Becoming Lisette: A Novel (The Queen's Painter an Historical Romance Book 1)

by Rebecca Glenn

  “I don’t want to pry…but…” Jeanne wasn’t going to relent.

  “Then don’t pry. You know how I need my privacy, Wife.” He glared at her for a brief moment and then turned his head back toward the passing street.

  Jeanne immediately stopped talking.

  For the next few minutes no one talked. All Lisette heard was the creaking of the carriage wheels over the cobblestones and the clappity-clop of the horses’ hooves as they pulled the three of them down the Rue Saint-Honoré toward the Palais-Royal.

  Within a few minutes, they had arrived. Their carriage entered the outer gate and proceeded into a large forecourt. There was already another carriage sitting in the courtyard. The driver stood outside of it, kicking the dirt. He must have already dropped off his passengers, Lisette thought. She wondered how many people would be there tonight. The more guests that attended the supper, the better for Lisette. They would provide the necessary distraction, making it more difficult for Le Sèvre to uncover her plan.

  As soon as the carriage stopped moving, Le Sèvre motioned for Jeanne to exit first. After Jeanne was out of the carriage and a safe distance away, he turned to Lisette, “I trust you will behave yourself tonight…not like at Versailles. I need to conduct some important business this evening.”

  Lisette nodded and disembarked. They went inside and were immediately greeted by the Duc and Duchesse de Chartres. Lisette tried to listen to what the Duchesse said, but she found herself distracted by the grandness of the house.

  The front hall was round-shaped and boasted marble floors with a tall ceiling. Sitting atop two small, round violet wood tables were Sèvres porcelain vases and white marble statuettes of Greek and Roman figures.

  The Duc and Duchesse exchanged pleasantries with Le Sèvre and her mother. Then the Duchesse turned to Lisette. “After the second course,” the Duchesse whispered and motioned for Lisette to follow her into the drawing room.

  After nearly an hour of conversation in the drawing room, they were invited to enter the dining room for the meal. The dining room was as luxurious as the rest of the house. The delicately tinted chairs set the tone for the room. Painted in the same lilac that matched the varnish on the chairs, the boiserie was carved with motifs of pearls, garlands and musical instruments. The tall, wide windows and mirrors interrupted the rhythm of the wooden paneling.

  Lisette noticed Madame Gervais. She was dressed as a servant standing near the back wall waiting to serve. Madame Gervais would assist with the supper and then leave after the second course to go upstairs to the Duchesse’s bedroom. Lisette was careful not to stare at Madame Gervais or to give Le Sèvre any indication that they were colluding.

  Lisette’s stomach tightened as she sat down at the long table. Everything was proceeding according to their plan and yet Lisette was nervous.

  She distracted herself with the table’s décor. The plates, silverware, crystal glasses and silver-gilt candlesticks were spectacle enough, but then Lisette saw the great centerpiece. In the middle of the table was an entire landscape complete with valleys, hills, trees and flowers and even a river, all covered with frost and snow. Lisette noticed that the longer she sat watching it, the more the “snow” started to melt, probably from the warmth of the candles placed throughout the scene. The snow must be made of starch, she thought. As the “snow” melted, the trees became greener, the flowers brighter and the river filled with liquid. Lisette couldn’t take her eyes off of the spellbinding tableau.

  For the next hour, Lisette ate with her parents, the Duc and Duchesse and a dozen other supper guests. It seemed to her that everyone was taking more time than usual to eat their first and second courses. Finally, when she saw the third course about to be served, Madame Gervais slipped out. The Duchesse then excused herself, complaining of illness and the need to rest.

  As Lisette stood to leave too, her mother placed her hand on Lisette’s arm. “Where are you going?” Jeanne asked her.

  “Don’t worry, Mother. I will return shortly.” Lisette tried to pull away from her mother’s grip.

  “I asked you a question, Lisette. Where are you going?” Jeanne asked her again.

  “I’m afraid, like the Duchesse, I do not feel well. I need some air,” Lisette said. She noticed Le Sèvre frowning. He didn’t look pleased.

  Before her mother could respond, the Duc spoke, “You may be excused, Mademoiselle Vigée.”

  Lisette saw her mother look at Le Sèvre. He nodded his head and Jeanne loosened her hold on Lisette’s arm. She walked away from the table and out of the room.

  Lisette’s entire body tensed as she found the stairs and made her way up toward the Duchesse’s private rooms. She was to meet the Duchesse and the inspector in the Duchesse’s sitting room, which adjoined the bedroom. The third door on the left, Lisette reminded herself. It was critical that she find the sitting room quickly so that she could join the Duchesse and le mouche who had already hidden themselves there.

  Lisette concentrated to remember exactly what Madame Gervais had told her. Over the past few days, Madame Gervais had become familiar with the layout of the Duc and Duchesse’s private rooms. In exchange for her help capturing Le Sèvre, the Duchesse had agreed to spare Madame Gervais punishment. She would not be arrested and no one would discover her criminal history with Le Sèvre or their child together.

  When Lisette reached the top of the stairs, she turned and went down the left side of the hallway. One, Two, Three, she counted. Lisette noted each door as she passed them. She stopped in front of the third one. It was slightly ajar. Lisette gently pushed it open, just enough to allow her to squeeze through. She went inside and carefully pulled the door closed.

  As soon as Lisette entered the room, she saw the Duchesse and the inspector standing near the door that connected the sitting room with the bedroom.

  The Duchesse waved at her. “Lisette, come over here with us.” The Duchesse pointed to where she should stand. “Lisette, Monsieur Roche will be the inspector arresting Le Sèvre this evening.”

  “Good evening, Mademoiselle. I am at your service,” Monsieur Roche said to Lisette.

  She was very familiar with les mouches, the vast network of police spies that the Lieutenant Général de Police of Paris relied upon.

  “Now we should wait in silence, as we do not know exactly when Le Sèvre will arrive. We do not want him to hear us in here,” the Duchesse said gravely.

  Lisette agreed. At this point there was no need for any more talking. Lisette had rarely seen the Duchesse so serious. The Duchesse wanted to apprehend Le Sèvre as badly as Lisette. According to Marguerite, years ago, the Duchesse had been robbed of several necklaces and rings. She had always suspected it was a servant, but she was now convinced it had been Le Sèvre. She believed he had accomplished the heist during a supper not unlike the one this evening. To the Duchesse, this was long-awaited justice about to be served.

  Lisette took her place behind the Duchesse and the inspector. The three of them positioned themselves so that they couldn’t be seen. The adjoining door remained open just wide enough for them to see the tulipwood and mahogany secretary’s desk in the corner of the Duchesse’s bedroom. Lisette’s view was partially obstructed by the heads of the Duchesse and Monsieur Roche, but she could still see into the bedroom. Lisette watched as Madame Gervais made herself comfortable in a dark pink upholstered armchair next to the writing desk. Le Sèvre would be joining her soon.

  As they stood waiting in silence, Lisette peered around the Duchesse’s sitting room. It was exquisite. The elegantly carved boiserie displayed flowers and woodland animals. The curtains were made of damask and gathered in the middle with satin ribbons that matched the dark pink stripes of the fabric. The sofas and armchairs were covered in the same fabric. Everything was coordinated, down to the smallest detail.

  The bedroom decoration was an extension of the sitting room, full of dark pink upholstered furniture and matching damask curtains. There was a pink taffeta screen, a small pain
ted tin table for washing and a walnut dressing table with a mirror. Even the chaise percée had an embroidered seat cover of the same pink hue. Lisette had never seen such an elaborate chamber pot. She thought that such a beautiful piece of furniture almost betrayed its function as a human waste receptacle.

  Lisette glanced over to the large window located next to the door. She peeked down to the inner courtyard below. She saw several footmen and lackeys standing near their masters’ coaches. They were milling around talking and laughing with each other. There was no other visible activity in the courtyard. All was quiet. Good. Better that it is still and quiet, she thought. Lisette continued to watch the courtyard. There was little else to do while they all waited for Le Sèvre.

  After a quarter of an hour, the Duchesse broke the silence. “Monsieur, would it be more effective to hide behind the false fireplace?”

  “No, Duchesse it would not. It would be too difficult to hear or see the goings-on in the bedroom. We are better off right here,” the inspector said.

  Suddenly, the Duchesse bent down. “I think I see Le Sèvre!” she said in a hushed voice.

  “Madame Gervais! What is taking you so long?” Le Sèvre sounded irritated.

  Lisette knew he was trying his best not to scream at Madame Gervais. Lisette stretched her neck so that she could better see around the Duchesse and Monsieur Roche.

  “You startled me. I was about to come find you,” Madame Gervais said calmly.

  “Did you grab it yet?” Le Sèvre asked her.

  “No, that is the problem. I can’t find it. The necklace isn’t where you said it would be. Your sources were wrong.”

  “Impossible. I’m never wrong. Let me see.” Le Sèvre walked over to the corner of the bedroom to where the writing desk stood.

  It was an unusual piece, much larger than similar desks. There were several drawers − at least that were visible. Many of these desks had secret drawers where their owners hid their most precious possessions.

  Lisette hoped Le Sèvre would believe Madame Gervais’ incompetence.

  Le Sèvre crouched down on the floor underneath the desk and examined it closely.

  “I checked there. I doubt you’ll find it,” Madame Gervais said to him.

  Leave it alone, Lisette thought. She was afraid that if Madame Gervais continued challenging Le Sèvre, he might become suspicious.

  He looked over to Madame Gervais and frowned. “Why are you suddenly having problems lifting jewels?”

  “I know you’ll have much better luck,” Madame Gervais said in a sing-song voice.

  Lisette worried that she had changed her tone too abruptly, because Le Sèvre’s skepticism wasn’t subsiding.

  He stepped away from the desk and toward the main door of the bedroom.

  “Where are you going?” asked Madame Gervais.

  “Something doesn’t feel right. I’m not sure what, but I think we should abandon it,” Le Sèvre said.

  “How can you say that? After waiting for so many years for this opportunity to arise again?” Madame Gervais had moved to the door to block him.

  “Get out of my way, Woman.”

  “No. You seem to have a short memory, but I remember….I recall that night well. I nearly died by your hand. You were so upset that we only found a small portion of the Duchesse’s jewels.”

  Le Sèvre was listening. He hadn’t tried to push his way out of the room any farther.

  “Remember how you swore to me that night that we would return? No matter how many years it took…we would come back…and do it right. We would grab the best of her collection….the ones locked away in there.” Madame Gervais pointed to the desk.

  Le Sèvre glanced over at it.

  “This chance will never come again,” Madame Gervais said confidently. “Your scheme is very good, but sooner or later it is bound to fail.” She paused and then quickly added, “Take this opportunity now, before it is too late.”

  “What are you talking about? You and I have a flawless arrangement. It has been working for years.” Le Sèvre looked intensely proud of himself, as if he had invented a new medicine that would benefit all of humanity.

  He really believes that he is clever, Lisette realized.

  Lisette noticed the different reactions of the Duchesse and Monsieur Roche. The Duchesse looked horrified while Monsieur Roche seemed eager to pounce on Le Sèvre.

  Madame Gervais repeated herself, “Take this opportunity now. We are here. It might not ever come again.”

  Le Sèvre returned to the desk and fiddled with the mechanisms on its underside. Lisette heard the clanking of metal knobs. After a few moments of tinkering, nothing happened. No new drawers opened or suddenly appeared.

  “That was my problem. I couldn’t find the secret drawer,” Madame Gervais explained.

  “Be quiet and let me think. I know it is in here.” Le Sèvre continued to fumble with the desk.

  He’ll get it very soon, Lisette thought.

  “You found the necklace?” Madame Gervais asked Le Sèvre in an uncharacteristically loud voice.

  “Shhh. Keep your voice down. No, not yet, but I’m close. I can feel it,” Le Sèvre said as he continued to struggle with the desk. He retrieved a small metal tool from his pocket and tried to pry open the hidden compartment. Within a few moments, a drawer popped open.

  “Voila!” Le Sèvre exclaimed.

  “You found it!” Madame Gervais cried out as she carefully watched the door to the adjoining room where Lisette was waiting with the Duchesse and the inspector.

  “Shhh. You stupid wench.”

  Lisette saw Le Sèvre pocket the necklace.

  “You stay up here for another quarter of an hour, then return downstairs. It will arouse suspicion if we are seen together,” Le Sèvre said and then turned to leave.

  Before Le Sèvre could escape, the inspector pushed open the adjoining door and charged into the room. The Duchesse and Lisette followed closely behind.

  “Stop!” The Duchesse pointed to Le Sèvre. “Arrest that man!” the Duchesse said to Monsieur Roche.

  Le Sèvre started to run, but the inspector was younger and quicker. He easily caught Le Sèvre and escorted him back into the bedroom. Le Sèvre fought against Monsieur Roche, kicking and spitting at the inspector as he tried to subdue him. After Monsieur Roche had tied Le Sèvre’s wrists behind his back, the inspector pushed Le Sèvre directly in front of the Duchesse.

  “Give it here. I believe you have something of mine,” the Duchesse said as she held out her hand.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about,” Le Sèvre said without flinching.

  The Duchesse turned to Lisette and said, “I think we all saw where he put it.”

  Lisette stepped out from behind the Duchesse and beheld Le Sèvre. She said confidently, “He put the necklace in his right coat pocket.”

  Until now, Le Sèvre had not noticed Lisette. As soon as she spoke, he stared at her in disbelief. “You?”

  The Duchesse motioned to Monsieur Roche who reached into Le Sèvre’s pocket and removed the necklace. As he handed it over to the Duchesse, she said, “Take him away.”

  “You little shrew! I will make sure you pay for this betrayal.” Le Sèvre lunged at Lisette, but the inspector quickly pulled him back and gained control of him.

  “You are coming with me,” Monsieur Roche ordered.

  Before Monsieur Roche hauled him out of the room, Lisette approached Le Sèvre. She stood a nose length away from him. “You no longer control me.” She swiveled away from him and went to the window. Lisette wanted to see the carriage drive away with Le Sèvre safely shackled inside.

  As the inspector dragged Le Sèvre toward the bedroom door, Lisette heard him yell out, “Ask Capitaine de Chaumont about Général Truclot. The Général and I have known each other for many years. He owes me a favor.”

  Refusing to meet his gaze, Lisette glanced toward the courtyard below. She listened to Le Sèvre scream profanities as he was led down the st
airs. Then she heard her mother shrieking. Lisette would have to make her understand that they were better off without him.

  After much commotion and carrying on in the foyer, Lisette finally heard the front door slam shut. Madame Gervais and the Duchesse had gone downstairs, leaving Lisette alone in the Duchesse’s sitting room, near the window.

  A few moments later, she saw Le Sèvre in the courtyard below. Even though he was restrained, he continued to struggle against the inspector’s hold as he was forced to enter the carriage. It took two men to subdue Le Sèvre inside the fiacre. Lisette remained fixated on Le Sèvre’s carriage as it drove out of the courtyard, through the outer gate and onto the Rue Saint-Honoré. Lisette stood by the window watching it become smaller until she could no longer see it at all.

  Le Sèvre is gone.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  December 13, 1774

  Lisette set down her palette and brush, stood back and assessed her progress. She was nearly finished with her latest allegory painting. One more glaze of Demeter, she thought. As Lisette picked up her palette again, she heard a knock at her studio door. Maybe if I ignore it, they will go away, she said to herself.

  In the month since Le Sèvre went to prison, many friends had come to her studio. Over the past few days, however, the number of well-wishers had dwindled. Almost everyone she knew had already visited.

  Lisette gripped her brush and began painting again. Now operating her studio legally, Lisette had been painting furiously, making up for lost time. Madame Gervais had easily convinced her husband to approve Lisette’s Guild membership and grant her a license. Rarely leaving the studio, Lisette had completed more paintings in one month than most artists could produce in six. To maximize her painting time, she would often spend the night in the studio. Lisette would stay late painting, take a short rest and then begin again each morning.

  Lisette was also working once again with Le Brun. As soon as Le Sèvre had gone to jail, Le Brun had immediately sold the paintings that she had stored with Briard, including the allegories. Le Brun continued to discourage her from creating allegories and historicals, but he was still willing to sell them and pocket his commission. Le Brun had also sold Lisette’s most recent portraits…and for copious amounts of money. Even without Le Sèvre, her reputation as a portrait painter was growing among the noble classes. After only a month, Lisette was supporting herself, her mother and her brother, who had returned to school, in a very comfortable manner.