Page 66 of The Seven Sisters

‘Yes, of course we would,’ Bel agreed hastily.

‘Well, as long as Senhora da Silva Costa is in agreement, I think that sounds like a very sensible idea,’ said Margarida’s mother.

Maria Georgiana, in awe of the woman who was so famous in Brazilian society, nodded in assent. ‘If you think it suitable, senhora, then I will follow your lead.’

‘So,’ Margarida said, kissing Bel on both cheeks in the French way as she stood to take her leave of the apartment, ‘I will arrive with the car next Monday and we will go together to the school.’

‘Thank you,’ Bel whispered gratefully to Margarida as mother and daughter made their way to the door.

‘I promise, Izabela, it suits me very well too,’ she whispered back. ‘Ciao, chérie,’ Margarida called out, mixing up her languages in her farewell. Which, Bel thought, only added to her air of sophistication.

Heitor arrived home that evening triumphant.

‘I have asked the maid to bring champagne to the drawing room. For I have great news which I wish to celebrate with my family.’

Once the champagne had been dispensed, Heitor stood with his glass poised.

‘After discussions with Senhor Levy, Senhor Oswald and Senhor Caquot, I went today to see Professor Landowski. And I offered him the commission to sculpt theCristo. I will sign the contract with him next week.’

‘Pai, that is wonderful news!’ Maria Elisa exclaimed. ‘I’m happy that you’ve finally made your decision.’

‘And I’m happy that I know in my heart that Landowski is the right choice. My dear’ – Heitor turned to Maria Georgiana – ‘we must invite him and his charming wife to dinner very soon so that you can meet him. He will feature very heavily in my life in the coming months.’

‘Congratulations, Senhor da Silva Costa,’ said Bel, wishing to voice her support. ‘I think it is an excellent decision.’

‘I appreciate your enthusiasm,’ Heitor said, smiling at her.

20

On Monday morning at ten o’clock, Bel, who had already been in her coat for over an hour waiting at the drawing room window, saw the gleaming Delage drive up to the front entrance of the apartment building.

‘Senhorita Margarida’s here,’ she announced to Maria Georgiana and the boys.

‘Izabela, you are expected back at four o’clock sharp,’ called Maria Georgiana to Bel’s disappearing back as she walked swiftly from the room, barely able to contain her eagerness to escape.

‘I promise I won’t be late, Senhora da Silva Costa,’ she called back, as Maria Elisa waylaid her in the hall.

‘Enjoy your morning, and take care.’

‘Of course I will, I have Margarida with me.’

‘Yes, and from my impression, it is like releasing two hungry lions from their cages.’ Maria Elisa raised her eyebrows. ‘Have fun, dearest Bel.’

*

Bel took the lift to the ground floor and found Margarida waiting for her in the lobby.

‘Come, we are already late. Tomorrow we must set off earlier. Professor Paquet will make an example of both of us if we arrive after he does,’ Margarida said as they walked out to the Delage and clambered into the back.

As the car pulled away, Bel studied Margarida, who was wearing a plain navy skirt and a simple poplin blouse, whereas she herself was dressed as if she was taking tea at the Ritz.

‘I apologise. I should have warned you,’ said Margarida, noticing Bel’s clothing too. ‘The Beaux-Arts is full of starving artists who don’t take kindly to rich girls such as us in the classes. Even though I’m sure we are among the few who pay the tutors’ wages,’ she added with a smile, flicking a stray lock of her brown, shiny bob behind her ear.

‘I understand,’ sighed Bel. ‘Although it’s important that I leave Senhora da Silva Costa under the impression that the class is only full of well-bred young ladies.’

At this, Margarida threw back her head and laughed. ‘Bel, I’m warning you, apart from an elderly maiden aunt, and another . . .person, who I believe is female but has hair as short as a man’s and, I swear, a moustache to match, we are the only girls in the class!’

‘So your mother doesn’t mind? Presumably she must know how it is there?’