JD to DF

[Jacques D'Mestos]

Father,

My many thanks once again for the wonderful sermon last month. You distinguish me with your mention and Angnes has been exceptionally (and repeatedly) impressed. I am, even though a little tired, in your debt.

I write to seek your advice however and not revel in last month's triumphs but it's failure. You will know of course that once again I was refused admittance to the Picardy Musketeers, a regiment I felt of great standing and one which would be even a little improved by my inclusion in it's ranks. Is it sinful for me to think this way? Should I seek penance for this pride in my God given abilities? Perhaps it is envy which pricks my skin thus?

Either way I would wish to hear your opinions on my choices, should I seek now to follow a path elsewhere in the world than the Regiments of France, or should I persevere? Maybe I should volunteer for the frontier regiments? Maybe the regiment of my home province? I would seek your counsel and would suggest that I may need to seek absolution for some sins of a carnal nature this past month too while I'm at it.

Yours in the light of God,

Jacques

[Dieudonné Lachapelle]

Dear Jacques

How wonderful it is to hear from such a devoted member of my flock. I am pleased to hear that you have found my sermons spiritually fulfilling, I am constantly pushing myself to learn and understand more and must admit I have many worries of falling short so your comments mean much to me.

I can understand and sympathize with your disappointment, I myself have failed to secure the promotion I felt I was ready for, but it is not for me to question my betters both those in the material world and otherwise. I know that whilst it stings God has a plan even if I do not always understand it. I would not call it sinful to be disappointed but be careful that these feelings don't twist into greed, envy and other such sins. You are of course I know better than that and it gladdens my heart that you are aware of the dangers.

The best advice I can give you is to work hard at whatever your passions are and know that God has a plan for you. If you are needing counsel and confession my door is always open.

Kind Regards

Father Dieudonné Lachapelle

[Jacques D'Mestos]

Father,

My thanks for your advice. It has come to my attention that the army has been reformed and as such there is now a regiment comprised in the main of men from my home province of Normandy. I shall continue my endeavours to join the army, but now it shall be this Normandy Regiment that I seek to enlist, no longer will I be seduced by the men of Picardy.

Hang on, that came out all wrong. Jacques reached for another parchment to discover that there were none left, he'd used the only other blank one this morning in penning a petite Billet Doux to Angnes on the subject of birdsong in the morning and how fair her hair was when the sun shone.

What I mean to say is, I believe that the Norman temperament is better suited to war than that of Picardy, and that while the uniform tabard of the Picardy Musketeers indeed looks very swish, the plainer habite of the Normandy Regiment will suit me well enough I have no doubt. Provided of course that my application is viewed favourably by the Colonel.

I am sorry to hear that once again the church authorities have chosen to ignore your call for promotion. Perhaps we might meet to discuss what could be done to raise the matter more publicly with those in influence? I would gladly buy some wine, but I fear The Frog and Peach is not the kind of establishment that a man of the cloth such as yourself should be seen in. Perhaps I might be so forward as to suggest a small gathering at your club, for which I would be happy to foot the bill? Only if you had a week to spare this coming month of course.

Please let me know what you think,
Your servant,
Jacques

"Georges! Georges! dammit man, where have you been? Nevermind. I need you to take this note to Father Lachapelle. And while you're out, we need some more parchment. Whaddya mean you have no money. I paid you last month. Now off you go"

[Dieudonné Lachapelle]

Dear Jacques

To hear from you with a solid plan and way forward fills me with joy, I am hopeful for your success in achieving your ambitions of joining the army.

I am sorry to say other matters require my attention this month, however I do plan to hold a small event at my club in the following months to which you would of course be welcome.

Kind Regards

Father Dieudonné Lachapelle

[Jacques D'Mestos]

Father,

Thank you for your quick reply. It is a shame we cannot meet this month but know that Angnes and I shall attend your sermon in the first week of September. I shall endeavour to do God's work in the meantime.

Your servant,

Jacques.