“No.” He stepped closer. “I’m lying. I can think of five things more appealing right now. A warm fire. New stockings. A down pillow. A breeze on a summer’s day.” He stroked his chin, thinking. “Oh, and cabbages. They’re fun. Speaking of which, I love your hair.”

“So you’re a kind and gentle soul.”

“I am, aren’t I?” He pointed at the ribbons and feathers on the dressing table. “I hope he’s worth it.”

The Montespan slammed her hands on the table, stood, and strode defiantly toward Chevalier. So unlike most of ladies at court. “He? Who would that be?”

“Your husband, of course.”

“He’s in the south, I’m happy to say.”

Chevalier wrinkled his nose tauntingly. “Then what other gentleman could possibly inspire you so?”

“The mind boggles. Or rattles, in your case. Like a dead mouse in a box.”

“I do so enjoy your tongue, Madame.”

“So do I.”

“I am an admirer of its edge. So keen. A lacerating organ if ever I saw one.”

“No doubt you’ve seen a few.”

“You remind me of a swan on the river, graceful on top but underneath, two fat flippers, thrashing away.”

“And a beak that can break your arm.”

Chevalier laughed, and there was little gaiety in the sound. “I’d rather you didn’t.”

“The campaign was long but now they’re coming home. I hope you were patient?”

“Oh, I adore waiting. Just think of what it does to wine.”

The Montespan glanced at Chevalier’s crotch. “Personally, I think it all comes down to the grapes.”

Louis and Marie-Therese stepped out of the carriage at the palace door to face a vast, welcoming crowd of courtiers. The nobles were dampened from a late afternoon rain, yet all smiled and applauded for the King, including the Montespan, who had worked her way to the front of the throng in her new gown and ribboned hair. Yet the King’s mind was elsewhere. Bontemps joined him and the two walked past the throng, noting no one in particular, as the Queen joined her ladies.

“We’ve won the peace, Bontemps,” said Louis. “Now we shall use it. We shall unite the country in celebration, right here. We shall host a Grand Entertainment to be seen by the world. Every noble family shall be represented. Our victory is their victory. Has Cassel replied to our invitation?”

Bontemps shook his head. “Not yet, Sire.”

“Send another. And have Louvois tell my armies. There is work for them here as builders. For any able men who want it.” They took the steps and entered the palace, the King pausing to stare at Fabien before disappearing into the shadows.

Colbert caught up to Fabien at the base of the steps. “The King grows impatient,” he said. “The nobles. The building. The road. Your failure in this regard begins to reflect on us all, Monsieur.”