political issue simply because she was the King’s mistress and I was who I was. I did not see the difficult position in which I was placing my mother. She either had to deny her strict moral code or displease the King of France; and although she might have been a moralist she was first of all an Empress. I should have realised the gravity of the situation when she did not write to me herself but instructed Kaunitz to do so.
The express messenger returned with a letter from him addressed to me.
He wrote:
“To refrain from showing civility towards persons whom the King has chosen as members of his own circle is derogatory to that circle; and all persons must be regarded as members of it whom the monarch looks upon as his confidants no one being entitled to ask whether he is right or wrong in doing so. The choice of the reigning sovereign must be unreservedly respected.”
I read this through and shrugged my shoulders. There was no express order to speak to Madame du Barry. Mercy was with me when I received the letter and he read it also.
“I trust,” he said, ‘that you realise the seriousness of this letter from Prince von Kaunitz? “
They were all waiting for me to speak to the woman, because it was not long before the whole Court knew that the King had instructed Madame de Noailles. They thought this was going to be defeat for me, and I was determined that it should not be. I could be stubborn when I thought I was right and I certainly believed I was right about this.
Madame du Barry expected me to speak to her. At every soiree or card party she would be waiting expectantly; and every time, I would find some excuse to turn away just as she was approaching Needless to say, the Court found this most diverting Adelaide and her sisters were delighted with me. They would throw sly looks in my direction whenever we were in public and Madame du Barry was near. They congratulated me on my resistance. What I did not realise was that in flouting the King’s mistress I was flouting the King; and this could not be allowed to go on.
The King sent for Mercy, and Mercy came to talk to me, as he said, more seriously, than he ever had before.
“The King has said, as clearly as it is possible for him to say it, that you must speak to Madame du Barry.” He sighed.
“When you came to France, your mother wrote to me that she had no wish for you to have a decisive influence in state affairs. She said that she knew your youth and levity, your lack of application, your ignorance and she knew too of the chaotic state of the French government. She did not want you to be blamed for meddling. Believe me, you are meddling now.”
“In state matters! Because I refuse to speak to that woman!”
“This is becoming a state matter. I beg of you to listen carefully.
Frederick the Great and Catherine of Russia are seeking to divide Poland. Your mother is against it, although your brother the Emperor is inclined to agree with Prussia and the Russians. Morally your mother is right, of course, but she will be forced to give way, as not only your brother but Kauoitz is for partition. Your mother is afraid of French reaction to this. If Prance decided to oppose j partition, Europe could be plunged into war. ” ” And what has this to do with my speaking to that woman? ”
” You will learn that the most foolish actions can spark off disasters.
Domestic matters have their effect on state affairs. Your mother is particularly desirous at this time of not offending the King of France. He looks to her to settle this silly quarrel between two women which is being discussed throughout the country and perhaps in others.
Can you not see the danger? “
I could not. It seemed so absurd.
He gave me a letter from my mother and I read it white he watched me.
“They say you are at the beck and call of the Royal ladies. Be careful. The King will get weary of it. These Princesses have made themselves odious. They have never known how to win their father’s love nor the esteem of anyone else. Everything that is said and done in their apartments is known. In the end you will have to bear the blame for it and you alone. It is for you to set the tone towards the King—not them.”
She does not know, I thought. She is not here.
I must write to the Empress at once,” said Mercy, ‘and tell her of my interview with the King. Meanwhile I implore you to do this small thing. Just a few words. That is all she asks. And is it much?”
With a woman of that kind it would not stop at a few words. She would always be at my side. “
I am sure you would know how to prevent that. “
“In matters of good behaviour I have no need to ask the advice of anyone,” I said coldly.
“That is true, I know. But would you feel some remorse if the Austro-French alliance broke down because of your behaviour?”
“I would never forgive myself.” A smile cracked his old face and he looked almost human.
“Now I know,” he said, ‘that you will take the advice of your mother and those who wish you well. “
But I could not learn my lessons. When I was with the aunts I told them of my conversation with Mercy. Adelaide’s eye flashed fire. It was immoral, she declared.
“I have no choice. My mother wishes it. She is afraid that the King will be displeased not only with me but with Austria.”
“The King often needs saving from himself ” I must do it,” I said.
Adelaide was quiet; her sisters sat looking at her expectantly. I thought: Even she accepts the position now.
I should have known better.
It was all over the Court. Tonight the Dauphine will speak to the du Barry.
“La guerre des femmes is over, with victory for the mistress.”
Well, anyone who wagered against that result was a fool. But it would be amusing to see the humiliation of Little Carrots and the triumph of
the du Barry. In the salon the ladies stood waiting for my approach. My custom was to pass among them addressing a word to each in turn and among them was Madame du Barry. I was aware of her, waiting eagerly, her blue eyes wide with only the faintest trace of triumph. She did not wish to humiliate me, only to ease a situation which was intolerable to her.
I was uneasy, but I knew I had to give in. I could not flout the Ring of France and the Empress of Austria. Only two people separated her from me. I was steeling myself; I was ready.
Then I felt a light touch on my arm. I turned and saw Adelaide, a sly triumph in her eyes.
“The King is waiting for us in Madame Victoire’s apartments” she said.
“It is time for us to be going.”
I hesitated. Then I turned, and with the aunts, left the salon. I was aware of the silence in the room. I had snubbed the du Barry as never before.
In their apartments the aunts were twittering with excitement See how we had outwitted them! It was unthinkable that I Berry’s wife should speak to that woman.
I waited for the storm and I knew I should not have to wait long.
Mercy came to tell me that the King was really angry. He had sent for him and said coldly that his plans did not seem effective, and he himself would have to take a hand.
“I have sent an express messenger to Vienna,” Mercy told me, ‘with a detailed account of what has happened. ” My mother herself wrote to me:
“The dread and embarrassment you are showing about speaking to persons you are advised to speak to is both ridiculous and childish. What a fuss about saying Good Day to someone! What a storm about a quick word perhaps about a dress or a fan! You have allowed your self to become enslaved and your duty can no longer persuade you. I myself must write to you about this foolish matter. Mercy has told me about the King’s wishes and you have had the temerity to fail him! What reason can you give for behaving in such a way? You have none. It is most unbecoming to regard Madame du Barry in any other light than that of a lady whom the King honours with his society. You are the King’s first subject and you owe him obedience. You should set a good example; you should show the ladies and gentlemen of Versailles that you are ready to obey your master. If any intimacy were asked of you, anything that were wrong—neither I nor any other would advise you to do it. But all that is asked is that you should say a mere word-should look at her pleasantly and smile—not for her sake, but for the sake of your
