canon is Neumeier's Lady of the Camellias

[luxuryflower]

My dearest writer,

You and I both know that your love for me is no less temporary than that of every man who has loved me before you. As I already told Armand, silly as he is and in spite of my condition - no matter how long I live, I am certain I shall live longer than you will love me. So what is all this talk of games? I shall readily admit I am a woman with a fondness for entertainment, but I have no desire to leave my comfortable life behind for the sake of your amusement. Unless there is a Duke and Counts there en masse to ensure my well-being, I would much rather stay in Paris. With Nanina and Prudence. And with Armand... Hush now, my dear.

There is nothing more to discuss. It will be as I say.

Kindest regards,
Marguerite Gautier

Comments

[nomorefeathers]

Even if the love is temporary, that doesn't mean you should throw it away.

[luxuryflower]

A temporary love buys you perfumes and jewellery as well as the one that lasts forever. But unlike the latter, the first will eventually die out and who then shall pay the debts with which I'm left?

[nomorefeathers]

I am, perhaps not exactly experienced enough to speak on such things, but I would think there is far more to love than just buying you things.

[luxuryflower]

True love, perhaps, but true love is poor and I cannot afford it. No woman in my position can.

[nomorefeathers]

And what position would that be?

1/2

[luxuryflower]

One who has not heard of Marguerite Gautier?!

[luxuryflower]

The most highly praised of the Parisian courtesans.

1/2

[nomorefeathers]

And most modest as well I see.

2/2

[nomorefeathers]

You'll forgive me, I've only ever been to Paris once and it was a long time ago.

[luxuryflower]

A long time ago... I lived far from the street lights of Paris as well.

[summer_cheer]

That isn't the most cheerful outlook on love, mademoiselle Gautier. Even if it's a realistic one. Betrayals are inevitable, especially among the ones who say they love us.

[luxuryflower]

I think of it not so much as a betrayal as it's fate for a woman of my calling. To be loved only as long as she remains beautiful and interesting in the eyes of the beholder.

[summer_cheer]

Loved for the surface instead of the inside. That sort of like is one of the worst betrayals.

[luxuryflower]

If a man hasn't promised one differently, one does one's self a tremendous disfavour by believing to be loved for anything but one's beauty. A beautiful woman like yourself, Mademoiselle, should understand this.

[summer_cheer]

I'm speaking of people, not just of men. I don't trust flattery, because I've seen what happens when people believe the platitudes.

My beauty isn't what gives me my power, Mademoiselle. My mind and my personality do. My skills do. If people can't - won't - see past the surface to the truth of a person, then they are doing themselves and the other person a disservice.

[luxuryflower]

Doesn't flattery carry a certain value of its own? A courtesan would not come far without the proper acknowledgement of her attributes.

[summer_cheer]

I suppose not. But beauty isn't the greatest asset of a courtesan, from what I've been led to believe. You're known for your intelligence and wit as much as for your beauty.

[luxuryflower]

Behind all the tutoring, I'm only a simple farmer's daughter, although naturally - we can't let anyone know... So, you see, my dear, beauty truly is my sharpest weapon.

[population_ctrl]

Indeed. If it can be bought, it can also be discarded.

[luxuryflower]

It not only can, Monsieur - it most certainly will be eventually, because such is the nature of Man. To own fast and throw away faster.

[population_ctrl]

Why not make yourself invaluable then, Mademoiselle?

[luxuryflower]

My value is wholly designated by the men who wish to make my acquaintance. So long as I fool no one into believing in my affection, both parties shall leave the affair a little richer.

[population_ctrl]

So this is how the flap justifies her life. Intriguing.

[luxuryflower]

A beautiful woman faces both great admiration and great scorn in our society. Especially if she takes advantage of her looks.

[population_ctrl]

Aren't you fooling yourself a bit, Mademoiselle? A woman's beauty doesn't hold any power in itself.