A Confession and a Royal Portrait: Behind the Painted Fan, #3

By Susanne Dunlap

Elisabeth's portrait of Marie Antoinette is a dream come true—but is she ready for the treachery of Versailles?

 

Elisabeth begins her married life after Pierre's business dealing falls through, and receives the hoped-for commissions for royal portraits. Her brother returns home from school with ambitions to be a playwright, and Elisabeth introduces him to the exclusive salons. But along with her new notoriety come unanticipated challenges, and the realities—and disappointments—of marriage threaten to undermine her equanimity. When a handsome nobleman notices her at a salon, her world slips sideways, and she begins to suspect that there is more to love than the comfortable relationship with her husband.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susanne Dunlap
• Release date: Dec 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215591260

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Passy, Spring 1776

The one person Elisabeth didn’t want to lie to about her married state was Rosalie. She was overdue for a visit to her friend in her new home in Passy anyway, and wanted to tell her in person before the news became widely known. And the time was fast approaching when Rosalie would be occupied with caring for her first child—due any day, in fact. Elisabeth didn’t know why she’d put off the visit for so long. She could certainly afford the carriage hire, and although she was busy, she could have made the time.

In any case, she was there today, in less time than she thought it would take, making her feel doubly guilty for not having made the trip sooner. However, she would not stay for more than an hour. She didn’t want to tire Rosalie out with a long visit.

The hôtel particulier that was now Rosalie’s home sat just across from the gates that led into the Château de la Muette. The windows of the château were shuttered, as the royal family were not in residence, giving the otherwise elegant structure a blank, faintly bored look. Rosalie’s home stood in stark contrast, with its windows thrown wide to the fragrant air and signs of happy habitation. A footman opened the door as soon as Elisabeth’s carriage came to a stop. Rosalie waddled down the steps and edged around the footman to greet her. Welcome, at last! Rosalie said and kissed her on both cheeks.

Once they had settled in the comfortable parlor with a view over a lovely garden, Rosalie said, I hear you’ve become quite the fashion as a portraitist among the aspiring bourgeoisie, and reached for the teapot that sat on a delicate table between them.

Let me! Was that a dig about the social status of her clients? Elisabeth dismissed the idea as she poured out two dishes of tea and handed one to Rosalie. I’ve had some success, she said. But she really wanted to turn the conversation to other matters. Starting was the problem. Her news would be most unexpected. Is your husband at home?

"Not at present. Louis has been called to Versailles to meet with the Ministre des Menus Plaisirs to discuss arrangements for the court’s visit to La Muette this summer." Rosalie winced and put her hand on the side of her swollen belly.

Are you all right? Elisabeth reached out a hand to her friend, but Rosalie waved it away. Monsieur Filleul must be very pleased. I hope he appreciates what you are going through, though! She nodded at Rosalie’s belly.

He is pleased. Ecstatic. I, however, will be pleased once this infant decides to enter the world and leave my body alone. She shifted her position and gave a mirthless chuckle. I will have the best care, though, and that is something.

Elisabeth didn’t like to think about the dangers of childbirth. Yet obviously, Rosalie was forced to. Have you set up your studio? May I see it? What have you been working on? Safer to talk about art, try to distract her.

I have no need for a proper studio. I simply set up my easel wherever I wish. On fine days, the garden is a delightful place to draw. Rosalie kept her eyes averted, occupying herself with handing a plate of tiny cakes to Elisabeth.

The faintest sound of throat clearing caught their attention. Madame, Cook would like the orders for your dinner, and also to know what to plan for next month when the king and queen will be in residence at the château—Oh! I beg your pardon, Mademoiselle.

Elisabeth wondered if her visit had not been expected. Surely Rosalie had received her letter?

Oh! Rosalie said, casting an embarrassed glance at Elisabeth. There I go again. I don’t know what’s happening to me. I seem unable to keep two thoughts together at a time. She turned to address the servant Elisabeth assumed must be a housekeeper. I pray you return in an hour, after my friend has gone.

Is my visit ill timed? Elisabeth asked, thinking an hour’s visit might be too long.

Not at all. Why don’t we go and sit in the garden awhile? It’s such a mild day. Rosalie fanned herself. It seems I’m always warm!

Elisabeth took Rosalie’s arm to help her up from the settee and they walked out to the garden, which was, indeed, very pleasant. No wonder Rosalie liked to work