fax a release form to Dominic’s publicist straight away. I have another meeting in five minutes, and Gemma’s not available.”
“OK.” Relieved, Natalie brushed past Ian and followed Rhys to the door. “Sorry, I’ve got to go.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “No problem. I’ll see you around…in the kitchen, or at the copier. You never know. But I’ve no doubt we’ll talk again.”
“Natalie,” Rhys said on Friday morning, “I’m meeting with Klaus von Richter at ten o’clock. I want you there.”
She paused, her skinny mocha latte halfway to her lips. “But…he’s the creative director of Maison Laroche!”
“Yes. Dashwood and James don’t carry much in the way of haute couture clothing. I think it’s time that changed.”
Promptly at ten o’clock, Klaus arrived and Gemma showed him into Rhys’s office. He wore black jodhpurs, a grey shirt, and black riding boots. Grey tinted aviators concealed his eyes.
He bent over her hand and resumed his ramrod straight posture. “I am charmed, Miss Dashwood.”
“Thank you,” Natalie murmured. She half expected him to click his heels together. “Would you like tea, or a coffee?”
“Nein,” he sniffed. “I want to know what this is about.”
“I’ll come straight to the point, then,” Rhys said when they were seated. “We’d like to carry a selection from your couture line in our flagship store.”
Klaus narrowed his eyes but said nothing.
“We’ll carry a selection of pieces from the clothing line,” Rhys continued, “and accessories as well – handbags, shoes—”
“I am not interested.” Klaus’s words were flat.
“But…why not?” Natalie asked, surprised by his refusal.
Klaus’s smile was chilly. “Maison Laroche is haute couture, Miss Dashwood, not ready-to-wear Scheisse.” He made a moue of distaste. “My items are bespoke, and definitely not made for women who shop in second-rate department stores.”
Natalie bridled. “Second rate? Dashwood and James is one of the oldest and most highly-regarded department stores in London—”
“Once, perhaps,” von Richter said dismissively. “Not now.” He lifted a brow. “Your store, my dear, is a has-been. It is dull and pedestrian. Rather like the English cuisine.”
Natalie glared at him. She longed to tell him to stuff his attitude up his condescending German arse, but instead said airily, “No worries. Lots of designers want to be showcased in our store. And truthfully, we’re after a younger, fresher vibe. Because let’s face it, Herr von Richter, Maison Laroche of late has become a bit…predictable.”
Rhys glanced at her sharply, but said nothing.
“And who exactly are these designers clamouring to be carried in your stores, eh?” Klaus sneered. It was plain that he didn’t buy Natalie’s story for a minute.
She bit her lip. “Well, um…” Suddenly she had a brilliant idea. “I can’t disclose details until we reach an agreement. But we’re in talks with Phillip Pryce.” She saw Rhys’s frown deepen into a scowl at her fib, but she ignored him and forged ahead. “Poppy and Penelope are already wearing some of his pieces. He studied at Central Saint Martins—”
“I know who Phillip is,” Klaus said icily. “He interned at Maison Laroche, after all. I taught him everything he knows.”
“Oh, I’m sure you did,” she assured him. “But with all due respect, Phillip is an innovator, a fashion trailblazer…not a follower.” Natalie couldn’t resist adding, “Poppy Simone is modelling his clothes at our re-launch. And Dominic and the Destroyers are performing.”
“Poppy? That is indeed a coup, Miss Dashwood. But as for Dominic…” he shrugged. “I’m afraid he won’t be performing at your re-launch. He’s signed on with Maison Laroche to represent my new men’s fragrance.”
Natalie blinked. “Dominic is your new male model?” After the Wedding-gate disaster, how had Dominic Heath landed a contract to model for Maison Laroche’s men’s fragrance campaign? Modelling so wasn’t his thing.
But money was. Her eyes narrowed. Klaus must have offered him shedloads of cash. And with Keeley threatening to sue Dominic for mental anguish, he’d need every penny.
Klaus’s smile was smug. “Dominic is the face of Dissolute. The advertising campaign launches next week.”
“But he’s already signed a contract to perform at our re-launch,” she protested.
“Well,” Klaus said with a shrug, “it’s up to the lawyers, no? But there is a clause in his contract which strictly forbids him from working for another fashion house, label, or—” he paused smugly “—department store.”
“But he’s headlining Glastonbury next month! You don’t mean he’s cancelling his concert, as well?”
“No. His concert and recording schedule is a different matter altogether.”
Natalie felt panic rising, and struggled to keep her words calm. “But Dominic sells tickets, and he’ll pack people in at the re-launch. We had him first, and we mean to keep him.”
Rhys studied Klaus. “I’m sure we can work something out, Herr von Richter.” His words were polite but steely.
“Perhaps. As to the rest, I wish you luck. Phillip Pryce is talented, but untried. I hope you don’t regret your decision to feature him in favour of more established talent. You are taking a great risk.”
“Yes,” Natalie agreed coolly, “but fashion is risk, isn’t it? Today’s unknown might be tomorrow’s Next Big Thing.” She sighed in mock sympathy. “But I understand your hesitation. After all, Maison Laroche quit taking risks long ago.”
He stood, quivering with outrage. “You haf wasted enough of my time. Good day to you both.” And he stormed out.
Rhys looked at Natalie, his brow hiked. “That went well.”
“It did, actually,” she said defensively. “Well, except for Dominic not being allowed to do the re-launch. We’ll have to find a way around that. But at least I gave him something to think about. Phillip Pryce is younger and edgier; and Klaus is quite vain. He won’t want to be outdone by his own pupil.”
“I hope you’re right,” Rhys said, and crossed his arms against his chest. “There’s just one flaw in your plan. You haven’t talked to Phillip yet, have you? Or Poppy Simone.”
“Well…no.” She paused. “I haven’t actually asked Dominic yet, either. But I will do. Today.”
Rhys let out an exasperated breath. “See that you do. I’ll find out what our options are if Maison Laroche holds Dominic to his new contract.” He scribbled a note on his blotter. “We’ll go with your idea to use new, young designers,”
