To: Monsieur Clement Cadieux

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Msr Cadieux,

So, you've arrived in Paris young fellow!

I hear rumour that you either are, or have the makings thereof, of an artist. Is this true and, more importantly, if it is are you any good? You see the reason I ask is that I have long since envisaged a life size portrait of myself to be painted, one that clearly shows me in a most splendid scene, the whole canvass bringing together the nobility of my person coupled with one of the many acts of charity / courage that I regularly display during the course of my busy and productive professional undertakings....whether that be of a medical or governmental nature, either is fine since I am a true inspiration in both. Ok, there has been a few recent rumblings about my duties as Secretary of State BUT I'm sure His Majesty and the Government of France recognise that I'm a very busy man and if I have to miss things sometimes then, well, what's the fuss as it's far better to have Viscomte Bastian Anton De'Ath part of your organisation even if he does happen to be absent from the odd cabinet meeting, foreign visit etc.

Right, getting back to my point.....I need to know if your a decent master of the canvass, are you up for the job? Clearly you'll benefit from this too, you know, being associated with Viscomte De'Ath and I may even seriously consider ongoing patronage if you can carry this off. Think man, straight into Paris and nurtured by one of it's leading members of the nobility! Make your parents proud, start you career in style - do your best for the best!!

I shall await a response.

Regards,

Viscomte Bastian Anton De'Ath
Premier (and popular) physician to the people of Paris
Secretary of State
Past holder of many prestigious posts

[dmenear]

My Lord De'Ath!

I am overwhelmed by the gracious reception afforded to me by your great city! And I am humbled that a nobleman of your prestige would consider allowing me to paint your portrait. Given sufficient time for the project, I am confident that I can produce a work worthy of your reputations.

Everyone I meet is overflowing with anticipation of the upcoming celebration you have announced. If your magnificent event is early in the month, perhaps we could meet there. I could show you some of my sketches, and if you still desire my services we could make further arrangements, all at your convenience, of course.

If I am not being too presumptious, perhaps we could consider your first sitting for the third week of November?

I look forward to meeting you, and until then I am,

Your humble servant,
Clement Cadieux

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Msr Cadieux,

I received your reply and immediately sensed your excitement and joy that there is, at least, one member of the nobility who is prepared to go out of their way to assist those in less fortunate circumstances. Although I would hastily add here, such fellows as my Lords de Bearne & Bougiedure are both of a similar mould as myself and have helped me in recent times. Baron Balls is also a fine chap, salt of the earth as I believe the English call such.

Yes, splendidly for you, I am that man and now that you have taken the first step by responding I predict a prosperous future ahead for you. I must, however, temper your admirable enthusiasm and delay any sitting until December as this coming month is already heavily booked for me with both professional and pressing personal matters to attend to, but I trust that you will have plenty to occupy yourself with in your first month in Paris and the month will soon pass swiftly enough.

As to my Magnificent Party that, sadly, too has had to be delayed until December upon certain advice from Lord de Bearne regarding my duties as Secretary of State. Fear ye not though young fellow, you shall be invited to join in the fun at my prestigious club, the Fleur de Lys, and details will be forthcoming in the near future.

Regards,

Viscomte Bastian Anton De'Ath
Premier (and popular) physician to the people of Paris
Secretary of State
Past holder of many prestigious posts

[dmenear]

My Lord De'Ath

I am relieved that you are not impatient for your portrait, as a work of the magnitude necessary for a nobleman of your status will take several weeks.

As you are not in a hurry to begin, I will enroll in the university to hone my skills in the most current techniques.  I will continue said studies until such time as you contact me that you are ready.

Your humble servant,
Clement Cadieux