" Influential-- in its time. Which is 1862, long after most of those named have died, or moved on in life. I'm not saying don't. But we're on the page in moments we chose to be in the public eye; Mlle-still-Fauchelevent may well decide to contribute to memoir, but she hasn't yet. Know that you will meet people who don't expect you to know these things." He snorts. "Including the spy; but I have no hesitation in returning him the favor he tried to pay us. I do expect you to read that; but remember it may not be accurate."

He smiles a little. "Indeed, remember it may not be a memoir at all."