The Queen and the Courtesan by Freda Lightfoot Read Free Book Online Page A

acquired as many children.’
    â€˜Poor souls,’ Henriette giggled. ‘I trust they do not resemble their father. His head looks like a brush with that great tuft of bristled hair atop it.’
    â€˜Be nice to him,’ Auvergne warned. ‘He could be important to us. He bears many grudges against both France and the King. Apart from ongoing disputes about land, he had hoped to marry one of his daughters to Gabrielle’s son, little César, whom, had she lived, would have become the next Dauphin. Now that alliance has been lost, which he sorely regrets.’
    Henriette considered this titbit of gossip with eager interest. ‘You think he might help us then?’
    â€˜It would not be in his interests for the Italian alliance to go ahead as the huge dowry offered might well be deployed by France to start a war against himself. Much of the territory he once captured from the French in the religious wars has now been restored, save for the Marquisate of Saluzzo. We, of course, regard that piece as of great strategic importance to our nation, being situated as it is on the Italian side of the Alps, but he resolutely refuses to surrender it. So guard that virulent wit of yours, sister, and practise more charm.’
    The Duke was given a warm welcome by the King, and made much of with endless balls, jousts, masques and hunting-parties. After a week of this the court moved to Paris where the festivities, many devised by Madame la Marquise herself, continued over Christmas and into the New Year of 1600. Henriette was striving to be agreeable, and to please Henry, which was in her own best interests, after all. She even allowed the Duke to lead her out in a dance, although she returned to her brother’s side with a sardonic curl to her lip.
    â€˜I do not care for that odious little man. Small of stature, large in ego.’
    â€˜Remember what I told you. Ah, he is coming for you again, now put on your best smile and be gracious.’
    Henriette danced and pirouetted, smiled and charmed him as best she may. The Duke was ever courteous and deferential towards her, and to the King and his ministers, yet whenever Rosny brought up the subject of Saluzzo, he remained intransigent in his determination to retain it.
    Savoy was no fool, and in preparation for possible conflict had mustered what support he could. He made a point of seeking out malcontents and had chanced upon Marshal Biron as he passed through Burgundy on his way to France. That one-time loyal subject likewise bore a grudge against the current regime as the Duchess of Beaufort had promised him Perigord and Bigorre, as well as the post of Constable of France on Montmorency’s death. All now lost with her unexpected death. The Duke of Savoy had offered Biron a bribe in the form of the sovereignty of the Duchy of Burgundy. In addition, he would be granted the hand of one of his daughters in marriage, together with a splendid dowry.
    Now Savoy responded with equal cunning to the charms of Henry’s new mistress. ‘I thank you for your company,’ he told her with a bow as he returned her to her seat. ‘Mayhap we could talk more tomorrow. A walk in the garden in the forenoon would be most pleasant.’
    â€˜I shall look forward to it,’ Henriette graciously accepted, striving not to reveal how the touch of his hand made her skin crawl.
    The walk took place, as agreed, in the Tuileries gardens, and as they strolled together along the avenues of poplar, lime and white mulberry that Catherine de Medici herself had planted, the Duke readily offered his services without even being asked.
    â€˜I am aware of the delicacy of your situation, and wish you to know that I would be most happy to put any obstacle in the way of this Medici marriage. France is powerful enough, without the might of Rome and Florence behind it.’
    â€˜I thank you, Sire.’ Henriette politely inclined her head, heart thumping with hope. Her