Swinging the door open with a simple bow, I stated, “The bearer of great news returns.”A snort greeted me in return and I saw the Master scribbling something down on a piece of paper. There was no other immediate reply, the scratching of the quill on parchment complementing my boots as I stepped closer to his desk, filling the void of conversation. Composing my thoughts, I waited until I had his attention, marked only by a quiet, “Yes?”
“Master LaMontangue, I was considering the whole issue of the Declaration, and have decided that it is a good thing for the French people. Though it may seem like it comes too quickly, it is because there are many mistakes that need to be redressed. These principles weren’t chosen at random; they were addressed, re-addressed, debated, conceived, and thoroughly considered in all their implications. Though it is not explicit on specifics of the government, it does not need to be. These are foundational principles on what will form the revised government. To expect everything is to expect nothing short of a miracle. But our realistic expectations for the Declaration should be strongly positive.”
“Are you trying to convince me or yourself of this?” His voice was not mocking, but it held the cynical overtones that age and experience lent to the bitter. He didn’t look up, continuing to scratch away, “I do wish I could be as excited as you seem to be, but that is almost impossible for me. Hearing news of the American States and their tribulations with Jefferson’s self-described “Grand Experiment in Government” has left me cautious of revolutionary governments. And these are revolutionary concepts for France. The colonies went to war over them. This nation could go to war over them as well.”
Frowning, I replied, “There is no need to go to war over these principles. The King has recognized the power of the National Assembly and they will work together. France will hold itself together; the peasant uprisings will pass, the nobles will get used to seeing commoners as equals, and these new principles will show themselves to be effective as a foundation for government.”
A chuckle was returned and the spry Master slowly stood up, setting the note aside to dry. He looked at me with a sad smile, saying, “You are too positive. Be more realistic.” Stepping to the side he walked to a drawer, removing a few sheets of paper, then turned back to me, saying, “Come, let’s go print out this miraculous document of yours.”
Shaking my head, I offered him a quirky smile, saying, “You’re too negative. Be more willing to believe.” I fell into step behind him and we made our way down the hall. Voices were raised in the pressroom and I realized that it was Diego and the Monsieur arguing with each other.
I heard Diego's voice clearly first, “Only because you’ve tried to destroy us! Your treatment of Africans shows just how ‘enlightened’ your people really are.”
The Monsieur’s voice rose in challenge, but not to volume, “You can continue your work, or you can leave. But which ever one, you’ll do so quietly.”
That order quieted everyone in the room, from the Master LaMontangue and the pressmen to Madame Abelliard off to one side. My own breath was held for that moment as my mind raced.
Come to Diego's Defense.
Continue talking with Master LaMontangue.