|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Aug 3, 2022 2:28:29 GMT
Requiescet in Pace by Celeste Ludenburg
Perhaps there is no one better to know the pain of an artist and widower than an artist and widow. Thus I have taken the mantle of reporting the passing in childbirth of Lady Emelin de Bearne, Chevalière de France, devoted mother and faithful wife of the Grand Duc de Deols. A debutante of the 1630 social season, Emelin would prove to possess heart that only the most stalwart could pierce.
All flowers fade with age but those that are brightest and most colorful must be destined to an early fall. Dame Emelin is survived by her husband, Lord Huillaume Legarde de Bearne, her son and the new Chevalier, Renne, and a yet to be christened daughter.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Aug 3, 2022 2:29:11 GMT
The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette
The armies have departed Paris for the Frontier, mistresses for les vacation, and Paris enters the summer doldrums.
Lord and Lady Bougiedure treated their friends Lord and Lady Ball to a night at the Opera along with Sieur Bastion and Brigette Bougiedure. The Opening Night Party hosted by the Queen at the Fleur de Lys was an exclusive affair. So exclusive that Lord Balls and Sieur Bastion were excluded from the guest list.
The second week of June saw Lord and Lady Bougiedure attending the Royal Ball where he was elevated to Marquis de Guyenne. Lord Legarde de Bearne was absent for reasons that should be obvious. To the absolute surprise of no one the Grand Duc de Chevreuse was the wittiest member of the court, keeping both King and Queen most entertained, and extended his success through the private audience with his Majesty. One wonders how many honors the King will continue to heap upon his current favorite.
Lord Legarde de Bearne was roused from his mourning by official duties at the Government meetings in the final week of the month but the death of his wife evidently weighed upon him as his oratory was not up to the standard that he set in May. Lord Bougiedure was under no such constraint as his wisdom flowed long and easy.
The other citizens of Paris minded their businesses through most of month. Sieur Bastion departed Paris for his family home in Picardy. Lord Balls was frequently seen at his theater.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Aug 3, 2022 12:15:22 GMT
A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin
Paris has been occupied this month with the great journey of life, the drama that plays out at the overture and the final curtain. Gentle Reader, I refer, of course, not only to the death of Dame Emelin, so respectfully reported by our own Celeste Ludenburg, but to the birth of two children! Two lights to cut through the gloom that has descended upon the death of Lady Legarde de Bearne.
First is the birth of the daughter that the Chevalière gave her own life for. Tis the noblest thing in the world for a mother to give her life for her child. The girl joins her brother, Renne, and Lord Legarde de Bearne’s ward, Tristesse, in a household that is quite overrun with the pitter-patter of little feet! The Grand Duc certainly has his hands full with a growing family to attend to as well as matters of State. I can only emplore the unattached ladies of Paris to consider assisting him after a suitable period of mourning, of course.
The other joyous news to report is the birth of a healthy baby boy to Susanna Hoffman! The child shall be christen Johann after his father, Lieutenant Hoffman of the Dragoon Guards, returns from the front in September. I must say that it was wholly un-Christian of the Spanish to attack when they did and deprive the lovely Susanna of her husband at such a crucial event!
Elsewhere, Lady Bougiedure was escorted by her husband to both the Opera and a Royal Ball where she displayed her usual grace on the ballroom floor but her conversation was sadly lacking. She was joined at the Opera by Lady Balls and Brigette Bougiedure escorted by their gentlemen. Afterwards, Brigette accompanied Sieur Bastion on his visit to his family and Lady Balls was engaged in rehearsals for the upcoming performance of Hamilcar!
Mysteriously, nothing was seen of the widow d’Armagnac this month.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Aug 3, 2022 13:02:19 GMT
Limelight
Antonio et Cleopatricia
Her Majesty, Queen Anne, can be quite delighted with the performance of the King’s Men in Antonio et Cleopatricia. The opera was a triumph and those who missed it this month will have another opportunity to attend in July. One might expect from the title that it is a retelling of the tale of doomed love between an Egyptian Queen and a Roman General but instead the protagonists are a Spanish grandee and a French noblewoman. The tale has a tragic end similar to the historical personages that the characters are based upon. The music was wonderful especially the finale aria sung by the heroine before she ends her sufferings that left not a single eye in the audience dry. A must see for any true lover of theater!
5/5 - Genevieve DuPoint
Antonio et Cleopatricia will continue to run at the Theatre Royale through the month of July.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Aug 4, 2022 2:33:31 GMT
Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)
The two Armies deployed for the Summer Campaign achieve different results. In the secondary theaters, the enemy makes minor redeployments.
Flanders Frontier
The arrival of the Second Army was most timely. The army commander arrayed his forces around the Chateau de Saint Quentin in such a skillful manner such that despite their being driven off, the appearance of the Anjou Dragoons on the enemy’s flank so unnerved the Spanish Commander that he immediately withdrew. The Second Army has reportedly made preparations to pursuit the enemy into Flanders proper.
Lorraine Frontier
Aggressive patrolling by Habsburgian forces will necessitate the creation of a frontier brigade for the remainder of the season.
Savoy Frontier
The Milanese forces are sent packing once again by the Savoy Frontier Regiment after a successful skirmish along the border.
Spanish Frontier
Only a truly incompetent commander would fail to squander the success of his soldiers but that seems to be exactly the First Army commander has done in the defense of Château de Montségur. Several of the regiment of the 1st Division repeatedly repelled enemy assaults costing the life of the 1st Brigade Commander, but mismanagement allowed the Spanish to gain a superior position, forcing the First Army commander to withdraw his force under the cover of the Cavalry Brigade. Aloys Gauthier has been mentioned in dispatches, promoted to subaltern in the Provence Regiment, and picked up some loot to boot. Lieutenant Hoffman received mentions in dispatch for his leadership during the skirmishes covering the withdrawal of the 1st Division.
Next month:
Flanders Frontier HL 10 War Field Operations
Lorraine Frontier HL 3 Alert Field Operations
Savoy Frontier HL 1 Peace Garrison
Spanish Frontier HL 10 War Field Operations
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Aug 4, 2022 2:35:33 GMT
Court Circular
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 (Titling Ceremony for Sieur Bastion)
Week 4 – Government
|
|
