“Its brilliance remains to be seen,” Louis said as the carriage pulled away, the horses bobbing their heads and moving into a trot. “What counts is that Charles become an ally, not a foe.”

“Who will go to carry out the discussions?” asked Louvois. “You, Sire?”

Louis walked over to his ministers. “No. I don’t want them to think I am desperate for their support.”

“If I might be so bold, Sire,” said Colbert, “I would send Feuquières. He is an experienced diplomat and cares only for the good of France.”

Louvois shook his head. “I suggest Chanut. His trip to Sweden was a great success.”

“A loose cannon,” said Colbert. “Croissy, perhaps. He is a committed Anglophile, and –”

“Henriette will go,” said Louis as he walked back to the window.

Louvois and Colbert blinked at one another, stunned at the pronouncement. “What is the meaning of this?” whispered Louvois. “Perhaps His Majesty has not recovered from his illness!”

“I am perfectly recovered, thank you,” said the King.

Colbert stepped forward. “Sire, with due respect, she has no experience with such matters, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

“And she’s a woman,” said Louis. “But she has the wit of any man here, and courage beyond. Furthermore, she is Charles’ sister and knows his weaknesses. She has one thing no French diplomat has. His ear.”

“But can she be trusted?” asked Louvois. “Is there not risk she will lean in favor of the interest of her country of birth?”

Louis looked at Bontemps, who waited by the door with the guards. “What are your thoughts?”

“We might consider her health,” offered the valet. “That her mind is willing but following her miscarriage, her body might not be.”

“She is willing, mind and body.”

“Could we wait a few months?”

“No. William of Orange has been given a place in the Dutch government. The republicans are retreating and the House of Orange is ascending. He will be King within two years. If we don’t negotiate with England, he will. Louvois, you organize the transportation. Colbert, you ensure that the Gazette carries a story that Her Majesty, Henriette, is traveling to Vichy to recover from a minor illness. Bontemps, make sure my doctor prepares her for the journey. As for security,” Louis’ voice tightened, “I notice that Fabien is still missing.”

“I’m still looking for him, Sire,” said Bontemps.

“If you fail, you will assume his responsibilities.”

The King strode toward the door. Bontemps paced him, speaking softly, earnestly. “Sire, please reconsider. You risk losing the support of the entire council!”

Louis stared at his valet, but did not reply, and then he was gone.

Colbert and Louvois left the King’s apartments for their respective duties. They paused in the corridor, close to the wall, voices low, as the Montespan and several noble ladies passed by.

“Her Highness, Henriette, is an admirable woman,” said Colbert, “but she is in no fit state.”