Post by baudouindeboudin on May 12, 2021 12:53:05 GMT
The prospect of a life alongside my father and brothers in the family business seemed like a death penalty, profitable though our Amiens blanchisserie is. Fortunately Mama recognised my ambitions for a more fulfilling life, probably because of her Braganza ancestry, and persuaded Papa to forgo two new water driven mangles in the factory and let me have a small allowance. He believes it a gross extravagance, but here in Paris it will not go far at all.
I have promised to write regularly to mama, and to look up my Portuguese relatives. Mama always hinted that she was not quite as distant a Braganza 14th cousin 10 times removed as she led papa to believe. I can but hope they may help me. In the meantime all I have to survive on are my wits, my proud Picardy heritage, my youth and trusty rapier, and the certainty that I can always get my shirts washed in the family business.
Paris awaits.