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Post by Louis XIV on Apr 12, 2022 22:43:02 GMT
The Racing Form by Lancelot Lémieux
October’s Steeplechase, despite the unseasonably rainy weather, was a pleasant surprise to end the racing season. Not in who won, as Silvermane crossed the finish line a full five horse lengths ahead of the next horse, but in the fierce competition amongst the field secure the second and third places.
Along the backstretch, More Diamonds and Big Brown, led the pack in pursuit of the favorite but the Comte de Normandy’s horse flagged through the far turn, giving Silver Kitten and Wilting Thistle an opportunity to close the distance coming into the home stretch.
Coming down to the finish line, Big Brown’s extended his lead and Silver Kitten appeared destined to Show in the race but in the final moments, La Grand Rue, who displayed an impressive burst of speed through the second half of the race, overcame the field to cross the line ahead of Silver Kitten by a mere neck length!
Results
Win - Silvermane
Place - Big Brown
Show - La Grand Rue
4th - Silver Kitten
5th - Athena
6th - The Belle of Languedoc
7th - Five Livres
8th - More Diamonds
9th - Lady Arabella
10th - Wilting Thistle
11th - Sir Coco
12th - White Gold
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Post by Louis XIV on Apr 12, 2022 22:44:51 GMT
The Social Whirlwind with Sieur Matheus Mallette
I shall chastise those that enjoy reading all the salacious gossip that this article affords that these events contained herewithin are provided by yourselves. How is a not-so-poor journalist to engage his talents if the good citizens of Paris do not provide scandal and intrigue to comment upon?
The first week of October saw the arrival at court of the Papal Envoy, Archbishop Giovanni Buccio di Pazzo and the elevation to the peerage of Lady Valerie Bonnett. The event was attended by the usual collection of nobility, the Duc de Chevreuse, Duc de Gévaudan, and Marquis de Déols attended by their ladies. The Archbishop implored the King to recant the Edict of Nantes, a suggestion that did not sit well with either His Majesty or Cardinal Richelieu. The frosty aire of the reception was not warmed by the Archbishop’s reaction to the knighting of Dame Valerie though her husband was able to keep his tongue in-check and thereby avoid an international incident. Little else unusual occurred although both Lord Bougiedure and Lord Legarde de Bearn attended private audiences with the King. It is rumored that His Majesty will consider a dukedom for Lord Legarde de Bearn in the near future.
Elsewhere, Sieur Bastion was seen escorting the newly arrived widow, Mlle D'Armagnac, to dinner at his new club Bothwell’s. The drinks flowed freely, especially for the attractive widow, but if the good docteur had additional plans, they did not come to fruition.
The Steeplechase in the second week was a social disappointment. The unseasonably early rains encouraged the royal party to all remain in their own box and not socialize with the different owners as they usually do. It was not a complete loss, however, as Sieur Bastion attended upon Sieur Auguste and Lord L’Hopital attended upon Lord Legarde de Bearn. Mlle D'Armagnac watched (and drank heavily) from Lord Bougiedure’s owner’s box. Finally, Dame Valerie appeared to have expected company but was alone with her husband, the Viscomte.
The only other event to mention was the King’s annual address to and reception for the Royal Academy of Science which was a colossal bore. But what else can one expect of a room full of eggheads? As Director of the RAS, Sieur Auguste will need to step up his game if he expects praise from this writer.
Fortunately, the Duc de Gévaudan came to my rescue as he showed up to the event along with Mlle. Chabert only to be not so subtly told that attendance was for member of the Royal Academy only. Lord L’Hopital will need to sharpen his quill if he hopes to get anywhere with that lot!
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Post by Louis XIV on Apr 12, 2022 22:46:05 GMT
A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin
The early arrival of winter does not seem to have damped the ardor of many of our Parisian gentlemen. It has been noted elsewhere the combined reception and titling ceremony at the Louvre at the beginning of the month. What has been overlooked until now is the wit and eloquence of Mlle. Eloise leBeau that positively enthralled the Papal envoy as well as the rest of the court and so out shone the other ladies in attendance. The Duc de Chevreuse’s good breeding and education has certainly rubbed off on her. I can only hope that she will see fit to accept the Duc’s next offer of marriage.
If she is unwilling to be so engaged, I suspect that Mme D'Armagnac might consider a suit for Paris’ most eligible bachelor. Apparently a former acquaintance has existed between her and Lord Bougiedure which accounts for her appearing in his owner’s box at the Steeplechase. I would give the new arrival a word of caution about associations with Sieur Bastion, who has left a string of broken hearts and promises in his wake. That and suggest that she consume a little less wine at her next public outing.
Also at the Steeplechase, Johi Balls was seen being merely cordial to Bertha Trinttignant which is surprising given the friendship between her husband and Sieur Bastion. Might she be fearful of some sort of swap arrangement similar to the one between the good docteur and Lord L’Hopital two months ago?
Friends of Lieutenant Hoffman should perhaps give the young officer a hint that after three straight months of attendance at religious services, Mlle. Lahey might enjoy something other than communion wine.
Finally, newly enlisted Private Aloys Gauthier took himself to the bawdyhouse in celebration. I admonish him, as I would any gentleman, for doing so when there are still eligible ladies in Paris to be wooed and won.
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Post by Louis XIV on Apr 12, 2022 22:47:15 GMT
BREAKING NEWS
After submitting the previous report of the romantic engagements of Paris’ leading paramours, news reacted me of great import! Readers will remember the foreshadow of trouble that cast its pall upon the Balls household. I am here to report that the storm has broken with a great clash of lightning thunder befitting of Zeus and Hera themselves! The great row betwixt husband and wife is due I am told to Sieur Auguste failing to properly see to his lady’s needs whilst giving his attentions to another! Johi has declared that she will not attend her husband in society until he makes amends!
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Post by Louis XIV on Apr 12, 2022 22:48:06 GMT
Limelight by Gerard Bushell
There is a great deal of activity going at the Theatré Johi in Belleville. To no one’s surprise, Sieur Auguste Balls is rehearsing a new production. Somewhat surprising is the formation of a new theater company, the Players de Balls perhaps, that will perform the inaugural piece. The greatest surprise is that the leading lady is not the charming Lady Balls for whom the theater is named but a newcomer, Mlle Trinttignant!
Dame Valerie and the rest of the faculty at Madame Duschene’s Academy will be relieved to learn that the production will not be an opera.
Elsewhere, the Archduke’s Men will be presenting a bawdy play, The Trickster of Marseilles, commissioned by Archduc Leopold at the Cock Pit in November.
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Post by Louis XIV on Apr 12, 2022 22:48:56 GMT
Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)
Spanish allies along our eastern borders are feeling pugnacious, launching ambushes against our garrisons in Flanders and Savoy. Meanwhile the enemy’s siege of our fortress on the Lorraine frontier was inconclusive. Expect that the Minister of War will be calling for volunteers soon.
Congratulations are due to Private Aloys Gauthier whose demonstration of perseverance, however misguided, was finally rewarded. He presented himself, once again, to the recruiting sergeant of the Royal Cravattes. This month, the sergeant took the bewildered youth around to the stables and explained what a horse is and why they are important to the cavalry before sending Mssr Gauthier on his way with the admonition that he not return until he had purchased a one!
Not to be dissuaded, Mssr Gauthier then arrived at the barracks of the Royal Foot Guards only to be informed by Captain Bonnett that only the sons of nobility or gentlemen of sufficient social status are admitted into the ranks of the guards.
Mssr. Gauthier was finally accepted into the Provence Regiment as a private. Good Lad! France needs stalwarts such as yourself to defend her from many enemies. Honor and Glory await!
Flanders Frontier
Multiple ambushes across the frontier with the enemy slipping back to the Netherlands before we could bring forces to bear.
Lorraine Frontier
The Lorraine Regiment stands firm against Spanish forces attacking from the Franche-Comté. The enemy’s frustrated efforts are likely to lead to a rise in hostilities.
Savoy Frontier
Subaltern Jean Faucher’s 4th company is ambushed by Milanese infantry but manages to drive off the attackers.
Spanish Frontier
The withdrawal of the Spanish last month and diligent patrolling by the Royal North Highlander Brigade have nurtured the seeds of peace.
Next month:
Flanders Frontier HL 4 Raiding Defense
Lorraine Frontier HL 4 Raiding Defense
Savoy Frontier HL 3 Alert Field Ops
Spanish Frontier HL 1 Peace Garrison
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Post by Louis XIV on Apr 12, 2022 22:49:34 GMT
Court Circular
Lord Bougiedure is to be elevated to Grand Duc and Sieur Auguste Balls to Baron
November
Location - Louvre
Week 1 None
Week 2 Parlement
Week 3 Major Envoy with Royal Ball (including the titling ceremony of Lord Bougiedure and Sieur Balls)
Week 4 Government
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