Philippe waved his hands, dismissing the valets. Then he turned to Chevalier. “I’d prefer you not to speak about my wife in such an insulting tone.”

“I’ve often heard you use the same tone.”

Philippe passed the bed on his way to the door, and Chevalier grabbed his arm. “What exactly do you want of me?”

Philippe pushed Chevalier’s hand away. “I want you to give without taking. Would you do anything that benefits me but not yourself?”

Hopping from the bed, Chevalier dropped the feather and blanket and stood naked and aroused. “Of course.”

“Not that,” said Philippe. “And you will sleep in your own rooms tonight.”

Chevalier drew back. “But I don’t have my own rooms!”

“I’m sure you can find some slut ready to offer you his pillow or buttocks. Or both.”

Philippe left Chevalier standing by the bed and went to Henriette’s rooms. He found Sophie dressing her for the trip in new jeweled shoes, pearls, and fur-trimmed coat. He watched for a moment.

“It’s not too late to say no,” he said.

Henriette looked up. “I want to go.”

“But why?”

“He asked me to.”

“No, he didn’t.” Philippe came close and fingered the pearls at her neck. “He ordered you.”

“I’m pleased to be of service to the King and to France.”

“You won’t win him back. You know that, don’t you?”

Henriette smoothed her coat. “That’s not my intention.”

“Then,” Philippe said slowly, “I wish you a comfortable voyage.”

The morning broke with a sheet of frost over the lawns and gardens and a cold scent of impending snow in the air. Louis stirred from his sleep and was drawn to the window by the sounds of horses nickering and stamping about. He pressed his forehead to the glass and looked down to watch servants scurrying back and forth, loading trunks and boxes into carriages and Henriette, flanked by guards and surrounded by her ladies, preparing to leave.

The Montespan, naked but for a sheet around her shoulders, moved up beside Louis and kissed his bare shoulder.

“I do admire her,” she said, watching Henriette step into her carriage.

“Why?”

“For going away when she is unwell.”

“She is going away to get better. Don’t you read the Gazette?”

“Of course. She’s going to Vichy. Silly of me.” The Montespan nuzzled Louis’ ear. “I’m honored that His Majesty visited me last night. I feared I’d lost your favor.”

Louis drew the Montespan close and caressed her cheek. “You will have to try harder if you wish to lose my favor.” The Montespan kissed him again and shuffled back to bed. Louis looked back out at the carriage, at Henriette’s pale face at the carriage window, and his breath fogged then obliterated the scene.