Her breathing grew quick and shallow, perhaps because the buttons were fastened too tightly, or perhaps because the chest of the men's uniform didn't fit her measurements.
The gentlemen nearby all lowered their gazes by about 45 degrees, and their breathing quickened as well.
Franz remained completely unmoved, which earned the admiration of the two young women in the room.
What they didn't know was that Franz had seen far more stimulating sights long ago.
After pulling his gaze away, Bordeaux gave two sharp coughs. His meaning was clear: he was reminding Fanny Cotte to watch her words and attitude.
"I won't let my soldiers sacrifice themselves for nothing. But rest assured, I will drive the French Second Republic's invaders out of Alsace."
Franz made a promise without setting a deadline. It was meant to reassure her, and it was also a step back on his part.
But it clearly wasn't enough to satisfy Fanny Cotte.
"Archduke Franz, I'm very disappointed in you! I've heard you're a saint by nature, a model for the royal family, the greatest scientist and investor of this century, a true philanthropist and martyr.
"But I don't think so. I think you're just a hypocritical bastard!"
Just then, a server came in carrying wine. Fanny Cotte excitedly grabbed a glass, drained it in one go, then said indignantly,
"Thank you for the wine. We French will protect our own people. We don't need anyone else's help, and we certainly won't hide here like cowards!"
Fanny Cotte's behavior could bring serious trouble down on her and the entire House of Orleans. Bordeaux even thought they ought to detain her and interrogate her thoroughly to find out whether someone was pulling the strings behind her.
But Franz wasn't so petty, nor would he use this to threaten