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

[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.

[summer_cheer]

There are always secrets, aren't there? In anything, anyone. Yours isn't a bad secret, though. It won't hurt anyone.

Anyone can rise above their "station" with enough determination and education. At least, that's the theory where I'm from.

[luxuryflower]

When I still lived at home in my father's house, for my mother had passed away, I looked to Paris for opportunities of escape and found it. In this life that I lead, you see my story of success. [A pause.] I regret nothing.

[summer_cheer]

Nor, do I think, should you. If you're satisfied with the life you've led, there's no need for regret. I wish I could say the same about my own life.

[luxuryflower]

You, who has your entire life before you, have time to make peace with your regrets.

[summer_cheer]

Everyone has an entire life before them; it's just the length that varies. And no one really knows how long it'll be, do they? I could misjudge a jump and fall and crack my head open on the gym floor tomorrow. Or I could live a hundred years. It's the same for anyone, isn't it?

[luxuryflower]

Some are faced with their mortality in more brutal ways than others. Since they are reminded of their impending death for every shaking breath they take.

[summer_cheer]

I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me. I haven't quite lost the "feeling indestructible" phase, nor the "tactlessness" phase, it seems. Both sets of my parents would be appalled.

[luxuryflower]

There are times at which... I feel indestructible, too.