“Wait,” François said sharply. “You wish me to wed Mademoiselle Vasaro?”
“Of course! Have you not listened to what I’ve been saying?” She turned back to Jean Marc. “Catherine probably wouldn’t regard the contract as making a marriage since a priest wouldn’t preside. It would be only a matter of pretense to her.”
François said with measured precision, “Since I seem to be central to your plan, perhaps you should include me in your discussion.”
Juliette leaned back in her chair again. “He’s right. Make him an offer, Jean Marc.”
Jean Marc lifted his goblet to his lips. “I think Juliette may be correct. You may be the answer. How much does Danton pay you, Etchelet?”
“Enough for my needs. What does that—”
“Six hundred thousand livres,” Jean Marc said quietly. “A dowry large enough to make you a moderately rich man and the marriage need last only long enough to spread a cloak of safety over Catherine and Vasaro. The marriage contract will read that you’re entitled to keep the entire dowry in case of a divorce. It’s a very generous offer.”
An expression of surprise crossed Etchelet’s face before he could school his features. “An amazing offer.”
Juliette nodded. “And it will remove Catherine from Paris, where her presence is a threat to both you and Danton. Your wife wouldn’t be stopped at the gates and questioned closely, would she? Can’t you see it’s the perfect solution?”
“It could work if the way were carefully prepared.” François’s tone was impassive. “And you could accompany her from the city as her maidservant.”
“What? Oh, yes, I could.” Juliette rushed on, “Then you’ll do it?”
“I didn’t say that.” François looked at Jean Marc. “A rather expensive solution when waiting a short time might accomplish the same goal. Why?”
“It’s become necessary.”
“Why?” François repeated.
“Catherine…” Jean Marc frowned slightly before continuing. “Catherine is very likely with child.”
François remained expressionless. “I thought as much. So she must have a husband. Why not your nephew? He seems to be willing. I can’t believe you’d choose me over a member of your own family.”
“I admit Philippe was my first thought. You heard Juliette. Catherine won’t have him.”
“Why not?” François asked Juliette.
“Catherine has atendrefor him. She wishes to save him from the stigma of wedding a woman of shame. However, you’re nothing to her and will do very well.” She shrugged. “We’ll tell her Jean Marc ‘bought’ you.”
“Like a jeweled fan or a feathered bonnet?” François asked ironically. “I don’t believe I’m overfond of your choice of words, Mademoiselle de Clement.”
“This is no time for quibbling over words. Jean Marcisbuying you and the price is generous. Will you do it?”
François was silent.
“Give him more money, Jean Marc.”
“You’re very eager to spend my livres. I don’t believe it’s greed that’s causing Monsieur Etchelet to hesitate, Juliette.” Jean Marc sipped his wine. “Let the man think about it.”
“But weneedhim. You know that Catherine needs him.”
François glanced down at the wine in his glass. “I haven’t seen Mademoiselle Vasaro for some time. Is she no better?”
“No, she grows more withdrawn every day and she…” Juliette faltered and then tried to steady her voice. “She doesn’t even know she’s with child. If she did, I’m not sure…” She took a deep breath. “You saw her. She cannot bear any more pain. She must be protected.Youmust protect her.” She turned to Jean Marc. “Give him more money.”
Jean Marc shrugged. “Eight hundred thousand livres.”
François remained silent, his brow furrowed in thought.
“Why are you hesitating?” Juliette asked. “You’ll be rich and your Danton will be safe.”
