Past Lives Read Online Free PDF

servants reaching toward a glorious woman at the peak, her benevolent hand reaching out in what I perceived to be greeting. I hoped that she was Venus, or perhaps Athena. I could use more wisdom than love at that moment.
    Beyond the fountain, a small rectangle of grass stretched out, decorated on either side by more greenery and statues. Large white tents had been erected, and I could see a bountiful spread complemented by silver serving ware. My stomach growled, and though no one was around I blushed at the unladylike sound. Thanks to my heavy makeup, however, I was sure a blush would be barely detectable. Several pairs and groupings of ladies were scattered across the lawn, and I caught more than one curious glance as ladies pulled out their fans to hide their comments. I fixed my face into my favorite haughty mask and made my way to the tented area, coldly staring down anyone who did not look at me with respect.
    Luckily, I found Giselle speaking with a small group near the back of the main tent, and I made my way slowly over to her. She greeted me warmly, her expression giving out no indication that my name should be anything but pristine.
    “What an excellent party last night, was it not?” she asked, aglow. I smiled, wondering if she even remembered half of it. The other women in our group tittered in response, and I glared at them. The tittering ceased.
    “I should say, the champagne was some of the finest I have ever tasted,” one of the women said, her powdered head bobbing in appreciation of her own sentiment. The others clucked in agreement.
    “Yes, indeed. And the music—I could hardly keep myself from dancing all night! In such a lovely hall, there could have been no equal to such a party,” another woman chimed in. It was customary to love everything about Versailles and the king and queen. One could lose a life or a title otherwise.
    “Of course, too much dancing and drink can give the wrong impression, don’t you think?” a voice said from behind me. Unsurprisingly, Jeannette made her way into our circle, her gaze predatory. All the other ladies began to squirm nervously, though no one moved away. They just got a front row to the current gossip…you think they’d give that up?
    “Ah, Jeannette. Forgive me for observing that you look as though you celebrated just a tad too much, my poor thing,” I said, trying to think of how I could out-catty her and still keep my integrity. Nothing particularly useful came to mind, and I could tell she was ready to throw me under a carriage.
    “Not at all, though I thank you deeply for your concern my dear, dear friend. Of course, now that we all know how promiscuous you are, with your title and status, I’m sure there might be a new opening for you as the king’s new mistress.”
    I kept my face perfectly still, affecting a tinkling laugh. It worked…she frowned, and I could feel the group’s eagerness to hear what I had to say.
    “You must be mistaken, my sweet, darling friend. I am as virginal now as I have ever been, and whoever says otherwise will surely enjoy the tip of my father’s sword and the heavy weight his position implies.” I wanted the threat to be clear…even if it was a bald-faced lie. My father never lifted a sword in his life, much less fought anyone. He paid people to do that.
    “I see,” she said through clenched teeth. “My mistake then. Must be some false rumors going around about my lovely friend, here,” she said, addressing the group. Her expression did not match her words. “I’m sure there was simply a misunderstanding. And certainly no reason to pack on extra makeup like a whore. We are all of us delicate and upstanding ladies of the court, and I am glad to know you all,” she finished, her dagger driven home as she curtsied and made her exit. I glanced around to find everyone staring at my face…not me, but my face and the makeup that caked my cheeks. I was saved from having to find a way to defend myself by the