It took Aria and Madeline three hours to finish shopping around the arcade and return to the Moulin Rouge. The crowd that seemed so overwhelming in the beginning became far too unbearable as the day progressed. It was much harder to navigate to the stores and with over a hundred stores to choose from it had been difficult to decide where to go in the first place. Madeline was an excellent guide, but that didn’t stop the chaos.

Aria took solace just being in her room again, free to relax however she saw fit until the following evening when she would see her first opera. The play had been absolutely wonderful; she wondered how an opera would compare as she gathered up a blanket and wandered to the roof. Even if Philip couldn’t make it tonight, the view would be worth it.

As she always did, Aria wrapped the blanket around her to keep warm, sitting against a wall facing the city. The gardens were lovely, and the city did pale in comparison, but she always enjoyed the view. So many memories were formed here.

This was where she came to comfort Philip after his mother passed away. This was where she’d told Philip about becoming a courtesan. This was where he almost kissed her.

The door creaked open. Aria stood, grateful Philip could find time to get away from the performances of other courtesans to see her. It wasn’t Philip.

“Mother?” Aria said. “Don’t you have clients tonight?”

Simone pulled her shawl around her shoulders a little closer. “I asked Zidler for the night off to see you; he was happy to oblige. May I sit with you?”

“Of course.” Aria returned to her sitting spot. Simone sat beside her.

For a moment mother nor daughter said a word. The night was still young, neither had pressing matters; whatever needed to be said would come soon enough. They could let the Parisian ambiance fill the gaps.

Simone took a deep breath. “How do you enjoy Monsieur Andreu’s company?”

Aria shrugged. “The few outings I’ve had with him have been fine, I suppose. With nothing to compare it to, I’d say he’s wonderful company.”

“Mm.” Simone nodded. “I’m glad.” Simone opened her mouth, but closed it before she could speak. She looked to Aria before turning away. “Aria…” Shaking her head, silence fell between them again.

“You don’t need to say anything, Mother. Monsieur Andreu is treating me well, even while he’s away. Madeline—his maid—has been wonderful company, too. I’m fine.”

“I’m glad to hear that, too.” Simone sighed. “I never wanted this life for you. You have always been so smart and so caring toward others. I begged Zidler to let you keep working as a maid, but…”

“I know. The pretty ones don’t have that luxury,” Aria said.

“I’ve only heard rumors from the other ladies about your arrangement, but…I’m glad you have it. I hope he keeps treating you well and I hope this works out for you. Perhaps, after this arrangement ends, you’ll be able to make others like it? That’d be far easier to endure than new clients every night.” Simone looked at Aria with a small sad smile.

“Honestly, I hope there is a way to leave the Moulin Rouge after my arrangement ends. I know I will receive a fair sum of money for satisfying certain requirements; it may be enough for me to leave and find honest work.”

“You have a good head on your shoulders, Aria. You would do well to be very careful about the company you keep, though. You wouldn’t want to endanger your freedom for something fleeting or for a misunderstanding.”

“Monsieur Andreu has met Philip. So far, he’s had no qualms about our friendship.”

“Perhaps not, but that is always subject to change. And it’s not just Philip you need to be vigilant with. Any man in your company could put you in a very bad position, especially when you’ve already sold your virginity to someone.”

Aria nodded. “I will remember that.”

“Good. Learn from my mistakes, Aria, so you won’t have to stay here longer than you want.” Before Aria could press the matter, Simone covered her yawn and stood. “I best get to bed. I’ve got an old friend coming to visit tomorrow. Good night, Aria.”

“Good night, Mother.”

Simone was gone a moment later.

Aria lingered for another hour. Philip was too busy to see her, which was fine. They would meet Sunday at the latest and she’d have hours of exploits and adventures to share with him over tea. And then she could hear all the news from the stagehands—usually the first ones to hear major developments within the Moulin Rouge—and perhaps even see Grandmother Gigi, too.

For now, all she could do was sleep.