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

[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.

[nomorefeathers]

But you moved to the city seeking the bright lights?

[luxuryflower]

I moved to Paris to seek my fortune. And see, how quickly I rose to fame.

[nomorefeathers]

It seems a fragile fame though.

[luxuryflower]

I shall admit my condition testifies against me, spoken in terms my Armand would use.

[nomorefeathers]

And when the fame fades?

[luxuryflower]

Death awaits. Metaphorically and frighteningly real.

[nomorefeathers]

There's more to life than fame. And life after it as well.

[luxuryflower]

It isn't so much the fame as it's the money, Mademoiselle. The many gifts... They uphold my livelihood. Which I cannot abandon.

[nomorefeathers]

[A slightly sardonic laugh]

There are other ways to make money.

[luxuryflower]

Not for a woman.

[nomorefeathers]

No, I suppose not. In certain places and times.

You have no desires to chase marriage or motherhood?

[luxuryflower]

A courtesan is no wife. Since no man can refrain from holding her past against her forever.

[nomorefeathers]

You seem to think very little of all men then.

[luxuryflower]

I'm merely speaking from experience, Mademoiselle.

[nomorefeathers]

Well, it seems you have more of it than I, so I supposed I shall bow to your expertise.

[luxuryflower]

A wise decision. Marguerite Gautier knows her way around men.

[nomorefeathers]

From long years of using them?

1/2

[luxuryflower]

[She falls silent.]