Marie Antoinette and the Hidden Door of Versailles by Teri L. Reynolds

Author:Teri L. Reynolds
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feather Light Publishing
Published: 2018-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

1773

Once the guardsmen left her room, Marie scrambled. Being thrown back into her life so abruptly, she reacted without any time to think, or plan what she would say. She dashed back into her dressing room and changed into a robe quickly, stuffing her modern clothing into a blue silk box and hiding it in the top of one of her many closets. She slipped her tiny feet into a pair of crystal-incrusted slippers, returned to her room, and stretched out on a red velvet chaise lounge. At the last second, she reached over, grabbed a book, and opened it to a random page. She slowed her breathing and acted as if it was a day like any other.

Moments later, Louis raced into the room along with other members of the court. He stared at her in disbelief. He knelt by the chaise lounge and took her hand, “Marie, is it really you? We had given you up for dead. Are you all right?”

“Why yes, Louis, I’m fine.”

Puzzled by her attitude, he stood up. His tone immediately changed. “Where have you been?” he demanded.

“I’ve… I’ve been away.”

“What do you mean… away?”

Marie remained silent, her mind racing.

“Marie? Tell me, where have you been?” Louis waited. The others stood by, silently.

The words suddenly tumbled out of her mouth. “One day I was feeling particularly suffocated by the constant presence of the court all around me.” She deliberately paused as she looked into the faces of those around the room. “I went for a long walk in the gardens and ended up at the Petite Trianon. I knew the king’s mistress was gone on a trip, so I went inside. The place was empty, so… I stayed. I knew no one would look for me there.”

“You were there, all this time? That is preposterous! How could you do such a thing? Right here under our noses, while we combed the palace and the grounds?” Louis paused and eyed her suspiciously. “What did you eat? There is no food or drink stored out there when no one is in residence.”

Marie’s face went white. She could feel the awkwardness in the room with all eyes upon her. Her closest friend and confidant, Princess de Lamballe stepped forward. “Please forgive me, but I helped Madame. I was with her on the walk, so I knew of her plan and desire to be alone. I took meals to her each day. I am so sorry, I beg your forgiveness.” She bowed her head.

Marie’s eyes met Princess de Lamballe’s for just an instant. “Please Louis, don’t be angry. She did not plan to deceive anyone. I swore her to secrecy.” Marie knew she sounded like a spoiled child, wanting her way no matter who she hurt, but she had to make Louis believe her, at least for now.

Averse to confrontation, Louis looked self-consciously around the room while the others waited for his reaction. Finally, he nodded his head slowly. “I see. You desired some privacy. It’s well understood, but the way you went about it is improper.

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