The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [112]
Vergennes sat, the others followed, and Vergennes said, “Your kindness does not erase our rudeness, sir.”
Franklin felt himself settle into soft luxury, the strain in his legs letting go. Vergennes was still watching him, said, “Has your stay in Paris been to your liking, Doctor? Is there anything I can do to make you, any of you, more comfortable?”
The others did not speak, and Franklin fought the urge to make a poorly timed joke about sending a French army to invade England. He turned slightly in the chair, still easing the pains.
“I for one am quite satisfactory, Your Excellency. An old man’s bones have no sense of humor.”
Vergennes smiled again.
“Then we have already established one thing in common, Doctor.”
Vergennes was older than he expected, and Franklin saw sharp dark eyes focused on him through thick drooping lids, the look of a man who was always tired. Franklin looked toward the others, saw Deane nod to him, a signal that he expected Franklin to do the talking. Lee was simply staring down, and Franklin said, “If I may be allowed, Your Excellency. A formal introduction is in order. We come here as official representatives of the Congress of the United States of America, and are fully empowered by that body to propose and negotiate a treaty of commerce between France and the United States.”
Vergennes waited until the formal speech was complete, smiled again, said, “What would you propose of us, Doctor?”
“Your Excellency, we are waging a war for our survival. We could ask any willing government for an alliance that would sweep away our disadvantage in battle, but this we do not do.” Vergennes was all seriousness now, waited for Franklin to continue. “The financial credit of the United States is of paramount importance. We request assistance in the purchase of those goods which may assist us in fighting this war. As Your Excellency is certainly aware, Mr. Deane has been successful in his meetings with French business interests. In addition, the French government has shown a generous spirit by allowing American ships to anchor in French ports. We would ask that Your Excellency continue this generosity. Further, we would hope that Your Excellency might find the means of sending those ships back home laden with supplies.”
Vergennes waited for more, but Franklin was through, thought, That is sufficient for a first meeting. We must not overdo it. He sat back in the chair, looked at the others, could see a look of satisfaction on Deane’s face, the man who had already done so much to secure private funds. Deane’s job would be much simpler if France would desist from the intrigue and openly offer supplies and credit to the Americans. Lee looked up at Franklin now, seemed to wait for more as well. Franklin tilted his head, a gesture of politeness, said, “Do you have anything to add, Mr. Lee?” Lee pondered the question, and Franklin gripped the edge of the table, silently begged Lee not to say a word.
“Thank you, Doctor. Not at this time.”
Franklin let out a long breath. Thank you, sir. We cannot ask them for too much. This is not yet the time.
Vergennes was looking at him with a question on his face, and Franklin waited, knew the man was assembling the proper words, the skill of the diplomat.
“Doctor, please be assured I mean this as no offense. America is a vast land, and your resources have yet to be developed. I am confident that when your craftsmen and your farmers fully explore the potential of your country, you will be a valuable partner to any nation. But that is the future. The present offers a difficult portrait. In your current crisis, the one resource you can call upon is your strength of numbers. I would imagine your government could field an army many times the force required for your defense. There is curiosity here, Doctor. Why must America look beyond her own borders?”
It was a question Franklin had expected.
“Your Excellency, we take no offense. Your Excellency asks a simple question which has difficult answers. We represent a congress who must work within the authority