Jean Marc shook his head “It was given to Louis XII by Lorenzo Vasaro in 1507, who had been given the statue in turn by Lionello Andreas. However, we do wish the statue returned to our family. My father has a passion for antiquities, and it’s always been his fondest wish to find a way to repurchase the Wind Dancer. He offered to buy the statue from His Majesty’s father but he was refused. And I’ve made two offers myself.” He paused. “I judged this an excellent opportunity to repeat the offer.”
The queen’s lips tightened. “You have no need for another treasure. The Andreas family is rich as Croesuswith all their shipyards and vineyards, and you yourself have tripled the family fortunes since you expanded your endeavors into moneylending and banking.”
Jean Marc inclined his head. “Your Majesty is well informed.”
“I’m no ignorant fool. My husband relies heavily on my judgment and advice.” She frowned. “I have no intention of giving you the Wind Dancer. I have a great fondness for it and I believe it brings good fortune to the royal household.”
“Indeed?”
Marie Antoinette nodded emphatically. “My husband’s father gave the statue into the custody of Madame Du Barry a short time before his death. Do you not think that is significant?”
“Men do die. Even kings are not immortal.”
“He should never have given it to that woman.” She scowled. “On his death I took it from her and banished her to a convent.”
“So I heard.”
“It’s not a matter for your amusement.”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty. I admit the thought of Jeanne Du Barry in a convent strikes me as a trifle humorous. You, too, must have come to believe the convent a highly inappropriate abode for her as you released her after only a short time in which she could consider her wicked past.”
“I am not unkindly.”
“I’m sure you’re the soul of mercy and nobility.”
“Well, I was very happy myself at the time,” she said, mollified. “I knew the statue would bring good fortune back to the royal household, and I was correct. Only a few years after I retrieved the Wind Dancer I discovered I was with child.”
Jean Marc quickly suppressed a start of surprise. It was common knowledge Louis had not been able to consummate his marriage until he had undergone a surgical procedure, yet the queen sounded as if she truly believed she owed both the consummation and her beloved children to the Wind Dancer.
“May I suggest it could have been due to circumstancesother than the recovery of the Wind Dancer that—”
“No, you may not,” Marie Antoinette interrupted sharply. “And I will not relinquish my statue.” She smiled with an effort. “However, I cannot turn you away with nothing after your service. Suppose we give you a patent of nobility? As a nobleman you will no longer have to pay taxes, and you cannot deny it is a great boon I grant. I understand you bourgeoisie are always clamoring to avoid paying your rightful share of the tariff.”
“Your Majesty is too kind.”
“Well, then you will take the patent,” the queen said with satisfaction. “It’s settled.”
He shook his head regretfully. “I’m a simple man and would feel uncomfortable in such august company.”
Marie Antoinette’s gaze narrowed on his face. “Are you mocking the honor I give you?”
“Never. However, I do prefer to be what I am.”
“What you are is an arrogant upstart of a—”
Juliette made a sudden motion with her hand, and Louis Charles stirred and murmured on his bed of pillows.
The queen’s expression immediately softened as she leaned over to look at him. “Shh, Louis Charles. What happened, Juliette?”
“I believe your tone of voice awakened him.” Juliette kept her gaze lowered as she tucked the lacy quilt about the little boy.
“Doucement, bébé.”Marie Antoinette’s expression glowed with affection as she gazed at her son. “Nothing is wrong.” The boy drifted back to sleep and the queen looked up at Jean Marc. “You will not accept the patent?”
“May I counter with another suggestion?” Jean Marc carefully hid the tension gripping him. “The court is desperately in need of funds to pay the war debts and seeking a sizable loan. Suppose I give His Majesty the money he requested as a loan and add another million livres to sweeten the bargain.” His voice became low. “I beg Your Majesty to reconsider.”
“Beg? I’d wager pleading doesn’t come easily to you. You must want the Wind Dancer very much.”
“My father is very ill.”
