The Enemies of Versailles by Sally Christie

Author:Sally Christie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atria Books

Chapter Thirty-One

In which Madame Adélaïde displays great fixity of purpose

We are here to witness this triumph of the Bourbons and of the monarchy. My father at the center of the hall, high above the lesser men on his lit de justice—bed of justice—a literal bed from which the word, and law, of the king is dispensed.

Maupeou is beside him as they face the recalcitrant parlementarians, their heads rightfully bowed in shame, their hats clutched to their chests in contrition.

“I will never change,” declares my father in a voice full of command and majesty. “We will never change.” In the wake of Choiseul’s dismissal, there was a bloodbath of his supporters, and Maupeou has emerged triumphant. He quickly discontinued the compromise policy that Choiseul favored in dealing with the Parlement. Back to the glory of the monarchy and absolutism!

I am inspired, as I always am, by the sight of my father and I think with fervor how much I admire him. My sisters and I are in Paris to witness this seminal occasion, cooped up in a little balcony far from the government of men. Victoire appears to be sleeping, but Sophie is alert and nervous.

The dauphin, of course, is also at the lit de justice, looking rather sleepy, but his wife is absent; she has no interest in politics or governance. Little Philistine, I think in disgust. I heard a troubling rumor she was in Paris last night, dancing at a public ball. Without her husband, and only returning when the dawn rose. She shows little interest in any of the weightier matters of life, and even spends the hours when she should be reading engaged in idle chatter.

“Your duty to France is not to impede progress, but to ratify our demands!” continues my father, scolding the parlementarians for their disobedience. Never has he been more regal or resolute. Such mettle! Such fixity of purpose! “My demands,” he thunders in clarification.

“You have failed at your duty and failed France,” the tongue-lashing continues. “You will learn my will, and it will be done. You will no longer impede our attempts—my attempts—to reform the tax code.” When he is finished, he has dismissed the Parlement and it is as though order has been restored, once again, to the world.

“Certainly the harlot has tried, hard, to bring the monarchy low, but look how our father elevates it!” I announce to my sisters as we watch the men below us file out.

“Why, is the harlot influencing the Parlement?” asks Victoire, waking up and stretching. “I didn’t think she cared for politics. Look at Maupeou’s wig—it looks like a bear pelt.”

“Not the harlot,” I snap, “but the men who surround her.” Then I remember most of the Barriens are opposed to compromise with the Parlement, just as my father and Maupeou are, and I straighten my mink cape with a huff.

Instead of returning directly to Versailles, my sisters and I stay in Paris and visit Louise in her convent. She took her vows last month, but may still receive visitors.

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