Louis the Well-Beloved

by Виктория Холт

  ‘You must not fall silent when I appear,’ she told them. ‘I like to join in the fun.’

  The ladies tried to look innocent but they failed somehow and, when she insisted on hearing what they had been talking about, they told her that they had discussed the affairs of the Duc de Richelieu who was said to be one of the biggest rakes of all time. He was so very handsome.

  Marie, whose upbringing at Wissembourg had been a very strict one, did not immediately grasp the nature of those adventures in which the Duc de Richelieu had apparently indulged to such a great extent.

  ‘We were talking about the duel which the Marquise de Nesle fought with Madame de Polignac,’ Madame de Tallard eventually explained.

  ‘A duel between ladies!’

  ‘Oh, yes. It was with pistols. You see, they were both desperately in love with the Duc de Richelieu and decided on a duel.’

  ‘How . . . immodest!’ said the Queen.

  The Duchesse d’Epernon murmured. ‘But, Your Majesty, such things happen.’

  ‘I hope we shall never have anything so disgraceful happening at our Court. I shall expect all my ladies to live virtuously and in a way to be an example to all. Tell me, does this immorality exist today . . . here?’ Marie pursed her lips so that she looked very prim. ‘I must speak to Madame de Prie about it.’

  The Duchesse de Bethune tried hard not to smile but did not quite achieve her intentions, and Marie was shocked into sudden suspicion. Madame de Prie and the Duc de Bourbon were very friendly. They were frequently seen in each other’s company and they did appear to be on terms of the utmost affection.

  Marie said tensely: ‘What is the relationship between the Duc de Bourbon and Madame de Prie?’

  ‘Why, Madame, it is common knowledge that she is his mistress.’

  ‘But . . . Madame de Prie has a husband . . .’

  Her ladies looked at her blankly.

  Marie realised that there were doubtless a great many things going on at this brilliant Court of which she was in ignorance.

  She was deeply shocked. Her first impulse was to send for Madame de Prie, to tell her that this disgraceful association must cease. But this concerned the Duc de Bourbon, First Minister of France, and Madamce de Prie whose power had put Marie where she was.

  Marie understood then that it was necessary to adjust her principles. The relationship between those two powerful people was something she must accept, disapprove of it though she so heartily did.

  * * *

  Those were fateful days for Louis and Marie. Their lives lay before them and to each Fate offered at the time a choice of two ways. To each was given the opportunity to mould the destiny of France; each was too young, too inexperienced – in Louis’ case too lazy, in Marie’s case too unimaginative – to choose the path which would have led to glory.

  Louis was beloved by his people. His handsome looks had won their hearts: his perfect manners enchanted them. His people looked to him to bring prosperity to the country and, because he was young and had won their affection, they did not ask of him impossibilities. They were ready to be patient. All they asked of him was that, when he was old enough to rule, he would rule them well. They asked for his consideration of their sufferings; they asked that he should use his undoubted talents to serve them.

  Louis, enthralled by being a husband, eager to indulge his pleasures such as hunting and gambling, and having always relied on his governors and tutors to do the serious business of the State, was eager to escape from the people and enjoy his life. This they would forgive while he was young, but already he was growing towards an age of responsibility.

  As for Marie, Louis was in love with her and ready to be guided by her. At this time, when she could give him the sexual satisfaction he desired, she could have established herself as his confidante and adviser for all time. It was true that a man of such insatiable desire as Louis was already showing signs of becoming, could not be content with one woman; an experienced woman of the world would have realised this and consolidated her position while she had an opportunity of doing so.

  Marie, being ill-advised by her parents, misjudged not only her husband’s character and her own possibilities but the true quality of the men who sought to govern the King.

  She believed in the shrewd cleverness of the Duc de Bourbon and bowed to his wishes and those of his mistress in every way; while she completely ignored the man for whom Louis had the greatest regard and affection, the man who the King, if not the Queen, was clever enough to see had a deeper grasp of affairs and a more altruistic attitude towards the state: Fleury the Bishop of Fréjus.

  Marie knew that the Duc de Bourbon and his henchman, Pâris-Duverney, together with Madame de Prie, were seeking an opportunity to oust Fleury from his position because it was clear that he was endeavouring more and more to influence the King. For instance, it was impossible to speak to Louis alone on state matters for Fleury always made it his duty to be present.

  Madame de Prie pointed out to the Queen that the King was now a husband and old enough to do without the continual attendance of his tutor. Marie declared that she believed Louis had a great affection as well as respect for Monsieur de Fleury.

  Madame de Prie said: ‘His Majesty will form a habit. Monsieur de Fleury belongs to the days of his boyhood. And out of the kindness of his heart he lets him remain.’

  ‘The King has a kind and loyal heart,’ mused Marie complacently, for such a quality in the King gave her great contentment.

  When she was next alone with the King, she discussed his Ministers with him and suddenly said: ‘Louis, how do you like Monsieur de Fleury?’

  ‘Very much,’ answered the King.

  ‘And the Duc de Bourbon?’

  ‘Oh . . .’ Louis shrugged his shoulders. ‘Enough.’

  His tones when he spoke of the two men were so different that Marie should have recognised the wisdom of strengthening her friendship with the tutor, even if this did mean irritating the Duc de Bourbon and his mistress. But Marie had learned no diplomacy in the home of her exiled father and had little understanding of the importance of insinuation and innuendo such as that which flourished at the stylised Court of France.

  * * *

  Madame de Prie conceived a plan which was to result in the expulsion of Fleury from Court.

  ‘For,’ she said to her lover, ‘he obstructs you in every way and it is clear what that fellow is after. He is quite cunning. He plans to take your place. I shall not feel happy until Monsieur de Fleury receives his lettre de cachet.’

  ‘How do you plan to remove him? He has the King’s confidence, remember.’

  ‘By means of the Queen.’

  Bourbon smiled. The schemes of his mistress never failed to astonish him.

  ‘You have that letter from the Cardinal de Polignac,’ went on Madame de Prie. ‘which is a direct attack against Fleury. It shows him in a very unflattering light, does it not? And there’s truth in it. The man seeks two things; to get his Cardinal’s hat and rule France. He wants to be another Cardinal Richelieu or Mazarin. That letter should be shown to the King when Fleury is not present to defend himself. You could then discuss Fleury’s ambitions with Louis, make him realise exactly what Fleury is after.’

  ‘But how to see Louis alone without Fleury – that’s the problem.’

  ‘I think,’ said Madame de Prie, ‘that our dear Queen might help us in this. After all, she owes us everything.’

  ‘What do you propose?’

  ‘That the Queen shall ask Louis to come to her apartments, and when he arrives you will be there with the letter. You will hand it to him.’

  ‘What if Fleury should hear of this and attempt to join us? You know he is Louis’ shadow.’

  ‘He will simply be refused admittance to the Queen’s apartment. She is not very fond of him, you know. She will agree readily. Does she not owe it to us?’

  ‘You have genius, my dear.’

  ‘One needs it, mon ami, first to reach a high pla
ce at this Court – then to keep it.’

  * * *

  Louis, having been asked by the Queen to join her in her apartments, was astonished to find the Duc de Bourbon there, and displeasure tinged his astonishment when the Duc brought a paper from his pocket which, he said, he thought the King should read.

  Louis read the accusations against Fleury; they angered him for he believed them to be false, and he felt irritated because he had been lured to accept and read such a document in private. If the Duc de Bourbon had wished to present such a letter to him it should have been in the Council Chamber, when Fleury would have been present to answer any accusations against himself.

  Louis rarely showed anger and he restrained that which he now felt, so he merely folded the paper and handed it back to the Duc de Bourbon.

  ‘Sire,’ said the Duc, ‘may I ask what you think of the sentiments expressed in the letter?’

  ‘Nothing,’ said the King shortly.

  ‘But . . . Sire . . . if these accusations are correct would you not have certain orders to give?’

  Had Madame de Prie been present she would have flashed a warning glance at her lover. The Duc was suggesting that Louis was incapable of making his own decisions and should accept the advice of his ministers, as he had before his coming of age.

  ‘My orders are that matters remain as they are,’ retorted the King.

  Bourbon’s face expressed his concern. Marie’s heart had begun to beat fast with apprehension, for the King had included her in his cold looks.

  ‘Your . . . Your Majesty is displeased . . . and with me?’ murmured Bourbon, unable to prevent himself from learning the worst.

  ‘I am,’ retorted the King.

  ‘Your . . . Your Majesty continues to have the greatest confidence in Monsieur de Fleury?’

  ‘That is so.’

  The Duc was now apprehensive.

  ‘Sire,’ he said, ‘I would give my life to serve you. If I have done aught that is wrong I crave your pardon.’

  Louis hated scenes. They distressed him. He rarely reprimanded anybody; if reprimand there had to be, he arranged that others should give it. He was annoyed that the Queen should have placed him in such a position. But rather than display his irritation with them both he walked quickly towards the door.

  Marie, trembling with fear, put out a hand to touch his arm as he passed her. He pretended not to see it.

  * * *

  Fleury had friends at Court. There were some shrewd people who realised the affection and respect which this man had aroused in his pupil. The Duc de Bourbon and his flamboyant mistress could not, it was believed, reign supreme for ever; their reign could only last while the King was too young, too inexperienced to recognise their worthlessness.

  Therefore, when Bourbon visited the Queen, and the Queen asked the King to join them, this was immediately made known to Fleury who, knowing the existence of the Polignac letter and guessing Bourbon’s project, made haste to the Queen’s apartment and demanded of her attendants to be taken to her presence.

  ‘Monsieur de Fleury,’ was the answer, ‘the King is with the Queen, and Monsieur le Duc is with them. Orders have been given that no one – not even yourself – is to be admitted.’

  This was an insult which could not be tolerated. If the King had given such orders it was significant that Fleury would never achieve his ambition and become chief minister of France. If on the other hand – which was more likely – this was the result of one of Bourbon’s schemes to undermine the King’s friendship for his tutor behind the latter’s back, then prompt action was necessary.

  Fleury, showing greater astuteness than Bourbon, reckoned that if Bourbon won, he, Fleury, would be sent from Court; therefore he could lose nothing and retain his dignity if he left of his own accord.

  If on the other hand the King refused to listen to Bourbon’s slander, he would be more infuriated than ever with the Duke should Fleury go away.

  So Fleury went hastily to his apartments and wrote a letter to the King in which he said that as he was locked out of His Majesty’s counsels, there appeared to be no further need for his services. He would therefore retire from Court in order to live in peace with the Sulpicians of Issy. He was leaving immediately to avoid the pain of farewell.

  When this letter was brought to Louis he was dumbfounded. Fleury gone! But how could he conduct his affairs without Fleury? In all matters of importance he had relied upon the tutor.

  He was alarmed. He shut himself into his apartments and wept bitterly. He raged against the Duc de Bourbon and his scheming mistress against the Queen whose folly had made this possible.

  This was the first time he had felt critical towards Marie. Angrily he blamed her now. But for her foolish action in ignoring Court Etiquette, he would not have been lured into this controversy with which he did not know how to deal. He was sixteen years old, lacking in the experience which was so necessary in a situation such as this, and he feared Marie had not only allowed Bourbon to use her in his intrigues but had involved him also.

  ‘Stupid woman!’ he murmured; and he marvelled that he could see her as such – Marie, his Queen who, but a short while ago, had seemed perfect in his eyes.

  The King could not remain locked in his apartments for long. He must make up his mind how to act and, because he was uncertain, he sent for a man whom he had come to trust; this was Monsieur de Mortemart who was First Gentleman of the bedchamber.

  Louis commanded Monsieur de Mortemart to shut the door and send all attendants away as he wished to speak to him concerning a private matter.

  He explained his predicament. ‘The Queen is involved,’ he said. ‘Monsieur le Duc is First Minister. Monsieur de Fleury is merely my tutor.’

  ‘But, Sire,’ cried Mortemart, ‘it would seem unimportant that Monsieur le Duc is First Minister and Monsieur de Fleury merely your tutor. You are the King.’

  Mortemart was one of those astute courtiers who recognised the superior powers of Fleury, and was therefore ready to back the tutor against the First Minister.

  ‘Were you in my place, what would you do?’ asked Louis.

  ‘I should order Monsieur de Fleury to return at once. I should . . . I think I should, Sire, command Monsieur le Duc to write to him asking him to return.’

  Louis smiled slowly. ‘And I think,’ he said, ‘that I like your advice.’

  Marie was frightened. Fleury was now back at Court, and the King outwardly showed his affection for the old man while the coldness of his manner towards the Duc and his mistress was apparent.

  That was not all. The King’s attitude had changed towards Marie. Often she would find him looking at her critically, as though he were discovering certain facts about her which he had not noticed before.

  Marie knew that she was not beautiful; she had always understood that she was somewhat plain, before Louis had assured her to the contrary.

  He still spent his nights with her, leaving the state bedroom after the ceremonial coucher, his valet de chambre carrying his sword and setting it beside the bed before he helped Louis discard dressing gown and slippers. But a change had crept into their lovemaking. Louis was still overwhelmed by the act of love; yet it was as though he had made a further discovery. It was the act itself which appealed to him; his excitement had little to do with the woman who shared in it. It was his youth, his inexperience, his sudden awakening to manhood which had deluded him.

  A coldness had crept into his passion. It terrified the Queen.

  * * *

  Fleury would not be satisfied until he had rid the Court of his enemies. He did not wish to include the Queen among these for naturally he could not rid the Court of her. He thought her a foolish woman to cling so stupidly to the Duc de Bourbon’s faction when any sensible person would have known that it was in decline.

  It was not that they had any affection for her. They were using her now as they had used her from the beginning; and she, poor fool, seemed unable to see it.

  There wa
s no need, Fleury decided, to try to ingratiate himself with the Queen. At one time he had thought she might be an influence at the Court; now it was clear that she never would be. Louis was turning from her; very shortly there would be a mistress. Fleury hoped there would not be one only. A necessary evil, he decided, but less dangerous in the plural than in the singular.

  He was exerting all his efforts to oust Bourbon from Court. The time had come for him to take the helm, now that he had proof that the King was loyal to him. The sooner Bourbon, Pâris-Duverney and Madame de Prie were relegated to obscurity the better.

  Marie asked the advice of the old Maréchal Villars whom she believed she could trust.

  ‘The king once loved me,’ she said, her voice breaking in a sob. ‘I fear he no longer does.’

  The old Maréchal looked at her sadly. ‘It is clear, Madame,’ he said, ‘that the King’s feelings towards you have changed. You should not appear sullen because of this, but remember that there are many watchful women of the Court who are looking for an opportunity which could well arise out of such a situation.’

  The frightened Queen could not resist the temptation to appeal to Fleury himself.

  ‘Madame,’ the Bishop reproved her, ‘you so clearly support those who do not please the King.’

  ‘You mean Monsieur le Duc and Madame de Prie?’

  ‘Those two and Monsieur Pâris-Duverney.’

  ‘But what have they done? Why should I suddenly cease to feel affection for my friends?’ wailed Marie.

  ‘Pâris-Duverney has lowered the value of money. His laws have made chaos in the factories. The Duc and his mistress are completely egotistical. They do not seek to bring prosperity to France but to themselves.’

  ‘How could I turn against them when they have been my friends?’

  Fleury smiled wanly. ‘They may have been friends to you once, Madame,’ he said; ‘but they are so no longer.’