"Are you really going to let her wear that?" asked Audrey Weasley. It was a warm day in late spring, and the two women were enjoying the bright sunlight from the two rocking chairs that sat in front of Shell Cottage.
Fleur frowned. "Of course. She looks most beautiful."
Audrey shook her head, bemused. Victoire, she thought, looked lovely in a pale blue sundress and white sandals. Dominique, on the other hand, was dressed in a tight, v-necked black lace dress that left very little to the imagination. She watched, frowning, as the two girls posed and Molly snapped pictures.
"Aren't you worried about her going to a party in a dress like that?" asked Audrey worriedly. "There will be boys, alcohol… things could get out of hand." She couldn't imagine ever letting Molly and Lucy leave the house in something like that. In fact, she was beginning to regret bringing the girls over to watch Vi and Dom get all dressed up— one of their favorite activities.
"In France, ze children are raised differently," said Fleur serenely. "We allow zem to drink ze alcohol from a younger age, and trust zem to act responsibly."
"Yes, I'm sure they're responsible— for their age," said Audrey. "But Dominique is nothing but a— a spring chicken!"
Fleur shrieked with laughter. "A spring chicken?" she said, smiling delightedly. "My dear Audrey, you sound like a grandmère!" Still giggling, she got to her feet. "I am going to fetch Molly and Lucy some flowers for their 'air."
Audrey watched as Fleur headed over to the flower garden. "Well, she is," she muttered indignantly. Dominique was young, headstrong, impulsive, dramatic— very much a spring chicken. "And I am not a grandmother." Even the thought made her feel old. She closed her eyes, soaking up the sunshine.
"Mommy!" shrieked a voice. Opening her eyes, Audrey saw Molly and Lucy running towards her, their hands and hair full of flowers. Stopping before her, Molly asked, breathless, "Mommy, when I'm grown up, can I have a dress just like Dom's?"
"We'll see," said Audrey, responding automatically. She watched wistfully as Molly ran back towards the two older girls.
"I don't want a dress like Dom's," announced Lucy. "I want a pink dress with a poufy skirt and sparkles. I don't like Dom's dress."
Smiling, Audrey reached out and picked up her younger daughter, placing her in her lap. "Thank heavens for that," she said softly, as Lucy snuggled up against her. "Thank heavens for that, my little chick."
