As the conversation deepened, a foggy drizzle began anew on the streets of London.
Through the dense moisture and water-beaded windowpanes, one could barely make out the clinking glasses and the lively corners of mouths in the private dining booths.
Arthur, while playing cards with Talleyrand, asked, "So you say, the reason you rose from an overlooked minor noble's youngest son to prominence was entirely reliant on Madame Du Barry's support? How exactly did you captivate the lady who had Louis XV completely bewitched?"
Although well into his sixties, Talleyrand recounted his romantic exploits of yesteryear with undiminished ambition, apparently quite proud of his ability to maneuver among many ladies.
