Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot Read Free Book Online

overhear many conversations. Perhaps she could help with Sarah’s other needs. “There is something else,” she told the young French-woman. “Austin’s death changed my situation, and now I must find a way to earn my room and board. Do you know of anyone in Ladreville who might be looking for help?”
    Isabelle’s expression was doubtful. She fingered the cross around her neck, then smiled. “I’ll ask Maman. She knows everyone’s business.” With a nod toward the door that Sarah surmised led to the Rousseaus’ dwelling, Isabelle said, “It’ll take only a moment.”
    Sarah bent down to ruffle Thea’s hair. Thank goodness the child appeared content to sit on the floor and play with her doll. Above them the conversation between the German women and Léon continued. Everyone, it was clear, was frustrated, and the women appeared to be on the verge of leaving the store.
    A glimmer of an idea danced before Sarah’s eyes. Carefully she rose and turned toward the women. “Perhaps I might assist you,” she offered in fluent German.
    A smile lit the older of the two women’s faces. “Sie spricht deutsch!” she announced to her companion.
    “Ja. Ich spreche deutsch.” Sarah smiled at the potential customers. “I would be honored to help you.” Excitedly, the two women began to speak at the same time. Sarah held up a cautionary hand to slow the barrage of words, then relayed their requests to Léon one by one. By the time Isabelle and her mother arrived, Léon had a large pile of purchases assembled on the counter.
    Madame Rousseau stared at her son. “What happened?” she demanded in French. “Frau Bauer and Frau Kentzel have never bought so much.”
    Léon nodded toward Sarah. “Miss Dobbs helped them. She speaks German.”
    “Evidemment.” Madame Rousseau gave Sarah an appraising look. It was only after the two German women had left, their arms filled with purchases, that Isabelle’s mother addressed Sarah. “My daughter told me you were in search of work. I regret . . .”
    Sarah could see the older woman searching for the correct English word. “I also speak French,” she told Madame Rousseau in her native tongue.
    “That is most unusual for an American.” Madame Rousseau managed a small smile before her face turned serious again. “I regret that I have no suggestions for you, mademoiselle. Ladreville is a small town. We have simple needs.”
    Thea, who had been sitting quietly at Sarah’s feet, chose that moment to scramble to her feet and run toward the door. “Excuse me, madame,” Sarah said as she grabbed Thea’s arm. “My sister is still excited about being in a new place.”
    “I understand.” Madame Rousseau shook her head slowly. “I wish I could help you.”
    The thoughts that whirled through Sarah’s mind began to crystallize. “I believe, madame, that I could help you.” When the woman looked skeptical, Sarah said, “This is Ladreville’s only store, is it not?”
    Madame Rousseau nodded.
    Sarah gestured toward the front door. “I assume from the fact that this street has a German name that German residents outnumber the French.”
    Another nod, this one accompanied by an expression of curiosity.
    “Correct me if I am wrong, but it appears that no one in your family speaks German.”
    A third nod.
    Sarah’s confidence rose. This could be the solution to her problem. “As you’ve seen, I speak both French and German. If you would hire me to work here, the increased sales should more than offset the wages you would pay me.”
    Before Madame Rousseau could reply, both of her children began to speak.
    “Then you wouldn’t need me, Maman.” Léon grinned as he touched his mother’s arm. “I could work for Karl Friedrich.” “Don’t you see, Maman,” Isabelle said, her expression more earnest than her brother’s. “Miss Dobbs is the answer to our prayers.”
    Madame Rousseau raised an eyebrow as she looked first at Isabelle, then at Léon. “I will have to ask