The Affair of the Necklace Page #4

and become prime minister.

Antoinette blocks his progress?

At every turn.

It's all right. Come out, my dear.

Let me introduce Colleen.

This lady is a maid

of the queen's private quarters.

I have come as you requested.

They would cut my hands off

if I were caught.

But de Villette was so heartfelt

in his request, I could not refuse.

Countess, unbeknownst to Her Majesty...

...you are about to become

her closest confidant.

My curiosity about Your Eminence...

My curiosity about Your Eminence...

A rare miss, Your Eminence.

You distracted me.

Then I've fulfilled my obligation

as a woman.

I am unfamiliar with you.

- You're right, I've intruded.

My curiosity about Your Eminence

overcame my sense of formality.

What could ignite such curiosity?

I have heard it said you are a man

of copious desires.

Some desires run deeper than others.

I accompany the queen most days

at Versailles.

These are letters she wrote

when I was abroad.

Why bring them to my attention?

The damaged feelings between you

are well-known...

...but old wounds may be healing.

The queen has said as much?

- It's intuition on my part.

But with subtle persuasion, you

could make progress with Her Majesty.

And you will apply these gentle

pressures in return for what?

Your Eminence's gratitude is all I require.

And...

...your patronage, from time to time.

Your offer is compelling.

But I must decline.

You're likely a fraud.

The court is riddled with them.

And a man of my office is often a target.

That you should doubt my veracity

is indeed a hurtful blow.

I've upset you.

Abel, please, leave us.

I wish to offer a word of comfort in private.

I was wrong to come here.

I see that now.

Yet you are here.

I cannot be comfortable

with a man who doubts me.

In times of doubt...

...prayer is the answer.

I kneel before me.

I will rest my hands on your shoulders...

...and we'll pray together.

I respectfully decline, Your Eminence.

I'm the cardinal of all France.

If the cardinal of all France

wishes you to pray with him...

...you'll do so.

Come.

You will not hold back.

Pray deeply...

...and with conviction.

Your Eminence.

No. I-...

Where'd you get this?

- Antoinette's chambers.

She does the embroidery herself.

I've noticed them.

A reminder of what could have been.

Wait.

Maybe there is a way.

A means by which to verify your claim.

It so happens I have taken under

my patronage an extraordinary man.

He is grand master of the Illuminati,

the German mystic elite.

He is an accomplished mesmerist...

...who claims to have conquered

disease and death several times over.

His visions and prognostications

have proven accurate time and again.

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