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]

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.]

[luxuryflower]

I'm no Manon Lescaut. My victims may be many, but they are willing and I am careful to leave them alive, so that they may someday walk away.

[nomorefeathers]

Please, my sincerest apologies. My comment was uncalled for. I had not meant to imply...

[luxuryflower]

Well, think no more of it. Rather, we should celebrate our meeting! Which part of the Orient do you heed from, my dear?

[nomorefeathers]

[Only a very slight twitch at the terminology]

Japan. Originally from Kyushu, but I live in Tokyo these days.

[luxuryflower]

I know nothing of Japan, I fear. [She admits to this with the brightest smile, as if such knowledge is of little importance to her.] You must tell me all about it! Are there many theatres in Tokyo?

[nomorefeathers]

Indeed there are, madame. It is, after all why I choose to live there.

[luxuryflower]

You go to the theatre often, then? How joyful! As do I.

[nomorefeathers]

I am a dancer. And I was an actress as well.

[luxuryflower]

Oh, is that so? Who are your patrons? Surely I must know them... I know everybody, after all.