A Letter to Heloise d'Armagnac

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Madame d'Armagnac,

It is with the greatest of sympathy that I write these condolences on the passing of your husband. I remember him (as I remember yourself) from the various noble gathering that my family hosted over the years and I confess a certain surprise that he should have taken a wife so many years his junior. The love subsisting between the two of you must have very great indeed.

I hear that you intend to remain in the Convert of Our Lady of Perpetual Ardor and pursue a life in service to Our Lord. A course that my father, the Marquis du Dampierre, would most highly approve of. My own path has lead me to serve God and His Most Christian Majesty, Louis XIII, in more secular ways. Much to my father’s vexation though we have had a reconciliation over the last year.

In interests of allowing you to experience the possibilities of life outside of the Church prior to your taking vow, myself and Mlle leBeau should be delighted to host you in my owner’s box at the Steeplechase in the second week of October.

Your Obedient Servant,
Jacques Bougiedure
Duc de Chevreuse
Baron de Guyenne

OOC: JBO invites HA to attend the Steeplechase in an owner’s box, carousing and toadying offered. JBO pays all costs.

[Madame Heloise D'Armagnac]

Monsieur Le Duc,

My father has spoken highly of your and your family over the years as did my late husband. We did meet very briefly some years ago when I was a child of twelve. I believe it was on the occasion of a hunt if I recall. I would neither be surprised nor offended if you did not recall the blushing young daughter of a Viscomte! However, I recall you quite clearly. It would please me no end to visit the Steeplechase with you and Mlle leBeau in the second week of October. In fact, I would be delighted as I love horse racing.

I had considered retiring back to the convent after my husband's death. My heart turns by nature to spiritual matters and I know I could find a life of comfort with the Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Ardor. After a great deal of prayer, reading, and contemplation, I believe I am called to some secular service. It remains to be seen how the Holy Spirit might lead me, but like you, I feel I must put aside the privilege of a religious life and put on the armor of God and serve Him in this world. Having experienced the joy of marriage (although sadly not all the joys of marriage due to my late husband's health), I pray that I may someday experience those joys again and perhaps be blessed with children.

Please forgive the length of my response, the last year of grief and loneliness has perhaps rendered me inappropriately garrulous. Thank you again for your kind invitation. I will see you and Mlle leBeau in the second week of October.

Respectfully

Mme. H. D'Armagnac