The Hurlyburly's Husband Read Online Free Page A

The Hurlyburly's Husband
Book: The Hurlyburly's Husband Read Online Free
Author: Jean Teulé
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celebration taking place far in the distance below them. A troupe of musicians lent graceful strains to the charm of the summer night. At each meeting of the pathways, there were symphonies and banquets offered by servants disguised as fauns, satyrs and sylvan gods. An orchestra was playing Lully’s most recent composition, whilst nymphs rose from the fountains to recite poetry. Lions, tigers and elephants were promenaded on leads.
    ‘How lovely …’
    ‘Ah, indeed, how lovely. Françoise, your bottom shames the very stars.’
    It was true that the marquise’s posterior was very lovely, and all that was lacking in its gaiety was speech. It was there that Louis-Henri found the most exquisite pleasure, and now he melted into her like snow in fire: ‘Charming miracle, divine paradise for the eyes, unique masterwork of the gods!’
    She turned all the way round. Now he loved her mouth and the gracious play of her lips and teeth, which sometimes nibbled his tongue and sometimes did something even better that was almost as good as being inside her. This woman, dear God, made him lose his head, whilst the rest of him luxuriated in fucking; zounds, his blood was on fire. The happy man exploded with pleasure on every side.
    After that was done, and each of them had known that little death – and such a death! – Françoise was reborn amidst a new tumult, only to die again more loudly and splendidly. Sprawling on the leather horsehair seat, her curves, her you know what , all said to the marquis, ‘Come!’ And the heat rose. ‘Stay!’ And he stayed in her voracious body (the god of love required good lungs). Legs in the air and breasts bared – ‘Breasts that loved to be on display, worthy of a god,’ noted her husband – Françoise naughtily wriggled her bewitching calves.
    ‘Here we go again!’ sighed the coachman, once again swaying and slipping on his seat.
    Her head thrown back, this time the marquise was able to contemplate the distant celebration with its six hundred guests … upside down. Louis-Henri apologised that he could not take her there.
    ‘We Montespans are not welcome at court. Some time ago, the Pardaillan de Gondrins rebelled against the King … And he is still holding it against us.’
    Personae not too gratae at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, due to the disgrace of an uncle who had rebelled against the Bourbons; that was why Louis-Henri had not been invited. So it was from their carriage that the Montespans attended the festivities.
    There were entertainments, spectacles, games, lottos and ballets. Tapestries from La Savonnerie were spread among the trees in the large garden, and in the groves marzipan was served. There was a golden weeping willow whose branches sprayed a hundred jets of water and petals of anemone and jasmine from Spain. And now the King was coming out of the chateau and the courtiers gathered round him. In the darkness, he was incomparably dazzling.
    ‘I’ve heard he wears twelve million livres ’ worth of diamonds on his person,’ said Louis-Henri, sitting up above Françoise whose legs were still spread wide.
    ‘Those who wish to ask a favour are advised to behold him first from afar before they draw near, for fear of being struck dumb at the sight of him. He often plays the role of Jupiter on stage,’ continued the marquise.
    She began to roll her hips again. Suddenly, bright lights transformed the great fountain into a sea of fire beneath cascades of fireworks. Statues became naked dancers, painted grey. Even the trees with their long shadows seemed to uproot themselves to follow the King’s progress. In that uncertain world, glittering with illusion, he was the focal point around which all the universe turned. Everything seemed subjected to his will. Battalions of under-gardeners leapt from one fountain to the next, struggling to open the taps, their hands soaked, their breath short, since when the King went for a walk, water and music had to accompany him. Although it was
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