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]

Even if the love is temporary, that doesn't mean you should throw it away.

[summer_cheer]

That isn't the most cheerful outlook on love, mademoiselle Gautier. Even if it's a realistic one. Betrayals are inevitable, especially among the ones who say they love us.

[luxuryflower]

A temporary love buys you perfumes and jewellery as well as the one that lasts forever. But unlike the latter, the first will eventually die out and who then shall pay the debts with which I'm left?

[luxuryflower]

I think of it not so much as a betrayal as it's fate for a woman of my calling. To be loved only as long as she remains beautiful and interesting in the eyes of the beholder.

[nomorefeathers]

I am, perhaps not exactly experienced enough to speak on such things, but I would think there is far more to love than just buying you things.

[population_ctrl]

Indeed. If it can be bought, it can also be discarded.

[luxuryflower]

True love, perhaps, but true love is poor and I cannot afford it. No woman in my position can.

[nomorefeathers]

And what position would that be?

[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?

1/2

[luxuryflower]

One who has not heard of Marguerite Gautier?!

[luxuryflower]

The most highly praised of the Parisian courtesans.

1/2

[nomorefeathers]

And most modest as well I see.

2/2

[nomorefeathers]

You'll forgive me, I've only ever been to Paris once and it was a long time ago.

[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.

[luxuryflower]

A long time ago... I lived far from the street lights of Paris as well.

[population_ctrl]

So this is how the flap justifies her life. Intriguing.

[nomorefeathers]

But you moved to the city seeking the bright lights?

[luxuryflower]

I moved to Paris to seek my fortune. And see, how quickly I rose to fame.

[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.

[nomorefeathers]

It seems a fragile fame though.

[luxuryflower]

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

1/2

[population_ctrl]

[luxuryflower]

I shall admit my condition testifies against me, spoken in terms my Armand would use.