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]

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.