15 - Here and Back Again

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[and after a great many months, someone is appearing much more as they should. Hair artfully arranged, and in a gown of burgundy velvet the previous three months might never have happened to the less than discerning eye. She is reclined on her favorite settee, and on an adjacent table rests a decanter of wine. With an amused smile she is reading the latest of Voltaire's scribblings]

Comments

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[her hand reaches to brush the text]

The evidence is before you. What do you believe?

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[watches her hand]

I'm hoping he didn't take your advice, for your own sake. If he did, I can't imagine what his writing was like before, your poor eyes.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[it rests there, over the already familiar words]

I assure you he did not. I am at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to Voltaire. I have known him since I was fourteen.

He is quite immune to me, I think.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

Voltaire? I thought some of the things sounded familiar. From what I could decipher, anyway.

Yet he still gets cross when you move his works down the reading queue. I think you just underestimate yourself.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

His penmanship is truly objectionable.

[she glances at the words of her friend once more]

I think that we each know the other far too well, and act as if we do in turn.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

Is there something wrong with being that familiar with someone? It should be a good thing too, shouldn't it? Having someone who knows your faults and still stays.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[she wonders, briefly, if he has known that yet. Someone that stayed. Louis remained with her, in a sense, despite their altered relationship. And Voltaire would never not be dear. But had he known that? And would he accept the question]

It is good, yes.

[she smiles, glancing back up]

But that in no way prevents him from being quite irritating at times.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[he glances up from the reading and smiles as well.]

Well, there's a thin line between irritating and endearing, I think.

[and he almost goes back to reading, but then sets aside.]

I'm sure I can find a more legible version if I went around to the bookshops. Or you could just summarize it for me.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

It is a fine, thin line indeed. And yet there are some that walk it with remarkable skill.

And I believe that as soon as it is published, I shall bring you a first edition. Else Voltaire is sure to accuse me of butchering his work.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[laughs]

Seems like we're forming a regular book club between the two of us.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[the idea pleases her, and it is reflected in her expression]

It seems that we are.

[and then, because she can hold her tongue for only so long]

How are you?

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[a little startled by the question and immediately feels foolish. it is a normal question, it doesn't have to mean anything.]

I'm fine. Perfectly all right. Do I seem otherwise?

[he distracts himself feeling the material of the settee, tracing along the seams in the upholstery]

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[her words are light and unconcerned, even as she watches his actions]

How we seem is rarely how we are, I think. Though if you say that you are fine, I shall take you at your word.

I trust you.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[looks at her thoughtfully as if to say something, but instead shifts himself to sit cross legged on the settee and smiles brightly at her]

So has skating become all the rage yet in Versailles?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[at that she actually laughs, so suddenly and fiercely she fears that she might not stop]

I think not.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[laughs]

Just needs time to catch on is all, I'm sure.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I am not entirely sure they are prepared for it.

Only consider my dress now. Can you envision skates with it?

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

Wear something else then.

Some people follow fashion and some people dictate fashion. I always thought you were the latter.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[she bristles slightly]

I am. But there is only so far certain boundaries might be pushed.

Do you not approve of what I wear?

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

Course I do, just if it's stopping you from doing something, why not wear something else. Not all the time, just for when you need to.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

It is different in Versailles, I think.

What might be gained in one freedom might cost countless others. Not that I have not worn breeches before. I did once quite publicly, on the stage.

[handysparehand.livejournal.com]

[grins, a little apologetic and a little teasing]

Well, there you go, roller skate on stage! You can make a production of it! Would be a palace favourite I'm sure!