If Kant's theory was like the law of universal gravitation, or 1+1=2, then was something he once said—"Those who speak of morality are often unhappy, while those who are happy are often immoral"—also a priori?
Georgiana put the booklet Metternich had given her at the very bottom of the trunk, then closed the lid.
If they wanted to return to Paris before Christmas, they truly ought to set off. Other people went home for Christmas; where was she supposed to go for Christmas?
She sighed. Albus had chosen to become headmaster so he could stay with the children. She could, in fact, go to a Paris shelter and spend Christmas with the orphans and widows. But that would mean preparing many gifts. Gifts brought back from abroad always seemed especially novel and delightful.
She would have to be especially careful when passing through the Forest of Soissons and Brabant. She was already wearing the priceless Mughal Diamond. Carrying too much baggage would be troublesome if she had to run. If she simply lost it all, would those gifts have been prepared for the children or for the robbers?
She took out the horsehair helmet she had prepared for little Julien again.
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone knocked on her bedroom door.
"Come in."
The moment her words fell, the door opened and Bonaparte entered.
"Why did you take that out?"
"I was wondering whether it was suitable." She set the helmet down, then took out a child-sized hunting outfit.
Bertin had finally solved the problem of the boots. Little Julien could wear them now, and they were adorned with lavish French embroidery.
They looked like something made for a doll. She did not like them much.
Then he sat down across from her.
"What are you doing?" she asked with a