|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 20, 2022 1:38:10 GMT
The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette
Despite blooming flowers and clear skies, May was the dreariest. Government meetings at the Louvre cast a pall over the entire month, suppressing the Paris social scene more effectively than a Summer Campaign season. Even the ever rebellious Mdm d’Armagnac was uncharacteristically subdued.
I must give credit to Sieur Bastion for attempting to ignite the embers of society by holding a party in the first week of May at the Fleur-de-Lys attended by Lord and Lady Balls and Lieutenant and Mdm Hoffman. Unfortunately Lords Huillaume and Bougiedure failed to follow the Commissioner of Public Health’s lead as both pursued individual interests during the week away from official duties.
The three weeks of government meetings were deftly led by the Minister of State whose elocution was in evidence throughout the month. He was the recipient of a small emolument from His Majesty during the private audience between the two. Most of business of the ministers was overshadowed by a commission led by the Grand Duc de Chevreuse investigating an alleged plot against Cardinal Richelieu led by the King’s brother, Gaston the Duc d’Orleans. Lord Bougiedure’s sharp tongue and penetrating analysis left little doubt amongst the court of the Crown Prince’s complicity and through it has not resulted in legal charges, it is clear that his brother’s opinion of Monsieur has dimmed somewhat.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 20, 2022 1:38:42 GMT
A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin
The Lords of Paris should be soundly scolded for the horrible treatment of their ladies this month! Granted that these gentlemen have official duties that are required of them but that does not give them license to ignore the social needs of their marital partners. I encourage Lords Bougiedure, Huillaume, and Balls to make greater efforts in the next month!
Mdm Hoffman and Mlle Bougiedure were the envy of the rest of the ladies of Paris as they were seen much in the company of their companions. Both attended a party at the Fleur-de-Lys in the first week of May and attended to their souls at church in the second week. Lieutenant Hoffman escorted his wife to church again in the third and fourth weeks of the month but sadly, professional duties precluded Docteur De’Ath from attending upon Mlle Bougiedure in the latter half of May.
I will leave it to the Reader to determine who was treated worst, the Grand Duchess de Chevreuse or the Grand Duchess de Deols. Lady Bougiedure should be commended for her unending patience as her husband subjected her to not one, not two but THREE weeks of government meetings without any intervening entertainment. At least in the first week she was able to enjoy the company of Lady Huillaume, who was escorted to the government meetings by her husband in the first week then promptly ignored by him the rest of the month! For shame, my Lords!
The Baron de Torcy treated his wife a little bit better than did the Grand Ducs. Lord Balls escorted Lady Balls to Sieur Bastion’s party at the Fleur-de-Lys in the first week before leaving her to attend the couple’s daughter while he locked himself in his study to scribble out yet another treatise.
After a couple of months of scandal little was seen of the widow, Mdm d’Armagnc, outside of trying to attend Sieur Bastion’s party. She was rather unceremoniously denied admittance based on the docteur’s insistence that only the crème of society be allowed to attend.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 20, 2022 2:02:12 GMT
Limelight
The Weeping Spear
Passing entirely unnoticed was the presentation of The Weeping Spear by the Archduke’s men. Sponsored by the Ambassador from Naples, it is a tragedy of Louis XII expedition to Naples in the Third Italian War as told through the eyes of a young French noble and the peasant girl that he falls in love with. Under a more professional company, the production might have been much more than the total flop it actually was. The lead actor seemed believe that the piece was a broad comedy, playing as much slapstick as possible, and the ingénue was much too old to be believable as a wide-eyed innocent maid. The coup-de-grace, however, was the extremely good light in which General Gonzalo de Cordoba and his Spanish forces were portrayed, leaving the audience with the uncomfortable conclusion that they were the true protagonists.
1/5 - Gerard Bushell
In June, the King’s Men will present Antonio et Cleopatricia, an opera sponsored by Queen Anne. Her Majesty will host an opening night party at the Fleur-de-Lys.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 20, 2022 2:03:59 GMT
Financial News by Comte de Money
The Office of the Controller General of Finances announces the departure of an expedition to the West Indies at the beginning of June Anno Domini Sixteen Hundred Thirty-Five. All subjects of His Majesty, Louis XIII, King of France and Navarre, are encouraged to invest in this venture. Gentlemen wishing to seek a foreign adventure are welcome to join the expedition.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 20, 2022 2:05:39 GMT
Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)
Frontier commands along the Lorraine and Savoy Fronts see enough success that the Summer Campaign will be restricted (initially at least) to the Flanders and Spanish Fronts.
Flanders Frontier
The inconclusive floundering that the frontier commander exhibited over the past two months comes to an unfavorable conclusion as the Spanish drive the Flanders Regiment from the field. Fortunately, reinforcements in the form of the Second Army are expected at the beginning of June.
Lorraine Frontier
The Lorraine Frontier Brigade retreat to the fortifications around Toul proves to be a clever ruse by the brigade commander as the Habsburgian forces spend their strength in an unsuccessful siege. Aggressive sorties by the Lorraine Regiment breaks the enemy’s will to fight and they force him into a blind retreat back across the force. Only the desultory pursuit by the Crown Prince’s Cuirassiers allowed the enemy to halt before crossing the Rhine. Once again, Subaltern Aloys Gauthier was quite courageous (Good Lad!) earning a promotion to Captain in the frontier regiment before being released to rejoin the Provence Regiment in advance of the Summer Campaign
Savoy Frontier
After forcing Milanese forces to return to the fortress of Turin, the Savoy Frontier Brigade successfully sieges the enemy and isolates them from reinforce. At the end of the end, the Milanese sued for peace and returned to Milan with their tails between their legs.
Spanish Frontier
The First Army will have a chance to drive the Spanish out of French territory. After the disappointing performance of the Spanish Frontier Brigade during the Spring, the brigadier is recalled to Paris to account for his dereliction of duty. He may avoid a courts martial but will certainly get an earful from our Minister of State.
Next month:
Flanders Frontier HL 10 War Defense
Lorraine Frontier HL 1 Peace Garrison
Savoy Frontier HL 2 Garrison Garrison
Spanish Frontier HL 10 War Defense
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 21, 2022 1:45:39 GMT
Court Circular
June
Location - Louvre
Week 1 – Minor Envoy from the Papal States
Week 2 – Royal Ball (Titling Ceremony for Lord Bougiedure)
Week 3 – Hunt
Week 4 – Government
July
Location - Flanders
Week 1 – Travel to Flanders
Week 2 – Government
Week 3 – Government
Week 4 – Hunt
August
Location - Tuileries
Week 1 – Travel to Paris
Week 2 – Royal Ball (Titling Ceremony for Lord Bougiedure)
Week 3 – Royal Ball
Week 4 – Government
|
|
