Post by Louis XIV on Apr 26, 2022 1:45:50 GMT
The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette
It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the, hopefully, temporary departure from the Parisian social scene of the Duc of Gévaudan. Apparently, the profligate lifestyle that he embarked upon after the old Duc’s passing as come back to haunt him, much to my despair. However, in my most desperate hour, I was saved by the arrival of the young and beautiful widow, Mme. d’Armagnac, who appear to lack any sense of social propriety.
This young widow seems determine to take the Paris social scene by storm, to establish herself as La Premiere over those with more established credentials. She was seen at the Opening Night of The Merchant of Verona, attending in the general audience without benefit of an escort. Fortunately, she was seated next to Father Ymbert, whose religious aura fended of any would be molesters. After the play, she attended Sieur Balls’ after party at Bothwell’s, an event that would best be described as intimate.
The next week, she caused a further stir at the noted Gentleman’s Club, the Fleur-de-Lys, where Mme. d’Armagnac shared dinner and wine with Dame Valerie unencumbered by her husband, the Viscomte de Tercis. I will confess that I believe that the Viscomtessa bears the majority of the credit for the outrage as where was her husband? The more gullible reader might be soothed by the suggestion that this was a business meeting between the two but I suspect something more scandalous.
Then she arrived on the arm of Sieur Bastion to the housewarming held by Hans Hoffman at his new townhouse in La Chapelle. It was an understated affair compared to the reception for the English Envoy, but was deftly hosted by Susanna Lahey and the drinks flowed freely. So much so that a religious debate broke out between Father Ymbert and Sieur Bastion to the evident delight of Aloys Gauthier. The priest’s logical arguments carried the day. The party was a great success, as evidenced by Lieutenant Hoffman’s exuberance all the next week.
Speaking of the reception for the Duke of Buckingham, with a Royal Ball and two titling ceremonies, it was the highlight of the month! Lord Bougiedure was the clear favorite of the King and spent almost the entire evening at His Majesty’s side. Sieur Auguste was elevated to Baron and Lord Bougiedure to Grand Duc. The latter also received a Barony in Burgundy. A friendly competition of sorts developed between Lord and Lady Lagarde de Bearne and his regimental compatriot, Lord Bonnet and Dame Valerie. I will leave it to Mme. Duschene to judge who won but the demonstration of French skill and grace was most impressive.
The most noteworthy incident, however, occurred during conversations with Duke of Buckingham when Lord Bonnet made an ill-advised comment that the Englishman should not be plowing French soil. The envoy was insulted and the King angered. It might have all turned out very badly had it not been for the timely intervention of Mlle. Eloise leBeau who observed that too much time drilling pikemen will dull a gentleman’s wit and manners, much to the amusement of Their Majesties and the entire court.
Outside of the Reception and Royal Ball, Lords Bougiedure and Lagarde de Bearne were much in each other’s company. They attended the second week of The Merchant of Verona with their ladies in a private box. In the final week of November, they were seen together at the Louvre planning affairs of state.
It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the, hopefully, temporary departure from the Parisian social scene of the Duc of Gévaudan. Apparently, the profligate lifestyle that he embarked upon after the old Duc’s passing as come back to haunt him, much to my despair. However, in my most desperate hour, I was saved by the arrival of the young and beautiful widow, Mme. d’Armagnac, who appear to lack any sense of social propriety.
This young widow seems determine to take the Paris social scene by storm, to establish herself as La Premiere over those with more established credentials. She was seen at the Opening Night of The Merchant of Verona, attending in the general audience without benefit of an escort. Fortunately, she was seated next to Father Ymbert, whose religious aura fended of any would be molesters. After the play, she attended Sieur Balls’ after party at Bothwell’s, an event that would best be described as intimate.
The next week, she caused a further stir at the noted Gentleman’s Club, the Fleur-de-Lys, where Mme. d’Armagnac shared dinner and wine with Dame Valerie unencumbered by her husband, the Viscomte de Tercis. I will confess that I believe that the Viscomtessa bears the majority of the credit for the outrage as where was her husband? The more gullible reader might be soothed by the suggestion that this was a business meeting between the two but I suspect something more scandalous.
Then she arrived on the arm of Sieur Bastion to the housewarming held by Hans Hoffman at his new townhouse in La Chapelle. It was an understated affair compared to the reception for the English Envoy, but was deftly hosted by Susanna Lahey and the drinks flowed freely. So much so that a religious debate broke out between Father Ymbert and Sieur Bastion to the evident delight of Aloys Gauthier. The priest’s logical arguments carried the day. The party was a great success, as evidenced by Lieutenant Hoffman’s exuberance all the next week.
Speaking of the reception for the Duke of Buckingham, with a Royal Ball and two titling ceremonies, it was the highlight of the month! Lord Bougiedure was the clear favorite of the King and spent almost the entire evening at His Majesty’s side. Sieur Auguste was elevated to Baron and Lord Bougiedure to Grand Duc. The latter also received a Barony in Burgundy. A friendly competition of sorts developed between Lord and Lady Lagarde de Bearne and his regimental compatriot, Lord Bonnet and Dame Valerie. I will leave it to Mme. Duschene to judge who won but the demonstration of French skill and grace was most impressive.
The most noteworthy incident, however, occurred during conversations with Duke of Buckingham when Lord Bonnet made an ill-advised comment that the Englishman should not be plowing French soil. The envoy was insulted and the King angered. It might have all turned out very badly had it not been for the timely intervention of Mlle. Eloise leBeau who observed that too much time drilling pikemen will dull a gentleman’s wit and manners, much to the amusement of Their Majesties and the entire court.
Outside of the Reception and Royal Ball, Lords Bougiedure and Lagarde de Bearne were much in each other’s company. They attended the second week of The Merchant of Verona with their ladies in a private box. In the final week of November, they were seen together at the Louvre planning affairs of state.