Madame de Maux had other ideas. Far less compliant than her young lover, she explained to Diderot that the poor boy “had desires” that needed to be met.40 Later in the month, she proposed the simplest solution to Diderot: why should you not both be my lovers? Diderot, who had no problem sharing himself with Toinette, Sophie, and now Madame de Maux, recoiled at the idea and issued an ultimatum that would prove the end of the amorous portion of their relationship.
