‘I have never been so insulted in my life!’ she said. ‘How dare they say there is a problem with my credit?’ ‘I know, Mother,’ Lucy sighed. ‘I have been one of Madame Vachet’s best customers for the last ten years,’ her mother continued. ‘I helped make her name when she first came to this country. If it hadn’t been for me wearing her designs and telling my friends about them, she would still be cutting patterns in a back room in Paris. Honestly, you would think she could be a little more grateful. After all, it’s not as if I don’t pay my bills regularly.’ Lucy turned her face away to stare at the passers-by from the cab window. ‘I don’t know why you need a new dress anyway, Mother,’ she said quietly. ‘You know we agreed we shouldn’t be spending more money than is necessary at the moment.’ ‘Oh, do stop worrying, Lucy!’ Her mother was dismissive. ‘I told you, your father will be back soon.’ How do you know that? Lucy wanted to ask.
