Following Lully's opera, Cadmus et Hermione, came a play, Le Malade Imaginaire, the last of Molière's musical comedies infused with elaborate sets and effects, staged not only by actors but by those nobles courageous enough to take part. Olympe leaned over Henri's lap to inform Jeanne of the names of the players, most of whom Jeanne had been gone too long to recognize.
“There is Madame d'Albret—she is a good friend to François Scarron. And that is Madame de Montauban and her two servants. Oh, and, of course, there is the Baron de Seneges—he is quite a good singer.”
“Do the courtiers always take part in these pageants?” Jeanne asked.
“Oh yes,” Olympe confirmed. “It is a great honor to be included in a performance for the King. What better way to be seen?”
“That is why I have no wish to
