In a villa purchased by a wealthy Dutch merchant, three streets from Versailles Palace, Höttinger, the senior adviser to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, said to Schimmelpenninck with an arrogant expression:
"Prime Minister, you know this matter concerns the situation across the entire Low Countries. That gentleman must join forces with several Cabinet ministers before he can persuade the Crown Prince."
Schimmelpenninck nodded repeatedly. "Thank Talleyrand... ah, thank that gentleman for his selfless assistance. I certainly won't let him help me for nothing."
Höttinger picked up the pen on the table and wrote a line. "300,000 francs. Send them to this address, and there will be a turning point."
Schimmelpenninck froze for a moment, but immediately gritted his teeth. "All right, I'll see it done as quickly as possible. Please convey my thanks to that gentleman."
"I will."
Höttinger boarded his carriage, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
Three days later.
After Schimmelpenninck paid the fee, he soon received word from Höttinger that, at "that gentleman's" suggestion, the Crown Prince had agreed to restrain the Flemings and allow the Dutch Parliament to recall its border troops to suppress the Rebellion.
In addition, France's Walloon Corps would remain on standby in Geldern. If the Dutch Parliament could not defeat William V's army, they could intervene at any time—at an additional cost.
Of course, Joseph had decided this from the very beginning and merely had Talleyrand notify the Dutch. The Minister of Foreign Affairs had simply held back the news for a while and made a small fortune of 300,000 francs.
Höttinger rose and walked to the door, then paused and turned back to add casually, "By the way, Prime Minister, the Crown Prince has recently taken a great interest in that 'International Maritime Convention' proposed by the Danes. If