September 1636

[Louis XIV]

The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette

The royal court has returned from the summer tour of the provinces but His Majesty felt no urgency to return directly to the Louvre, determined instead to spend the month at Fontainebleau to indulge in the hunt. Lord Bougiedure was frequently with the court at these events but his usual wit seems to have been left elsewhere.

The highlight of the month was a Welcome Home party at the Fleur-de-Lys in the first week of September hosted by Lady Ball for her husband so recently returned from the expedition to West Africa. Sadly, the event was not as well attended as it might have been had not the court been returning from Normandie still Lord and Lady Bougiedure along with Lord De’Ath escorting Mlle Chabert, and the widow Mdm d’Armagnac were present to make merry with the Baron and Baroness de Torcy. Of special interest was Lord Balls’ guest, a Moor from the Gold Coast of Africa. It is perhaps best that the numerous priests of Paris did not attend as Mssr Nkrumah clearly observes the religious customs popular in the Near East.

Government meetings at Fontainebleau occupied the third week. Lord de Bearne gave a superlative speech as has come to be expected on the situation between Spain and the Basque rebels seeking refuge in the French Pyrenees. Lord Balls’ speech was much less impressive but not especially wanting. Lord De’Ath attendance was expected but not forthcoming. No word on what sort of disciplinary action will be taken by the Minister of State.

Next month, the royal court is back on the road to Burgundy. The Royal Ball in honor of the Prince of Orange, Fredrik Henrik, is expected to be a command performance. Rumor has it that the Duc de Montbeck will play host to the court for the month.

[Louis XIV]

A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin

My mother had an adage that “When Children Come, Romance Goes” and with one notable exception that does seem to be the case.

Lady Bougiedure was much in the company of her recently returned war-hero husband. The couple were seen together at Lady Balls’ welcome home party, then accompanied the royal hunting party at Fontainebleau most of the rest of the month. Little was seen of either in the third week and one suspects that they were spending some well-deserved private time at the Grand Duc’s mansion in Chevreuse.

Lord Huillaume was dutiful to Mlle Bougiedure in attending church with her upon their return from Normandie before subjecting the poor lady to dry and dull government speeches.

Lady Balls quite outdid herself in organizing the welcome party for her husband, only to be set aside as the Baron plunged into rehearsals for his next theatrical production and government obligations.

Lord De’Ath paid paltry court to Mlle Chabert in the first week before abandoning her for his clients. While one might applaud his devotion to his profession, he should give as much attention to Venus as he does to Apollo.

Lastly, Mdm d’Armagnac continues her course of self-improvement after the unfortunate demise of her affair with Lord Lyon.

[Louis XIV]

Financial News by Comte de Money

Investors in the Ile de France Investment Company are reportedly disappointed in the 40% return from this year’s investments owing mainly to the absence of the managing partner and subsequent dereliction by the clerks employed under him.

[Louis XIV]

An Ecumenical Matter by Bishop Henry Defour

Newly arrived in Paris is a Jesuit priest, Father Fabrice Fabrezan assigned to the Parish of Saint-Joseph-des-Carmes in the Diocese of Premy. He gave his first sermon in the second week of September and it was an unmitigated disaster. The key to the reliquary was misplaced, Father Fabrice’s homily was so disorganized that he might as well have been speaking in tongues, and an altar boy tripped and spilled the communion wine. Fortunately, it was before Father Fabrice had transformed it into the Blood of Christ but many were turned away without receiving full communion. I am loathed be critical of any of brother cleric but perhaps a more secular occupation would better suit him.


Better received was Father William’s celebration of the feast day of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist. The priest generously gave from him own pocket to provide food and drink to the poor of his parish recalling the parable of the loaves and fishes. The congregation were also treated to a repeat of last month’s hymn.


Father Vincent is on a brief sabbatical and we look forward to his return.

[Louis XIV]

Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)

Increasing hostilities from the Spanish in the south and their proxies in the north will necessitate a call for volunteers.

Flanders Frontier

More trouble for the Flander Frontier Regiment from Spanish sympathizers.


Lorraine Frontier

The frontier regiment is successful in clearing out stragglers from the Hapsburgian forces that retreated last month and will get so well deserved time in garrison in October.


Savoy Frontier

The Savoy Frontier regiment commander keeps his forces close to garrison results in an increase in rebellious activities along the border.


Spanish Frontier

Continued incursions by Spanish forces are met in the field by the Spanish Frontier forces. The frontier brigade command was unable to bring the enemy to battle on favorable ground and several times the Spanish Frontier Regiment was driven from the field. The Spanish attacks are expected to be bolder this next month.


Next month:

Flanders Frontier HL 5 Guerrilla War Defense

Lorraine Frontier HL 2 Garrison Garrison

Savoy Frontier HL 2 Alert Defense

Spanish Frontier HL 6 Skirmishing Field Ops

[Louis XIV]

Court Circular

October

Location – Province (Burgundy)

Week 1 – Travel
Week 2 – Minor Envoy from England
Week 3 – Government
Week 4 – Royal Envoy from Netherlands with Royal Ball

November

Location - Fontainebleau

Week 1 – Travel
Week 2 – Minor Envoy from Savoy
Week 3 – Major Envoy from England
Week 4 – Government

[Louis XIV]

Doctor Armand Livarot, FRAS

The Commissioner for Public Health has declared a Public Health emergency after an outbreak of the clap was discovered at the Lady’s Slipper. All brothels are ordered closed until further notice and citizens are encouraged to engage in social distancing as much as is possible.