Louisa Rawlings Read Online Free Page B

isn’t wise to anger the king.” Chrétien shrugged. “Well, after all, what does it matter? An extra week or so…”
    With a despairing look, Rouge spread the skirts of her green gown. “It isn’t the time. I have nothing to wear! This is my only court dress, and the king expects everyone to appear in new clothes. And only look…!” She pulled off her decorative apron, revealing a large worn patch on the petticoat beneath. “It was all Emilie and I could do to fashion this gown from Maman ’s outmoded one that we found rotting in the attic. And now I must manage to secure another gown?”  
    Tournières held out the last of his winnings. “Take what I have. Monsieur Lorgues can wait a few more days.”  
    Rouge smiled indulgently at her father and patted his cheek with tender fingers. “God bless you, Tintin. But it’s not nearly enough. And besides, it’s such an extravagance, a new gown. I’d rather spend the money—if we had it—to fix the roof over the east pavilion at Sans-Souci.” She frowned, thinking. “I’ll take four louis from you. No more. I think I can get a couturière to make me a new petticoat in a different fabric—pink satin, quilted perhaps, would be handsome. And then some pink braid along the edges of the turned-back skirt, a few pink bows… Yes. It can be done.”  
    Chrétien sighed. “I’m sorry there isn’t more for you.”  
    “If you could stop gambling, Tintin. Just for a little. Until the harvest, at the least. There should be money coming in from your tenants. Doesn’t Baptiste owe you a great deal, from last year?”  
    “Not any more. I forgave the debt.” Chrétien looked sheepish. “But what could I do? His wife was so ill. And Baptiste’s meager owings would scarcely be enough to satisfy that bloodsucking moneylender in Paris who’s holding my note.”  
    “Is he pressing you for payment?”  
    “No. But he keeps adding interest, until I vow it will take a king’s ransom to pay him back!”  
    “Oh, Tintin. Come home. We’ll sell a bit of land to pay your debts. And then you’ll live the life of a campagnard , a country gentleman beloved of your tenants.”  
    “Sell a piece of Sans-Souci? That your mother loved so? And live the sterile life of a country gentleman? Without excitement? Without danger? Without an amour ? A duel from time to time to keep the blood stirred? Never!”  
    “Then perhaps Bleyle can sponsor you. Obtain a minor position here at Versailles. A small pension. Something to bring in a few sols now and again.”  
    “I don’t know why you trouble yourself so, ma petite. We’ll manage. We always do! Now, I refuse to talk about money anymore! Go off to your tête-à-tête, and don’t fret.”  
    “I have no tête-à-tête. I said that only to spirit you away from the gaming table.”  
    “I’m sorry there was no assignation. I should like to see you fall in love. A handsome cavalier… It would please me very much.”  
    She shook her head. “Oh, Tintin, one of us has to be practical! You know I intend to make an advantageous marriage. It’s the only way to save you from yourself. No one marries for love!”  
    “Your mother and I did.”  
    “I’m sure, once I’m married, I’ll find it easy enough to love my husband. And I certainly intend to choose a man of honor, a man I can respect.”  
    “Ah, well. You pick him out, and I’ll make the arrangements. But I scarcely like it! Whereas, love …”  
    “You were born in the wrong time, Tintin. No one marries for love today. I’ll leave the romance for you.”  
    Her father grinned, his eyes twinkling devilishly. “How well you know me! To speak truth, I’ve just met the most charming of creatures.”  
    “Married?”  
    “Widowed. And very rich, to boot. I could persuade myself to marry her. But only if my passion ripens into love.”  
    Rouge crossed herself. “May it be so,” she breathed. “Go find your lady this very minute and court