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Post by Racegoer on Apr 15, 2020 5:50:50 GMT
Returning from the Races...
First Voice: I say Roland, did you need to be quite so stand-offish with poor Monsieur D'Applaud ?
Second Voice: Well, he's hardly of our circle, is he My Sweet? No matter how pretty his manners are...
First Voice: No, I suppose not. Actually, his manners are so pretty that it's rumoured he's applied to teach at Madame Dushcene's...
Second Voice: In that case, how to handle being snubbed by one's social betters gracefully will be a valuable lesson for him to pass on, I'm sure. I must admit that I was rather put out by being ignored by the Royals ourselves - especially since the Prince introduced himself at your box last month.
First Voice: Yes, such a shame we weren't there to enjoy it. Still, at least they will have all seen us in the winner's circle at the end of the race.
Second Voice: Indeed. Gilded Lady did well to come third in such a strong field.
First Voice: Has His Royal Highness replied to your Ball invitation yet...?
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Post by Fellow Mourner on Apr 15, 2020 11:54:34 GMT
At La Maison Fournier, Garges
First Voice: Helen has invited us to the May Ball that her Vicomte is hosting.
Second Voice: Yes, she told me an invitation would be forthcoming. I take it you wish to attend ?
First Voice: Of course ! How many of our neighbours can boast that they have attended a ball at the Place Royale ? The circles Helen moves in could become ever more exalted, Geraldine.
Second Voice: And how long do you think she'll continue to allow us access to them, Philippe ?
First Voice: Whatever do you mean ?
Second Voice: Well, she and her Vicomte have been seeing each other for some time now. I don't expect it will be long before they are wed, and what then? The invitations we have received so far have been tendered out of kindness. Frankly, given the shabby way in which you treated Helen and her mother it's a kindness you haven't deserved. We may receive an invitation to the wedding - but I expect that's the last we'll ever see of her. Unless...
First Voice: Unless what ?
Second Voice: Unless you do the decent thing and adopt her as your daughter, Philippe! I don't understand why you didn't do so at the wake she was kind enough to have Monsieur le Vicomte host for Edmond and Dominic. It's not as though we have anyone else to leave our estate to now. If you give her away to the Vicomte at their wedding, as her father, you'll be able to claim them as family thereafter. If you don't I expect she'll drop you as you so richly deserve...
First Voice: You're right of course, My Sweet. I've be prevaricating long enough. I'll go to St Denis and have Maitre Jacobus draw up the papers in the morning...
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Post by Theatre Lover on Apr 23, 2020 13:28:56 GMT
A Brusque Arrival...
First Voice: Unbelievable !!! I don't think I've ever met with such patronisingly supercilious condescension in all my life !!!
Second Voice: Calm yourself, My Sweet. Who has ruffled your feathers so ?
First Voice: That damn'd Theatre Royal Director, Chevalier Pierre Dimont !! When I asked him about the possibility of founding a Company of Players he stopped just short of patting me on the head and telling me not to be such a silly girl to concern myself with such matters !!!
Second Voice: Don't take it personally, My Sweet. Dimont is renowned for thinking that all women are brainless ornaments who, when not gracing the arms of their husbands, should never be seen outside the kitchen, bedroom or nursery. Her Majesty dislikes him intensely.
First Voice: She does ?
Second Voice: Oh yes, she's been urging the King to have him replaced at the Theatre Royal for years.
First Voice: What else can you tell me about our misogynist Director ?
Second Voice: He's a snob of the first order and would sell his own mother for a Baronial title and the access to Court Balls it would bring. (Rumour is that the Queen is putting in objections every time his further elevation is considered). So, he chases other ball invitations like a starving bloodhound.
First Voice: No salacious rumours about inappropriate behaviour with actresses - or actors too for that matter...?
Second Voice: I'm afraid not. Why do you ask?
First Voice: I'm thinking about founding a company of players at some point. Not immediately - but it's never too soon to begin preparations. I'll need our gallant Chevalier to issue me with a licence to do so, of course, and any carrots or sticks I can bring to bear will be most useful.
Second Voice: Well, Her Majesty provides you with a rather large stick. Tell him you are to be presented to Her in June (you are still free to accompany me to the Tuilleries for that tiresome Government meeting I take it ?). That should have him quaking in his boots! As to the carrot, that's glaringly obvious - though I would prefer to be spared the presence of the odious little man at the ball if humanly possible...
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Post by gaston on May 8, 2020 9:27:13 GMT
Madame Helen Bacque to Signorina Leonora Baroni c/o The College of St Michel Rue Perdue Quartier de Place Maubert Paris
Signorina Baroni,
Let be the first to welcome you to Paris. I hope that your stay with us is a pleasant and productive one.
Her Royal Highness Princess Christine Marie of Savoy has asked me to do what I can to ensure that this is the case. Consequently, I have paid your tuition fees at the College de St Michel for April (together with a sum to cover reasonable living expenses) and will be happy to continue to do so for as long as is necessary.
I will also do what I can to secure musical engagements on your behalf - beginning with playing with a small orchestra which will accompany the dancing at a ball which my consort, Vicomte Roland Gorne, is to host at the Maison de Graville in the Place Royalle in the third week of May.
If I can ever be of service in any other way, please don't hesitate to call upon
Madame Helen Bacque
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Post by Leonora Baroni on May 8, 2020 9:29:15 GMT
Signorina Leonora Baroni Apt D, 6 Rue de Bievre, to Madame Helen Bacque
Felicitations Madame and thank you for your kindness. Please let Her Royal Highness know that I appreciate it greatly next time you are in contact with her. It is especially comforting to be able to converse in my native tongue - your written Italian is truly excellent, Madame.
I am pleased to relate that I will not require any further monies regards course fees at St Michel's College - indeed, I have been asked to deliver some lectures on Italian music to their students. The chance to deliver paid performances is especially valuable, however. Thank you for recommending me to Monsieur le Vicomte. We have negotiated a suitable fee and I look forward to meeting you at the ball.
Your Devoted Servant,
Leonora Baroni
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