The Silk Weaver's Daughter Read Free Page A

that great hall— zut, it was a sight to behold.”
    “Oh, I would love to dance at Versailles,” exclaimed Louise.
    “Well, why not try it right here, Cherie? Show her how it’s done, Marc. Your mother knows the music. May Marie play it for you?” Jacques asked, turning to Pierre.
    He hesitated a moment before replying. He wasn’t against dancing. King David danced, he reasoned. However, having been an elder in a Calvinist church, he wasn’t happy about emulating what went on in a Catholic court. Still he never could resist the bonhomie of his charming cousin and as a rule went along with whatever he asked.
    “Of course,” he finally said.
    Jacques’ exquisitely dressed and coiffed wife, Marie, settled herself at the epinette and began to play the spirited melody.
    Pierre watched the couple as Marc made a leg, bowing in courtly style to his daughter. Eyes twinkling, the young man took her hand and proceeded to twirl her around the floor in a dance rather like a fast minuet. It took only a few seconds for Louise with her natural agility to work out the steps. They danced gracefully together, and the rest of the family appeared delighted by the energy and attractiveness of the good-looking couple.
    As they danced, Marc managed to whisper something in Louise’s ear. She blushed, nodded, and smiled into his eyes. Pierre’s lips tightened with annoyance although he said nothing. When the music ended, Marc handed his cousin, flushed and laughing, back to her chair. With the exception of Pierre, they all clapped enthusiastically.
    “Très bonne, mes enfants,” exclaimed Jacques, before going on with his account of the court visit. “After the dancing, the ladies retired, and we merchants were ushered into a room with card tables where we were offered the best brandy and played Primero until morning.”
    “Was the king still there?” Pierre asked.
    “No, no. King Louis left after the dancing. He always has many documents to sign, and he goes to bed early, so they tell me. They’re saying he has married again.”
    Jacques chuckled and continued. “It was officers from the company and some of the other merchants,” he continued. “We had much to discuss regarding how we can compete against the Dutch and the British in India. They are most successful. We believe France can be, as well. We already do well in the Caribbean. Now we want to break into the oriental markets. After our trip to England, Marc and I will travel to Pondicherry in the southeast of India. I’m to be in charge of some of the construction work there.”
    “Does the King or these officers realize you aren’t Catholic?” Pierre again questioned. Something worried him about Jacques’ story—something that wasn’t right—he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He had noticed his cousin avoided looking at him.
    “No, no. It is my belief that what they don’t know won’t hurt them. We have an excellent business relationship, which I don’t intend to spoil, at this moment. You know how King Louis feels about the Protestants. In fact, he is considering ways to get rid of them. No, none of them needs to know about this matter at all.”
    Yes, there is definitely something wrong, Pierre thought. He’s been trying to keep up his usual joie de vivre. However, there’s a tension there. I must speak with him alone. Tonight.

Chapter 3
     
    F or the first time since their relative’s arrival, a lull occurred in the conversation. It was late, so Claudine stood as if to end the evening. She and Louise led Marie and the children upstairs for the night. Jean Guy, Marc, and Philippe excused themselves to go and look at the horses. The two men were left by themselves, with Jacques looking rather downcast.
    “You seem so preoccupied tonight, Cousin,” Pierre said as they stood to leave the room. “The rumours are true then? Do you envision more trouble ahead for Protestants?”
    “Regrettably, yes. I didn’t want to say anything in front of your