“That’s why we must involve François and Danton again.” She frowned. “They may be reluctant to help us, you know. François wasn’t pleased about my going to the Temple. However, we must think of some way to persuade them to our way of thinking.”
“Ourway of thinking?” Jean Marc lifted a brow. “You seem to have made all the decisions without my participation.”
“Well, someone had to do something. Why are you just sitting there? I’ve told you what we have to do. Let’s go to see Danton.”
“Sit down and have your breakfast.” Jean Marc took another bite of croissant. “I have no intention of going anywhere this morning.”
“But, Jean Marc, we have to—”
“Pardon, Monsieur Andreas.” Robert stood in the doorway. “Monsieur Etchelet and Monsieur Danton have arrived and I’ve shown them into the Gold Salon as you instructed.”
“Thank you, Robert.” Jean Marc patted his lips with his napkin, placed it on the table, and rose to his feet.“Please tell Marie to begin packing Mademoiselle’s clothing.”
“Everything?”
“Everything.” Jean Marc came around the table and took Juliette’s arm. “She won’t be returning.”
Juliette was gazing at him in bewilderment. “Why are they here?”
“Because I sent for them.” Jean Marc propelled her toward the arched doorway. “Come along. It’s impolite to keep them waiting, and I’m sure an important man like Danton isn’t accustomed to being sent for before breakfast.”
“But why did you send for them?”
“Because last night I made a few decisions myself.” He threw open the doors of the Gold Salon.“Bonjour, gentlemen. Thank you for coming.”
Both men turned to face them.
“You knew we’d come,” Danton said. “Besides the lure of curiosity at the urgency of your invitation, you held out the welcome news we’re at last about to bid farewell to Citizeness de Clement. We’ve obtained two passes for the lady. I’m almost afraid to hope our third attempt will bear fruit.”
“Her valises are being packed even as we speak.” Jean Marc smiled. “But please be seated. There’s no use your being uncomfortable while—”
“You pick our pockets?” François finished dryly. “You want something, Andreas.”
“Of course, but I’m not going to pick your pockets.” Jean Marc paused. “I want to put something in them.”
“You’ve already put a great deal of money in my pockets,” François said. “I don’t require more.”
“I’ve included you in the discussion only as a matter of courtesy.” Jean Marc turned toward Danton. “It’s you I wish to tempt, Danton.”
“Indeed?”
“You’re a reasonable man who knows most things in this life have a price.”
“Are you trying to bribe me?”
“Yes,” Jean Marc admitted calmly. “But not in anyway that would compromise your moral position as a member of the convention. I’m not fool enough to try that again. However, you’re extremely worried about the Jacobin domination in the convention. How would you like me to buy enough votes from the uncommitted members to give you the balance you need?”
Danton’s gaze narrowed on Jean Marc’s face. “It would be expensive. You must want a great deal in return.”
“I want papers that will get Juliette and me through the barriers to Vasaro.” Jean Marc paused. “And I want another document designating me as a special agent of the republic with powersextraordinaire. I want to have no trouble either getting one of my ships cleared out of Cannes or with any army units I might encounter along the border.”
“Border?”
“I’m making a trip into Spain.”
“For what purpose?”
“It’s private in nature and offers no threat to the security of the republic.”
