The French Bride Read Free Page B

‘Everyone who comes in here has his hand out; it hardly leaves enough for me. How do you like my pearls, monsieur? I’ve told your dear wife before that I really can’t pronounce your name; it’s quite impossible for a Parisienne. How is she, by the way? I wish she’d come to see me, but I know it’s no use inviting her to one of my evenings.…’
    â€˜She’ll wait on you tomorrow,’ he promised. Du Barry winked at him. ‘Very skilfully avoided, monsieur. Don’t worry. I won’t embarrass her or you by inviting you to see my little play tomorrow. I think it’s so amusing, I almost split my stays the first time I saw it.… Now, what is this favour that isn’t going to cost the King any money?’
    â€˜His permission for the marriage of my son Charles.’
    Du Barry glanced up at him and made a face.
    â€˜I know of your son, monsieur, and if you don’t mind my saying so, I don’t envy the bride, whoever she is. There’s a dear friend of mine who’s attached to him. I think she’s mad and I’ve told her so. But never mind, never mind. Go and wait in the anteroom; the King will be here in a minute. I’ll call for you as soon as he’s ready and before he sees my juggler. Don’t worry, he’ll give his permission. He adores to think of women being made to suffer. Poor little wretch. Until a little later, monsieur.’
    â€˜I knew the girl’s mother very well,’ the King said. ‘One of the biggest mischief-makers in France. From what I remember of Anne de Bernard, she doesn’t resemble her mother in the least. Is she agreeable to this marriage?’
    James nodded. ‘Her guardian assures me that she will follow his advice, sire. If you consent to the match, the engagement will be announced next month after my son’s return from Charantaise.’
    â€˜She’s very rich,’ the old King said. His very black eyes looked past Sir James towards Madame du Barry. She blew him a kiss and for a moment the long, melancholy face softened and he smiled.
    â€˜Very rich and well born; a quiet and modest creature, if I recall her properly.’ He frowned, trying to remember. ‘Ah yes, delightful, very pretty. Your son is lucky, monsieur. Very well, your arguments about your estates have decided me. You have my permission. You may go, M. Macdonald.’ As Sir James bowed, he saw Louis yawn and hold out his hand to the Du Barry. He hurried out of the second-floor apartments which were the official quarters of the mistress, and went back to tell his wife that now the marriage could take place. He was also in a hurry to arrange the payment of Charles’s debt.
    â€˜There’s no need for you to marry this woman! Why didn’t you come to me, I would have mortgaged my estates, done anything – I would have found the money for you somehow!’
    â€˜I told you,’ Charles said. ‘There’s more to it than the debt. I’m going to inherit my family’s lands in Scotland – I need a rich wife; besides, my dear Louise, by the time you gathered the money together, De Charlot would have had me sent to the Bastille, and you know how easy it is to get out of there!’
    He closed his eyes for a moment; he felt sleepy and relaxed and rather hungry. He wished that she would stop harassing him about his marriage. He reached out and brought her close beside him; he had only to touch her to feel his strength and his desire surging back like the blood tide in his veins. He kissed her shoulder and began to pull her down with him, caressing her; to his surprise she struck his hands away and sprang off the bed. He opened his eyes and looked at her and laughed.
    â€˜You look very beautiful when you’re jealous. Jealous and naked; both suit you to perfection. Stop being such a damned fool Louise! If you won’t make love with me, then at least give me some supper.