The Marchioness of Brinvilliers, the poisoner of the seventeenth century : $b A romance of old Paris

"The Marchioness of Brinvilliers, the Poisoner of the Seventeenth Century" by Albert Smith is a historical romance written in the late 19th century. Set in Paris during 1665, the narrative delves into the life of the notorious marchioness who infamously used poison in her schemes, intertwining themes of love, betrayal, and intrigue. The story features various characters, including the titular marchioness, Gaudin de Sainte-Croix, and other figures who navigate a world of both social and moral complexities. At the start of the narrative, a lively scene unfolds at the Carrefour du Châtelet in Paris, where a crowd gathers to watch a mountebank perform. Among the crowd are two military officers, Gaudin de Sainte-Croix and his friend, who display disinterest in a young working-class girl, Louise Gauthier, who is introduced during this chaotic spectacle. As the evening progresses, the crowd's attention shifts toward the mysterious physician, Antonio Exili, who possesses unsettling knowledge and chemistry skills that hint at darker undertones. Tension rises as Exili is ultimately arrested, revealing a complex web of relationships and schemes involving poison, love, and ambition, setting the stage for a dramatic historical tale.