Chéri nodded in understanding. Sonia had closed a little bit in herself and Chéri considered carefully what to do. But before he could make a decision, she continued with an optimistic, while sad, statement… and ended with something odd. Sonia moved towards the windows and Chéri put both his hands in his pocket, letting her go to the window. He raised his eyes to the celling and talked calmly.

“You haven’t chased me away. And even if the gruesome stories were enough, Madame, I need to work. And this, I know how to very well. Also, it seems to me that you might need someone new and interesting to make the place appealing again, with that history. And I very much doubt you have someone like me.” He spoke with confidence and an ample smile. He blinked slowly and said “Hence, I would like to suggest we organise a party with some of the patrons and you let me put together a performance for them. I come from Paris, you know, and if my memory serves correctly, lots of Englishmen come to visit to be delighted by the entertainment there, I don’t see why they should be delighted to receive a little bit of Parisian entertainment here” there might could have been the question of the illegality of homosexual conduct, but Chéri needed little more than a wig and a well built corset to tend to that, it was apparent even like this. He shrugged “That would be my suggestion.”

He breathed deeply. He considered attentively if he should say more. It wasn’t in his nature to use words to express, but also they had stuck to word so far and Chéri wasn’t sure any other form of assurance would be welcomed “Also, Madame, I would like you to know that here you don’t need to look like you are doing fine. Around me, you can be as you like or as you feel.” Was there need for further explanation? Probably. Was Chéri going to provide said explanation? Unlikely.