Congratulations on Your Title

[jacques]

Sieur Anton De’Ath,

Your elevation to the nobility is greatly welcomed by your good friend.

But I am somewhat perplexed. Pray tell how do you wish to be addressed? Please understand that this is a question that, hopefully, renders a practical response.

Captain Maurice de L’Hopital
Crown Prince Cuirassiers

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Mon cher Maurice,

Thank you dear fellow, thank you indeed, your kind words are much appreciated.

Such a question which you pose is a most relevant one, how should people address me, a man of such versatility and numerous posts?! Professionally folk would refer to me as Docteur De'Ath......yet there are those who know me in my secondary role as Royal Executioner and may choose to call me 'Headsman', although I must confess I much prefer the Royal bit to be thrown in too, helps reflect the importance and status of the position.

Then, of course, you have my noble title of Sieur which ought to be adopted by those of the common class and lower ranking but given my overall genial and easygoing nature they may feel free to use either Sieur Bastian or Sieur De'Ath. I have yet to adopt a formal, noble, attachment to my chevalier title, currently, as I am, mulling over the likes of Le Chevalier Noir (purely in keeping with my physicians attire) or Le Chevalier Jaune (since I'm often referred to by patients as akin to a glorious sun, lighting up homes upon my arrival to administer to their medical needs.....and absolutely nothing to do with me being a spineless coward who avoids any chance of dangerous things like battles and wars etc etc I just need to make that last point totally clear!)

Finally, however, we come to the matter of my immediate friends, yes I know I have many, too many to list, but I am referring directly to those I consider true friends, the likes of your good self, Monsieur and Madam Balls, Baroness Bonnett, Lieutenant Hoffman, my Lords Bougiedure and de Bearne, Viscomte de la Azur etc etc all marvelous people and friends whom I know I can rely upon to be there, at my side, should a crisis or the need arise. True friends who recognise that by supporting and helping me climb the ladder to greatness they too will reap future benefits. To all of these 'true friends' they may simply address me as Bastian.

Sincere regards (and congratulations on your recent promotion on the battlefield)

Sieur Bastian Anton De'Ath
Chevalier of France
Premier (and popular) Physician to the people of Paris
Royal Executioner