“Not yet.” Nana looked down at the fans spread on the table. “We’ve been waiting.”
“Waiting for what?”
Nana looked up. “It doesn’t matter. The waiting is over. We can start to formulate a scheme now.”
“And now you’re not being honest with me. Isn’t two million livres surety for my loyalty?”
Nana hesitated. “Perhaps.”
Juliette’s folded hands tightened. “Ineedto help her. I thought the money would be enough but it’s not. I don’t want to look back and regret I didn’t do all I could.”
“I’ll discuss it.”
Juliette grimaced. “You can at least permit me to take over the painting of these fans. You have no talent for it.”
Nana grinned. “And no inclination. I’d be glad to be rid of the task. Perhaps we can come to an agreement. I’ll send the materials to the Place Royale tomorrow.”
“I’ll purchase my own. These materials are as atrocious as your daubs.”
Nana chuckled. “You may not find fan-making as easy as you think. Come to me if you have trouble. And don’t make them too elaborate or I’ll have to charge more than a few francs for them.”
“It would do no harm to have a few fine fans to sell to your wealthier clients.” Juliette found herself smiling as she looked at the other woman. Nana Sarpelier’s frankness and warmth were as engaging as she remembered. “But I promise not to make them too beautiful. You’ll contact me?”
Nana nodded. “If you can help in another way, we’ll let you know.”
Juliette hesitated. “Jean Marc will not know of this. You understand? He’s not to be implicated in any way. If there’s any danger of my being discovered, you must find me another place to live. He must be safe.”
“He didn’t impress me as a man who could be easily deceived.”
Juliette’s hands nervously clutched at the opening of her cloak. “He must be kept safe,” she repeated.
“I like her. She’s bold,” Nana said. “And I think she means what she says. She could be useful.”
“Yes.” William gazed thoughtfully out the window at the twisting street below.
“She could paint the fans and also act as courier.” Nana had said all that was needed. She waited for his decision.
“Use her.” William turned and blew out the candle on the table. “We’ll use everyone we can. I want the queen and her son out of there by fall.”
“I know you’re upset,” Nana said quietly. “We did all we could to save the king, William.”
“It’s not your fault. He didn’t give you enough help.” William came toward the bed. “I find that curious.”
“Monsieur has only limited means.”
“Does he?” William lay down beside her and drew her into his arms. “It won’t happen again. This time we have to be certain.”
“We will be.” Nana’s hand moved down his body and then stilled. “You don’t want me?”
He held her closer. “Perhaps later.”
“It doesn’t matter.” She nestled nearer to him. “I like this too. During the day I forget how lonely the night can be. I don’t like the night.”
He kissed her gently. “Then go to sleep and it will soon be over.”
Silence fell between them and presently they both slept.
“You took the money to the café last night?” Jean Marc’s words were measured. “I told you I’d escort you there tonight.”
