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

brother would be pleased if she could land this big fish. ‘And would you agree to offer your support for a certain document in my possession, written and signed by the King’s own hand at Bois-Malesherbes, which makes me a promise of marriage provided I give him a son? As you see, I truly hope soon to do so.’
    â€˜I see that delay of the Italian marriage is essential, but I’m sure we can reach an agreement, you and I, how best you could show your gratitude if I helped you.’ He smiled at her, ever the lecher, and Henriette stifled a shudder as she smiled sweetly back. ‘Once my own position has been clarified, I’m sure we can come to mutually beneficial terms.’
    â€˜I’m sure we could, in the fullness of time,’ she hedged, patting her stomach as a gentle reminder of her condition. There seemed little point in pretending she did not understand his meaning, but so long as she could keep him dangling, there was really no necessity for her to actually deliver. She licked her lips with her small pink tongue and saw how his face suffused with flushed desire.
    Henry had drawn up a long list of territories, including Bresse, and the Alpine valley of Barcelonnette, among others, which he would accept in return for allowing the Duke to retain ownership of the Marquisate of Saluzzo. But Savoy had no greater desire to part with any of those either. He refused, however, to engage in argument over the matter. Instead, he showered gifts on the King and his courtiers on New Year’s Day, when the French Court traditionally exchanged gifts: crystal vases for Henry, valuable diamonds for Madame la Marquise. There were many more presents, and huge sums of money, in a bid to win support from some of the most influential nobles in the land, even at the cost of civil war in France. All were accepted with gracious courtesy, save for Rosny, who, when offered a snuffbox enriched with diamonds estimated to be worth fifteen thousand livres , he politely declined it.
    â€˜I made a vow never to accept any present of value except from my own sovereign.’
    The wily minister clearly construed the gift as a bribe. ‘Let him judge me as he wishes,’ Savoy told his men. ‘My generous gesture has cost several hundred thousand livres , money well spent if it impresses the French with our wealth and resources. Mayhap they will think twice about challenging us.’
    He amazed the nobles still further by appearing at a ball in an outfit richly embroidered with precious stones. But eventually, the Duke declared his readiness to return home, with a promise to consider the alternatives Henry had offered.
    â€˜You must come again soon, Monsieur le duc. We always enjoy your company, so long as you appreciate our determination to enforce our right to the Marquisate which you stole from us,’ Henry told him, in his usual friendly but forthright fashion, showing no fear whatever of any possible conflict.
    Savoy frowned, not caring for the thought that his huge investment had been wasted. ‘Perhaps a commission might be appointed to examine our conflicting claims,’ he suggested.
    â€˜Perhaps so,’ Henry pleasantly agreed.
    One was set up forthwith and Savoy postponed his departure while arguments for each side were considered. But while some agreements were forged, other issues were left in abeyance. It was March before finally the Duke left Paris, and only then with a three month grace to consider his options.
    The delay had done nothing to help Henriette in her own dilemma. The Duke of Savoy’s promises to help had become almost meaningless, her cause more precarious than ever. Henriette’s smile became daily more fixed, her efforts to tantalize and ingratiate herself with the King lacking her usual enthusiasm and energy. And as her pregnancy advanced Henriette was compelled to take life quietly, and to rest more. Producing a child, and thereby gaining a crown, wasn’t