Starburst by Robin Pilcher Page A

believe it, and that is why we felt the need to discuss at length her future here.” The young man dropped his hands from his chin. “Madame, I have had a word with the directeur of the department and asked if he would allow me to take Angélique under my wing. I truly feel that I can make something wonderful out of this talent.”
    The old lady shook her head slowly. “I have always believed this,” she said quietly, almost to herself, “from the first moment that I allowed her to lay hands upon that violin.”
    “Oh, it is your violin. I wondered, because it is certainly a most beautiful instrument.”
    “No, Monsieur Dessuin, I was talking about a small one given to me by my father many years ago. I shall always have that one in my house as a keep-sake. The violin she is using now I bought for her.”
    Dessuin smiled at the old lady. “Then, what a wonderful gift you have made to her.” His face became serious. “Now, Madame Lafitte, what I want to say about Angélique is that I feel that one so young, and one who has—how can I put this?—has not had a great deal of experience of the outside world, should not be put into the system of staying by herself in a students’ residence.”
    Madame Lafitte nodded. “This has been one of my great worries, also.”
    “Good, so I hope the suggestion that I am about to make, which has been approved wholeheartedly by the directeur, will be acceptable to yourself as well. Madame, I live with my mother in a very large apartment here in the quinzième district, and we have customarily lodged some of the younger students from the Conservatoire. The girl who is with us at present is now of an age to move into the students’ residence, which means that Angélique could take over her room. It would be a most beneficial arrangement for her because it would facilitate my supervision of both her music tuition and the educational studies that she will receive here at the Conservatoire.”
    “Monsieur Dessuin, that would seem the most perfect idea, and would certainly take a weight off my mind. Of course, I will be the one to recompense you and Madame Dessuin for this.”
    Dessuin held up a hand. “Well, let us see what I can first arrange. For a girl from Angélique’s background, I am sure that there are grants available to cover such costs.”
    Madame Lafitte tilted her head to the side. “Whatever you think, but if you cannot succeed in that, then I shall certainly meet all her costs. My husband and I were never fortunate enough to be blessed with children, monsieur. Circumstances and la guerre put pay to that. Maybe it was then the plan of some greater being that I should wait until my eighties before being called upon to nurture a child as I now do Angélique. She need never worry about money, comprenez-vouz? ”
    “Of course, madame. I can assure you that I will keep in close contact with you regarding all financial matters relating to Angélique.”
    “I am very grateful, Monsieur Dessuin.” She tucked her handkerchief back in her handbag. “So when are you thinking that she might start?”
    “Next month, in September. Is that reasonable?”
    Madame Lafitte nodded thoughtfully. “I cannot give you a definite answer now, Monsieur Dessuin, because I must first talk to Angélique’s parents. However, I am sure I will be able to persuade them by then.”
    “Well, that is the start of the year at the Conservatoire, and I can tell you, madame, that for once, I am very happy that it is starting so soon!”
    Madame Lafitte glanced over to where Angélique sat, watching intently the comings and goings of the students around her. In her arms, she held the violin case as if protecting it.
    Madame Lafitte smiled. “Now, I think, would be a good time to give her the news.”
     
     
     
    Every week for the next six years, Madame Lafitte received a letter from Angélique, telling her everything about the particular piece of music she was playing, about the friends she had