Free Accidental Heiress by Nancy Robards Thompson Page B

handle it?”
    â€œNo problem.” Margeaux had been amazed by how many people in St. Michel spoke English now. It was a good thing because her French was rusty from not enough practice. In fact, even Henri had commented on how little of her accent remained after sixteen years.
    During the time she thought she’d never return to her home, Margeaux had purposely tried to lose all traces of her accent. Even during the time she spent in Europe, she’d tried to make herself as American as possible.
    The four women glanced around the shop, taking in the molds decorating the walls, the gift baskets artfully arranged on glass shelving, the confectionary displayed in the old fashioned cases and on the marble wrap stand. Then a woman with a blaze of curly, fire-red hair and a demeanor that was nearly as vibrant stepped out from a back room.
    â€œHello,” she said, again, this time in heavily accented English. “Good morning to you.”
    That was Maya. Margeaux would know her anywhere—even from the days when Maya’s mother had run the shop and she’d simply been her apprentice.
    Maya’s broad smile was nearly as warm as the color of her hair. “Someone’s in love. I can smell it as strong as a Don Juan rose in full bloom.”
    In the span of a heartbeat, Margeaux felt all eyes on her and a blush capable of melting all the chocolate in the shop crept up her throat.
    Maya tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brow scanning the four women. Her gaze flickered past Margeaux, then snapped back.
    â€œCongratulations, it’s you,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming, hasn’t it? But no fear, this time you will get it right. But you need to be truthful with him.”
    Margeaux froze, but Maya had already moved on. She was smiling apologetically at the others. “No worries, your turns will come in due time. Don’t worry, everything will work out fine for everyone. Isn’t love a wonderful thing?”
    With all eyes on her, Margeaux felt the blush spread to her cheeks. Her thoughts drifted to Henri, who was working today. Even the mental picture of him made her heart beat faster.
    You have to be truthful with him.
    That could mean many things, she justified. It could mean she should be truthful about her feelings for him. It didn’t mean she should tell him about the baby.
    â€œShame on me. I have not even introduced myself. I’m Maya.” She took Margeaux’s hand. “You are Margeaux Broussard, are you not?”
    Margeaux nodded. Oh, boy, had Maya seen Malone’s Daily Mail piece?
    â€œI am terribly sorry for your loss. The entire world grieves with you. I am honored that you have come to my shop in your time of need. I will do everything in my power to help you feel better.”
    Oh. How nice.
    If Maya had read his article, that certainly wasn’t the reaction Margeaux would have expected.
    The others introduced themselves to Maya almost reverently. Rumor had it that Maya’s mother had fancied herself a matchmaker. Maybe Maya had that gift, too—as well as psychic ability.
    â€œWhat may I get for you?”
    Warmth seemed to radiate out of Maya’s every pore. Margeaux felt every bit as drawn to her as she did the chocolate Maya made.
    â€œWe’d like some chocolate,” Caroline said.
    â€œWell, you’ve come to the right place.” Maya gestured grandly to everything and nothing in general. “Did you have something in mind, or would you like for me to make some suggestions?”
    The women murmured, each of them gazing around.
    â€œPerhaps some samples, oui? ” Maya offered.
    The women flocked around the wrap stand, and Maya looked at each of them. “All right, let’s see…one at a time.” First, she looked at Margeaux. “You’re the easy one since you’re already in love and he loves you, too. So, let’s start with you.”
    The girls