are you doing lass?”
“Working for
once,” Juliette said as she kissed Mary on both cheeks. “And it’s good to see you as well,
Fiona. How are things at the Paris
Office?”
“Ae cannae
complain,” Fiona McKenzie said as she hugged the tall model. She was wearing a black waistcoat over a
white granddad shirt, and tight black britches.
“Ah wanted tae talk wi ye for a minit, if Jack here dosnae mind.”
“Oh go on – I
need to set up for the next set anyway.”
“Come over here
Ju,” Mary said as she and Fiona took Juliette to one side. “Listen, Missy called us at the office first
thing this morning.”
“What – it’s one
in the morning for her. What’s going
on?”
“Guillemin – he
wants you for his next catalogue,” Mary said.
“And to walk his
special show next week, lassie,” Fiona added.
“Guillemin – he
wants me? He does not want Diana?”
“No – he was impressed
with when you stepped in last month at short notice, and has asked for you
personally.”
“Wow – just…”
“Just say yes,
Ju,” Mary said, “this is the kick start your career needs. And Lord knows, you deserve it.”
“Well, of course
I’ll do it,” Juliette said, “and tell Missy thank you.”
“Right – well,
back to work before Jack has a heart attack over all the young men.”
Juliette giggled
as she watched the photographer talking to his two young assistants.
“So have the
Celts finished their little chat, Juliette?
Good – go get changed, and we can get finished before Diana and the
others get here. ADAM – not there, dear boy,
there!”
10
am
“Ah there you
are,” Diana said as Juliette came into the model’s area, “Sigi just could not
stay away.”
“Good for you,”
Juliette said as she sat down, “Mary and Fiona are here – they gave me some
good news.”
“Oh – and that
was?”
“Guillemin wants
me to model for him.”
“They have not
told you the other news have they?”
“Nae lass,” Fiona
said as she came in, “we thought ye’d like tae tell her yerself.”
“Tell me what?”
“Yves wants both
of us as well.”
Juliette stared
at her friend for a moment, before she said “Yves? Diana, are you kidding me, because if so…”
“I am not
kidding, Cherie,” Diana said with a smile, “we do the shoot next week with John
Hammond, the English photographer.”
“Ye’ve made it
lassie,” Fiona said, “and ye deserve it as well.”
“Well that is it
– we are going to party tonight,” Juliette said with a smile.
“Right – I need
to go and let Jack do his magic,” Diana said as she stood up and looked at
herself, “are you hanging around?”
“Oh yes – it’s
the only way I can learn more,” Ju said as she looked at Sigi. “Want to come and watch?”
“Oh yes,” Sigi
said as she looked up.
“Let me change
and we’ll go and look,” Juliette said as she started to remove her outfit.
“That’s great
Countess – show me that sultry look!”
“I don’t
understand, if Diana is the Duchess de Grechy, why does he call her Countess?”
“We all have our
nicknames,” Juliette whispered to Sigi, “But there’s a song by The Stranglers
called Duchess, which is a little risqué.
So she asked to be The Countess instead.”
“Fair enough –
and she’s certainly attracting some attention,” Sigi said, “even if it’s not
very nice attention.”
Juliette looked
in the direction Sigi was facing, and saw the young man, dressed in a tailored
jacket and trousers as he looked at Diana while she posed. Behind him stood an older couple, the woman
looking as if she was sucking lemons as she watched, the man looking supremely
bored.
“Let’s go and get
something to eat from the table,” Juliette said as she and Sigi walked behind
them, Juliette listening as they took some food.
“She has a
certain beauty, Jacques, but I honestly fail to see what you do in her.”
“Now come mother
– she has poise and grace, and she is also a noblewoman.”
“She may well
be,” the older man said, “but her father is notorious.”
“Indeed,” the
woman said, “he represents all that people think is wrong with our country.”
“But she – she
could be moulded and become a woman you could stand with, given the right
leadership.”
“But she is de
Grechy, Jacques.”
“And we are du
Ros, mother – she is perfect.”
“Have you spoken
with her yet, son?”
“No father – I
wanted your approval first.”
“I do not know,
Jacques – as a de Grechy, there is much that would need moulding.”
“And do you think
I am incapable of doing it?”
“No son – you
made the first step?”
“The flowers were
delivered this morning.”
“Then good
hunting, Jacques – come, we must depart.
The viewing begins in thirty minutes.”
“How dare they
talk of Diana as if she is an object to be purchased,” Sigi said, the fire
burning in her eyes.
“Cultural
differences – but if he thinks he can tame Diana, he is sorely wrong,” Juliette
said as they walked back.
“So what are you
all doing tomorrow?”
“A band wants a
lineup of models for a video shoot. Even
Mandy agreed to take part – she and Diana are going to be playing the part of
some of the band members, and Will is going to help out on the drums. The rest of us will play some of the girls on
the dance floor.”
“Will they be
taking part as well?”
“Oh yes – if they
stay sober enough,” Juliette said as she saw the three blondes walk slowly up
to the models area. To the side, Mary
and Fiona were also watching, a concerned look on their faces as one of them
said “I’ll be back in a few minutes” and disappeared into the toilets.
As Juliette came
over, the tallest of the three stood by the door, looking at both of them with
glazed over eyes, her long blonde hair flowing over her shoulders.
“You wouldn’t
know me Miss Gresham,” Ju said as she came over “my name is Juliette
Huntingdown.”
“Don’t you also
model?” the more then slightly inebriated Brit asked as she tried to focus.
“A little…”
“Didn’t you do a
couple of covers for 19?”
“Back when I was
in New York Miss Gresham.”
“So what are you
doing in Paris?”
“I’m studying at
the Sorbonne, doing whatever work I can get to keep body and soul together.”
“Hello Pelican,”
another drunken, but fabulously beautiful woman came across and draped her arms
round Grace Gresham. ”I thought I saw
you with the Countess, Tufty and Bats last night.”
“Hi Miss Royce…”
“Sweetie we’ve
worked together, just call me Charity,” the words came out slurred by the
alcohol. “This is Palo… Palo…
Palomino, and Fashe should be back in a few minutes.”
“Very pleased to
meet you – this is my friend Sigi. Miss
Gresham…”
“Palomino,
sweetie, Palomino.”
“Palomino, I was
wondering if I could talk to you at some point, get a few pointers on how I can
improve…”
“You’re good
already, Pelican,” Charity giggled, “you just need to relax, I can help with…”
“Oh so you
finally showed up – five minutes before we need to start shooting?”
“Chill Jack,”
Grace said, “we’ll be ready.”
“Two of you maybe
– where is she?”
“Having a pick me
up – look, here she is,” Charity said as the third blonde reappeared, sniffing
as she said “Hello, Irish – ready to rock and roll?”
“Get in there and
get ready, Stella Jameson, or I may forget you’re a lady,” Jack said quietly,
the three new arrivals making mock scared faces as they headed in.
“Are you all
right Jack?”
“I’ll be fine,”
Jack said as he smiled, “it’s just a shame to see girls like that going the way
they are. Bad enough I lose friends to
the retrovirus, but this… Girls, do
yourselves some big favours. Listen to your
Uncle Jack – moderation is best.”
“Even in
alcohol?”
“Aye – and I pace
myself. Ju, darling, will you hang
around with Di for a little while – something tells me I may need your
support.”
“Will they be all
right,” Sigi said as she heard the laughing from the changing area.
“Let’s go and
watch – once the camera starts, Charity is amazing, and I’m sure the others are
just as good.”
Twenty minutes
later, the three models walked out, as Stella said “All right, people, let’s go
to work!”
“Are they…”
“Grace is drunk,
Karen is drunker – but Stella’s been hitting the white powder I think,”
Juliette said as the trio posed for Jack.
“And yet they still pull it out of the bag.”
“For now,
Juliette, for now…”
“I’m hungry – why
don’t we go get some lunch,” Sigi said as she looked round after an hour had
passed.
“Mary, we good?”
Mary Thomas
nodded as a young dark haired man wondered onto the set.
“Hi Christian,”
Diana said as she kissed him, “what brings you here?”
“Oh I was just
passing – is that Grace Gresham there with Jack?”
“That’s her –
why?”
“Good looking,
isn’t she?”
“Aren’t all of
us,” Juliette said as she walked past.
“Well of course,”
Christian said as Sigi looked at him, “even the kids are looking more and more
gorgeous every day.”
“Kids? KIDS?”
“All right,
Sigi,” Diana said as she put her arm round her shoulders, “he means no
harm. Come on – I know a little café
nearby, and then we need to go and get ready to join father.”
As they made
their way from the square, Sigi heard Jack call out “Stella, for the love of
all that is good, stop shaking!”
2
pm
The
Left Bank
“This is an
amazing place,” Sigi said as she sipped on her glass of wine. “I can understand why Klaus loves this city.”
“It must be very
different from Munich and Vienna,” Diana said as Juliette put a forkful of
salad in her mouth.
“Well, maybe my
brother will take you there one day,” Sigi said as she looked at them. “So what do I have to wear for your father…?”
“Juliette,
darling – may I join you?”
“Of course,
Renate,” Juliette said as she looked at the tall blonde. “You know Diana, but this is Sigi…”
“Klaus’ sister –
we met when I visited Furstenheim with my parents last year.” Countess Renate Waldheim was the same age as
Juliette, and as the daughter of an Austrian count she was on the same social
level as Diana, but she never let that dictate what she did. “So your father has let you come out for a
while?”
“For the weekend
– technically Klaus is looking after me, but in reality…”
“Say no more –
may I have some water please,” Renate said with a smile.
“So what brings
you to the city, Renate?”
“Father, I’m
afraid – he wants me to accompany him and mother to a charity gala at the
Louvre tonight. This is the hour I get
to myself before I have to go and get ready.”
“Well, at least
you get some time to yourself,” Diana said with a smile.
“Did I see Grace
and Charity earlier today working with Jack?”
“And Stella,”
Juliette said.
“How did she look
to you?”
Diana and
Juliette looked at each other, and said, “Do you want an honest answer to
that?”
“No – I was
speaking rhetorically,” Renate said.
“The word is you are both walking for Yves next week.”
“That’s right –
you as well?”
Renate nodded as
she sipped her drink.
“It should be
fun,” Diana said as she looked round.
“Now who is that man looking at us?”
“He was at the
shoot earlier,” Juliette said, “de Ros, or something like that.”
4
pm
Rue
de Grenelle
“How do you find
the time to combine your studies with everything else Juliette?” Sigi asked.
“Oh this is the
easy part really,” Juliette looked up from the reams of photocopied official
documents relating to trade between the EEC and the rest of the world in
textiles that she was perusing.
“The easy part,”
Sigrid shook her head.
“Hey,” Juliette
said as she sat back, “Klaus has told me how little you need to study to still
stay top of your class at school.”
“I know,” Sigi
said with a smile, “but I need the extra time for my fencing.”
“Well I need the
extra time for my work.” Juliette looked round, “all this needs to be paid
for…and I like having a social life as well.”
“Well I like your
friends as well, they are fun, and not really how the papers and magazines
describe models at all.”
“Well there are
still a lot of creeps around the scene,” Juliette said, “and far too many
drugs.”
“That is for
sure.” Diana said as she entered. “Ju you know you have your rehearsal at the
Moulin Rouge?”
“I do,” Juliette
looked at her watch, “Oh dear Goddess, where are my dance clothes?”
“In your
bag…here.” Diana held a holdall up.
“Okay I’ll be
back later.” Juliette rushed for the door.
“A rehearsal? At
the Moulin Rouge?” Sigi asked quizzically.
“It’s for a
charity benefit for the Sorbonne.” Diana smiled. “Sigi, we are meeting my
father later, but what do you wish to do before then?”
“Well… Can we go and see the rehearsal? I’ve heard so much of the Moulin Rouge, and I
would love to see it.”
“Hmm – it has
been some time since I visited,” Diana said quietly. “All right, get your coat – we can watch from
the sidelines.”
As they left the
apartment, two men were sitting in a car watching.
“Is that her,
boss?”
“That’s her,” a
female voice said, “but not now.”
6
pm
Moulin
Rouge, Boulevard de Cliché
“This is an
amazing place,” Sigi said as she stood in the bar area with Diana. “Who are all the pictures of?”
“Famous people who
have, at one time or another, graced this palace,” Diana said as she looked
down the rows. “In the old days,
Toulouse and his friends would sketch them, but now, it is the photo.”
“Who is that
picture of Diana?” She pointed at a thin
dark haired woman.
“Juliette Greco,
this was one of the places she used to sing in early in her career.”
“Wow, even I’ve
heard of her.”
“My father was a
huge fan of her songs, it was he who brought me here the first time.”
“Well that’s
genuinely interesting.” Sigi looked round. “Don’t you have that picture in your
apartment?”
“I do, that’s my
mother.”
“Your mother?”
“Yes before she
became a famous actress she used to work behind the bar here.”
“And so when she
became famous they put up a picture of her?”
“Mais Oui.”
“So you have a
couple of connections to this café?”
“I do…and they
also let me sing occasionally.”
“You sing?”
Diana smiled and
nodded. “Poorly, but by the time I sing
the wine has usually been flowing, people don’t notice.”
“I sing a bit as
well…”
“Oh?”
“I adore Brecht,
so in a couple of school concerts I’ve sung the Ballad of Jenny Diver.”
“Well good for
you.”
“Can you bring me
here to listen to you sing one night?”
“If I don’t get a
complaining phone call from your father for corrupting his daughter.”
“Oh he won’t hear
from me that’s for sure.”
“Who is the
Englishman taking pictures?” Juliette asked Elia Scaraponi, a fellow student
dancer.
“His name is John
Hammond.”
Juliette looked
at the tall dark haired man, with his military bearing and style. “Oh I’ve heard of him, he’s becoming famous
for his portrait work. I have a photo
shoot lined up with him in two weeks.”
“Well the
university has asked him to record this event.”
As Juliette
watched, the photographer walked to where a women with short brown hair was
sitting, kissing her as he changed the film in his camera.
“I wonder if he’d
let me have a print for my portfolio?”
“You can but
ask,” Elia smiled.
“I know that
sounds crass, but the better range of photographers I have pictures from, the
more chance I have of getting work.”
“You and your
modeling.”
“Hey,” Juliette
said as she punched Elie in the arm, “some of us don’t have Industrialist
fathers back in Milano to bankroll our studies.”
“That is true.”
Elie smiled, “Oh and by the way thank you for your suggestions for my long
essay, they really helped.”
“I’m glad to be
of assistance.”
“How much longer
will this rehearsal last?” Elia looked at her watch.
“Demoiselles bien,
il est temps de revenir sur scène, et cette fois je veux la perfection. Est-ce
que tu comprends? Je tiens donc à voir beaucoup de ce que les sous-vêtements à froufrous.
Compris? "
“Our masters
voice calls Juliette.”
“Showtime.”
Juliette whispered to herself.
Diana and Sigi
watched as the female students got on the stage, and then the classic music
started, Juliette and Elia leading the whoops as they launched themselves into
a can-can.
“I never knew she
was that mobile,” Sigi said as she stared at the girls’ raising their legs.
“We all have our
little secrets,” Diana said with a smile.
8
pm
Maxim’s
“It is very kind
of you to allow me to accompany you, Monsieur le Duc,” Sigi said as she sat at
the round table. She had changed into a
tasteful blue dress, while Diana and Juliette were wearing white dresses. By contrast, Guy was a wearing a tailored
suits, white shirt and dark tie.
“It is my
pleasure,” Guy said with a smile, “to have dinner with three attractive women –
including my daughter.”
“Father,” Diana
said, “I thought you only had eyes for mother?”
“I have eyes for
everything of beauty, as you know my dear.”
Juliette shook
her head and chuckled as she sipped his drink.
“I told you this would be interesting and instructive, Sigi.”
The two men
watched from the bar area, noting the men and women, and talking quietly
together.
At a nearby
table, three women were sitting and talking quietly. One of the women, with long dark hair, kept
her back to the men, but the other two, one a red head, the other a brunette,
were looking round and watching…
"Juliette
are you still a virgin?" Sigi asked straight out.
"Yes,"
Juliette blushed.
"I thought
you and my brother?"
"No...Not
yet...maybe one day."
"I can't believe
it," Sigi shook her head.
"And
you?"
"Not for a
while now," Sigi paused, "Are you honestly telling me you've
never?"
"The guys
back home were intimidated by me, and in New York I had a few guys try, but I
guess I'm keeping myself for the man I marry."
"Wow!"
"I know
that's old fashioned, and it's not what people think models are like Sigrid,
but it's what I'm like." Juliette paused, "Does your father know you
aren't a virgin Sigi?"
"Oh my God
no...Can you imagine his reaction if he knew? No Klaus knows, but I trust him
not to tell Papa."
“And what are you
two talking about?”
“None of your
business, Guy.” Juliette smiled as she
sipped her wine, and winked at Diana’s father.
“Father,” Diana
said quietly, “what do you know of the de Ros family?”
“Valeria and
Hugo? Not the sort of people I usually
mix with. Why do you ask my dear?”
“Curiosity,
Father – nothing more,” Diana said with a smile, bit Juliette noticed a
different look in her friend’s eye.
“So what are we
doing tomorrow?”
“Apart from the
video? Jack’s popping round tomorrow to
get a portfolio shot for me.”
“I got a shot
from Jack Hammond today as well – a nice one,” Juliette said with a smile.
“Major
Hammond? I would appreciate the chance
to meet him,” Guy said with a smile.
“So why isn’t
Klaus coming to see you tonight?”
“Your damn
brother is pleading family commitments and that he must be Renate’s escort
tonight,” Juliette replied with more then a little bit of edge in her voice.
“Papa’s orders
probably…I think he and Renate’s father would rather like to see them make a match
of it.”
“Oh?”
Sigi suddenly put
her glass down and looked at Juliette. “He
hasn’t told you has he?”
“No!”
“It’s why they
came to Furstenheim last year, so they could be introduced.”
“Sigi, be honest
with me please,” Juliette looked in the younger woman’s face, “does your father
know about me?”
“Do I have to
answer?” Sigi said as she squirmed a little.
“Yes.”
“He doesn’t know
who you are, but he’s heard rumours that Klaus has fallen for an American
model…”
“And that doesn’t
please him?”
“Honest answer?”
“Yes.”
“Then no it
doesn’t.” Sigi paused. “Look Juliette my father is the world’s ultimate snob,
he thinks even Barons are below our status.”
“So girls from
small towns in Massachusetts?”
“He’d kill Klaus
rather than let him marry you, and my Aunt would hold Klaus down while he did
it.”
“Klaus gets no
say in the matter?”
“Oh he gets a
say, but he will have to fight Papa and Aunt Natalya with every weapon he has
if he really does want to marry you.”
“And what is your
view Sigi?”
“I already love
you like a sister,” the teenager threw her arms round the American. “But I’ll
tell you it would be a whole lot easier for you if you were the Duchesse and
not Diana.”
“I see the Duc is
his usual charming self,” Valeria de Ros said as she looked over from the table
she shared with her son and husband.
“I don’t see the
problem with him,” Jacques said as he looked at Diana dancing with William.
“Then you have
not had your eyes open enough,” Valeria said coldly.
“Excuse me one
moment,” Guy said as he walked Sigi back over to another table, before inviting
Alice to dance.
“Your father is a
dirty old man.” Sigi giggled, “He tried to feel my bottom.”
“He is
incorrigible.” Diana shook her head. “Just don’t take it personally Sigi, he
tries it on with every woman he’s sure he’s not related to.”
“Oh I’m not
angry, rather pleased in fact…most people treat me still like I’m a baby.” Sigi
giggled, “Papa would be shocked though, he still thinks I’m some little virgin
who has no idea about sex.”
“You are
incorrigible too.” Diana laughed as Alice looked at Guy, before walking over to
their table.
“Honestly I am
going to have a bruise on my ass,” Alice shook her head as she sat down.
“My Papa?” asked
Diana.
“Who else would
pinch me?”
“I apologise
Alice.”
“Just be glad
Duncan didn’t see him do it.”
“One day he and I
will have to have a very serious chat about him chasing younger women, it’s bad
enough when they are strangers, but I draw the line when he tries it with my
friends.”
“Hey – Garcon. Another bottle over here.”
“Mon dieu,” Diana
said quietly as she looked over, “I wonder if they have sobered up at all…”
“There are times
I despair.” Juliette sat down hard in her chair.
“Oh, now who has
brought that out?” Diana asked quietly.
“Charity,”
Juliette said as she looked over. “I’d
do most anything to be in her class as a model, but yet again she’s over there
totally strung out, and both Grace and Stella are flying high on cocaine. Don’t
they know the damage they are doing to themselves and to their careers?”
“Probably not. I would be amazed if they knew what time of
day it was.”
“Well at least
when you are a true superstar Diana you’ll know better than to abuse yourself
like that.”
Diana looked at
her friend, saying “and who says I will be a superstar?”
“Oh come on?”
Juliette rolled her eyes, “everyone knows you will be, it’s me who’s going to
end up working long hours in an office.”
“Who knows - you
might become a princess?”
“Not according to
Sigi, her father it seems will do anything to prevent Klaus marrying some
American nobody.”
“There you go
again, putting yourself down.”
“No there I go
again being a realist Diana.”
“Who is that
divine man just walked in?” Diana decided that it would be wise to change the
subject.
“Henri Marais the
racing car driver…and that’s his wife with him.”
“First he is so
handsome, and secondly how do you know that?”
“There’s a big
article on them in Paris Match,” Juliette giggled, “If I hadn’t read it this
afternoon, then I’d have not had a clue.”
“That’s
cheating.” Diana laughed in response.
“They’re still
sitting at the bar watching.”
The redhead
looked at the other two ladies, and said “I’m amazed they haven’t recognized
us?”
“Why should
they,” the brunette said quietly, “as far as they know, we’re in the UK. Probably forgotten about us already.”
“So who do you
think the target is?”
“Who knows –
Madame Marais, assorted duchesses and countesses, and famous models. Could be any one of them. What I don’t understand is why we are here to
stop them?”
“Because,” the
dark haired lady said in a deep, mellow voice, “it is a matter of honour. Be alert.”
“I see the de Ros
boy has eyes only for you Mon Cherie.” Guy whispered in his daughters’ ear.
“He seems to be
following me about.”
“Well a word of
caution darling, his mother is a dragon, and I hear he’s something of a ladies’
man.”
“Papa you have
the cheek to say that of someone else?” Diana shook her head.
“I wasn’t
condemning him Diana, just warning you in advance.”
“Would he be a
good catch Papa?”
“Oh socially it
would be an excellent match, they are a very old family. Economically as well,
their vineyards are very profitable…”
“Now what would
you say if I wanted to marry a penniless American photographer Papa?”
“Well I think I’d
be a little disappointed.” Guy shook his head.
“Honestly you are
as big a snob as Klaus’s father.”
“Oh so this isn’t
about you, this conversation is about Juliette?”
“Yes, Sigi let
slip that the Prince is trying to make a match for Klaus with Renate Waldheim.”
“Diana,” Guy said
quietly, “you know I adore Juliette, but can you honestly see that sweet young
thing as a princess?”
“If I’m honest
then yes.”
“No,” Guy said as
he shook his head, “it would never work, just look at young William, and
Amanda, they are of the same class, they know the same people…”
“Papa they are
both born-again punks,” Diana interrupted.
“But Aristocratic
punks my darling. I predict they will have a long happy marriage.”
“And Juliette and
Klaus wouldn’t?”
“Not unless she
toughened up considerably - and can you ever see Juliette of all people
developing a tough ruthless side like she'd have to have to deal with Klaus's
relatives?"
“You may have a point,
father,” Diana said as she saw Juliette sitting with Alice and Mandy. “If you will excuse me father?”
“Go – I am sure
Sigi will dance with me.”
Diana smiled as
Sigi mouthed “I hate you” before she was taken on the dance floor.
“Figures,”
Juliette said as she fingered her glass, “something wonderful comes into my
life, and it gets snatched away again.
“You are quite
well known back home Ju?” Alice put her arms round her friend.
“Yes but as a
teen model Alice, not doing high fashion. To do that I’d have to make it here,
and honestly can you see that happening?”
“Yes! I refuse to
believe that with looks like yours that you won’t make it huge one day.”
“Well I’m just
glad you feel that way Alice, but I’m just happy that modeling has just about
paid my way through my diploma.”
“It sounds like
self pity to me darling.” Mandy commented.
“No its realizing
my limitations Mandy, I’m a marginal model, but at least I’m blessed with
brains, so I’ll find a job back in New York I hope.”
“With your
passion for fashion I refuse to believe that you will quit,” Diana laughed,
“now me I do not really care…”
“Oh so says the
woman with the closet full of clothes.” Alice laughed.
“Oh I’m not
talking about as a buyer of lovely things,” Diana laughed as a well, but really
I don’t give a?...oh what is that expression?...a rats bottom?”
“You mean a rats
arse darling.” Mandy drawled.
“Well you’ll all
be top girls even if you do care or not?”
“There’s that
self pity again Ju.” Alice shook her head.
“Don’t forget you
are walking the YSL show Ju Darling?”
“Along with 55
other girls Mandy.”
“Fiona, Mary, can
you cheer her up? Juliette has a downer on herself tonight?” Alice asked.
“When you are
just hitting the big time?” asked Mary.
“When I realize
I’m not really going to make it as a model.”
“See what we mean
darlings?”
“I’m going to
book a flight home for after my thesis is read, and see if I can find someone
to hire me to work for them.” Juliette gave herself a shake. “Do what my Mom
says, and for once in my life be practical.”
“Och you do have
the blues tanite.” Fiona shook her head.
“I should never
have opened my big mouth.” Sigrid moaned.
“How so lass?”
Mary asked.
“I told her my
father is trying to arrange for Klaus to marry Renate.”
“Well as everyone
has said, she’s his class, his type of person, while I patently am not.”
“I shouldae
guessed a man was behind all this.” Fiona smiled.
“What is your
father doing,” Juliette said as she saw Guy walk to another table.
“Good evening
Count…Countess.” Guy said as he bowed slightly.
“Good evening.”
Valeria held her hand out for Guy to kiss. “Would you prefer to talk in English
or French?”
“Well since I am
with so many of my daughters’ English speaking friends shall we continue in
this?”
“Very well.”
Valeria said with a distinct edge to her voice. “My son has indicated an
interest in your daughter.”
“And this is my
concern why?” Guy said as he signaled a waiter to top up his champagne.
“It is OUR
concern,” Valeria said coldly, “since at least in my family still such matters
are important still to the whole family, and are not left to the whims of
chance.”
“When one
considers,” Guy said as he sat down, ignoring Hugo and Jacque as they stared at
him, “that your former surname was not Romanov due to a mésalliance of
monumental proportions Madame la Comtesse, I might have thought such an
attitude might have long since left your family.”
“That does not
alter the fact,” Valeria almost growled, “that I am of the imperial blood
Monsieur le Duc, and I do have certain expectations as to the qualities of the
girl my son attaches herself to.”
“Well I have the
blood of the Bourbons flowing in my veins Madame, and without a stigma.” Guy
drawled as he enjoyed tormenting the Countess de Ros. “And frankly I don’t give
a damn who my daughter marries as long as she is happy.”
“Given my son’s
bloodlines…”
“From what I
remember reading about the first Count de Ros, surely that blood is 90% proof
Madame?”
“Given…” Valeria
fought to control her temper…”the importance of both our families, I considered
it to be both necessary, and good manners, to inform you of my sons
intentions.”
“Well he and you
would be both better off talking to Diana then to me.” Guy laughed as a more
then slightly tipsy Sigi sat in his lap.
“Young lady!”
Valeria nearly shouted as she started to lose her temper.
“It’s Your Serene
Highness if you are addressing me Madame,” Sigi giggled.
“Serene
Highness?”
“Oh Madame la
Comtesse may I present the Princess Sigrid von Furstenheim,” Guy laughed, as he
was enjoying Valeria’s discomfort more with each second.”
“You are the
daughter of Karl von Furstenheim, the niece of the Baron Buchenwald?”
“The very same,”
Sigi said with a grin
“Perhaps it is
time to take you home, young lady,” Diana said as she came over. “Please, forgive her youthfulness.”
Valeria nodded as
Juliette and Diana took Sigi to the toilet.
“Count,
Countess,” Guy said as he bowed and walked off as well.
“What a woman,”
Jacques said quietly.
Sunday
8th June
8.30
am
Rue
de Grenelle
“It’s just a
second, seven seconds away, and how much more will I say…”
“Oh my head,”
Sigi said as she walked in, wearing a black mohair jumper and grey jeans, “what
happened last night?”
“You had a fun
time,” Juliette said as she poured some coffee.
“Did I really do
something rude to a Countess?”
“Possibly,” Diana
said as she handed Sigi a mug of coffee.
“Juliette and I need to go to this video shoot – will you be all right?”
“I’ll be fine,”
Sigi said as she drank her coffee, her eyes focusing on the pair of sabres
crossed on the wall, “I could always use those if necessary.”
“I would drink
more coffee and eat first,” Diana said as she put her bag on her shoulder. “We’ll call at lunch time.”
“Go, go,” Sigi
said as she drank the coffee, and picked up a croissant, nibbling on it as
Youssou N’Dour sang on the radio. After
a few minutes they started to play Vanessa Paradis as Sigi stood up and
wondered into Diana’s room.
“Wow,” she said
as she opened the large doors of the walk in wardrobe, “what a
collection…” Taking out a pink fur lined jacket, she put it
on and looked at herself in the wardrobe mirror, smiling as she turned and
posed.
“And walking the
catwalk, Sigi von Furstenheim,” she said to herself as she walked up and down
the room, before turning in shock as the apartment doorbell rang. Walking cautiously across the room, she opened
the door and said quietly “Hello?”
“Oh-ho, did those
nasty big models leave you all alone, little one,” Jack Linklater said as he
looked at Sigi.
“That’s right –
it’s Jack isn’t it?”
“It is indeed,”
Jack replied with a smile, “may I come in?
I have something to leave for the girls.”
“Well, it should
be all right,” Sigi said as she opened the door, and let Jack come in.
“Ah the dulcet
tones of Petula Clark,” he said as another song played on the radio, “such a
refined lady.”
“You know the Baroness?”
“In passing, in
passing,” Jack said as he put his camera bag down, and then laid a portfolio on
the coffee table. “You’ll make sure they
look at these when they get home?”
“Of course,” Sigi
said with a smile, “but while you’re here, can you do a little favour for me, Mr.
Linklater?”
“Oh – polite and
petite. What can I do for you, my dear?”
Sigi smiled as
she said “would you take a few photographs of me? Purely for my own amusement.”
“Well,” Jack said
as he looked her up and down, “you have a certain je n’sais quoi. And I have some free time, so why not?”
“Thank you,” Sigi
said as she put her arms round Jack’s neck, standing on tip toe as she kissed
his cheek. I hope Diana does not mind if
I try a few of her furs.”
“Go and see how
they look,” Jack said as he took out a light meter, checking the readings and
adjusting his camera lens accordingly, before Sigi reappeared.
“Well, how do I
look,” she said as she stood and posed.
“Almost
professional,” Jack said as he took a few photos while she stood there, and
then said “take a seat, my dear.”
“If you insist,”
Sigi said as she sat across a wide blue seat, the fur opening to reveal her
bare legs.
“Sigi,” Jack said
as he looked at her, “you are above the age of consent aren’t you?”
Sigi shook her
head in mild anger before she sighed and said “Jack I’m 17 - you can look at my
passport, this will not be child pornography.”
“Well from this
side of the camera it looks like it.” Jack shook his head
as the girl posed in Diana’s black fur and a pair of Juliette’s ankle strap
stilettos with the five-inch heels.
“Right, I guess
you need to see how old I am,” Sigi said as the fire started to burn in her
eyes.
“Well here we
go…SIGI!” Jack immediately stopped as Sigi pouted and exposed more flesh.
“Spoilsport!”
“I do not need
your father chasing me for shooting suggestive pictures of his darling
daughter.”
“He need never
see them,” Sigi said as she leaned forward, “so snap away please my fine young
man?”
“She called me young,”
Jack said with a smile as he took more photos and then looked at her.
“You certainly
have a photogenic face – why don’t you go and try another fur on?”
“Why not,” Sigi
said as she jumped up and went back into the bedroom, Jack shaking his head as
he changed his film roll.
"Jack,” he
head Sigi call out, “do you think I'll ever be a model?"
"Not unless
you grow an alarming amount in a short time dear."
"I know,
it's a curse, in a family of giants like Klaus I'm a little runt."
“Well, I would
not be so cruel darling,” Jack said with a smile as Sigi came out, wearing a
knee length brown fur and silk coat that came to her knees, and the black
heels.
“Very stylish,”
Jack said as he started to take more photos, Sigi holding the collar and
smiling as he did so.
“Well now, I
think I have some very interesting photos of you,” Jack finally said as he
looked up.
“Ju says you
always walk into their dressing room when they’re naked. Is that true?”
“Dear,” Jack said
with a smile, “I’m the one person they can guarantee is not looking at them
with any form of lust.”
“Well, you stay
out here – and this is a princess saying that,” Sigi said as she made her way
to the bedroom, Jack going to the kitchen and pouring some water.
“Diana, my dear,
this is exquisite,” he said as he looked round, and then head the knock on the
door.
“Are you
expecting someone,” Jack called out, but there was no answer. Smiling, he went to the door and opened it,
saying “Can I…”
“I can’t thank
you enough for doing this for me, Jack,” Sigi said with a smile as she came
back in. “I’ll show that father of mine
that…”
She stopped and
looked at Jack as he sat in the chair, his eyes darting between the two men who
were standing either side of him. He
wanted to say something about their fashion sense, but the strip of brown sticking
plaster over his mouth made it impossible for him to say more than “sreesgeee,”
“Good morning,
you highness,” one of the men said, “you are going to come quietly with us, and
stay with us a while until your father makes a donation to our charity.”
Sigi looked at
Jack, his hands pinned behind his back and his ankles secured with a zip tie,
before she very quietly said “Am I? And
if I refuse your generous invitation to stay a while?”
“I do not believe
you would like to do that,” the other man said as he opened his blazer, showing
Sigi the gun in his waistband.
“Hmm,” Sigi said
as she walked to the wall, “Gentlemen, you do know who I am, correct?”
“Her Serene
Highness Princess Sigrid von Furstenheim,” the first man said quietly as Jack
raised an eyebrow.
“Hmm quite
correct,” Sigi said as she smiled. “Jack
, wenn ich jetzt sagen , rollen nach vorn und unten bleiben.”
Jack glanced
quickly in each direction as the second man said “Your highness, we do not wish
to cause a fuss, but if you do not come with us now…”
“Ah, but I wish
to make a fuss. Jack – NOW!”
As Jack pushed
himself forward and rolled onto the floor, Sigi grabbed the hilt of one of the sabers
and flashed it in front of herself, walking forward as she said “the epee is
more my usual weapon of choice, but I am a Bavarian princess – and the weight
on this is good. Now, gentlemen, what
were you saying?”
“You crazy
bitch,” the second man said as he reached for his gun, and then backed up as
Sigi brought the blade down in a swoop, nicking the sleeve of his jacket as she
did so.
“For the love of
god, grab her,” the man said as his companion tried to grab Sigi, and then
backed off as she swung the saber round in her hand, the blade flashing round
as Jack watched from the floor.
“Now Gentlemen,”
Sigi said as she walked forward, the two men backing up, “you were saying about
making me come with you?”
“Now I did think
we said that,” the man said as he pointed his gun at Jack, “and unless you want
your fried here to suffer…”
“Try me.”
“Lrdsfmm,” Jack
mumbled as he closed his eyes, and then heard two soft thuds.
Sigi was staring
at the door as well, as she saw the two women standing in the doorway, one of
them putting what looked like a dart gun away as the second one checked the
pulse of the two men. Both were dressed
in black sweaters and pants, with balaclavas over their heads.
“Our apologies,”
she said as she stood up, “these gentlemen will not bother you again. Be assured you are safe, your highness.”
“Thanks – I
think,” she said as the other woman brought in a laundry trolley, and then they
lifted the men between them and dropped them in the basket. Formally bowing, they walked backwards out,
pulling the trolley with them as they closed the door.
“Now who were
those masked women,” Sigi said as she raised the saber in salute.
“Errrsegegedrln?”
“Oh – forgive me
Jack,” Sigi said as she used the tip of the blade to slice through the plastic
bands, and then replaced the sword on the wall mountings.
“Sigi, angel,”
Jack said as he pulled the plaster from his mouth, “would Diana have any lip
balm and moisturizer?”
“I would imagine
so, but what happened?”
“Now come on –
two good looking men knock on the door, I’m going to answer it – although
usually I don’t get tied and gagged. But
those women – who were they?”
“No idea – Jack,
can we keep this between ourselves please?
No fuss, no bother?”
“Of course – now,
about that cream?”
“Well, well,
they’re waking up.”
The two men
slowly opened their eyes as they saw two women standing over them – a redhead
and a brunette.
“Oh god,” one of
them said as he looked at them, “you? We
thought you were dead.”
“Incorrect –
we’ve been in the UK for a while, but we were asked to come over and find who
had been acting as high class kidnappers.
They took money from an old friend, and we don’t like that.”
“Madeline? Sandra?
Then…”
“Hello boys,” a
voice like hot treacle on cold ice cream said, “I would say it is good to see
you again, but that would be lying.”
“Shir…”
“No – I am Madame
X, and you have been very, very naughty boys…”
11
am
Studio
Canale
“Well, I think
we’ve got this about ready,” Diana said as she sat with the others, sipping
water while the camera crew did the final set-up. “You’re the musician Mandy, what do you
think?”
“You’ll pass,
darling,” Mandy said with a smile as she looked over.
“Hi – mind if I
sit with you for a few minutes?”
“Pull up a chair,
Palomino,” Alice said as Grace Gresham sat down, and swallowed a bottle of
water. “How are you feeling this
morning?”
“Sore headed – I
woke up late, and both Stella and Karen had already gone. How bad was I yesterday?”
“You were not the
worst,” Diana said quietly. Grace nodded
as she looked at the, and said “well, I’m sorry if I upset anyone. I need to watch what I’m doing with some
things.”
“Would you be
hurt if I was honest, Grace?”
“No – and I can
guess what you’re going to say. I was a
wreck – too easily led, if the truth be told.”
She looked up as
Christian, the photographer, came over and sat with them.
“Hi – I’m
Christian. You’re Grace aren’t you?”
“Yeah,” Grace
said with a smile, “and you are Christian, aren’t you? I’ve seen you with some of my friends at
parties.”
“I’ve seen you
too – want to take a walk?”
“Thirty minutes,
people.”
“Why not,” Grace
said as she went off with Christian, the other girls watching.
“I thought he was
stepping out with Pippa Ashley?”
“Who knows Diana
– maybe she dumped him,” Alice said as she sipped on her bottle. “And talking of not knowing…”
“What do you mean
you’re throwing me off the set,” Stella Jameson said as she and Charity looked
at the director.
“Just what I said
– neither of you are in any fit state to do what I want you to do today, and fi
you want the honest truth, unless you both clean up your acts, you’re in a lot
of trouble.”
“Says who,”
Charity answered back with a giggle.
“Ask John
Belushi, Kurt Cobain, Rob Jones and River Phoenix,” the director said
quietly. “Go on – go home and sober up
at least.”
The two models
walked out of the studio, Grace watching as she talked to Christian, and the
director rubbed his forehead.
“Someone get me
their agent on the phone – anyone else need to go because of illness?”
The others shook
their heads as Alice said “there but for the grace of God, darling…”
12.30
pm
Rue
de Grenelle
“Well hello big
brother,” Sigi said as she opened the door, “and what time do you call this to
come and visit your darling sister?”
“The perfect time
to take you to lunch,” Klaus said as he hugged his sister. “And I hear you had great fun yesterday.”
“It was an
experience – Diana’s father is a roguish old devil, isn’t he? Maybe you’ll be like him as you grow up?”
“Not if our
father has anything to do with it,” Klaus said as Sigi grabbed her coat. “Once we have eaten, I have instructions to
take you to the video shoot, and from there we will progress to see what
happens.”
He then noticed
something on the floor, bending down and picking up the cut cable tie. Showing it to Sigi, he raised an eyebrow as
his sister said “just rubbish – come on, I’m starving.”
“Why do I get the
feeling you’re not telling me something?”
“Now have I ever
hidden anything from you, Klaus?”
12.30
pm
Studio
Canale
“All right, let’s
go for another take,” the director said as Diana stood with the backing
singers, and Mandy strapped on the bass guitar.
Will tapped the
drumsticks as he said “one, two, one two three four…”
The Sprint started
playing their song, with Will on drums and Mandy playing guitar, both dressed
in very uncharacteristic for them tops and shorts, while Diana and the other
backing singers were wearing tight jeans and crop tops.
On the dance
floor, Alice, Juliette and Grace were wearing summer dresses as they danced
alongside other models, Renate dancing on the other side of the dance floor in
a white blouse and leather skirt. From
the sidelines, Christian was watching, smiling as Grace laughed, her long
blonde hair flowing as she danced around.
The director
smiled as he viewed the screens, showing the shots from his cameras as they
filmed the band and the dancers. “Yes…
Yes, this is really good,” he said as he directed one camera to focus in on
Mandy playing the guitar, smiling as she played the middle eight while the lead
singer sang along.
As the song
finished, Will threw the drumsticks in the air, catching them as everyone
clapped and cheered.
“Well done
everyone,” the director said, “I have what we need now.”
“Now that was
fun,” Grace said, “been too long since I did that.”
“Dance?”
“Do a job sober,”
she said as she looked at Juliette. “Hey
– why don’t we go for a longer walk Christian.”
“Sounds good to
me,” Christian said as he took Grace by the arm, and they walked out of the
studio.
“Right – we need
to go and meet our parents,” Mandy said as she put the guitar to the side, and
pulled her husband to be away. “Later,
darlings.”
“Sorry – time to
meet the in-laws,” Will said as he was dragged off, Juliette laughing as they
went off.
“Come on,” Duncan
said as he looked at the others, “let’s go and get a late lunch somewhere.”
“Give me a
minute,” Diana said as she walked to the bar, “I need to call the apartment,
see if Sigi is there.”
Picking up the telephone,
Diana pressed some buttons and waited until she said “Hello?
“Papa – I was not
expecting you to call today. Is Sigi
there?
“Oh – well I am
sure she is with Klaus in that case.
We’ll see her when we get back to the apartment.
“Indeed – au revoir.”
“Problem?”
“No – Papa was at
the apartment, and Sigi has gone out, I presume with Klaus.”
“Well, she’s fine
I’m sure – come on, I need to eat something.”
2
pm
Champs
Elysee
“... and that was
when Naomi walloped him with her fist.”
Diana burst out
laughing, the others joining in as they sat back and relaxed.
“Oh I wish I
could have seen that,” Alice said as she shook her head, “but I am happily
married, after all.”
At a nearby
table, a stern looking blonde was sitting with a dark haired man, both of them
looking at the group as they ordered another bottle of wine.
“I wonder who
they are,” Alice said as she glanced over.
“Ah, THERE you
are,” Klaus said as he came in with Sigi.
“we went to the studio, but they said you had disappeared for lunch.”
“Join us,”
Juliette said as she stood up and kissed Klaus, Sigi smiling until she looked
round and saw the couple looking at them.
“Klaus,” she said
quietly as she tugged on her brother’s sleeve,” you had better look over
there.”
“Oh – why?” Klaus looked over to the other table, his
smile a little fixed as he said “Aunt Natalya, Uncle Wilhelm – what are you
doing here?”
“We were going to
call to see you after lunch,” the woman said in a quiet, but determined voice,
“but it would appear we have met earlier than I expected. Sigrid.”
“It is good to
see you both,” Sigi said as she gave a little curtsey, Diana and Juliette
looking at each other.
“Will you not
introduce us,” the woman said as she looked at them.
“Of course,”
Klaus said as she motioned Juliette over.
“Juliette, Diana, may I present Count Wilhelm and Countess Natalya
Buchenwald. Aunt, Uncle, Diana, Duchess
de Grechy and Miss Juliette Huntingdown.”
“It is an honour
to meet you,” Juliette said as Count Buchenwald kissed the hand of both ladies,
but the Countess merely stared at both of them.
“I am pleased to
have made the acquaintance of both of you,” she finally said in a cold
voice. “Klaus, you and Sigi should know
that your father will be arriving tomorrow for a short stay, and he will arrive
at your accommodations at eleven am in the morning precisely.”
“Father is coming
here? Why?”
“I am sure he
will communicate his intentions in due course.
Come Wilhelm, we have some business to attend to.”
The Count stood
and bowed as he followed his wife out, Sigi holding on to her brother’s arm as
they left.
“Bother – and I
was getting used to freedom as well.”
“Do not fret,
dear sister,” Klaus said as he leaned over and kissed her head, “we have until
tomorrow…”
Monday
9th June
11
am
Klaus’
Apartment
“Well, it’s
eleven o’clock,” Klaus said as he consulted his watch and nervously ran his
finger under the collar of his shirt.
The shirt was under a classic suit, while Sigi was wearing a blue jacket
and skirt with a grey blouse underneath.
“Are you sure you
want us here,” Juliette said as she sat with Diana. Juliette was dressed in a white blouse and a
floral print wrap round skirt, while Diana wore a blue sleeveless tunic over a
white dress, dark tights and ankle boots.
“And that will be
him,” Sigrid said as she stood up and walked to the apartment door, opening it
and saying “Hello papa” as a tall grey haired man walked in. He looked enough like Klaus to obviously be
his father, and was accompanied by Natalya and Wilhelm.
“Hello Father,”
Klaus said as he formally bowed, “may I introduce my friends, Miss Juliette
Huntingdown and Diana, Countess de Grechy.”
“Your highness,”
Diana said as she curtseyed, “I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Countess – I
believe I have met your father on occasion.
Is he well?”
“He is – he is
currently in Paris should you wish to meet with him.”
“Perhaps,” Karl
said as his cold blue eyes looked Juliette up and down, “and you are Miss
Juliette Huntingdown.”
“Your highness,”
Juliette said as she curtseyed.
“Well,” Klaus
said as he looked round the room, “I thought we might all go and have an early
lunch. You must be hungry, father.”
“Indeed – and
perhaps afterwards, you can show me where Sigrid spent the weekend?”
“It would be my
honour,” Diana said as Sigi raised her eyes.
“Where shall we eat?”
1.30
pm
Rue
de Grenelle
“A most
comfortable apartment,” Karl von Furstenheim said as he looked round their main
living area. “Now, I wish to discuss a
particular matter in private with Miss Huntingdown.”
“Sigrid, you
should collect your clothes from the spare room,” Diana said as she took Sigrid
to the guest bedroom, while Klaus coughed and said “Perhaps you and Uncle
Wilhelm would join me in the kitchen while I prepare some coffee, Aunt
Natalya?”
“I think that
would be prudent,” the Countess Buchenwald said as they went into the kitchen,
closing the door behind themselves.
“So,” Karl said
as he sat down, “please, be seated Fraulein Huntingdown.”
“Thank you,”
Juliette said as she sat down, watching Karl as he stood by the fireplace.
“Miss
Huntingdown,” he finally said as he turned round and looked at Juliette, “my
sister has told me that you and my son have become very close.”
“We are very good
friends,” Juliette said as she took deep breaths.
“And what are you
intentions towards him?”
“To remain his
friend at this time. Anything more than
that must be by mutual choice, Your Highness, but he has always been the
perfect gentleman towards me.”
“He is of royal
blood, Miss Huntingdown, of course he is a gentleman. And as a man of royal blood, there are
certain obligations that he is expected to fulfill.”
“Of course,”
Juliette said quietly.
“Then you will
understand that when I hear he has become intimate with an American model with
no family history of note, I am concerned as to what may have occurred.”
Juliette remained
calm, despite the anger starting to build, as she said “I will have you know
Your Highness, that Klaus and I have never done anything to be ashamed of.”
“Oh come now Miss
Huntingdown.”
“Sir,” Juliette
said quietly, “Klaus is always a perfect gentleman, and strange as it may seem
I am actually still a virgin.”
Karl snorted as
he said “And you expect me to believe that?”
“I don’t care if
you believe it or not Your Highness, but it happens to be the truth.”
Walking round,
Karl looked at the apartment décor before saying “May I ask then who pays for
this apartment Fraulein?”
“Diana mainly,
but I pay her rent and contribute to the food bills and utilities. I’m not
rich, but I just about keep my head above water Sir.”
“So you have no
intentions towards my son?”
“I did not say
that Sir, and you did not ask, but as I
said earlier we are friends at this moment, very good friends.”
“Be aware,
Fraulein, I will not allow dishonor to be brought to my family name.”
“And be aware,
SIR,” Juliette said as she stood up, “that I would never bring dishonor to
Klaus or Sigrid – in any way.”
“Then you will
end this friendship?”
“No – Klaus is
his own man, your highness, and he is able to make his own decisions. I will respect whatever he decides – as I
believe you should as well.”
Karl glared at
Juliette as Diana came in with Sigrid.
“Erm – perhaps we
should…”
“It is all right,
Diana, Sigi – I think Prince Karl and I have finished our conversation.”
“For now,” Karl
said as Klaus brought a tray with a pot of coffee in.
“Thank you,
Klaus,” Karl said as he looked round the room.
“May I ask who actually owns the apartment, Countess?”
“It is owned by
my father, but we pay a full rent,” Diana said as she poured the coffee. “As well as all bills. My father believes in independence.”
“Indeed,” Natalya
said as they sat and drank in silence.
Eventually, Karl
said “Natalya, may I speak with you in the kitchen for a moment?”
“Of course,”
Natalya said as they walked into the room, Karl closing the door on the others.
“What did you say
to Papa Juliette? I’ve never seen him so angry.” Sigi shook her head as she
looked to the door.
“I informed him
that I’m a good girl,” Juliette said quietly, “that your brother and I have
nothing to be ashamed of, and not in as many words told him where he can put
that ramrod he carries strapped to his back.”
“Oh God, I wished
I could have seen it.” Sigi giggled.
“Why is he like
that?”
“Oh I think a lot
has to do with a relative of ours who was some frightful Nazi war criminal.
Papa and Aunt Natalya grew up at a time when the von Furstenheim’s were
something like pariahs in German aristocratic circles. It’s made them both
determined never to be anything less then perfect.”
“Well it’s made
them both pains just from where I sit.” Juliette sighed.
“Do not judge too
harshly,” Wilhelm said, “they are of their time and lineage.”
“Still, he is not
mannered, unlike you Klaus,” Diana said quietly.
Natalya came back
in and sat down. “Your father will be in in a moment,” she said as she sat down.
“Any more news on
that horrid killer back home in Munich?” Sigrid asked her relatives.
“Not in the few
days since you left my dear.” Count Buchenwald actually smiled. “The police
think there is a serial killer out there, but according to what I read in the
Suddeutsche Zeitung they are no closer to catching him…”
“Or her,” his
wife interrupted him.
“My love do you
really think a woman is capable of such extreme barbarity and cruelty?”
“Just remember
The Blood Princess.” Klaus reminded his reltives.
“True.”
“Am I missing
something,” Juliette said as she looked at the family.
“Some rather
gruesome murders – and as for the Blood Princess, a story for another day,”
Klaus said quietly as his father came in.
“I have decided,”
he said quietly, “that Sigrid may remain here with you for the summer Klaus.”
“I may? Oh thank you Papa…”
“I have not
finished,” Karl said. “You will stay
with Klaus, and I will arrange for a suitable chaperone to stay as well.”
“FATHER!”
“That is my
decision,” Karl said. “Klaus, you and
Sigrid will join me for dinner tonight.
Ladies.”
Natalya stood and
smiled as the apartment door opened, and Guy came in.
“Diana my dear,
I… Your highness,” he said as he
formally bowed, “an honour.”
“Indeed,” Karl
said. “Sigrid, you will return now with
Klaus.”
“Thank you for
allowing me to stay.” Sigi hugged
Juliette and whispered “See you soon” before Klaus picked her bag up.
“Juliette, I
apologise, but…”
“KLAUS!”
Klaus shook his
head and walked out, Guy closing the door behind him.
“Did I arrive at
an inopportune moment?”
“No father – your
timing was impeccable,” Diana said as she sat down. “Perhaps I should open a window, clear the
air.”
“It is not that
warm, Diana – in fact, the atmosphere was positively frosty.”
“The Furstenheim’s
do not need air-conditioning Juliette,” Guy said as he sat down, “Natalya
Buchenwald can chill any room just by entering it.”
“Oh Papa that is
awful!” Diana laughed.
“It’s true though
Diana, did you ever look in her eyes?” asked Juliette. “Her brother is a
bastard, but there is a coldness in that woman’s eyes that is frightening.”
“I am glad it is
Juliette young Klaus is interested in and not you Mon Cherie, the thought of
you having that woman as a relative is not a welcome one.” Guy spoke seriously.
“But you’d wish
her on me?” Juliette asked with a twinkle in her eye.
“Seriously I
would not wish that woman on the devil. Compared to her the Countess de Ros is
sweetness and light.”
“Is this our
fate, to be caught between a Harridan and a Devil in disguise?”
“Which one is
which,” Diana asked, the room filling with laughter as the afternoon sun shone
through the windows…
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