Scarlet took in the rest of the room. They sat in a humble space with a small desk and five rough-looking wood chairs. To their right, a door to another room remained closed. She wondered if Robespierre actually slept here as well. Who would want to sleep at the prison? She shuddered.

Claire leaned toward her, motioning with her head to the door. “What’s that all about, I wonder?”

A man spoke in low tones to Robespierre, who stiffened and gestured decisively with his hands. Then he turned and said, “Well, we have one of its founders right here. Perhaps she can shed some light on the matter.” His hand pointed right at Claire.

Claire stood and came toward them. “How can I be of assistance? You have but to ask.” She blinked her lashes and widened her eyes hopefully.

Robespierre indicated that the man should enter the room. Scarlet shrunk farther into her seat and pulled the bonnet lower over her face, making sure her glasses were pressed up to her eyes. LaFevre took the seat Robespierre indicated.

“Please tell our good guests what you just told me.” A coldness replaced the earlier supportive tone, and Scarlet began to worry for Claire’s safety.

LaFevre began. “The merchant shops along Rue de Rivoli have all been destroyed, their supplies raided, their windows broken, their wares pilfered.” He turned his eyes to Claire in question.

She stood taller. “We went to the shop owners. We demanded that they follow the law. They were not wearing the colors. They refused to regulate the price of bread. They hate Jacobins. Denounced us for being poor. When they flat-out refused our demands that they follow the law, fighting broke out. It was us as much as them clawing at each other, but you will be happy to hear that we beat them, humbled their arrogance, and brought them to the dust.” She nodded with a smile.

“And their shops?” Robespierre asked.

Claire shrugged. “I had nothing to do with that. After our skirmish and the merchants had called for a truce and backed away, Pauline and I returned to our homes. Renée as well. But the ladies out in the street, they were angry and riled up. They feel they have a right to that bread, the same as everyone else. But with it priced so high, they can’t eat it. So I wouldn’t be surprised if their hunger pushed them to do things a person normally wouldn’t.”

Robespierre nodded. “You say they denounced the Jacobins.”

Claire nodded. “They did—accused us of being prostitutes and Jacobins as if one were akin to the other.”

Robespierre and LaFevre shared a look, and then they stood.

Claire continued. “Our group is anxious for the constitution. We hope women’s rights are remembered in the new government. That you acknowledge our great service to the Revolution when it’s time.”