Minette fingered the red rosette which topped the box, delivered by Wells Fargo Letter Express, but carrying official US Government stamps. A way to get around the US Post Office’s mail monopoly. A local delivery then, from someone who knew how private express services worked in this part of the state.
Maybe it was from Aristide. Or Graysie.
Minette’s chubby little fingers hovered. She itched to open it, Madeleine could see. “Is it your birthday?” she asked excitedly.
Madeleine shook her head, smiling.
“Do you think there’ll be candy in it? Or toys?” she added hopefully. “Maybe it’s cake.” She gave Madeleine a buoyant smile. “Can we open it?”
“Sûrement. Pourquoi pas?”
Madeleine moved the box to a low stool and cut the ribbon that held the lid down. “There you are. Now we can look ins
