For this latest installment in my Six-Crossed Knot series, the principal launching points are two canon incidents. The first one is in The Book of Life, when Matthew discovers that Philippe gave Jack Matthew's cello. In the novel, Matthew doesn't discuss it with Jack. All we know is that it disappeared around the time when Napoleon was emperor. When I first read those lines, I demanded answers. What were the circumstances? How did Philippe find out about Jack? I answered the second question earlier in Masque. In Virtue's Cloak, I imagined what could have led Philippe to give Jack the cello.
The second canon incident is also referenced in The Book of Life. In the early nineteenth century, Matthew's son Marcus worked as a doctor in New Orleans. Despite Matthew's prohibition, Marcus sired many children. Many felt he was out of control. The de Clermonts were particularly concerned because they worried his children might have blood rage. In Marcus's defense, I should point out that Matthew hadn't told him about blood rage. In one of Philippe's most controversial decisions, he orders Matthew to kill Marcus's children and also Marcus. By the time we learn about the events in New Orleans in canon, Philippe is already deceased. In Virtue's Cloak, Philippe has the chance to give his side of the story and his reaction to what occurs.
Oh, and did I mention Julia and Benjamin have been impatiently waiting in the wings to make an appearance? Their time has finally come.
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