Read Leading Lady for Free Online Page A

And so does Franz. He was appalled when he learned. We both were. This whole country lives on death. We export it to the highest bidder. It’s horrible, count. I’m sorry.’ She was ineffectually dabbing at spilled coffee with a delicate lace handkerchief.
    â€˜I’m afraid I agree with you, but I’m glad you know. It’s always best to face facts, however unpleasant. But what do you hear from your husband?’
    â€˜Nothing since he reached Paris. I have begun to wonder if he thinks it not safe to write. Or even if his letters may be being intercepted. Do you think that idiotic of me?’
    â€˜Not in the least, I’m sorry to say. We have to face it that since Fouché became Napoleon’s Minister of Police again last year, he has been developing a network of secret agents. I think you also have to recognise that your husband may not have been receiving the letters you have written to him.’ He finished his coffee and looked at her across the empty cup. ‘Have you heard the rumours, I wonder?’
    â€˜Rumours?’
    â€˜I very much dislike mentioning them. But as your old friend … They have certainly reached Venice, and something Desmond Fylde said last night made me think they must be rife here too.’ He put down his cup. ‘I don’t need to tell you how much I dislike and distrust that man.’
    â€˜No, you don’t. Poor Cristabel … But, these rumours, count. Please …’ He still hesitated.
    â€˜You know of course that Napoleon is beginning to think in terms of dynastic alliances.’
    â€˜Why, yes. He sent Josephine’s niece here, ages ago, Minette de Beauharnais, meaning to marry her to Prince Max. You must have heard about that, because of poor Cristabel. It broke up her relationship with Max.’
    â€˜Yes, well.’ Had she ever seen Count Tafur ill at ease before? ‘As a matter of fact, it is Minette de Beauharnais again. I have to tell you, my dear. No one else will. The word is that Napoleon is urging your husband to divorce you and marry her.’
    â€˜What?’ She put down her cup with a sharp little click on its saucer. ‘He won’t do it. Franz.’ But he could, if he wanted to, on grounds of non-consummation.
    â€˜Of course he won’t. I haven’t even met him, but I know him, by report, better than that. And we must hope that Napoleon is man enough to recognise an honourable man when he meets him. But he has done it to his brothers, you know. Made them marry.’
    â€˜He made Talleyrand marry his mistress.’
    â€˜Well, he himself married Josephine all over again, in church, last year, so that she could be crowned Empress of the French. You have to think of him as capable of anything.’
    â€˜Yes,’ she said. ‘But I also know Franz. There are things he wouldn’t do.’ It was cold comfort to be so sure that he would stand by her even more fiercely because of the central failure of their marriage.
    â€˜I wish he would come home,’ Tafur said. ‘And I think you should read his brother’s letter. And what in the world are we going to do about poor Cristabel?’
    â€˜Let’s see tonight’s performance first. I wonder if Lodge and Playfair propose to attend it.’
    â€˜Yes, they do, they told me so. Art before sport, they say. They are longing to hear Cristabel once more, now that she is an established diva. They had obviously heard the talk about her. Longing to hear her fail, I think. If only there was something one could do.’
    â€˜I almost wish now I had not asked for the performance. How I hate all this tittle-tattle rumour!’
    â€˜Part of the fierce light that beats upon a throne, I am afraid.’
    â€˜I sometimes think I hate that too. Franz and I could have been so happy –’ She stopped, appalled at what she had said. ‘Yes?’ with some relief, to Anna, who had scratched at the door