THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN MOONS

Part I

Pierre and Michele

Chapter 01

My name is Pierre Mansard. I was born on April 21, 1634, in the village of Langon, located to the south of the city of Bordeaux. My father, Jean Claude, a big and robust man, was a wealthy farmer, who owned a lot of land, where magnificent grapes were cultivated and from which one of the best wines of France was extracted. My mother, Bernadette, was a very beautiful woman, in whose veins ran the audacious blood of the Spanish Basques, inherited from my maternal grandmother, who was brought to France by my grandfather, a merchant of skins and precious stones, that had married her in Spain, during one of his trips to that country. While my father was a discreet person, of few words, dedicated almost exclusively to the care of our lands, my mother was a cheerful and extroverted woman who used to smile most of the time. A smile that hid an explosive temper, which, to our luck, was rarely manifested. Although my father was the unchallenged owner of the reins that guided the general activities of our small family, he knew how to give in when his wife, for whom Jean Claude was extremely devoted, did her almost always justified demands.

My mother didn't know except one fear: the divine, perhaps because she was, unlike my father, an strong believer in God and in Jesus, and a rigid follower of the absolutist dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church, whose word, in France, at that time, was stronger than that of our own King. My father, although carrying out his apostolic duties, by going to mass every Sunday, was not a true believer. His faith was centered upon the dignity of Man, expressed by hard work and his God, so I believe, was the Mother-Earth. However, he never expressed openly his theological ideas, either to avoid thwarting my mother or for precaution, since the terror implanted by the Inquisition remained alive in the memory of all French citizen, and, after all, the "Holy" inquisitor fury had cooled, but was not dead!

I said we had a small family. Indeed: it was summarized by me and my parents. But there was someone else: my father‘s younger brother, uncle Maurice, who rarely visited us but, whenever he did, my heart filled with joy and happiness and my soul became full of hope. The taciturn and serious Jean Claude, although having a lot of affection for his brother, considered him a debauched parasite. To me, however, Maurice, who lived in Paris and had the great Moliere as a friend, was everything I wanted to be: cheerful, careless and, above all, an actor, that used to write plays and perform in the great theaters of that city. In the XVIIth century France, there were no collective schools. Teaching was individualized, and generally performed by ecclesiastical educators. Although that century would come to be known later as the blunting of Renascence, with people like Moliére, Décartes, La Fontaine, Racine, Shakespeare and so many othes, who opened light breaches in the medieval darkness, for us, who lived in the French countryside, far from the changes that were starting to take place in the great cities, like Paris or London, the emergent cultural wave would only be felt in the last decades of the century. Therefore, my learning, in childhood and adolescence, was molded by the Church ideology with its dogmas of sin and heresy. Consequently, were not for an unexpected chat I had with my father, immediately after my eighteenth birthday, I would certainly have become just a simple farmer, administrating the production of grapes. For sure I would not had lived the cheerful and adventurous life that I did and had not known the meaning and intensity of the great love of a magnificent woman. On the other hand, perhaps I should have lived longer,, and had not suffered the unbearable pain of a cruel and miserable end. But, as it is not for us to control the reins of the destiny...

When I was eighteen I had the appearance of a fifteen year old boy, with medium complexion and stature, long dark hair and slightly dark skin, burned by the sun of an outdoors living, as well as deep black eyes, identical to those of my mother. And, as I already mentioned, it was at that time that an unexpected conversation with my father, entirely changed the paths of my life. I remember it very clearly: it was on a pleasant afternoon of a beautiful day of July of 1651. I was returning from a walk in the fields. When I was entering the main house of our property, one of our servants, shyly approached me and said:

- M. Pierre, your father wants to speak to you. He is waiting at his office.

* * *

Pierre entered the office. Jean Claude was seated behind his mahogany table, replete of papers, probably containing busines´ accountings. He raised the eyes and pointed to a chair right in front of the table.

- Have a seat, Pierre, we needed to talk.

Without saying a word, the youg man waived with the head, sat down in the suitable chair and waited. Jean Claude scratched the beard, stared at his son's face for a long time and began:

- You have just entered your eighteen years, and I think this to be the proper time to talk about your future. I know, not only from my own observation, but also from information rendered by Priest Vaudame, who has guided your studies for so many years, that, lamentably, you don't seem to have any inclination for cultivating the land. I feel that, like your crazy uncle, you have a tendency to foolish and trivial things, such as theater and plays. However, it happens that you are my only heir and on your shoulders will fall, some day, the responsibility of managing our business. I have faith that you understand to be your duty not to allow that everything that I and my ancestors have built, will come to get lost, for omission or negligence.

Jean Claude did a short pause and asked:

- Are you aware of your responsibilities ?

Pierre seemed to meditate for a few seconds before answering:

- Yes, I am, but I believe it to be possible to reconcile both things.

The father raised his eyebrow.

- What do you mean?

The son's reply came full of conviction:

- I believe that I can be devote myself to the theater, which, as you realize, is my vocation and, still, if someday it becomes necessary, take care of the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine.

Doubt appeared on Jean Clude’s face.

- You seem to talk with a lot of conviction. But, tell me: how is it possible for you to act in the theaters of Paris and, at the same time, take care of hundreds of hectares of land, here in Langon, so far away from the capital?

- This is not what I have in mind, father.

- What is it, then?

The young man rose and went up to the window facing the internal garden of the house, full of old and lovely trees. He took a long look at them, as if, by contemplating the beauties of nature, he would find the inspiration to choose the most appropriate words. Pierre felt that, if he was able to convince his father about the viability of what he had in mind, perhaps Jean Claude would approve the plans that, he, Pierre, had just elaborated. He took a deep breath, returned to the chair and said:

- Father, allow me to expose my idea, in all details, without being interrupted. Then, you will judge and give your decision. And I promise I will accept it without any further arguments.

Jean Claude looked at his son with renewed respect.

- Pierre, you have the face and body of an adolescent, but you speak like a ripe man. Go ahead. Do expose what is in your in mind. I will hear in silence, as you ask, and then, I will decide.

Slowly, Pierre began:

- Do you remember uncle Maurice’s last visit, about three weeks ago?

- Yes, but what does it have to do with this particular case we are discussing?

- A lot, my father.

And before Jean Claude's surprised glance, Pierre continued:

- At that time, he mentioned he was going to London next September to present one of Moliére’s play he had translated into English. He also said that, since I want to study dramatic art, London seems to be the ideal place for that. Besides, artists over there are living in a state of great euphoria, due to the enormous success of the plays written by Shakespeare.

The father interrupted.

- Shake... who?

The son smiled.

- William Shakespeare, considered by the critics as the greatest theatrical dramatist alive.

- Well, I understand little of theater matters. Neverthless, in my trips to Marseilles, Montpellier and Paris, I’ve heard a lot about Moliére, but as far as this other one is concerned...

- Because Shakespeare isn’t. so far, well known in France, but the tragedies he writes are admirable. Recently, I read one of them, entitled "Romeo and Juliet". It is something divine...

Pierre stopped momentarily, with a dreamer expression in the eyes. Then, he continued:

- Well then, I would like to go with uncle Maurice to England. I could stay there for two or three years, the time necessary to dominate the art of directing plays and acting. After my return, we could set up a theater in Bordeaux, where I would train a team of directors and actors. We could translate into French some of Shakespeare’s plays and introduce them to the public. Uncle Maurice will help me in that enterprise and I’m sure we shall make an immense success...

Pierre did a new pause, took a breath and finished:

- Bordeaux is quite close to our lands. So, I am sure I could take care of them and, at the same time, accomplish the great dream of my life: This is it, father.

Jean Claude kept silent for a long time, contemplating his son's face, which was displaying anxiety and expectation, waiting for the paternal verdict. The voice came soft, when, finally, the father spoke:

- Pierre, this was not exactly what I had idealized for you. But Ican see that the theater is important for your happiness, in the same way that mine consists in cultivating grapes and producing wines. If you assume, here and now, the sacred commitment that, if one day it becomes necessary, you shall take care of the family business, then I’ll grant you what you ask and I’ll bless your enterprise, so that you be successful and happy.

Jean Claude paused and then asked, in a solemn tone:

- Do you assume this commitment, before God ?

With the heart jumping with joy, Pierre answered, in a trembling voice, loaded of conviction:

- Yes, father. I assume this commitment, before God and on behalf of my honor.

Jean Claude, in a rare gesture, rose, went to his son and hugged him.

- So be it. Later, I shall inform your mother of my decision. I foresee that she will also be very happy.

Next, he stood back and said:

- I think it is appropriate that we take a walk outside. Nature is an inspiring and wise companion. We will calculate the approximate cost of your enterprise. Later, we will send a message to your uncle asking him to come here, in order to help us with the details of your trip and permanence in London.

Father and son walked tacross the nearby field,s for more than one hour, exchanging ideas and making plans. The expenses related with the trip and permanence of Pierre in the capital of England would be covered by an advancement of part of the young man’s inheritance. An old property of the Mansards in Bordeaux, located at Jeanne D’Arc square, a central and busy place of the city, if properly reformed, could become the theater intended by Pierre. And, as they talked, the son noticed, with satisfaction and surprise, that the father seemed to be showing some enthusiasm about Pierre artistic plans.

*****

Chapter 02

Pierre spent four years and two months in London, learning and acting. Although he he did not have the opportunity to act in "Romeo and Juliet", his Shakespearean’s favorite play, he did a good job as Horatio in "Hamlet", another masterpiece of the great British playwriter.

* * *

On December of 1656, a few days before Christmas celebrations, Pierre was back to Langon. No longer did he have the adolescent air he used to display before the trip to England. Although his face conserved the old joviality, he was now a ripe man, almost as stout as his father. After spending a few day with his parents, when, with pride and enthusiasm, he described his artistic feats in the British Islands, Pierre left for Bordeaux, in order to begin the construction of the first theatrical house of that city.

* * *

And, after two years of intense activity and the aid of Maurice, who had moved to Bordeaux, the Shakespearean Theater of France opened its doors for the premiere of the piece "Romeo and Juliet". Besides being the assistant-director of the play, Pierre took for himself the role of Romeo. At 8:00 p.m. of January 17, 1659, with a full house, the curtains opened up and Maurice, posted right at the center of the stage, following the costume of the epoch, began to expose the summary of the play, as a prelude to the first act. Behind the curtains, anxious to enter in scene, Pierre was experiencing the great first moment of emotion and ecstasy of his life.

* * *

The play was a big success. The audience applauded standing, demanding, for ten consecutive times, that the actors returned to the stage. Finally, it was over. Pierre, Maurice, Bernadette and Jean Claude went to La Tavern, the best restaurant of the city, for a celebration dinner.

* * *

Close to the end of the meal, after several bottles of wine had been consumed, a gentleman of stocking age, high and lean, the blue eyes contrasting with the pale color of his face, which was decorated by a discreet goatee, approached the table of the Mansards. He was accompanied by a pretty and elegant lady and by an extremely beautiful adolescent, whose blonde hair ended into two long braids that gave her a childish appearance. The gentleman spoke to Pierre:

- Dear Sir - he said, in a pleasant and aristocratic voice - my name is Jacques Vadin and I beg you to forgive me the audacity of invading your privacy, at a time of such fair celebration.

Pierre rose, made a quick bow and answered:

- Please, it is a honor for us that you took the trouble to come to our table.

He made a short pause and continued:

- Particularly when you are accompanied by such a distinguished and elegant lady and – Pierre took a longer pause, while his eyes stared at the adolescent, and added: - by a young lady who owns the most beautiful face my eyes were ever given to contemplate.

A long silence followed, each person expressing his or her physiognomy reaction, before the embarrassment that Pierre's words had produced. Although they were no more than a courtship, the very fact they had been directed to a stranger, scratched the principles regulating the rules of good manners of the French high society in the seventeenth century. The elegant lady turned pale. Jean Claude cleared the throat. Maurice and Bernadette smiled shyly. The girl blushed. Monsieur Vadin, the only one who did demonstrate no reaction, turned to Pierre and said:

- We were at the theater and we adored the play. For me, in particular, it was something quite special, since I had already read a transcription of that magnificent work of Shakespeare.

Vadin removed a small card from a pocket, passed it to Pierre's hands and continued:

- Like you, I am linked to the theatrical arts. I direct a company of artists and I own a theater in Marseilles. In case it is convenient for you, please consider a proposal to exhibit "Romeo and Julie" in our city, at an early future.

Pierre examined the card and answered, in a formal tone that hid his interior joy:

- It honors me your invitation and I will accept it, as soon as the season here in Bordeaux is over.

And making a gesture in direction of the empty chairs disposed around the table, asked:

- Would you and your illustrious companions accept to join us, for a cup of champagne or a glass of wine?

The other shook his head.

- I thank you, but we must leave now. My sister and my niece will return early tomorrow to Marseilles. I shall stay a little longer, at the Hotel Le Marqui. If you wish, you may contact me there. Perhaps we could talk about your future presentation in my city, while savoring a good wine... - he smiled, and directing a glance to Jean Claude, concluded: -... of Bordeaux, naturally, because there is no better wine in the whole France.

Jean Claude nodded appreciatively and Vadin spoke again:

- However, before we go, allow me to make the due presentations. He did a gesture in the direction of the lady

- My sister, Countess Marie Thérèse of Clermont.

Pierre took a step ahead and touched, gently, with his lips, the hand she had extended

- I am enchanted, Countess and I beg your forgiveness for the ravishment of my words, perhaps inadequate at the moment, but I could not refrain them, since I felt smashed by the extraordinary beauty of the young lady that accompanies you.

Marie Thérèse tried a smile and answered with elegance, although the sound of her voice didn't hide the mordancy of the words:

- Besides being an actor, M. Mansard, you also seem to have a poetic vein. And, as it is common among poets, you didn't know how to contain your excessive impulsiveness.

Pierre blushed before the reprimand. And, although neither he nor the Countess could foresee it, this subtle and apparently inconsequent affair was just the prelude of more serious future confrontations. Vadin, imperturbable as always, proceeded as if nothing wrong had happened:

- And this is Mlle. Michelle, the Countess´daughter.

Pierre's black eyes found the girl's green eyes, in a long and silent glance, perhaps too long and perhaps just seemingly silent... But, this time, he didn't make any comment. The actor just bent before the youth that, with her face still blushed, returned the compliment in the same way. Pierre made a vague gesture in the direction of the table and said:

- My father, Jean Claude Mansard, my mother, Bernadette and my uncle, Maurice Mansard.

All rose and waived with their heads. Vadin and his companions did the same. Soon after, Vadin said a quick " au revoir ", gave his arms to the sister and the niece and the three walked, slowly, towards the exit of the restaurant. The Mansards group sat down and Jean Claude asked his son:

- How did you dare to do such a thing, Pierre? The girl is, in fact, very beautiful, but, being her a stranger, you should have expressed your admiration in a more discreet way. Given the circumstance, your excessive courtship ended up becoming inelegant.

Pierre walked his glance through the table. Then, he faced his genitor and said, in a serene tone, although the words sounded sort of enigmatic:

- I understand that, given the circumstance, as you pointed out, my words might have provoked some distress. But the time will come when all this will look quite irrelevant...

This time it was Bernadette who questioned Pierre:

- Do you mind explaining what you mean, son?

He did not hesitate to answer:

- It is quite simple: the moment I saw Michelle, I fell hopelessly and passionately in love. Thus, I intend to marry her, at a not so distant future.

***

On the afternoon of the following day, Pierre went to the Le Marquis Hotel and requested to speak with Jacques Vadin. Minutes later, the two were comfortably set around a table, in one of the hotel’s reception rooms. Jacques ordered a bottle of the local wine. While awaiting, they made some small talk. That was when Vadin learnt that Pierre, besides his love for the theater, was also deeply interested in other activities, like fox hunting and competitions with small charts, a sport similar to the races of "bigas ", which were quite popular in ancient Rome. When the wine arrived, they raised their glasses and Vadin made a toast:

- To the success of "Romeo and Juliet", now, here in Bordeaux and, soon, in Marseilles.

- You are really determined to present it in your city, aren’t you ? - commented Pierre.

- And why shouldn’t I be? It is a wonderful play. By the way, for how long will it be in display here?

- About six weeks, at the most.

Jacques made some mental calculations.

- Till the beginning of March, correct?

- Correct.

- And how long would it take to set it up in Marseilles ?

Pierre thought for a few minutes before answering:

- Three to four weeks, I guess.

- Great. So it means that, if we do decide to take the play to Marseilles, then we shall be able to inaugurate "Romeo and Juliet" in our theater by the end of May or the beginning of June. An excellent time to start an artistic season. And as Marseilles possesses a larger population than Bordeaux, the play could be in exhibition for many months. Do you agree?

- Yes, I think so.

Pierre smiled shyly and spoke:

- Would you allow me to change the subject for a moment ?

- Yes, do as you wish.

The other hesitated for a moment and said:

- Please, tell me about your niece.

Vadin gave an understanding smile.

- It looks like you were quite impressed by Michelle.

- That’s true. I can’t recall seeing a beauty like her in all my life.

Jacques deposed the glass on the table and spoke:

- A colorful life, for sure, but, nevertheless, a relatively short one, I presume. But before satisfying your curiosity permit me to ask, M. Mansard: how old are you?

Pierre blushed lightly and answered in a defensive tone:

- I will become twenty-five next April. But why the question, M. Vadin? Do you consider me too young to manage a theater or too old to fall in love with your niece? Anyway, now that I have answered your question, it is your turn to satisfy my desire to know a little about Michelle.

Vadin shrugged.

- Very well. I’ll try to give you the essential. Michelle, as you already know, is the single child of my sister, the Countess of Clermont. She is only fifteen, but extremely ripen for her age. Michelle is intelligent, charming and very dedicated to her studies. The father died three years after she was born and she keeps no memory of him. Ever since, I, who have never married, became a kind of father substitute to Michelle and I’m very fond of her. The countess is quite a conservative person and she subjects Michelle to a rigid education, under the guidance of a Jesuit priest. Therefore, Michelle is studying classic painting, French, Latin, Italian, theology and etiquette. Thus, she is a quite gifted youth. Perhaps, because I’m an artist with a liberal mind, and, particularly, because she trusts me, Michelle confides me her aspirations and desires. Vadin paused, smiled and continued:

- And now, let me surprise you, my dear Pierre. Would you guess what is Michelle’s greatest dream?

The other did a negative gesture with the head.

- To become an actress. That was the reason for our trip to Bordeaux: to see your play. When Michelle heard that "Romeo and Julie " would be presented here, she got very excited and begged me to convince her mother that we should come to see the play. And she said to be sure that, some day, she would do the role of Juliet. Well then, we ended up coming, after overcoming the Countess opposing arguments.

Vadin paused and conclude:

- That is all to tell you by now, my dear friend. And, please, allow me to treat you with such an intimacy, since, besides being twenty years your senior, I also intend to become your partner in the presentation of "Romeo and Juliet" in Marseilles.

Pierre nodded and said:

- It honors me that you treat me with intimacy. And, if you permit, I will do the same. Therefore, just call me Pierre. And you are right. Soon, we will become partners in our theatrical enterprise. Besides, I hope to have your help in another subject that I have in mind.

Vadin showed an expression of surprise.

- What do you mean?

- I mean that, when the play will run on in Marseilles, I want Michelle to act as Juliet.

Vadin opened the mouth in sign of disbelieve. Yes, he thought, this young man is really quite daring and intelligent. Michelle acting with him ...Romeo and Juliet! What a perfect strategy to seduce a youth: to fulfill her greatest dream... While Jacques meditated about the viability of Pierre's proposal, the young man continued:

- Don't you think that would make her happy?

Vadin decided to show that he understood Pierre's cunning:

- Oh, yes, there is no doubt about this. As there is no doubt also that your suggestion means a very well elaborated stratagem to seduce my niece.

- Yes, but a seduction aimed at marrying her.

- Nevertheless, a seduction game.

- Correct. But is there a more powerful weapon than seduction to conquer a female’s heart and convince her to accept to marry the man who is in love with her ?

Vadin did a long sigh.

- You are right, my dear and brilliant Pierre. In fact it doesn't.

- So, will I have your support?

The other waived affirmatively.

- Yes, you can count on me. At least, we will be giving Michelle a great happiness. Actually, I always dreamed of seeing her shining on the stage. Your idea is quite audacious, but I like your daring. Yes, you will have all my support. However there is something that has to be taken into consideration so that your plan becomes feasible. And a certain obstacle to be overcome.

- Please, explain yourself

- Who guarantees that Michelle has a real vocation for acting and is capable to play such a difficult role as that of Juliet?

Pierre didn't blink:

- My intuition guarantees. I saw that vocation in her eyes, in the brief instant our glances crossed. In regard of she being capable of playing Juliet, I’ll personally teach her how to do it, during the rehearsals. Now, what about the obstacle you mentioned ?

- My sister and Michelle’s Jesuit educator. I am sure that both will ferociously oppose the idea of my niece becoming an actress.

- I am aware of that. But I don't foresee great problems as far as the priest is concerned. I, myself, had a religious educator for tutor and I know how their heads function. They threaten with promises of hells and demons, however, if we one stands by, they give up. Not for conviction or benevolence, but not to lose a faithful soul. The Church prefers to accept a Catholic actress in its ranks than to have a sheep running away from its flock. The real obstacle is the countess. However, I don't think it to be an unbeatable fortress. If you press her properly, which, I don't have any doubt, you are capable to do, she will end up giving in. After all, Michelle will be acting under her uncle's direction...

Pierre made a pause, so that the other digested properly what he had just said. It did not take long. With a slightly distrustful glance, but with an expression of expectation flashing on his face, Jacques asked:

- What do you mean by ‘ under my direction’? I am not understanding...

- It is easily understandable, my friend. I want you to be the general director of the play, when it will run on in Marseilles. Besides playing Romeo's role, I will act as your assistan, to help during the rehearsal phase. That is all there is.

This time Vadin fully understood the whole conception of Pierre strategy. Very clever, indeed. By giving him, Jacques, the position of general director, the young man was, to some extent, compromising him, Vadin, so that he put pressure on the countess. On the other hand, as assistant-director, Pierre, by concentrating his attention on training Michelle, created the opportunity to envelope and seduce her with his unquestionable charisma.

- So - asked Pierre – do you accept the place of general-director?

Knowing the game was over, Vadin did not hesitate:

- With great pleasure, my dear.

And, as there was nothing else to be said at the moment, they toasted again the success of the play and said good-bye. Pierre went back to the theater, with the heart overflowing of hope. Everything seemed to indicated his strategy was going well. A few hours later, aboard a coach, on the way to Marseilles, Vadin was also tracing his own plans...

***

Marseilles. Four days later.

At the pleasant Clermont's mansion, in a room that today would be considered as a mixture of a leisure place and a library, Jacques Vadin and his sister are accommodated in comfortable bergères of fine wood, high back rest, solid arms, covered with soft cushions. They are facing each other and sipping the afternoon tea, a habit that some members of the French monarchic elite had copied from the aristocrats that lived on the other side of the Channel. Beautiful and elegant as always, well made up face, hair arrested in a " coke " style , the countess posed the cup of tea on the table at her side and asked:

- Well, Jacques, how was your chat with that daring and pretentious little actor?

Vadin raised his brows and replied, with a certain dose of irony:

- If you are referring to that brilliant actor, the first French to translate a piece of Shakespeare, I would say our chat was excellent. To such extent that we became partners, associated in a task that will be, I'm sure of it, much applauded by the aristocrat of this mini court that you decorate with your beauty.

Marie let pass the ironic praise.

- You mean to say that you'll be really staging "Romeo and Juliet " in your theater...

- Correct.

- And when will this august event be?

Vadin also ignored the irony. Marie didn't lose for waiting!

- We thought to begin the rehearsals in March. As for the premiere, I believe that it will take place by the end of May or the beginning of June.

- So we will see again the famous Pierre Mansard dressed as Romeo, showing his great love for Juliet and vice-versa...

This time, Jacques decided to react:

- Why so much irony, Marie ? You seemed to like the presentation in Bordeaux.

- It was not bad, I admit, but your associate's daring attitude irritated me deeply.

- For having charmed your daughter? Or don't you consider Michelle's beauty a good reason for enchantment?

- For enchantment, yes, but not for daring.

Jacques hardened the tone of his voice:

- Marie, I suggest you be less rigid to that youngman. After all he is the producer and main actor of the play I'll have the honor to be the general director.

The countess smiled:

- Now I understand why you defend him. Very well, then, I promise to be softer with our "Romeo", as long as he doesn't try to woo my daughter...

- That's better, dear sister. Besides, I shall be needing your social influence to guarantee that we have a full house at the premiere.

Marie decided to compromise.

- I'll do my best. Now, tell me, will he bring the whole cast? An experienced team always has a better chance to be more successful. We must have in mind that the public and the critics in Marseilles are much more demanding than the ones in Bordeaux.

- I know about that and so does Pierre. He intends to bringt the whole cast that is playing now in Bordeaux, with one exception....

Vadin made a pause, sipped the tea and completed:

- The youth that is playing the role of Juliet won't come.

- Why? I think she did a good acting. Is the girl ill or did she have any kind of attrition with your friend Pierre?

- Nothing like that. It just happens that Pierre has other plans.

Marie moved in the chair. Without knowing why, Jacques' words provoked a certain inquietude on her.

- What do you mean?

- Pierre wants to try someone else for that role.

- Then I imagine he must be wanting an experienced actress from Moliére's staff...

- No, he doesn't want any actress from Paris.

- From where, then?

The decisive moment Vadin was waiting for had arrived. He gave a long sigh, stared intensely at his sister's face and said:

- From here.

The countess's eyes stared in amazement. Although she was not an " expert', Marie, as most of the well educated ladies of the French society of the time, possessed some knowledge about theater. She looked undecided for a moment and, then, let go a sound laughter.

- From here? Now, Jacques, in your cast of players, and your is the only one in this city deserving this name, there are only two actresses. And neither seem capable of playing such a difficult role. Or maybe your friend wants to retrocede in theatrical art, and use disguised boys to pass as females...

Vadin made a negative gesture with the hand.

- Not at all..He wants to try a beginner?

- From this city?

The countess's heart accelerated. An unpleasant premonition started to form in her mind.

- Yes, from here.

- Who?

- Michelle.

- My daughter?

- Who else ?

The countess rose abruptly and posted herself close to the heavy curtains that covered the window of the room, staying there for a few seconds, with her back to Vadin. Then, she turned, faced him and spoke, roughly:

- A Clermont... actress! You must have gone mad. Can you realize the debauch I would be exposed to, not only here in Marseilles, but also in Paris, if I allowed such insanity to happen?

Vadin remainedd imperturbable. He stared at his sister and said, quietly:

- Sit down and calm yourself, Marie Thérèse.

Hearing those words, the countess trembled lightly and became thoughtful. Jacques only treated her for Marie Therese when he intended to reprehend her for some thing she had done wrong. What hidden cards did he possess, strong enough to dissuade her from impeding that Michelle took part in the play? The countess couldn't figure it out, but she was certain that Vadin had something solid against her. Her body trembled again before the uncertainty. Slowly, she returned to the chair, looked at him and waited. Softly, Vadin began to speak:

- Marie Térèse, don't forget that, although coming from a honest family such as ours, you became a noble not by inheritance of blood but through marriage. Therefore, you should not be so proud and shouldn't care so much about the opinion of those aristocratic parasites that usually surround you. Besides, we, actors, are not just a bunch of irresponsible bohemians. Indeed, we sometimes love to drink a good wine, in the streets or in the taverns. But, so what? Why should we be ashamed of it? We also have a job: to produce art. And, as you well know, this is not an easy task. It demands dedication and a lot of work. Therefore, acting is not an unworthy activity for anyone, including an young Clermont, in whose veins also runs the worthy blood of the Vadin family.

Marie, although feeling a little subdued by her brother's words, persisted:

- Theatrical activities may not be unworthy, but, I do insist, are inappropriate for a noble youth like Michelle.

- Marie Térèse, the subject of being or not noble, by birth right or marriage, means nothing to me. A person's value is measured by honor and character. Anyway, you shoud know that Queen Elizabeth had many artists as friends and, frequently, used to see and applaud the plays. Also, the first great theater of London, where many of Shakespeare's pieces were presented, is called the Elizabetean Theater.

As Vadin words did not seem to contain the aggression that she feared, the countess recovered her courage.

- I don’t care about your arguments, Jacques. Michelle is my daughter and she is only fifteen. Therefore, I’m the one who determines what she will or not do. So, do not insist on this subject. Michelle won't be made actress. And more: I cannot impede that insolent Pierre to come to Marseilles but, while he stays here, my daughter will remain shut up in this mansion.

Vadin smiled. Her sister's arrogance had defined the way he would carry on.

- My dear Marie Térèse, I think you worry too much and unnecessarily with the effects that an actress daughter can cause to your reputation. Actually, if you do give so much importance to the dignity of the Clermont’s name, you better worry about something else, prone to bring real trouble to your image, if your hypocritical friends become aware of the fact.

The countess turned pale. Her voice came out trembling: the previous firmness had disappeared.

- What are you talking about ?

He ignored the question and asked:

- How old are you now, Marie Térèse, thirty-one, thirty-two?

She didn't understand why the question, but answered:

- Thirty two.

- And you became widow when you were twenty, right?

- Yes.

- And you didn't marry again.

- You know I didn’t.

- And don't you think it looks strange a beautiful and still relatively young woman to give up up the pleasures of sex?

Marie blushed.

- I don't see anything strange about that. In our society, many widows don't get married again. They just keep the memories of their dear husbands and forget about sex.

- But not you, Marie Térèse.

The countess turned pale again, this time more intensely.

- What... what are you trying to say, Jacques?

- That our society would be extremely shocked and your reputation seriously scratched if your seemingly secret love affair, with a man ten years younger than you, came to be known.

Marie’s face became totally livid.

- What ...are you.. speaking of ?

- Of a young navy officer who, by an interesting coincidence, has the same first name of the actor you seem to despise so much. I refer to lieutenant Pierre Marie of Rastignac, who you use to receive at this place, in apparent secrecy, two to three times a week.

The countess felt that it was pointless to deny. Her hands pressed the arms of the armchair in search of support.

- How ...did you find out?

Vadin just smiled. He was now ready for the final blow.

- It doesn't matter. It means nothing to me the fact of you having a lover. Actually I find it perfectly natural and even healthy. But would your hypocritical friends think in the same way?

A long silence followed. Then, timidly, Marie asked:

- Jacques, why are you blackmailing me?

Vadin’s voice softened.

- Because, due to your snobbery, arrogance and prepotency, you intend to deprive Michelle from her dreams and, possibly, her vocation. You never had the sensibility of trying to know her aspirations. No, she has to be whatever you think it proper for her and to learn only what that fanatic priest considers convenient ...for the Church, naturally.

Vadin rose and stared at his sister, who remained seated, scrubbing the hands and looking eagerly at him.

- Very well, Marie, I propose you an agreement: I will take care that your romance stays secret and you shall allow Michelle to have the opportunity to rehearse the role of Juliet. If she turns or not to be an actress, it will depend on her own merits – he made a pause and asked: - Is that a deal?

Marie stayed quiet for some seconds, with the eyes fixed on her brother. Then she waived affirmatively with the head. Vadin bent, kissed her forehead and, silently and walking in slow steps, left the room.

*****

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