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]

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?

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[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.

[nomorefeathers]

Patrons? I... don't have patrons. I had a fan club at one point, but that was a couple years ago.

[luxuryflower]

An actress without patrons shan't go very far. Neither will a dancer... If you wish, I can introduce you to suitable men with the means necessary to further your career.

[nomorefeathers]

I do fine on my own. I don't wish to be beholden to anyone.

Besides, I doubt you know men here.

[luxuryflower]

Ah, how true. In Japan I would do you little good.

[nomorefeathers]

I make a living wage on my own. Especially as I am accustomed to living simply. So I've no need of patrons.

[luxuryflower]

And you do not miss extravagant jewellery and heavy perfumes? A maid to prepare your dinner? Dresses that will make you the object of discussion for many weeks to come?

[nomorefeathers]

[A laugh]

But I enjoy cooking! And where would I put a maid in my flat? As for dresses - off stage I rarely wear them

[luxuryflower]

A woman who doesn't wear dresses? Say not that you are a lesbienne.

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[nomorefeathers]