A Letter to Maurice de L'Hopital

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Maurice de L'Hopital
Duc de Gevaudan
Captain, Crown Prince Curiassers

My Lord,

In this missive I shall endeavour to convey my satisfaction at your return to Paris from a Spanish goal, my condolences upon the death of your father, and my congratulations at your elevation to Duc de Gevaudan. So many conflicting emotions must be washing over you like the waves of the Mediterranean upon the sandy shores of Provence. Indeed, I would expect those emotions to prostrate those of lessor constitution than that of a stout hearted cavalry officer such as yourself.

I must regretfully decline your kind invitations to attend the funeral of your father and the celebration of your elevation to the nobility. Unfortunately governmental duties and other prior engagements intrude upon my leisure.

If you are available in the first week of July, I should be happy to meet with you at the royal court event. Hopefully, this foreign envoy will be able to speak French but if he should not, having your company would help to alleviate an otherwise dreary affair.

Your Obedient Servant,
Jacques Bougiedure
Duc de Chevreuse
Baron de Guyenne
Controller-General of Finance to His Majesty Louis XIII, King of France and Navarre
Brigadier General

OOC: JBO invites MH to toady to him at Court in the first week of July

[jacques]

Jacques Bougiedure
Duc de Chevreuse
Baron de Guyenne

My Lord,

Indeed life is hectic not only for myself but for all of us Frenchmen for the entire World spins upon our King’s axis. Is it not so?

You were the driving force which sprang me from that dismal cell. Please understand that I shall endeavor to display my gratitude at every possible opportunity for the remainder of my days. May God bless you in a multitude of ways too numerous for mortal men to count.

Your required presence at the Envoy’s visit to Court and your obligations to attend the Government ‘s affairs are well understood, for none other could perform your duties with more aplomb.

I have set my eyes upon a delicate creature with whom I hope to arrange a romantic relationship. To that end I hope to woo her during the Envoy’s visit. Would you permit me to bring her along? If so I would happily pick you up in my coach and we can proceed to Court together.

Your Devoted Friend,

Maurice de L’Hopital
Duc de Gevaudan

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Maurice de L'Hopital
Duc de Gevaudan
Captain, Crown Prince Curiassers

My Lord,

I thank you for the kind offer to ride with you to Court during the first week of July but as we are both Ducs, arriving in the same coach would be a scandal. Besides, your suit for the hand of the delicate creature whom is the object of your fancy might not appreciate an audience during your tete-et-tete. Two’s company, three’s a crowd, and four or more are a bloody committee.

Your Obedient Servant,
Jacques Bougiedure
Duc de Chevreuse
Baron de Guyenne
Controller-General of Finance to His Majesty Louis XIII, King of France and Navarre
Brigadier General