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]

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.

[luxuryflower]

Come now! [She laughs.] A woman's beauty... can make a man with all his wealth and power throw himself at her feet.

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[population_ctrl]

[population_ctrl]

Only when it suits him.

[luxuryflower]

Of course a woman - and a courtesan especially - must pay the price of such a sight. Glimpses of gold and silver and fine china.

[population_ctrl]

Whereas in reality, you might as well sleep in the gutter.

[luxuryflower]

Monsieur, you are perfectly right. I'm a caged bird - but my cage is gilded, so I cannot complain.

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[population_ctrl]

Perhaps not.

[population_ctrl]

Don't you ever want more in life, Mademoiselle Gautier?

[luxuryflower]

To have a life, Monsieur, and then one such as this. It must be enough.

[population_ctrl]

Really? Why?

[luxuryflower]

When one faces imminent death, one appreciates what one has.

[population_ctrl]

No, that's a rather good reason to look for change.

[luxuryflower]

Some things cannot be changed, Monsieur. Such as the fact that I am ill and will live for almost as short a time as my mun's fascination with me.

[population_ctrl]

True. But why not marry a rich man and die without uncertainty?

[luxuryflower]

What man would not hold my past against me? Armand, perhaps, but he doesn't own the means necessary...

[population_ctrl]

Is he a driven man?

[luxuryflower]

Driven, yes. By love.

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[population_ctrl]

[population_ctrl]

Run away. As fast as you can.