The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [261]
Franklin ignored the calendar, pointed to a chair, said, “Please, sit down. If you continue to stand, you will exhaust me.”
Lafayette moved quickly, seemed suddenly concerned, sat in the chair, rigid, his back stiffly upright.
“And, by all means, relax. Is this the result of your service to George Washington? Does he whip you into submission, or are you just naturally afraid of comfort?”
Lafayette seemed to ponder the words, and Franklin could tell he was trying to decide if the old man was serious.
“Sir, it is my honor to place myself in your company. I shall sit in whatever manner is pleasing to you. I do not wish to be a bother. Is your health good, sir?”
“That would depend on whom you ask. I am told frequently that I am maintaining good form for a man of my years. I believe that is meant as a compliment. I am not sure what form is appropriate for a man of sixty-seven.” He waited a moment, saw a puzzled look on the young man’s face. “Ah, see? You have heard otherwise. Some continue to insist I am seventy-three. However, I made a decision some time ago, that once I attained the age of seventy, I would begin to compute my years in the opposite direction. Three years hence, I am now sixty-seven. No one has yet shown me that there are rules that forbid this practice. Once a man reaches seventy, he should be entitled after all to establish his own rules.”
Lafayette stared at him, his mouth slightly open.
“My new rule is maddening of course to those who believe I have grown too old to exist in their world. In the case of Mr. Arthur Lee, I am constantly in violation of staying around too long. However, as long as the women do not object to my company . . .” He stopped, saw the smile returning to Lafayette’s face. “You’re too young to have such notoriety. You should be parading about the parks of Paris with my grandson.”
“I am indeed married, sir.”
“Yes, of course. My apologies. I heard that your reception at the royal court was an embarrassment to the king.”
Lafayette frowned now, said, “I certainly hope not, sir.”
“Don’t be concerned. King Louis requires a bit of sobriety occasionally. From what I was told, the audiences cheered you more loudly than anything His Majesty has heard in a while. Your accomplishments and the respect you have earned in America are gratefully appreciated here. Perhaps that will influence both the king and Count Vergennes the next time they choose a man to command French troops in America.”
He was testing Lafayette’s reaction, and the young man seemed to choose his words carefully.
“Doctor, I regret the difficulties which arose in the affair at Newport. Count d’Estaing is a most capable man.”
“More than capable. I have heard that his forces are faring well in the West Indies. The British are in something of a lather, loud voices in Parliament calling on King George to focus more of his attention to the islands than to his, um, colonies. I am privy to such things.”
“That would be a fortunate decision for America, Doctor.”
“As fortunate as the Marquis de Lafayette assuming command of the next French force to cross the ocean?”
The young man’s guard seemed to slip away, and Lafayette showed the enthusiasm again.
“Thank you for that kindness, Doctor. I only hope to give assistance to General Washington in the manner he will find useful. I admit to having some ambition to command such a force. There would be no difficulties such as we had at Newport.”
“I agree. However, my influence is limited, General. Is it acceptable to refer to you as general?”
“I accept whatever title you wish, sir. In the French army, I am but a captain.”
“Hmm. I prefer general. It is likely that before much time has passed, your king may agree.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“I have recently been called upon to assume the office of Superintendent of Naval Affairs for America. Marvelous title, yes? The congress has added that one to my ever-increasing list. I’m not yet sure what it entails, except that French naval officers are now adding their appointments to my calendar. There is some discussion of a plan to mount