debreos
Junior Member
Surviving
Posts: 54
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Post by debreos on Mar 17, 2020 11:34:10 GMT
Madame Helen Bacque, to Mlle Celeste Ludenburg, Captain Fitzbraose, Lieutenant de la Azur and Baroness Genevieve DuPoint, Greetings! Allow me to thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for attending the gathering hosted by my consort, Vicomte Roland Gorne, at the end of January. I'm glad that Monsieur Flump's work was so well received and delighted to say that the new owner of the piece is most pleased with it. I must admit that I was most impressed with Lieutenant de la Azur's ' Portrait of an Unknown Lady.' Are you free to accept commissions, Renald? I'm hoping to persuade Roland play host at the Place Royale on a fairly regular basis and to see you all at future gatherings would be a source of great pleasure for Madame Helen BacqueMadame Bacque
Please would you accept my thanks, and pass them on to your consort, for a most agreeable evening. The quality of the works displayed was only exceeded by the quality of the company itself, and I have rarely enjoyed such pleasant conversation.
Sadly, as you are aware, duty calls; my studies at the Military Academy being concluded, I leave for the Front next month. I am aware that you regard this with some trepidation, given the recent military history of my regiment, but I trust that I shall return to enjoy another of your soirees in the not too distant future.
I remain your humble servant
Guillaume Fitzbraose Captain, Picardy Musketeers
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Post by gaston on Mar 17, 2020 14:16:07 GMT
Captain Fitzbraose,
Vous etes tres gentil, Monsieur.
I do indeed view your impending departure to the front with some considerable trepidation, given that both my cousins recently met their ends fighting with your regiment. Since you feel that your duty compels you in this matter, however, I can but convey my best wishes for a successful tour and sincere hopes for a safe return. Good hunting, Captain.
Helen Bacque
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Post by Father William Souris on Mar 17, 2020 14:34:11 GMT
Helen Bacque,
Madame,
I write in the hope that this note will find you on your return from the sadly failed mission to Austria. It occurred to me that a tribute to Pierre the Painter might be done at the wake in the form of a dance. I offer myself as a dancer and musician for such a thing, if agreeable. If time is too short to achieve the planning for this, then maybe we might find time to discuss something that might bear fruit in the future.
Arnold d'Blancheur
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Post by gaston on Mar 17, 2020 16:35:54 GMT
Subaltern d'Blancheur, I hardly think a venture which led to a considerable number of French soldiers being saved from certain death can be considered a 'failed mission' Monsieur. It is unfortunate that Monsieur Flump and Captain Marsaud did not survive the rescue, but I'm told that more stragglers from the lower ranks are reporting back for duty with the Pinerolo garrison every day. Should you attend the wake at the beginning of the month I will be happy to answer any further questions you might have regarding the affair. Regards the provision of music (and dance) at the wake this is something you will have to take up directly with Monsieur le Vicomte. Although I've prevailed upon Roland to provide refreshment for attending guests I'd be loathe to incurr any further expense on his behalf. He may well wish to include music in the programme though I must confess that I don't feel it would be really appropriate. Wakes are generally somewhat sombre affairs - hardly joyous occasions such as Grand Balls. Madame Helen Bacque[OOC The dice roll for the escape was a very unlucky 11, but this was nevertheless brought down to a "Rescue works but discovered" result giving a death roll of 10+. Unfortunately for Pierre and Jean-Paul they rolled 11 and 12 respectively On the music front, although Female PCs can prevail upon their beaux to host a house party once each month, Helen has no control over Roland where extra entertainment is concerned. Something you'll have to take up with Roland Gorne (ie Sam) directly. ]
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Post by Father William Souris on Mar 17, 2020 16:41:17 GMT
Madame Helen Bacque,
Thankyou for your reply and further information. Grief over the death of Pierre clearly blinded me to the larger picture.
We shall se you at the Service and Wake.
Arnold and Sabilina
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Post by gaston on Mar 17, 2020 16:47:40 GMT
Subaltern d'Blancheur,
I look forward to making the acquaintance of your good lady and yourself.
Given your interest in music, perhaps we might have the opportunity to discuss a ballet project I've a mind to pursue at some point?
Cordially Yours,
Helen Bacque
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Post by gaston on Mar 17, 2020 20:12:43 GMT
At The Jockey Club...
First Voice: Can I help you, Madame ?
Second Voice: I hope so. I wish to register ownership of a horse.
First Voice: And what is the name of the steed, Madame ?
Second Voice: Gilded Bird, Monsieur.
First Voice: Gilded Bird...Gilded Bird...Ah, here we are. Gilded Bird, Three Year Old Mare, purchased at auction for the sum of 205 livres by Monsieur Pierre Flump, came seventh in the Futurity. Since Monsieur Flump is now deceased, I presume the horse currently makes up part of his estate?
Second Voice: No Monsieur. I purchased the horse from Monsieur Flump just before his death. Here is the Bill of Sale...
First Voice: Mmmm...the purchase price is surprisingly low, Madame, given what the horse fetched at auction...?
Second Voice: The difference was by way of redeeming a debt, Monsieur.
First Voice: And the fact that the Bill of Sale hasn't been notarised is somewhat...irregular ?
Second Voice: No Notary was available at the time, Monsieur, though you will see that the sale was witnessed by Curate Adam de la Bassée.
First Voice: I see. It seems unlikely that a man of God would be party to anything underhand...Very well, Madame, I'll register you as the new owner. Could I have your full name and domicile please...?
Second Voice: Madame Helen Bacque, Number Seven, Rue du Coq, Quartier de la Mortellerie. Paris.
First Voice: Well, congratulations Madame Bacque. You are now the registered owner of a fine racehorse. Do you plan to enter her for the Derby in the first week of April ?
Second Voice: My groom assures me that she's up to the challenge, Monsieur.
First Voice: Excellent! Do you wish to pay the one hundred livres entry fee whilst you're here...?
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Post by gaston on Mar 23, 2020 21:04:01 GMT
At The Jockey Club...Again...
First Voice: Ah, Madame Bacque! How may I help you?
Second Voice: I'd like to register ownership of the horse I've just purchased at auction. A Five-Year Old named Boris...
First Voice: Ah yes. Well...I...have...your...personal...details...here..from...last...time... Could you confirm that these are correct?
Second Voice: Yes, that seems to be in order Monsieur.
First Voice: Now, the name of he horse...
Second Voice: ...Excuse me, Monsieur. The horse is named Boris - the name you are writing seems considerably longer than that...
First Voice: Indeed so, Ma'am. Boris is merely a shortening of his full pedigree name.
Second Voice: Which is...?
First Voice: "Bumbling Bog R'oll Bandit Boris the Third" Ma'am...I believe 'Bog R'oll' to be the area of Ireland where his grandsire was born...
Second Voice: How fascinating...
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Post by Aunt Geraldine on Apr 7, 2020 11:16:38 GMT
Madame Geraldine Fournier to Madame Helen Bacque 7 Rue du Coq Quartier de la Mortellerie Paris Greetings!
Ma Chere Helen,
News has come to Garges that not only are you now the owner of a racehorse but that it came second in The Downs last month! Are you intending to run the steed in the Derby in April? I may be able to cajole your Uncle Philippe into visiting Paris if there is a seat in an owner's box awaiting him there.
Things here seem to be returning to normal - but at the same time seem as though they will never be normal again with no family to visit. I believe you yourself have had a far more exciting time since the funerals, what with trips to Italy and so forth? I look forward to hearing all about your recent adventures when next we meet.
Your Loving Aunt,
Geraldine
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Post by gaston on Apr 8, 2020 8:49:45 GMT
Madame Helen Bacque to Madame Geraldine Fournier La Maison Fournier Garges St Denis Greetings!
Ma Chere Aunt Geraldine,
Apologies for not inviting Uncle Philippe or yourself to Roland's latest gathering (in March). Since this was another wake, however, and followed on so soon after the one held for Edmond and Dominic, I concluded that attending could merely upset you.
Where horse racing is concerned, I must confess that I saw the purchase of Boris as merely the opportunity to make a fast return. With the field for the Downs being so small, there was a good chance of him winning. (I actually wanted to purchase Gloria, the horse which did win, but was reluctant to engage a bidding war against the Crown Prince). In the event it was a 2-horse race and Boris came in second - but the 180 livres prize money did almost cover his purchase price.
I regret that Roland and I will be unable to accommodate you and Uncle Philippe at the Derby since the two remaining seats in our box have already been promised elsewhere. If Uncle Philippe is desirous of being seen in racing circles, however, I would be happy to sell Boris to him for a fair price before the Steeplechase in October. (When not racing, Uncle would be able to stable him on your Garges estates at no cost).
In the meantime I'd like to make amends somewhat by tendering an advance invitation to a much happier event than Paris has seen of late. I've asked Roland to host a ball at his Place Royale mansion in the third week of May - and he's finally agreed to do so. Since His Royal Highness Prince Gaston was desirous of meeting us at the Downs last month, Roland is going to tender a personal invitation to him regarding the ball. Should the Prince accept Roland would be happy to present you both.
Hoping this missive finds you both well and that we get the opportunity to meet again in May. Naturally, whilst in Paris you will always be welcome to stay at the home of
Your Devoted Neice,
Helen
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Post by gaston on Apr 8, 2020 12:47:44 GMT
Maréchal de Camp Roland Gorne, Vicomte de Graville, to His Royal Highness Prince Gaston, Duc d'Orleans, Greetings! Your Royal Highness, Madame Bacque and myself are devastated at having missed the chance to meet Your Grace when you honoured us with a visit to our owner's box at the The Downs last month. Please accept my most profound apologies regarding our absence. Regrettably, Madame Bacque was duty bound to play hostess at a wake in honour of two brave friends who recently lost their lives in Italy whilst I, of course, was honour bound to accompany her. We shall be attending the Derby this month, however, and might hopefully make Your Royal Highness' acquaintance then. Also, I will be hosting a ball at my residence in the Place Royale in the third week of May and would be most honoured if Your Royal Highness would consent to attend as the Guest of Honour. In finishing, let me wish Your Royal Highness (and Gloria of course) the very best of luck in the forthcoming race. May the best (or at least the luckiest) horse win. Your Royal Highness' Most Loyal and Devoted Servant, Roland GorneVicomte de Graville
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Post by gaston on Apr 28, 2020 8:52:26 GMT
Bacque to the Dragoons...
Madame Helen Bacque to Lieutenant Renald de la Azur, Aide to Marshal de Camp Spanish Front Division Greetings!
Mon Cher Renald,
Congratulations upon your aide appointment to the Spanish Front's Divisional Headquarters. Baroness Dupont will be pleased to learn that you will not be risking your life in the front lines during the Summer Campaign, I'm sure.
Wishing you the continuing good fortune at the front which you deserve and looking forward to renewing our acquaintance when you hopefully return safely to Paris.
Helen
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Madame Helen Bacque to Captain Jacques Bougiedure, Mestre de Camp. Dragoon Guards Greetings!
Captain Bougiedure,
Congratulations upon your appointment as the Dragoon Guards Mestre de Camp and upon your meteoric rise up the regimental ranks. Being promoted to Captain in your first month at the front is impressive indeed.
I'm so glad that I was able to give your military career a little 'push' by ensuring your acceptance into the regiment.
Wishing the best of good fortune at the front and looking forward to making your acquaintance when you return to Paris.
Madame Helen Bacque
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Post by gaston on Apr 29, 2020 19:48:32 GMT
Maréchal de Camp Roland Gorne, Vicomte de Graville and Madame Helen Bacque to, Baron la Garde de Bearne and Dame Emelin Belya Subaltern Arnold d'Blancheur and Mlle Sabilina Grant Monsigneur de la Bassée Baroness Genevieve DuPoint Chevalier et Chevalieuse Pierre & Rowena Dimont Monsieur et Madame Philippe Fournier and all their other recent guests, Greetings! Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you all for the pleasure of your recent company. We hope that you enjoyed the May Ball we hosted at the Maison de Graville as much as we did and look forward to seeing you all at the Place Royale again soon. Madame Bacque would especially like to thank her adoptive parents, Philippe and Geraldine Fournier, for notice of her legal legitimisation and for at last allowing her take her rightful place in Parisian Society as the daughter and heiress of a respected gentleman of Garges. Wishing a Pleasant Summer to You All, Roland Gorne Madame Helen BacqueVicomte de Graville
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Post by gaston on May 4, 2020 12:09:49 GMT
Madame Helen Bacque to Madame Geraldine Fournier La Maison Fournier Garges St Denis Greetings!
Ma Chere Tante Geraldine,
I do hope you don't mind my continuing to term you so? Calling you 'Mother' would seem most strange, especially since my mother by birth is still running the Apothecary's Shop on the Pont St Michel.
Thank you for finally bringing Uncle Philippe around to the idea of the adoption. Roland will be presenting me at Court this month, and I can't begin to tell you what a relief it will be not to have to suffer the taint of bastardy whilst under the gaze of all the courtiers. It will be bad enough not having a title.
Is Uncle Philippe any closer to coming up with a reasonable figure regards my allowance ? The sum he suggested at the ball was totally unrealistic - especially in view of the amounts which he provided elsewhere until recently.
Speaking of the Ball, it was a pleasure to see you both and I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. Please keep this under your hat for now but, if things turn out the way I expect this month, there may be an even more festive occasion to invite you to in July...
Your Devoted Niece,
Helen
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Post by gaston on May 16, 2020 7:51:57 GMT
Madame Helen Bacque to Major Jean Bonbeur, Gardes Francaises, Greetings!
Major Bonbeur,
Congratulations upon your field promotion. I'm told you were lucky to survive - and am so relieved that you did.
In contrast to the momentous events you have just been through the following will seem a trifling matter, I'm sure, but one which I feel merits an apology. Please convey to Mlle Joya how sorry I am regarding the needless cruelty of that scion of the gutterpress, Gerard Bushell, in his review of the recent play. I'm sure that his barbed criticisms can, in line with the majority of his previous writings, have no basis in fact whatsoever.
Had I known that the play would be so badly received I would not have asked you to allow Joya to take part (or invested so heavily in the play's scenery and props). Please don't let this unfortunate beginning prevent you from allowing her to appear in future productions.
Good Hunting for July and August
Helen Bacque
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