The Wardrobe Mistress by Meghan Masterson

Author:Meghan Masterson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Chapter Fourteen

JUNE 1791

While not directly involved in the planning, the pending flight of the monarchs hovers at the forefront of my mind as the weeks pass, plaguing my sleep and my conscience. It’s not an easy secret to keep, not one to be quietly locked away and forgotten. Sometimes I ponder their weakness for even considering leaving their country. Other times, the memory of the queen’s frightened face comes to me like a ghost begging for long-lost sympathy, and knowing she truly fears for her life, I can’t blame her.

Madame Campan frets about it worse than I, although I don’t believe she ever doubts the legitimacy of their decision. “The date is still uncertain,” she tells me one evening, a week into June. “Count von Fersen had been ready with the arrangements for this Saturday, but the king has delayed again.” Disapproval makes her tone leaden.

“The plan cannot be treated carelessly,” I warn. “It increases the possibility of mischance.”

Madame Campan flicks a panicked look toward me, fluttering her hands. “I know. I don’t like it either. Madame,” she says, referring to the queen, “is going to speak to him about it tonight. Between us—like everything now—he has grown so indecisive and fearful. It’s a good thing she is strong for both of them.”

Her mouth still puckers with concern, and I feel sorry for her. “At least you have the disguises all ready for use.” Madame Campan and I put them together ourselves, raiding our own wardrobes, the queen’s closet, sewing a few things, and even taking a few misplaced items from the clean laundry baskets. The royal party will go disguised as members of the household of Madame de Tourzel, the governess for the children. She will play the part of a Russian baroness. The king will be her butler, a ludicrous idea that makes me want to giggle, while his sister and the queen shall pretend to be her maids. The royal children will pose as Madame de Tourzel’s daughters, which I think may be the most difficult ruse to pull off. As far as I have seen, the royal children are fond of Madame de Tourzel, but given their parents will also be present, they will have to take great care to treat the monarchs as servants.

“Does Madame de Tourzel speak Russian?” I ask. “I know her disguise as a foreigner is imperative to help them leave the country, but it seems like a risky façade.”

“No need,” says Madame Campan. “Russian nobility prefers to speak French. It’s cultured.”

It seems strange to me that a country so far away would revere our language as much as that, but I’m still patriotic enough to feel a vague sense of pride. Léon will be interested to learn this. Along with the revolutionary progress to change the government and the growing equality, he will see this as another symbol of France’s enlightenment.

“Still, it’s a dangerous plan. No doubt about that.” Madame Campan sighs, resting her delicate pink cheeks in her hands. “I pray constantly that they’ll make it to Montmédy safely.

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