The Fox of France

Chapter 151: Return to Paris

In the parliamentary session, Barras proposed several key points. First, to hold new elections ensuring a majority for the Thermidorians. This idea received unanimous support. Second, to have military representation in the parliament, considering the presence of the Red Army outside. Again, this was widely accepted. Third, to form the Directory with esteemed members who had demonstrated their loyalty to the republic in the vote to execute the king. This proposal was also met with approval.

Barras suggested including General Carnot in the Directory, representing the military, which garnered no opposition. Furthermore, due to a lack of technical expertise among parliament members, there was a need for individuals well-versed in military technology. This idea found support as well. Lastly, given the poor performance of the police during the recent uprising, Barras argued for a reorganization of the Parisian police system and recommended Fouch for the task.

Notably, Fouch's appointment as head of the police department faced resistance, as it was a crucial department with significant political influence. Many believed they could compete for this powerful position, while others feared the growing imbalance of power under Barras's faction.

In this matter, Barras encountered resistance for the first time. To overcome it, he resorted to revealing that the families or subordinates of several vocal opponents had leaked state secrets to the royalists, providing concrete evidence. In contrast to the Reign of Terror in 1793, Barras did not suggest executing these opponents immediately. He attributed their actions to the cleverness of the royalists and believed they had been deceived. However, Barras argued that the opponents lacked the cunning to deal with the royalists effectively. Therefore, he recommended Fouch for the position of Minister of Police, emphasizing the importance of this role.

Meeting with some initial discontent, the parliament ultimately understood and approved Barras's proposal. No one wanted to risk their own secrets coming to light, as almost no one in the National Convention had clean hands. In the days when Robespierre ruled, many would have faced the guillotine.

While the discussions in the parliament heated up over these positions, Joseph arrived with a few bodyguards wearing holstered revolvers. Accompanied by Fanny and her family, they arrived at the Fanny family's residence.

Several days earlier, as the situation in Paris grew perilous, Fouch had arranged for Joseph to personally escort Fanny's family out of the city for their safety. Now that the situation had calmed down, they could return.

During the carriage ride, Baroness Maniere expressed her concerns, wondering if thieves had ransacked their home. Fanny reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, Mother. If thieves did break in, we should be glad because there's nothing valuable in our home. It's possible that while searching for something to steal, a thief might accidentally drop their wallet in our house."

"Don't jest," even the Baroness chuckled, "We're not that destitute. At the very least, we can afford your dowry, dear Fanny."

Fanny blushed and cast a shy glance at Joseph, then fell silent.

Fortunately, they arrived at their doorstep, and the servants began unloading their belongings. Joseph, accompanied by Baron Lavasie and his family, proceeded to the garden to sit and chat.

"Baron, in the coming days, Paris should finally stabilize. At the very least, the worst of the turmoil is behind us," Joseph remarked.

"Does that mean we can expect peaceful days ahead?" the Baroness inquired hopefully, "And it would be even better if Armand were to return."

Joseph, with a composed demeanor, replied, "Indeed. Things are bound to improve. But, it will take time to prepare for the move. Paris is the heart of France, offering the best schools and research resources. Naturally, my research institute will return there. However, this is a significant endeavor and not a quick task. Currently, I'm scouting locations near Paris with my friends to find a suitable place for the new institute. Additionally, your brother, Master Lavasie, is starting to miss Paris. After all, Toulon is quite small in comparison."

They continued chatting casually, and Joseph eventually took his leave. The Baron, citing his poor leg condition, opted not to accompany Joseph outside, instructing his daughter Fanny to see him off.

Fanny bid Joseph farewell, and it took her quite some time to return. As she strolled through the front yard, humming a tune, preparing to go to her room, she heard her father calling her from the small sitting room, "Fanny, come here for a moment."

Fanny walked into the sitting room to find her elderly father sitting in a sunlit corner by the window.

"Dad, what's going on?" she asked.

"Ah, Fanny, come and sit next to me," the Baron said.

Fanny walked over and took a seat in a chair near his rocking chair.

"He proposed to you, didn't he?" her father suddenly asked.

Fanny blushed. "Uh..." she hesitated.

"What's this? Is that scoundrel not being honest? Well, he's friends with that obnoxious little rascal. Fanny, no, this won't do. If he dares to come again, I'll..." her father began.

"Dad..." Fanny scolded, "He did bring it up, but he's too annoying. He doesn't even consider whether I'd say yes. He just talks about what we'll do after we get married. I told him I haven't decided if I want to marry him!"

"Oh, my!" her father exclaimed, "This is not right, Fanny! You have to know that young men like Joseph are not easy to find. He has a bright future and will become one of the most important figures in all of France. For your happiness, you should hold on to him tightly. Otherwise, who knows when some shameless, deceitful harlot might come and snatch him away?"

"Dad, you're making it sound like I won't find a husband otherwise!"

"How could my daughter not find a husband? Paris has more men than fish in the Atlantic. But, Fanny, you must realize how important it is to marry the right person. It's like fishing, catching a marlin is not the same as catching a sardine. Also, you really need to hold on. You see, although the sea is full of fish, if the bait stays in the water too long..."

As Fanny and her father shared this heart-to-heart talk, Joseph arrived at his residence by carriage only to find Lucien missing.

"Mr. Bonaparte, Lucien went out; it seems he was invited to a feast. He left a note for you." Sophie, the housekeeper, handed Joseph a piece of paper.

"Oh," Joseph replied, taking the note.

The note mentioned that Lucien had gone to La Basque, instructing Joseph not to wait for him.

"Damn, this scoundrel went to enjoy a feast on his own!" Joseph said. Nonetheless, he wasn't too keen on appearing at such social gatherings, so having his brother represent him wasn't a bad idea.

Since Lucien was absent, Joseph asked Sophie to prepare dinner for him. After the meal, he retired to his study to contemplate the various plans for relocating his research institute to Paris.

"Should we establish it directly within Paris? It would be more convenient in many ways, but the city is too crowded and limited in space for certain experiments. Orleans Duke's estate? It's not too far from Paris, and it has ample space. However, it's a bit distant from the Red Army's garrison. There's also this location, slightly further from Paris, but closer to the Red Army, offering more diverse terrain. Maybe this one; we might need to widen the roads, which would require additional expenses..."

While pondering these options, he heard the sound of keys turning in the lock from outside. Joseph left his considerations behind, exited his study, and discovered Lucien entering, smelling strongly of brandy.

"Going to these kinds of gatherings and actually drinking this much, are you brave or just foolish?" Joseph frowned, contemplating how to provide better guidance for his younger brother.

"I didn't drink that much, I swear," Lucien responded, trying to sound sober, "Do you want to smell? The alcohol is all on my clothes. Going to dine with those old schemers, I couldn't risk getting intoxicated for real."

"Really?" Joseph approached and, indeed, detected most of the alcohol on Lucien's clothes.

"Yeah, you think I'm not adaptable? But, you can't be sure that no one tried to spike my drink. One lady at the gathering kept talking to me and pouring wine; I don't understand how she had such a high tolerance."

"And you were drinking with women and pretending? Well, was she pretty?" Joseph's mind suddenly ventured a guess.

"Very pretty," Lucien confirmed.

"What's her name?" Joseph speculated.

Lucien's response suddenly raised a suspicion in Joseph's mind.