Muse is a tad annoyed at her mundane

[storybookending]

Mademoiselle,

Surely you have better things to do with your time than to inconvenience me? You bother me and do not even give me a proper reckoning thus far. Really, we did far better in the theatre than you have done here, and with less enthusiasm from our patrons than you display for me and mine. If you intend to do this, despite my protestations, do it properly.

I suppose it is good you have me as your muse, rather than my husband. La, what Percy would make of you, sending him out half-dressed, as it were. He would forever be fretting about the colors of a journal, or the shimmer of his icons, and all the trimmings. He would insist upon the thing being done properly, and perhaps you would listen to him. He will go on about his trimmings.

But really, mademoiselle, think things through. To go about with a plan half-formed is a recipe for disaster. For you. I have been hailed by some as the cleverest woman in Europe. And I know the troubles I will face better than you do your own, I think.

~Marguerite Blakeney

Comments

[falconinthedive]

Madame... Blakeney. A pleasure to see you again.

[storybookending]

Chauvelin....

[Insert wary look here.]

To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?

[falconinthedive]

It seems a fortunate coincidence. I had not expected to find you in this sort of an environment.

[storybookending]

Nor I you. You are accosted by one of these messieurs or mademoiselles also?

[falconinthedive]

Indeed. And transported to America of all places. Though a passing strange place it is.

How is that insufferable husband of yours?

[storybookending]

America! La, sir, one revolutionary government was not enough for you? You have decided to see how the Americans are getting on as well? However were you convinced to leave Paris? Robespierre isn't bored of you yet, surely?

[Still not really talking to her.]

Percy is as cheerful as ever, thank you. Never a care in his head.

[falconinthedive]

Madame, you may be assured it was not of my choice. I am needed in France.

Indeed. I do wonder how such a clever woman as yourself can stand to put up with that. You could do so much better.

[storybookending]

If you are so needed in France, it is a wonder you can be spared to visit us in England.

Oh, but of course you know best what would be suitable for me. You presume to take the place of my late father and tell me such things?

[falconinthedive]

Do not pretend ignorance Madame. You know well why I was there. After all, if I am not able to uncover the true Pimpernel, then there is little I can do to save your brother.

Are you in truth saying that man does not bore you to tears?

[storybookending]

[She has a brief, anguished look at the thought of Armand in the hands of Robespierre's men.]

And what if the Pimpernel is in Paris while you comb the drawing rooms of London? You search in vain.

Bore me? You have met my husband, Chauvelin. Percy is certainly not boring. He is indeed very vibrant.

[There are times she's glad she's an accomplished actress.]

[falconinthedive]

We had very good information that he was and may still be in England. I would not have ventured there on a mere whim.

Though your presence does make the country more tolerable.

Madame, if that is all you wish of a man, you would be better served to keep peacocks.

[storybookending]

And what have you found? Nothing. Nothing at all, save more chances to mock me.

[She gives him a cold stare.]

What I wish of a man is none of your concern, Chauvelin.

[falconinthedive]

I do not mock you, Madame. I only ever wished your assistance.

Have I truly fallen that far in your estimation Marguerite? It was not so long ago you would have been at my side in this endeavor.

[storybookending]

And when I do not give it willingly, you resort to blackmail to gain it, first with the theatre, and now with Armand.

It was not so long ago that you were less of a cruel man. The revolution has brought out the ugliness of your character.

[falconinthedive]

These are desperate times, Madame. I do not relish the lengths to which I must go.

[storybookending]

Yet you show no regret when you do go too far.

[falconinthedive]

Regret serves only to undermine the greater purpose.

[storybookending]

A lack of regret makes you little better than those you have overthrown for our glorious revolution.

[falconinthedive]

At least I have not turned my back on it, Madame Blakeney.

[storybookending]

Your hearing and memory are selective as ever, Chauvelin. I love France and Paris dearly. I have never claimed otherwise. I have in fact said so publicly, on the stage of the Comedie Francaise, on the very day I announced my engagement and you tried to have the theatre closed.

[falconinthedive]

You more than most should know how cheap words can be. It is actions that speak loudest, especially in these troubled times.

[storybookending]

Indeed they do. You are quite correct. Which is why you have fallen so far in my estimation. Your actions have proven you false.

[falconinthedive]

As I have said, these are troubled times. I regret that you do not seem to understand this.

[storybookending]

I understand it perfectly. But even in troubled times, such things as honor and integrity should not be compromised. Do you not agree?

[falconinthedive]

It depends on one's definition of honor. I do act with and for the honor of France.

[secret_orchard]

Don't worry about me, petite maman.