Paris In Ruins by M. K. Tod

Author:M. K. Tod [Tod, M.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heath Street Publishing

The following evening, after a long day at the hospital, Camille walked to Montmartre, a journey of more than an hour. The last twenty minutes were uphill, and she was exhausted by the time she arrived at Maxine’s home. As she’d done before, she had changed into drab working-class clothing before leaving, including a long woolen cape to combat the cold.

“You haven’t been here in several weeks,” Maxine said as Camille hung her cape on a wooden peg.

“My fiancé was wounded,” Camille explained, trying to look seriously concerned for her non-existent fiancé. “I had to care for him. You know what men are like when they’re sick.”

Maxine put her hand on Camille’s shoulder and laughed. “We love them anyway, don’t we? But why are you bothering with marriage? Marriage is bondage, as far as I’m concerned. Women would be much better off if we abolished the institution.”

Camille was astonished at Maxine’s opinion. It had never occurred to her to be with a man outside the bonds of marriage. “I see that you have radical ideas.”

“That’s why we’re all here, isn’t it? You will be glad to know that we’ve raised sufficient funds to acquire some weapons. They may soon be useful.”

They exchanged a few more words before Maxine went off to greet some new arrivals. Camille looked around. The group seemed on edge—less chatter than on previous occasions, fewer smiles, and more whispers, as if each woman was expecting another blow to fall. Hollow cheeks suggested hunger, while red-rimmed eyes suggested sadness and sleepless nights. In one corner, a woman was weeping.

About fifteen minutes later, Louise Michel swept into the room. “Comrades!” she called out. “Forgive me for being late. I was visiting with our wounded.” She unwound a thick scarf from around her neck and tossed it aside. “I spit on General Trochu, who has caused so much suffering. I weep for those who have lost loved ones. I bleed for those whose husbands and sons and lovers are wounded.” She paused to catch the eyes of those gathered. “And what is our fate now? We cannot afford to eat. We cannot care for our children. We cannot warm our homes. Is this life? Is this liberty? No, mes amies. It is not. And how should we correct this injustice? We must rise up again and again until the rich are vanquished and the people are in charge once more.”

Some of the women present shook their fists. Others shouted, “Away with Trochu! Resist to the death! Vive la République!”

Louise Michel allowed the outcry and the boiling conversation that followed to continue for almost a minute before raising her arms. “This provisional government headed by Thiers cannot save Paris. It is useless. This government says our clubs should be closed. They say we are planning a revolution. They say we are lawless and ungovernable. But I say we should stand up and fight for our country. All of us. Each and every one of us, my friends, must be prepared to fight.

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