The Blue Rose by Kate Forsyth

Author:Kate Forsyth
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780143786184
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

In February, Axel von Fersen returned to Paris. He had been instrumental in the failed royal escape, but the king – perhaps jealous of the queen’s affection for the Swedish count – had not allowed him to travel with their party. Viviane could not help but think the escape might have succeeded if the count – so vigorous and decisive – had been allowed a larger role to play.

Axel was full of plans and schemes for rescuing the royal family, but it seemed impossible. They were too closely guarded.

‘Rescue must come from the outside,’ the queen said firmly. ‘My brother … can he not be brought to invade France? What are his scruples? I do not understand his hesitation. He knows what I am suffering!’

‘Austria and Prussia have signed a military convention, promising to invade and restore the crown to the king, but there are still those who argue that this is French business, and that this new government seems determined to defend their rights …’

‘This new government is nothing but a heap of blackguards, madmen and beasts,’ the queen said bitterly. ‘They could no more command an army than a troop of monkeys! Oh, Axel, I am in despair. I have missed you so much …’ Glancing around, she saw Viviane sitting in the window seat, Luna curled up on her hem. ‘Madame,’ she cried, a little wildly. ‘Will you leave us? Go and see if Madame de Tourzel needs some help. Perhaps you might play hide-and-seek with the children. They need some exercise.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty.’ Viviane curtsied and left the room, though she knew the queen was meant never to be left alone.

She hoped the count would be able to console her, just a little.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.